Recently, DJ Dev had the pleasure of interviewing one of the best artists from the desi music scene, he was 1/3 of B21 but now going solo, 'Jassi Sidhu.' He's back to chat to us about his new album 'Reality Check' and give us all the latest on him.
DJ Dev: So I hear the albums finally ready?
Jassi Sidhu: What do I say, I know it's taken the p*$$, but I have some good reasons honest. If you don't want to hear this please read on. Ok firstly the album would have been ready for November, but I had a problem at the studio I was recording at and had to re-record the whole album again at another studio. When the album was finally ready in January we had problems with the video. Now when an artist wants to release in India the record company sells your product to an Indian company, who than have to provide the videos. We waited until May, but the company I had an agreement with kept asking for more time. So in the end, luckily for me, Moviebox decided to fund the video. This is a major reason why so many albums are delayed. A very boring yet informative answer I think you'll agree.
DJ Dev: I would ask for a release date, but they seem a bit pointless nowadays.
Jassi Sidhu: The release date is definitely June 26th - 100%
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DJ Dev: So, after all the B21 stuff, how hard was it to do a solo album?
Jassi Sidhu: It was really hard, even though Id always wanted to do it. Having walked away from the security of the band was a big shock. For so long I'd been 1 of 3 people sharing the decisions and spotlight, but now I was on my own. You begin to second-guess yourself when working, as there's no one to bounce your ideas off. The biggest fear is that now it's all about me when my work is heard. Whether it's liked or hated - it's going to me in spotlight not a band. |
DJ Dev: There seems to be some very talented artists featuring on it.
Jassi Sidhu: I was very lucky to get Rishi, who is just in another league at the moment, Metz n Trix and Mentor also feature on the album. We all wanted to do something so it just fell into place.
DJ Dev: Who did most of the production on it then?
Jassi Sidhu: I've produced the whole album believe it or not. Whilst in B21 we all had input on the production, so it was a natural progression for me. Initially, Moviebox offered me the chance to work with the biggest producers around, but I was always going to produce it myself. Only I knew the sound I wanted.
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DJ Dev: From the tracks I've heard it seems to have a very B21 feel to it still. Is that something you were aiming for?
Jassi Sidhu: The sound is part of me so sometimes it happens without me realising. The first track 'Agg' is a bit tongue in cheek. It's a typical B21 track right down to the whoops and I have been chastised for it in certain sections, but it was my way of saying to the public that the name might be elsewhere but the sound can only be found here |
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DJ Dev: The title Reality Check - where did that all come from?
Jassi Sidhu: The name speaks for itself it's a message for all those who are living above their station in life.
DJ Dev: I understand, and correct me if I'm wrong, that Bally Jagpal's Ranjha version was originally meant to feature on a B21 album. I know your lyrics are different, but was that partly the reason behind you doing your own version, which has been getting a really positive reception so far, may I add.
Jassi Sidhu: Honestly I didn't even think about it. Yes I was going to sing the original, but Bally decided to sing it and did so to great effect. I just chose the track because I really liked it. It was different to anything id done in the past.
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DJ Dev: So, how many tracks are going to be on the album?
Jassi Sidhu: There are 10 tracks on the album.
DJ Dev: I remember reading a while back you were an N'Sync fan, and I feel that's something that shines thru on the Agg tune. Given the chance, would you like to produce a boy band type tune for the mainstream?
Jassi Sidhu: This boy band thing follows me everywhere! Of course I'd like to try something - I love that pop/RnB element so you never know, maybe someday very soon. |
DJ Dev: With the Jagpals continuing B21, are you worried about a potential split in your old fan base?
Jassi Sidhu: I wasn't before but now you've mentioned it I'm going to start worrying now, thanks a lot. It's not about names I could easily go under the name Jassi of B21 but why? It's about more than just a postcode it's about the music now and music lovers can make up their own mind.
DJ Dev: Any final words for the Desitunes4u readers?
Jassi Sidhu: I'm really sorry for the delay but Reality Check will be out June 26th I sincerely hope you enjoy it. Thanks for all the support over the years.
That concludes the interview, firstly a big thanks to Jassi for taking some time out to chat to us again. The album is due out in real soon and it promises to be one top release. If you wish to contact Jassi yourself then you can e-mail him direct at jassi@jassisidhu.com now. You can also check his site out at www.jassisidhu.com. I don't know what else to say but make sure you add this album to you CD collection as it's promises to be an absolute must buy, trust me!!
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