Recently, Irfan interviewed one of the best artists on the UK scene, none other than DJ Swami. He originally caught up with Inderpal about 18 months. Now his group Swami are ready to release the brand new album 'Desi Rock.'
Irfan: For those that don't know DJ Swami, give us an intro! Who is DJ Swami?
DJ Swami: DJ Swami is the driving force behind the band Swami. I am a producer, songwriter, DJ, musician, creator and pioneer of the progressive Desi music scene. Also known as Diamond 'Swami' Duggal.
Irfan: Many artists tend to stick to the same style of music no matter what is happening around them. How important do you think it is to adapt your style and move with the times?
DJ Swami: It is crucial to let my style grow and diversify with the music changes happening around me all the time because this shows the true versatility of my music. I do not switch my style to new trends, but embrace new ideas into what I already do. When you hear the new Swami album DesiRock you will see I have done this more than ever!
Irfan: I met you at the UK Asian Music Awards last year. What was your view of the event? Do you think it's good that we are rewarding successful Asian artists?
DJ Swami: In principle the AMAs are a good idea and it was a difficult task to pull off but I suppose it is a step in the right direction. I think we need more sales related awards, as some awards seem a bit random.
Irfan: Which Asian artists do you really rate on the music scene at the moment? Why do you rate them?
DJ Swami: I rate Zeus, Tigerstyle, RDB, Stin and Sonik Gurus because they progress and keep it real at the same time. By this I mean they live and breathe the music they make on a street level and will always represent it.
5) You told me that you're not a big fan of RnB music! What's the reason behind this?
DJ Swami: Actually, I love REAL RnB music like Mary J Blige, Destiny's Child, Usher and D'Angelo, but have a strong distaste for the recent diluted amateur pop RnB which appears to make up most of the UK charts. Thankfully, none of these UK acts would ever fool the American public!
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S-Endz, DJ Swami & Mc Sarpanch |
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Irfan: I understand that you've been busy working on your new album, what should we expect from it? Who's featuring on it? When is it releasing?
DJ Swami: Yes, the new Swami album DesiRock is out on 5th July 2004 on Envy/Roma.
The new album keeps its heavy roots but crosses over more lyrically. Very hip hop and funky breaks but with hooks…
I know you guys have been waiting a while for something like this.
This album is basically a different slant on all things Desi….lyrically, rhythmically and spiritually. |
Swami also has a new line up: DJ Swami, Sarpanch, S-Endz and Punjabi vocals from Jagz (DSI). The album also features Lember Hussainpuri, Taz, Erol Reid (China Black) amongst others.
I hope you're ready for this one…
Irfan: I've heard that you've got a tune, which is all set to feature in a Hollywood film! Can you tell us more about this?
DJ Swami: Yeah Mehbooba is in the latest Warner Brothers movie ' New York Minute' featuring the hot Olsen Twins.
Irfan: Have you done any collabos with mainstream artists that we should know about?
DJ Swami: Yeah, been in the studio recently with Pras (The Fugees) doing a few tracks and collaborations with Apache Indian.
Irfan: Do you get recognised while out and about? Do you like the attention or would rather keep yourself to yourself?
DJ Swami: Yes, I do get recognised and so keep my baseball cap low when I think I might get spotted. Especially in Birmingham! Its part of doing music that people get to know your face, but 24/7 awareness gets a bit much sometimes. That's why I moved to London 3 years ago. Nobody gives a sh** in London, cos everybody is famous somehow…
Irfan: Bhangra has been fused with all sorts of genres recently such as reggae & house. Many hard-core desi fans have reacted negatively to this in a big way. Do you think that bhangra should be fused with these styles of music?
DJ Swami: We should all move forward as Asian people in a positive way that promotes our culture. Music is a great way to do that.
Irfan: There has been an increase in Asian artists doing mixtapes at the moment! What is you view on them? Would you consider doing one?
DJ Swami: Mix tapes are great at experimenting and capturing the gritty vibe of what is going on right now. I think they are cool. My MCs Sarpanch and S-Endz are doing some, so I will do some stuff with them.
Irfan: Many desi tunes have 'mc'ing' in them these days. In my view some tunes have been spoiled with the unnecessary addition of mc'ing and they just don't flow if you get what I mean! Would you agree? Do you think the art of mc'ing has been overused in recent times?
DJ Swami: I think when the MC'ing does not relate to the rest of the track lyrically it is pointless. Also, there are some terrible flows going on which do not fit. I think it has been overused in the past but only because of poor quality MC'ing. Good MC'ing like Sarpanch and S-Endz I can listen to all day….check the new Swami album DesiRock…!
Irfan: What process do you follow when producing a tune? Please explain it to us from start to finish!
DJ Swami: Melody in my head, mess about on Reason on my Mac and my Akai MPC300 and lock a groove. Get vocalist/MC in studio and write and record on Logic Pro. Add topline keyboards and guitars. Mix it!
I prefer not to work like most other Asian producers with pre-recorded vocals. I get Lember, Jagz or whoever in the studio and write to the track. My good friend Stin also writes with me.
Irfan: Let's have some fun now. Try to use one word to describe the following, one sentence max! : -
a) Dr Zeus
Handsworth!
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b) DJ Sanj
Desihoppin’
c) RDB
Family business
d) Taz
Taz Michael
e) Rishi Rich
Girl's R n' B
f) Asian music videos |
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Trying
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g) Metz & Trix
Hmmm
h) Panjabi Hit Squad
Album?
i) Shania Twain
Beautiful
j) Mc Sarpanch
Handssswwworthh!!!
k) Adil Ray |
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Talker
Irfan: Is their anything else that DJ Swami has lined up in the near future that we should know about?
DJ Swami: Swami are now out and about to promote the new album DesiRock at Glastonbury June 26th 2004, headlining Bradford Festival June 27th, Warsaw (Poland) July 3rd, USA in August, India in September….
Irfan: Do you have any final words for the desitunes4u fans worldwide?
Come on guys, we can do this!!! Keep up the support and drive and we can show the world!!!
That concludes the interview, firstly a big thanks to DJ Swami for taking some time out to do the interview. DesiRock is due for release in early July so make you buy it as it promises to be a top album. If you want to e-mail him direct then you can at swami@desirock.com now!!
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