When Irfan announced to the crew that it was time to finally do an interview with Mistri, there was no shortage of volunteers. In fact there were several disputes as to who should do the interview. Many arguments, and arm wrestling matches later, it was decided that four members of the DT4U crew (DJ Dev, Irfan, Usman & Rakesh) would get to speak to Mistri about her new 'download' single 'Intoxicating.' Four guys on one gal, doesn't seem fair, was it all too much for her or was it just a walk in the park for the immensely talented lass from Birmingham? Wanna find out more; then read on!

The comments of each of them have been colour co-ordinated to help you distinguish who is saying what. The following key can be used as a guide to help you with this as well.

DJ Dev: So Mistri, you're finally going to be releasing your debut single. How does it feel?

Mistri: It feels great. I've been working towards this for such a long time, and although it's not a major physical release in the shops... it still feels like I've achieved something big. I can't control what happens next so I'll just try and enjoy the ride!

DJ Dev: Just for anybody who's not in the know. The track will be available to download, right?

Mistri: Yep, I was lucky to be able to secure a distribution deal with OD2, who distribute official downloads to most of the biggest online stores worldwide. They liked the track and video and agreed to put it forward. This is a perfect way of getting myself out there and raising my profile. I'm also lucky in that the producer Wayne Beckford (The King Of Hearts) and his team support me fully in allowing me to license the track to see where I could go with it. Many times I've worked with producers who have been so precious about the tracks that they end up sitting on the shelf. No point in that. You have to take the risk to get results.

DJ Dev: So, it is still technically a mainstream release, I mean it does qualify for the official download chart?

Mistri: Oh yes… and that's what's really exciting. They have not released official figures yet, but its a lot less then the normal charts. A few thousand downloads may get me into the top 20. But then all the labels know this.... so they are using it to promote their artist in the "new" funkier chart. I'm trying to get a "Get the unknown Asian Gal into the charts" campaign!!!

DJ Dev: Yeah, I've noticed artists such as U2 have refused an official single release and only had their release through the net for the download chart. With all the current commotion about needing to sell less numbers to top the singles chart, do you think the download chart could be the future singles chart? Mistri: Well it's definitely another way of marketing and also of saving a lot of money, so I guess labels are wising up now to how important it is. What's more amazing, and right, is that artists who don't have the huge budgets can play along side the major players. It's opening the field for all of us. That can't be a bad thing.... except for the big corporations of course. I guess it's about control. I'm not saying I wouldn't want a big label behind me 'cos that would be ignorant and naive. They have the machines in place to help you move to the next stage, but as I don't, I'm not going to sit around waiting.

Mistri

DJ Dev: So, would it be fair to say you're just making it available as a download because you have no other choice right now?

Mistri: I had this idea early this year when I heard about the download chart. I did some research in finding a way to be able to distribute my music. All I've done is implement my idea by talking to the right companies and getting the correct information. It was not that easy securing this. As for a physical release, it's only a matter of time, and if not, well I'm still a working artist, who has songs to sell in whatever form. Business is business.

DJ Dev: Tell us a little about the video. Did you have much problem finding the backing to do it?

Mistri: Well the video came about really strangely. I was doing some research into finding out who could help me do a video. I found a company called Mine Productions, who happened to be looking for an artist to do a video for, as they wanted to showcase their own directorial skills. So they liked my song, came up with a concept and that's where it started. With regards to finances, that was up to me.... but the budget was next to nothing...and most of the work was really securing people to work on the project for next to nothing, and that's stressful...lol, but it was a worthwhile risk.

DJ Dev: Well, I think the video is still better than a lot of the videos that come out of the bhangra industry. Guess it just goes to show how a little hard work can always pay off.

Mistri: Yeah for sure...when I first saw the end product.... I was invited to the directors home.... he pulled down a huge screen.... and you can tell he was nervous. I just thought "YES!" we've produced a polished video that does justice to the song. It has managed to showcase my song...and Mine's production skills so it worked really well together.

DJ Dev: Yep, definitely. You bring something more unique to the industry. I mean, it doesn't seem like you are going for the usual Asian RnB approach, which many would expect you to. Is it more of a poppy approach?

Mistri: Well it's more about who I am. I can easily pretend to be someone who I am not...but then who am I cheating in the end? I've worked on various styles over the past year, even a Bollywood track and all have come from the heart. "Intoxicating" is very me. A bit cheeky and fun. It's got a nice melody and rhythm to dance to. Perfect!! As for the approach, I'm just getting on with it. This industry, as most know, is not easy.

Mistri

DJ Dev: That sounds like the formula the likes of Britney use. Talking of Britney, didn't she release a track called 'Toxic' not so long ago? Mistri: Yeah I know...totally ruined my whole "intoxicating" theme. Ho hum.....but it was a great track. I had the idea of "intoxicating" ever since I saw Mr India as a child and loved one of the translations to Sri Devi's wet sari number.... she writhing around and singing "intoxicating intoxicating." DJ Dev: So, the song begins with you speaking in Hindi - is this just a novelty thing? Or could you actually sing in Hindi? Mistri: No unfortunately my knowledge of the Hindi language is next to nothing. I was going to talk at the

beginning anyway...I asked my mum the night before if she could translate something into Hindi. Sounds a lot better than Gujarati. It's not really about being a novelty... more about exploring something new for myself.

DJ Dev: Why is it so difficult for Asian women to break through?

Mistri: Well for anyone to break through it's hard. I think being female and being Asian is harder because you have to prove yourself to men who run the industry. Most see you as a wannabe and refuse to take you seriously. Only now am I getting phone calls returned because people realize I was not doing this just for fun, or to pass the time, or to be glamorous.

Rakesh: What do you think about the myth that Asian girls cant sing RnB, and how does she plan to change some people's attitudes on this?

Mistri: Erm...I never heard that myth...tell me more but if that myth exists then; Well I do what I like; I never actually specified the style of music I sing. It's a mix of RnB/pop. I can sing it naturally, I enjoy it, it suits my voice...I don't do or try Mariah Cary ad Libs cos I'll sound wack and as for changing people attitudes, people who think this in the first place will never have their attitudes changed. So why bother trying. I want people to recognize that there are talented people out there trying to work towards a career in the music industry. It doesn't help if they have prejudged ideas before I even open my mouth.

DJ Dev: You've also been spotted appearing on our TV screens. Have you done a lot of acting work?

Mistri: Not really acting as such, but I have been approached to be in a movie. I don't know much about it.... so I can't really tell you any more. I'll try anything ...but music is my priority.

DJ Dev: What other TV work have you done in the past?

Mistri: Well I've worked with Zee TV for a little while presenting "Sorted". I've also done choreography work for a CITV drama, so that's kinda telly work!!

Irfan: Tell us more about 'Sorted' - What's the funniest thing that's ever happened to you while.

Mistri: Something always funny happens on sorted and it's usually to do with very drunk people. i had one guy, acting really cool and hard telling me how great he was, talking about how high he was on god knows what. As we finished the interview he then realized what he had said and told us...we can't show it "Cos his mum might see it". Not so cool ey!!!! They are actually taking "Sorted" and 4 other Zee Music shows off air from the 14th Nov. I'm filming my last show next week. It's a shame because the show was a lot of fun, and judging by the reactions I get, very popular. I don't think it's a personal thing, (I wasn't that bad!!!) more financial. it was fun while it lasted, but you know things like this always happen in this industry, you learn to move on and just get on with it. My music always comes first, so I am not twiddling my thumbs waiting on another presenting gig.

Irfan: You host your show on 'Sorted' as mentioned and you perform at a fair few gigs. Do you ever get like negative remarks from Asian males while doing your stuff? Mistri: I don't get negative remarks to my face because those kind of people are cowards. They are usually people who only talk about me being female and how I should respect my culture and not sing and dance, yawn yawn. I get them on my guest book or in my emails. I generally ignore them.... but then I always say...if a person has made an effort to actually write down their feelings, then I've affected them. So to affect a person positively or negatively is cool...cos I've made a mark. So it's all good, the positive far outweighs the negative. The support I have from people out there is great. When I'm out and about, I know no one has to made an effort to actually come up to me and tell me they like what I'm doing.... but

Mistri

they do and it makes me feel I'm doing it right.

DJ Dev: Would you say that music is still the priority?

Mistri: Yep, right now it's where most of my energy is going. Whether its preparing for gigs, writing songs, recording or getting the website up to date. It takes a hell of a lot of my time...but I love it.

DJ Dev: So, say things don't work out and nothing materializes after the download release - would you consider TV work as an alternative career?

Mistri: Well it's all relative. Things are working out all the time. It may not be on a worldwide scale but I'm succeeding in my goals. With this song and video, and an album I'm working on, I can work anywhere. I'm not stuck to the UK. I can be a working performance artist, who cares if I'm not Britney...I'm happy I'm working. As for a TV career, I don't see why both cannot work hand in hand.

Irfan: How important do you feel it is to 'bling bling' in order to pursue your dream in the music industry?

Mistri: Well I think the whole bling thing is just about feeling good right?? I mean who doesn't want to sparkle a bit. But at the same time you don't need to be getting loans out for a nice necklace - there's no shame in Top Shop or Claire's. You know what I mean girls!!! When it comedown to it.... you can look good but have no content. It's the MUSIC industry I'm in, not the FASHION industry. Of course they both work together, but you gotta make sure its the music that proceeded the other or you end up like Victoria Beckham, who has just admitted she's doing fashion now cos she was crap at the music. Go girl...ahem.

Irfan: One thing I admire about you is your determination, which is 2nd to none. What is it that makes you want to succeed so much?

Mistri: A lot go into this industry because they are drawn to the idea of fame and wealth and don't really see the bigger picture of how hard it is. I admit when I first started out I thought, oh this is great fun going to the studio, rehearse, get a single out and make some money. Years later, I'm still doing it whereas the people I originally worked with have given up. It's not because I'm chasing a dream. It's my reality. I can put my hand on my heart and say, that all the challenges I have encountered on the way have all been worthwhile. I have succeeded in so many personal goals, and being very ambitious I have many more I'm working towards success and achievement beat fame any day but over everything.... I just wanna have fun [wink].

Mistri

Irfan: Ok fair point, so lets say I'm the owner of a massive mainstream label [I wish!]. Give me some good reasons why I should sign you? Mistri: Well on a marketing point of view, I've got you a great artist, a great song, and a great video. On a personal point of view, you've got an artist whose got heaps of energy, attitude and happy to work her ass off for mutual gain. Irfan: You seem like a very ambitious girl. What do you hope to have achieved within the next 5 years? Mistri: A couple of albums, the opportunity to tour the world with the music and a great show, and also the beginning of working with new artists also getting into the industry. Just today I was saying how I'm in this for 10 years at least in whatever capacity of the industry. I love it too much so it's not easy to give up. Actually making living in this industry is very hard, so to be a successful working artist is the achievement.

Irfan: You have lost the 'Sneha' from your title as it does not slip of the tongue for the goras but 'Mistri' translates to 'Builder' in Urdu! How does that make you feel?

Mistri: Well I'm amused by it; just don't call me Bob. There are so many words that translate differently in other languages. I had no idea of the Urdu translation. I always thought Urdu was a poetic language so I imagined "angel" or "heaven" but typically I ended up with builder, sods law I guess. I'm a builder of dreams... hey, that's better!

Irfan: Lets get personal now! What would you look for in a man... or potentially Mr Mistri?

Mistri: Well for a start, he can't be Mr Mistri because that's my dad. Mr Right would have to make me laugh and I mean really laugh. None of that polite smiling I want belly laughs. Then he's gotta be cute...not amazingly good looking because then you got the Brad Pitt factor with everyone wanting a piece of him. I mean I want my man to be fanciable, but not lusted after to an extent that women can't control themselves. I went out with a really good-looking mate of mine once and the girls just couldn't stop staring, it was unbelievable. You need to be VERY secure to be with a man like that and come on I know it ain't always easy for a man like that to be faithful, look at David Beckham…allegedly. As for money I am not a gold digger, someone who can look after themselves. I don't want to be relying on a man or vice versa and a good cook helps too.

Usman: So what chat up line would work on you?

Mistri: Well it's not..."Grab you coat love you've pulled" You know I don't think I've ever had a line used on me so I guess I have to wait for one then I'll let you know the outcome.

Usman: My chat up line would be "Be unique and different, say yes"

Mistri: To that one I'd say..."poor you hon. A man can only take so much rejection can you handle one more?" Or "That girl in the corner on her own with that strange drug induced jaw movement is REALLY unique and different."

Usman: Okay, but can I have my heart back please?

Mistri: "Oh s**t, was that what I trod on? Damn I'm going to bill you for my shoe repair."

Usman: How about I take you for dinner and call it quits?

Mistri: "Ok. See you at the Ivy at 8pm. you can get a reservation right? But I need to be home for 9pm....well the Simpson's starts on C4 you know."

Usman: Wicked, I love the Simpson's! I'll come back and watch it with you!

Mistri: "Oh sorry hon, I got a date with a bowl of popcorn and NO ONE shares a date with my popcorn and for your information...it's salty."

DJ Dev: On that note let's switch things back to the music, lets get some final words on the single. Where can we download it?

Mistri: Well the single is available to download from quite a few online music stores such as Virgin, MTV and Wanadoo. You can get the direct links from my own website www.mistri.tv where you can also view the video. The download is available from the 8th Nov. It would be great to get the support and get me in the charts. So everyone download the track in the first week and let's see what happens.

DJ Dev: Any final words to the Desitunes4u readers?

Mistri: Well I'd like to thank desitunes4u first for the support I've had over the last few months. It's really helped my profile and I've had a lot of emails wishing me well. And for the readers, I know of many who have come onto my site from the desitunes4u site and I can only hope that you enjoy what I am about and for those who already do, continue to support and take interest in what I do. Big hugs to all xxx

That ends the interview, firstly a big thanks to Sneha Mistri for taking some time out to chat to us. Make sure you check out her site at www.mistri.tv to download 'Intoxicating' now for less than a pound. To get her into the official UK download charts make sure you download it this week (Mon 8th Nov til Sat 13th Nov inclusive).