Recently, DJ Dev had the pleasure of interviewing one of the best vocalist on the desi music scene, Labh Janjua. He is the man who provided the vocals for the now infamous 'Mundian To Bach Ke' anthem produced by Panjabi Mc.
DJ Dev: You are probably best known for the Bhangra anthem of the century Mundian To Bach Ke. How do you feel about the success of this track? Were you surprised?
Labh Janjua: Of course I was surprised, like I'm sure many of you were. Who would have thought a track already a hit years ago, but suddenly come back like that???
DJ Dev: I didn't mind that much, as I've never been one for the spotlight.
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DJ Dev: It must be a little frustrating when a lot of the mainstream audience don't actually recognise that Panjabi MC is actually the producer, and not the singer?
Labh Janjua: True, but everyone here in India knows it's my voice as well as most of the bhangra industry so it's not that bad. It was Panjabi's MC's amazing production and creativity that blew the track up, so I have no bad feelings about him. I'm the singer from a lot of hit tracks and people don't know, I've sung the |
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| hit tracks on albums by: RDB, Surinder Ratten, X Box, Sanj, Zeus,Aman Hayer as well as many others but yet people in the UK don't even know my name still. |
DJ Dev: Anyway, you have an album out now. Tell us about it? Who has produced the album?
Labh Janjua: Yes, its called THE KING and it came out this week. It's a 12-track album. It features production by Scorpio from Death Row, Tigerstyle, Big Suga Kane, and Desi Texan who's done a lot of work for RDB.
DJ Dev: What kind of sounds can we expect?
Labh Janjua: Same as what you heard in the past. DESI, and hip hop. Dance floor anthems.
DJ Dev: You have joined this new label, what attracted you to this particular label?
Labh Janjua: To be honest, MONEY. Suga Kane Records were offering me the most money, while other labels were talking about promotion. I been making hits for 12 years now, and helped many other dj/producers make there name, I don't think I needed anymore promotion. Big Suga Kane put the cash on the table. Also Big Suga Kane is a good friend of my writer and UK manager Rana Mouliwala so I knew I could trust him.
DJ Dev: You have worked with many top producers, PMC, Dr Zeus, Sanj, Tigerstyle, Big Suga Kane etc. Is there anybody who you have a preference of working with?
Labh Janjua: I like working with PMC and Tigerstyle, as they keep the desi elements alive in their production. Big Suga Kane of course, as he's very professional and keeps his word, a great guy to work with. I don't like producers that change my vocals, that put effects on them, such as RDB on Jatt Marda, putting effects on vocals are for people that can't sing.
DJ Dev: You are one of the singers who features on a huge amount of albums released in the UK. Why do you think that is?
Labh Janjua: Well it seems that a lot of producers like my vocals, and everybody wants to work with me.
DJ Dev: Do you think there is the danger of the audience hearing your characteristic voice too often?
Labh Janjua: I don't think so. Most artists do an album a year, I don't' even do that, I been singing like maybe 10 tracks a year? So what's the difference, it may just seem like I'm everywhere, only because producers do such a great job with my tracks, that they become anthems and are played everywhere, I can't help that.
DJ Dev: What else have you got planned in the future? What other albums will you be working on?
Labh Janjua: I am doing a couple tracks for some upcoming bollywood films; I've done a few more tracks for Moviebox and have just recorded another bunch of songs for Suga Kane records.
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DJ Dev: What do you think about the reaction to your new album?
Labh Janjua: I am happy with it so far; it's been getting good support on the radio, from Adil Ray, Panjabi Hit Squad, Shin GC, Bobby Friction, and everywhere else. Daminder and Zee Music have been playing the video a lot. However, there's a lot of jealousy out there from other artists, labels, and producers, especially from the people and labels I turned down, and now they are on message boards pretending to be fans, saying negative things about my new album. For example RDB are upset with me for not working with them, and now they are on message boards pretending to be fans saying bad things about my album. I just hope that the fans listen to the album and judge it for themselves. |
DJ Dev: Any final words for the desitunes4u site?
Labh Janjua: I hope everyone supports my new album, and give it as much love as they given my past tracks. Thanks DesiTunes4U, for the interview, keep up the good work.
That concludes the interview, firstly a big thanks to Labh for taking some time out to do the interview. The album, The King, is out now so make sure you buy it coz trust us his voice is something special. If it's not available in your area then you can buy it online via his website!
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