What would you say if Zinedine Zidane was always on the bench? Or if Sachin Tendulkar, despite averaging 50 plus, was always twelfth man? It wouldn't be right would it? You'd be up in arms wouldn't you? How can someone with so much unparalleled talent be wasted like this? Well, I did think about asking Mr Sagoo, but he's way too busy playing Mujhse Shadi Karoge, instead I tracked down the voice that rekindled the memories of millions earlier this year with Aap Ki Nazron Ne Samjha, Gunjan herself to ask why oh why has Bally Sagoo left Lata and Asha Jee's natural successor out in the wilderness, and boy did she have a lot to say, don't get too comfy in my chair now will you Richard? Mr Exclusive (Masaeb) is back!
Masaeb: Gunjan, there's so much to get through, but so little time, lets get right down to it, you absolutely smashed it with your debut single Noorie, which was sold out absolutely everywhere, what was it like to come from no where then all of a sudden become an over night celebrity?
Gunjan: Well, it may have seemed like it was overnight to some, but trust me when I tell you it has been years and years of hard work! I started singing when I was 3 years old and have been in the business since. If you have the passion and love for music like I do, there is no getting out. I really cannot imagine doing anything else.
Masaeb: Speaking of coming from no where, your journey to England comes from Delhi via North Carolina if I'm right, but how did it all start for you, tell us a little about your background, like you just said you began singing when you were three?
Gunjan: It is true. I began singing at the age of 3 in Delhi and was a regular at the studios by the age of 8. I was performing at all the major shows by the time I was a teenager. I was always a singer and performer first, and a teenager second.
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Masaeb: Being brought up back home, do you feel its right to say women in India and Pakistan have more support to become singers from friends and family then their British counterparts? What was it like for you?
Gunjan: I had the full support of my family from day one and still do. I could not have done it without them. Even as a very young girl, I was always in and out of recording studios. It was my grand mother who actually would take me the studio and did not leave my side for even a minute or blink even an eye. It was a very tough life for being so young, but what kept me going was the music and the love and support of my family, in India and now in North Carolina.
Masaeb: You lived in three countries, what was it like trying to make you way in the industry in each of theses countries?
Gunjan: The music business is difficult, no matter |
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what the country. I feel it is my constant focus and diehard commitment that keeps me going. |
Masaeb: Back in India you won the All India award for best vocalist three years in a row, which is an amazing feat, what was that like for you?
Gunjan: Honestly, I was just a kid at the ages of 9, 10, and 12 years old, so I remember just getting all the gifts for winning such a prestigious title, which made it very fun.
Masaeb: Now unlike most artistes you can sing in more then one language, is the list as long as I hear?
Gunjan: I have sung in just about every Indian and European language, more then I can even recall. But what I am coming with next may surprise you the most.
Masaeb: What is a typical day for Gunjan, I mean how much practise does it take to be compared with Lata and Asha jee?
Gunjan: First of all, I just want to say, that I do not believe that I am anywhere near Lata ji or Asha ji or can realistically be compared to either of these legends.
A typical day will have various activities, but will always include riyaaz (vocal practice and exercise), working out, and some time in the recording studio.
Masaeb: Despite your success in India, including shared live performances with Lakshmikant Pyarelal, Anuradha Paudwal and Sonu Nigham, you decided to move to America to further your career, why did you think this was necessary, when usually it's the other way round, where artistes from the west come back home for fine tuning, did you ever feel that you couldn't cut it India, or there was too much competition?
Gunjan: No. For me the reasons were purely personal and it was just that my family was going to be based in the USA. I still go to India at least once or twice a year for business.
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Masaeb: Just going back to your debut, you consequently featured on super smash Bollywood Flashback 2, the album series that took Bally Sagoo to super stardom. How did you manage to hook up with Bhangra's self-proclaimed "Mr. Big", and what was it like working with a living legend?
Gunjan: I knew someone who was working with Bally at the time. He told me they were looking for singers so I sent in some material and things just grew from there. Bally liked what he heard and flew me into London, and then ended up signing me for 2 albums.
Masaeb: Big things were expected from you following your debut, but your debut album, Gunjan was released with out a even a small whimper, and consequently was not as successful as it should have been, what was the reasoning about such a low key release for some one who has so much talent? And were you happy with the final release? |
Gunjan: No, I obviously was not happy with the final release; from both a marketing and promotion stand point. When an artist is signed to a label, the label does what they want with the finished product. I believe Ishq did what was within their means at the time, but I was very disappointed over all. I also was at fault, as I did not have a manager, who was protecting my interests. This is a big part of why I have now left Ishq Records and have new management and the right team behind me. I have restructured my business from top to bottom and I believe the public will start to see a difference very soon. I am more involved on a daily basis with my music, my look, projects, etc. and finally have control to do what I like, and how I like it. From this point forward, what you see and hear will be me, it will be the real Gunjan, not a record label telling me what to do, what to wear, and what to sing.
Masaeb: Since your debut do you feel you have got the exposure and promotion you deserved or needed to stay at the top, I mean everyone seems to go Gunjan mad; then it all goes quiet?
Gunjan: Yes, I do feel like I should have had more exposure and better promotion, but which artist doesn't? Again, I would say this was mostly due to the label I was signed to and the team I had. Now looking back, I feel like I should have been more on top of the business side of things and secured a manager to look after my interests. I am confident now that I have the right team with me and I am feeling very good about the future.
Masaeb: Bally seems to have taken all the plaudits for your success do you feel this is fair?
Gunjan: People will always have their own views but I did value my time working with Bally and have learned a lot from him. I am not worried about the whole credit thing and just keep my focus more on the music.
Masaeb: Early in your career people likened your voice to that of the great Asha Bhonlse, do you think unfair comparisons have held you back and put unnecessary pressure?
Gunjan: No, nothing like that. Again people will always have their views. I never felt pressure when people said those things, the opposite actually. I was more honoured and privileged to be compared to one of the greatest Indian female singers of all time. It is the highest complement I could ever receive.
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Masaeb: You recently sang the song which are people are calling the track of the decade, I'm of course talking about the Aap Ki Nazron Ne Samjha cover which was recently released on the Ishq label. Bally always seems to get the best out of your vocals and treats us to some top quality videos, which leads me to my next question, why are you never in any of the videos for the songs you sing, I mean you're a good looking girl, surely you wouldn't mind the exposure?
Gunjan: Of course I would have liked to be featured in the videos. I mean they are music videos, for my songs, right???
I was just as surprised as the next person to see the videos.
Without getting into too much detail, I will just say it was issues such as this that led to my recent split with Ishq Records. But you know in life, as one-door |
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closes, another one opens, so you just have to keep moving. This business is not easy, but you cannot let things throw you off the path you have chosen. |
Masaeb: With the release of your last single, it was advertised that you would be releasing an album this summer, but my sources tell me you have left the Ishq camp, what was your thinking behind this decision? What's happening with your album, who are you signed to now?
Gunjan: I have left Ishq and now am working with a management company based in the States, Sunset Entertainment Group.
I had a two-album contract with Ishq and delivered my 2nd album one year back. My contract expired and I decided to pursue other avenues, with different people.
So I am just as much in the dark about the second album with Ishq as you are. I have no idea what is going on with it and have been told nothing.
I can, however, tell you that I am in the studio every day now and am recording new material, which is sounding FANTASTIC!!! I am working with a new producer, Jim BEANZ, who is the perfect musical fit for me. I think it in my mind and then 20 minutes later he has created it musically. It's brilliant really, the connection we have. I hope the fans will like the new music and sound as much as I do.
Masaeb: Can you give us the run down on Bally Sagoo as an Artiste, Businessman and Person?
Gunjan: Bally Sagoo as an artist is very intense and knows exactly what he wants. As a person he is someone who I learned a lot from. As a businessman I cannot comment, as I try to stay away from that as much as possible and concentrate more on the music.
Masaeb: You're now managed by Sunset Entertainment, who have stars like Apache Indian on their books, how did you hook up with them?
Gunjan: It is a funny story actually. I was referred to Vandana and Sunset Entertainment Group (by the head of A&R at the world music label), Putu Mayo, in New York City.
Noorie has been included on one of their compilations, Asian Groove, a couple of years back so I had been in touch with them and I believe Vandana was handling Apache Indian's business and had more recently done a deal for one of his tracks to be featured on their compilation, World Reggae. So I called Sunset a few months ago and have been happily working with them ever since. Great company, very professional staff, and they really have a very, very talented team of artists they represent so I feel like I am finally in good company. I believe I really have now found the ultimate team and I am at a very happy and content place in my career. There are a lot of cool things in the pipeline so stay tuned.
Masaeb: Switching gears now, as an artiste, what influences you and your music, I mean what are you into?
Gunjan: My biggest influence is my belief and faith in God.
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Masaeb: Tell us about the recent collaboration with EL Feco. Who is he and how did that come about? The track was tune of the week on the Adil Ray show and closed with one of the highest percentages ever and now it is Number One on the Panjabi Hit Squad chart on BBC 1 Extra.
Gunjan: EL Feco is a reggae artist from Jamaica, by way of Philadelphia. He is seriously one of the most talented performers and writers that I have met and it was so much fun working with him. From what I understand, EL Feco actually has done a few tracks with Apache Indian, so I am not the first Asian artist he has linked up with. I enjoy working with him because he has the same passion for music and does it because he just has to, because the music is his soul. And he has loved experimenting with the Indian sound in his tracks, so we will do more tracks in the near future for sure. |
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Sunset Entertainment also manages EL Feco so they hooked us up for the track, Like It Like That. It also features an awesome female rapper, Mugs, from Chicago and the track was produced by one of the hottest up and coming producers from the USA, Jim BEANZ (currently working with me, Will Smith, Freeway, Ms Jade, etc.). The track was just done for fun but the response has just been unbelievable. My manager is now speaking to labels about getting it out this fall so we will see what happens. But I would like to thank Mark and Panjabi Hit Squad and Adil Ray for all of the support for the track. |
Masaeb: What artistes do you admire, and who would you like to work with the most?
Gunjan: I have very diverse musical tastes. I would love to work with A R Rahman in the Indian market. On the mainstream front, I would be honoured to team up with the likes of Craig David, Sting, Nelly Furtado and Celine Dion. There are so many people I would love to work with and who inspire me.
Masaeb: Of all the people you have worked with, whom did you enjoy working with the most?
Gunjan: I have enjoyed working with many artists and producers in the past, but am most enjoying my musical journey now, exploring various styles and genres.
Masaeb: Someone who also started around about you but remained in India, was Sonu Nigham who even got his own film and show, in hindsight, do you regret leaving the motherland? Do you envy the success Sonu has had?
Gunjan: Honestly I am not a person who has regrets in life, as I believe everything happens for a reason.
Sonu Nigham is a very talented artist and I will always wish him the most success in India and even beyond.
Masaeb: India has been recently really being pushing the sex sells slogan, which has been very evident in their music videos, what is your take on this?
Gunjan: My take on this is that an artist should not do something just to sell an album or a video. They should do what they feel comfortable with, to represent who they are, not just what the label wants so they can sell more units.
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Masaeb: There seems to be a lot of confusion regarding your love life, you have been linked with Bally, while others have been saying you are married. What's the deal, are you about to break some hearts?
Gunjan: I am happily married and was frankly not aware that I had been linked to Bally in any other way then music. To my knowledge, Bally is also happily married so I am not sure where this rumour came from.
Masaeb: Who do you think are the best desi artists in the business at the moment?
Gunjan: I have collaborated with Rishi Rich in the past and feel he is one of the most talented producers today. I also have been hearing a lot of Raghav's new material, which is very good. I am looking forward to working with an up and coming desi producer, Jay Dabhi, from New York, who is currently getting a lot of support from Adil Ray. And of course, I believe A R |
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Rahman is one of the most brilliant musical genius' of our time. |
Masaeb: What do you make of the use of rappers and Mc's in your tracks?
Gunjan: It adds a unique flavour to the tracks, but it is not something I would include in necessarily every track I recorded. Again, I just enjoy fusing different genres and styles and experimenting a lot.
Masaeb: What have been the high and low points of your career so far?
Gunjan: The high point has always been and always will be just one thing…the music. The low points have always revolved around the business side of things, the politics, etc.
Masaeb: What do you think was the turning point for you in terms of your career, and secondly when did you know this was what you wanted to do?
Gunjan: Music is that all that I have ever known. The turning point has been more recent, when I have taken more control of my own music and career.
Masaeb: Going back to an earlier point, you said you started singing when you were three, looking back, do you feel that singing was thrust upon you rather then you falling in love with the industry, and wanted to be a singer for your self rather then living some one else's dreams?
Gunjan: I fell in love with music, not the industry! The industry and the politics are just part of the package that are unavoidable. I started singing for myself and continue to do so every day.
Masaeb: You've dedicated so much of your life to music, do you ever feel in Hindsight you never gave other aspects of you life the time and dedication they perhaps should have got, even though this may not have been entirely down to you?
Gunjan: I have always given importance to different aspects of my life, as required, because I strive to keep a healthy balance.
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Masaeb: If you could go back in time, and change one thing in your life, what would it be?
Gunjan: Like I said I before, I really do feel that everything happens for a reason and with a purpose, so I am happy to have experienced things and to have learned from them.
Masaeb: If Gunjan weren't an amazing singer, what would you be doing as a profession?
Gunjan: I actually cannot imagine doing anything different, and not singing, but if I had to take a guess I would say working with children in some capacity.
Masaeb: If you could give one piece of advice to an up coming female singer, what would it be?
Gunjan: Always follow your heart and never give up on your dreams, no matter what or who tries to throw you off your path. |
Masaeb: What have you got in store for us in the future? Is it true you have been working with mainstream artistes such as Eminem?
Gunjan: Yes, I have just done a track with Eminem's new artist, Stat Quo. That was something that my management put together and it turned out pretty well actually. We are waiting on release dates now for that.
There have been loads of offers from Hip Hop producers and artists all over, but my management is just looking into what we are going to do and what to pass on. Most of my time right now is going towards doing tracks for myself.
I am hopefully doing something for Rishi Rich's upcoming album and I am also doing some tracks with Panjabi Hit Squad and Kardinal Offishall. I am working on a new album so there will be loads of new Gunjan material very soon. And lets just say it is very very different to anything you have heard me do in the past.
Lots of fantastic things in the pipeline so stay tuned.
Masaeb: Finally do you have any message for the millions of desitunes4u and Mr exclusive fans out there?
Gunjan: First off a big thank you to desitunes4u for doing this interview and their constant support.
I would like to thank each and every individual who has supported my music and me over the years. I am working hard and hope to have some new exciting material for you all soon.
That concludes the interview, a big thanks to Gunjan for taking some time out to chat to Masaeb! Make sure you check out the websites she mentioned and keep it locked to desitunes4u for all the latest about Gunjan.
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