Recently Irfan caught up with Djinn (pronounced 'Jinn')! Naah no need to call the Ghostbusters or anything like that as this Djinn is a talented vocalist and producer all in one. He's ready to take the music scene by storm with his style of production, which is truly unique with a more spiritual side of music blended with soft and smooth bass lines adding to that his even smoother vocals. To find out what went down then read on!

Irfan: For all those that have never heard of Djinn give us an intro!

Djinn: Djinn... a UK born, Asian raised humble singer producer who only does what he does through the support of those who share his vision. The vision is a network of truly gifted singers and songwriters who have the talent to blow the mainstream to oblivion. The Djinn music network is something I created to show the US and UK markets of what Asians truly have to offer. I have 1 aim... this aim is to push the limits and open as many doors as possible for the Asian scene. Not necessarily though the Asian sound but to show that the Asian community of singers and producers are more than just a gimmick. I want to establish a long-term foundation that stands, where the viewers of MTV, MOBO and European awards can expect to see Asian artists collecting awards just like Usher, R.Kelly or Eminem just like an everyday thing.

Irfan: Your background is a kinda like liquorish allsorts; do you wanna give us a lowdown on it?

Djinn: Ha Ha Yeah! Well as you know liquorish is a term often used within the classic slow R&B to define a texture or taste (catch my drift)? Well my father was born in Karachi, but his father was Puerto Rican. My father's mother was born and raised in Karachi and still lives there. My mother's mother was Irish who's husband, my grandfather was Welsh (a boxer in the British army actually) so yeah I do have a complete mixture of cultures flowing through me and I'd rather have it no other way! This has always helped me connect with many races no matter where I am so its all-good!

Irfan: So how has your mixed raced background influenced your musical style?

Djinn: I grew up on Asian music since the age of five when I hit Pakistan. My saw my brother and sisters always in to MTV so I immediately ended up mixing the two sounds together. As I grew older and heard so many versions of music, I somehow absorbed the things that inspired me most for example, Asian and middle eastern melodies while loving the rhythms...of artists and band such as Pm Dawn Rob base and De La Soul. All of this has enabled me to develop the new sound E-vibe that stands for Eastern vibe. Thankfully I had opportunities to perform at Pakistani weddings with bands such as Junoon, Vital Signs and Jupiters so this really influenced me a lot as well.

Irfan: So after staying in Pakistan for a decade you came back as an artist known as JC Stylzz - how did that name and image all come about? Djinn: That was the first stage of my development... John was the name given to me by the heads in school after they couldn't pronounce Saqib (Hmmm??) (my birth name) so I ended up being called J.C for John Choudry.(Lead singer in school band) when performing, it was a complete mix where people said I sounded like Craig David and Donell Jones. So because it was such a mixture people called me styles. So when I started working with my first producer at hitroom studios in London, I told him the story and he choose JC Stylzz the image was straight R&B Hip-Hop while (very street) all of this was supposed to be hip-hop beats with my vocals on top. The live p.a's I did at the same time at the Leeds, Manchester melas was with the name JC Stylzz.

JC Stylzz

Irfan: So since then you've done away with the name JC Stylzz and re-named yourself Djinn - what's the reasons behind that?

Djinn: Moiz at BrAsian was the one who hooked me up with a load of P.A's with established artist like Damage, So Solid, Mis-teeq and Iceberg Slim. This was with the JC Stylzz image. This worked really well, but as an artist I was just starting out so I was still in development with a few production companies (I was not a producer then) all I had was writing skills and a voice people loved. I had so much feedback from labels and management companies but because I didn't have a particular sound, the signing to a label was complicated. All the labels who wanted to sign me were strictly on a UK based tip. By this time my old hip-hop style had passed on as I was exploring new routes, so I had to step back and completely rethink my path and then came up the name Djinn. as I realized exactly what it was i was looking to achieve. People, the planet sound and obviously eastern music inspire me. I define this by people who know what Djinn means, although many people criticise the name for Islamic reasons. There's a lot more sh** going on in the world than a singer / producer being called Djinn.

Irfan: So define Djinn's musical style!

Djinn: That's easy! Smooth with a mellow groove made to soothe your soul. I'm trying to achieve a sound that cannot be related to another artist (as inevitable as it is). Imagine Musiq Soul Star Vs Craig Vs Donell Jones Vs Jon B Vs Bone thugs'n' Harmony Vs Cheb Mami Vs Enigma. It's a true mix of so many music styles. I've also been working loads as a pro Hip-Hop R&B DJ as I was taught back in 1995 by (DJ Leo) (Thanks for that Kid) with my DJ partner DJ Heaven, so that has really inspired and pushed my Urban creativity which is another reason why I have such a strong urban influence in my sound.

Irfan: You released the EP, which was a true representation of the Djinn sound. For me track for track it's totally amazing and is a great musical achievement! Have you got much recognition for it so far?

Djinn: I'm glad to hear you're glad to hear what you're hearing. Not as much recognition but more credibility within the industry but 'The Prophecy' has opened so many doors. We actually made the CD available online with only limited copies available and they actually sold around the globe. We got orders from Turkey to Canada to France. Turns out there were a request for more music of this style in America! They pretty much sold out within around a months worth. Tom Linden (my production partner) has also been pushing it and we are looking at publishing interest now. So the response has been truly amazing.

Djinn

Irfan: Let's talk about the EP and the talent of Djinn in more detail! What was your contribution to it, I mean in terms of the vocals, production, lyrics track concepts and instruments? Djinn: I have a natural ability to quickly cover an overall sound within a song so this really helped in the direction of 'The Prophecy.' I had most of the lyrics and melodies pre-done and tom had most of the production pre-sorted. I explained to tom the overall sound I was trying to create and he immediately knew where I was coming from. As producers, we are so different but work together so damn well. That's why we teamed up as a production team known as "The Godfathers." The guitar on E-vibe Bridge (played by Tom

and myself) was the longest thing on the whole project and believe it or not, it took me 17 hours to komp and arrange that part. The track Lie was simple simplicity, Tom composed the complete music piece and I just did my thing on it. Lie is a completely true story.

Irfan: That track 'Lie' has been sitting pretty at No 1 on some international charts. Tell us more about that!

Djinn: Yeah man. There are a few international unsigned sites where people have an opportunity to upload and have their songs rated. One of them is the open project and it turns out after a week of the prophecy being online, Lie was voted at number one by the public around the world for over 4 months. Votes went mad crazy. Lie was one of the first songs I ever recorded (performed it at the Manchester Mela as well) and it's still there now at number 5 I think. At one point Mera Naam, Born To Die and Lie were all in the top ten. Madness bro, it's just great to see people show luv and support what you do.

Irfan: Lyrically all your tracks are very meaningful and relate to real life situations. What is the thinking behind the clip from the CNN news on the track Born 2 Die?

Djinn: What can I say? People are happy to accept the way the world is. I suppose we all know the world can't be changed so we just do what we can. I was watching CNN one morning as I was working in the studio and Bam! The track just hit me. I have the TV connected to my main studio and recorded it straight away, called Tom, told him the idea and wrote the track on the way to Iguana while tom started producing it and it was completed a few hours later. I can't and never will understand war unless it's for freedom. People are raised for self-suicide and I'm seriously not feelin that. That's why I called it Born 2 Die. The world is big enough for us all to live in but human nature doesn't seem to allow it. By listening the track a few times, the message really will come across. War won't decide whose right it decides who's left.

Irfan: Some people say music should have a meaning to it where as others say that people don't buy music that is too conscious. Which of these 2 views does Djinn follow or believe?

Djinn: There both true bro it depends what mood your in, it's that simple. Sometimes I don't want to hear anything conscious because I'll end up insane. Music can be used for anything to pass a positive or negative message on or simple something to chill-out on. It's called variety and I luv that. When I'm with a girl I'll be on Donell Jones or Joe and slow Asian classics when I'm in a club, its gotta be Musiq Soul Star or any Timbaland track when I'm driving its enigma or deep forest (prevents my road rage) I doubt anyone who appreciated music will go only conscious or party. I love hip-hop to the extreme. Consciously my fav track is "Moment Of Truth" by Gangstarr and not conscious is "Go Her Eyes On Me" by Donell Jones Shorty.

Irfan: The track 'Mera Naam' which has been making a lot of noise on the desi music scene is on a totally different vibe than anything I've heard - reason = it's in Urdu! What was the thinking behind that? Djinn: You said it bro, it's in Urdu. Tom called me up and was like "Djinn" hip-hop track needed for a world hip-hop album project" you're on it. I was like "where's the beat"? The moment I heard it, I just though "Hmmm" let's just try something different and straight away the track was done and then we decided Urdu. It had to be Urdu (just as it's different) and it has no fixed meaning either (the track just simple says my name and expresses the most random) thought process I have but it went down

Djinn - The Prophecy

so well in the UK clubs. People didn't understand a word other than Bin Laden but just loved the overall sound. I was tempted to do an English version but in the words of Andrea Terrano (Don't Look Back, Evolve).

Irfan: You touched on this earlier; you produce for a whole host of artists at your studio. Tell us more about this!

Djinn: I've been producing for since around 2001-2002. I have to thank Niraj @ Buzz-erk Music for that as he taught me so much sh** it would have taken me years. I have been developing acts & co-Working projects at the Djinn Production studio. As I said, I'm looking for credibility in the mainstream industry so I focused my production talent aside from the Asian scene on raw UK and US talent. From Raw underground Hip-Hop to commercial garage dance and R&B it's just a matter of time before its all recognized because these artists have maaaad skills that have been developed to the fullest e.g. Manifest who is an amazing UK rapper true to his game and wise with a sharp mind in full function. Venum on the other hand is the party one any place any time he can rock a reggae hip-hop show as his style varies to reggae and hip-hop as well as R&B. Monti is the Sexy smooth vocaled one who can cause damage in a club so the competition better be careful. Robbie Wacho (a true African friend) (his vision is beyond mosts), Zalomis (this guys is a full on pilot) is he happy? Nah! He has Jazz running through his veins and my Jem Elena, Djinn Music's newest member. She's the new and improved version of a perfect mix between Norah Jones and Amy Winehouse. All these people are born to do music and are seriously gonna change the music scene and it's just a matter of time before this happens, and Djinn is proud to be behind this.

Irfan: I understand you've also collaborated with the talented Sumeet by producing a track on her solo album - right?

Djinn: Yeah Sumeet man, that girl is juiced up full of talent. I produced the track Connection which is such a lighthearted track. As soon as I heard her I was feeling it fully. I also did a remix of Agony which features Elephant Man as well (The Djinn Close Cut Remix) again wicked vocal on that too.

Irfan: I know you love music and it's your life and you are a really ambitious person. In terms of your career, what do you hope to achieve to have you thinking 'mission accomplished'?

Djinn: My Mission accomplished will be to release as many successful albums worldwide and to be appreciated for what is trying to be achieved here. I'm not in it for the Green, as long as I have enough to survive on. Survive meaning a Diablo V3 and Triple Top Glass Djinn Studio Mansion in the Bahamas. HA HA

Djinn

On a wider vision, at the same time, to see Asian artists bringing complete originality to the music industry and watching it being appreciated on the MTV music awards. Too many Asian artists (No names) are being dissed hardcore on the UK R&B Hip-hop scene and I'm not feelin that. The sounds might be aimed at the British Asian community but i want to hear it on UK radio as standard and for it not to be a bootleg of something (as good as it sounds, its not bringing credibility on overall views). I have a street team who cover latest news on street gossip and I'm hearing people say "yeah I hear these Asian artists using US and UK standard beats to make their own versions while they steal melodies sounds and ideas from the established artists in the US and UK." The music itself and ideas are great but if

we manage to conquer the UK R&B or Hip-Hop scene and have it accepted by the UK or US then I know we have succeeded and only then will I say MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!!!

Irfan: On a personal note what do you hope to achieve over the span of your career?

Djinn: I simply want to have success as a singer producer and get, as many albums released as possible as I said, and want to tour tour tour tour and entertain as many of the fans and supporters as possible for as long as I'm on this earth and after……… (Don't forget, the names DJINN yaara) Ha Ha

Irfan: You've had a fair deal of mainstream interest but have yet to put pen to paper. For someone with your talent I find this bemusing. What has been the stumbling block in preventing you getting a record deal thus far?

Djinn: I did turn down a load of deals, one of then being Ladbrook Grove (You know who you are!!). A lot of the deals were based on me (at the time being called the Asian Craig David) so should do live Hip-Hop or MC'ing over tabla and Asian beats (that wasn't me). Other labels wanted to take away the Asian sound and go Straight Street. I could never find a middle ground with them. I gotta thank Skully @ Universal (Pieces Entertainment) and Jackie Khan for being my mentors at the time as if it wasn't for them I really would have ended up regretting the Signature on that paper. At the same time, many labels turned me down because they didn't know where to shop me as they loved the sound but just didn't know where it was going so I decided to just keep doing what I'm doing (work with Tom and keep creating E-vibe hits). I believe in destiny, but not in fixed fate. I'm happy things worked out the way they did as I now have an opportunity to do this to the fullest. Although time waits for nothing, I know everything's gonna take its time.

Irfan: Now let's get personal. Is my man Djinn single?

Djinn: I've been married for the last 4-5 years to the most beautiful thing on the planet; it's called music but yeah as they say I "got me a boo."

Irfan: Married to my music - now that's the same corny answer we get from every artist! Having spoken to you many times now I know how much music means to Djinn. If I was to impose a life ban on you doing anything related to music how would that affect you?

Djinn: Damn your cold yaara! Honest? I'd retaliate like a mo fo! I have been a hacker previously and unfortunately I'd have to hack Desitunes4u.com. Just joking man. Nah I'd go mad because since day 1 for me it's just been music. Even when it came to your standard 9-5 jobs I just got fired or left because I'm a rebel, as I don't believe in rules without logic. Nothing worked so I opened a studio and hired it out and that's how I supported all project I've always found a way to get by through doing music somehow. I was teaching sound engineering and music production and still do now, to people with fewer opportunities in life and with lower budgets. I did vocals sessions, (with the help of Tom and his advertising as well) and other music projects, which helped fund until this day. My whole world is based on music and if it didn't exist I can't imagine where I'd be or what id be doin yaar.

Irfan: You've recently done a tune called 'The Way You Move You Belong On The Throne.' Tell us more about that! Djinn: It's an interesting track made up of sounds that exceeds the frequency spectrum. My spiritual experience with a girl inspired by (not to be named) is how I wrote the track simply portraying my perception of her as a Queen. It took a while to record and made up of so many sounds. It's a happy up-tempo melodic track with a huge influence of so many different sounds it takes a while to absorb. What I love about it is all my critics who heard it, can't relate it to another artist so we achieved what was needed. When on the Adil Ray show the mix sounds completely different because of the

Djinn

compression rate but I really rate Tom for the mix on the CD, as it's so hot, the CD is steamin. So is the bass (thanks again Vince). I gotta thank EVERYONE who voted for the track as well as Mera Naam as the luv & support shown is all-good & appreciated.

Irfan: Moving forward what's the plan now for Djinn. Do you have a solo album in the pipeline?

Djinn: The solo album is in progress and in a short while will be pushed to labels all over (might have a manager pushing to Italy as well) at the same time while being recorded it will be on London underground stations and clubs being nudged through live P.A's. The launch party of Lil Venum's label V4 records will also generate a lot of street hype to. It's gonna be an exciting year yaara. Looking forward to it all, the launch of Afro Fm will also be pushing the Djinn main album and my other artist's material. I might be having Quest to Feature who is a Mega talented US rapper (opening for 50 cent and doin the J Records Tour) on the album as well. Met him recently, and are discussing the collabo. Got Kojo (Get Gully Ent who are the people who brought you Rick Rock and Busta Rhymes Collabo). A lot of dedicated people will be pushing the album so a label will have to give in. If not, and I have public support, Tom and me will see the opening of Djinn Records. At the same time, every year DJ heaven and I do a Summer Bash called Flex'n'Grind and we are now looking for a venue to hold it in. If the place is live, we will be holding the standard Djinn Lounge Urban/Desi night there as well on a regular basis.

Irfan: Do you have any final words to the millions of desitunes4u readers worldwide?

Djinn: This is not the end, not even the beginning of the end but the end of the beginning! Thank you to all of you who have supported the Djinn music vision since day 1 and earlier, the Djinn music network has been here forever and will forever let it touch the ground. Stay tuned for updates and news on the Djinn site as 2005 is gonna be an exciting year.

Thanks to Kayfar.com for makin the Djinn website [www.djinnmusic.co.uk] so phat! Special shout to Saduf and Leeza luvin your communication. Irfan will have all the updates as well on my movement and for the whole Asian community… we only started on corner shops? Now let's really take it to the stage! Nuff Luv, your humble entertainer, Djinn.

That concludes the interview, firstly a big thanks to Djinn for doin the interview. Make sure you check out his website at www.djinnmusic.co.uk. If you want to contact him then you can e-mail him at info@djinnmusic.co.uk now!!