Recently, Mahul had the pleasure of interviewing 'Navigator.' He is a talented DJ, producer and Mc all in one. He has just released his solo album 'Know Your Fate' on the Hi-Tec label. His original beats are something fresh, something the industry is craving for right now!

Mahul: So you're a new producer to the music industry, when did you get into producing music I mean how long have you been into music for?

Navigator: I've been producing for approx 3 years, since I was 18. Back then used to produce garage dub plates for DJ's around town.

Mahul: You're signed to Hitech how did you manage to hook up with them?

Navigator: Well I produced a 15-track underground album, remixing some old popular tracks and sent it off to various record labels. I spoke to a few and realized it would be in my best interest to go to Hitech Records.

Mahul: A lot of are artists entering the bhangra scene, what makes you different to them?

Navigator: The 'Navigator Sound' is distinctive. The album was fully produced by myself and is 'sample free' apart from 'Aj Din Vadhiya Languh Ga.' I used the 'Sweetheart' sample for this track but that was just to showcase my skills in both fresh production and sampling and to take the piss...originally the mix was to be called 'I Can Sample Too Mix'.

Mahul: Your album is called 'Know Your Fate', how did you come up with that name?

Navigator: If you want anything in life all you have to do is have the will to do so and love it enough to work towards!! This album was 'in my fate' to do and I believe the bhangra industry would greatly benefit from a fresh new artist that has his own sound. I enjoy listening to my own music so hopefully people will to.

Mahul: What can we expect from your album? Are there any collaborations?

Navigator: I collaborated strongly with Amar Arshi as I see him as one of the best singers the bhangra industry has to offer at the moment. Bach Ke and Sohniyan Vichon Sohni were sung especially for me and it was an honour to work with such a great singer. I also used a fresh new singer called Balbir Sufi who sings 'Dil Chori' which is very popular amongst the 'DESI LOVERS.'

Mahul: Your album is more on the garage tip; don't you think the garage sound has died out?

Navigator: It is true that garage has died down but I'm not the kind of guy to follow other people!! Its summer, the whether is hot (yeah right, getting there!) and if you want to make the most out your subwoofer, then 'Know Your Fate' is the album for you! I have also produced more than 20 RnB \ Hip-Hop tracks that are doing great on the club circuit

Mahul: Your video is being rinsed on Zee Music and I find it very amusing, what was the reason for such a hyper concept in a video?

Navigator: Like I said, I am not a follower at all so by doing this video it gave people something different to look at. I could have told my uncle to pull out his old video camera, get some ugly girls from Student Union's around the UK and act hard 'wid my boys' in a BMW!!! But I felt that this was fresh and had a lot of energy to it.

Mahul: Who do you rate and hate at the moment in the bhangra industry?

Navigator: I rate Rish Rich, Juggy D and Jay Sean at the moment, there music is fresh, un-sampled and represents the sound of the British Asians. Who do I hate???? I'm not really a hater coz everyone has there own taste, but producers who use BLATANT samples, over and over and over again should start a course in plumbing or something. The guys know who they are!!!!

Navigator 'live' in Spain

Mahul: There seems to be a lot of jealousy and rivalry within the desi music industry. Why do you think Asians just start hating as soon as a fellow artist starts to get more recognition than them? Navigator: Asians are naturally born to want what other people have. For instance, if your next door neighbours have just done up the kitchen, I bet you that first thing mummy and daddy will be doing is heading straight down to B&Q!!! Haters are just jealous, people that

haven't got what it takes to release an album and only hate because they want what they can't have. People should be supporting and encouraging Asians Artist, not stopping them from succeeding! Message to the haters: Don't hate……. NAVIGATE!

Mahul: Have you been getting a lot of attention since your video has come out?

Navigator: I have been receiving a fair bit of attention from this video but Navigator is coping with it! It's a hard life...someone has to live it!

Mahul: What are your views about bhangra going into the mainstream do you think everyone's trying so hard for the mainstream that people are forgetting their roots?

Navigator: Hmm nah, not so much forgetting there roots but we are trying to be something they are not. Artist are using the same formula...old Indian Beat, put a rapper on top and that's it!!!! Non-Asians will appreciate it more but we Asians have heard the songs already!! Asians just have to remember to be Original and not to copy everything! We have Lollywood, Bollywood and Hollywood?? Enough Said.

Mahul: It has come to our attention that there have been instances where labels have got artists signed to them; they come up with an album but then the label owner's short change them. Basically when it comes to paying up (money) they go back on their agreement! Has this ever happened in your experience of the industry?

Navigator: Thank god, I have yet to face any difficulties with my management (Mr Chino I said it now, now buy me that Porsche!)

But only a serious note, there has been several instances with artist ending up getting short changed and not informed of last minute changes. That is the reason why most artists do not want to stay in this scene and venture out to other music markets. Label managers… SORT YOUR LIVES OUT before the western market takes all 'Our' stars.

Mahul: Is there anything else to expect from the Navigator this summer? Will we be seeing you at all the Melas bouncing like you are in the video?

Navigator: Yeah Navigator bounces 10 times as much in real life!!! This summer watch me 'bounce' up and down London Clubs and the Melas and keep your eye out for dodgy people in silver mercs, you don't know when you can be pulled it, forced to mc, tied up, seduced, let go and then end up on a TV screen!!!

Mahul: What are you views on downloading music?

Navigator: It effects the industry in a big way because the less copies that are sold, the less money the labels have to put back into the artist. Therefore giving the labels no incentive to promote new talent, as they need money. I don't see the harm in underground albums being downloaded and the net is a good way for future artist to break through on to the scene

Mahul: Who are the 'Navigators' inspirations, is there anyone you look up to in the bhangra industry?

Navigator: I rate Mr Rishi Rich, Panjabi MC, Dr Zeus and Illegal Demo for their top quality production skills (those come to my head). These people haven't inspired me musically but more inspired me to succeed in this industry. Know Your Fate has its on distinctive sound, very bassy, which comes from my strong UK Garage background.

Mahul: How did you get influenced to go into a garage sound?

Navigator: When garage was first introduced into London clubs, I was strongly involved in the rave scene and felt that the garage sound has a lot of energy around it and lifted people up. At the time when it was being introduced to bhangra, it was still much sampled and I knew that by me entering the market I could fuse UK-G \ Bhangra and make it into the 'Navigator' sound.

Mahul: There seems to be a lot of wannabe artists saturating the desi music scene who are 'in' it just for their 5 minutes of fame or a quick money grab. Do you agree? Navigator: I totally agree, our market was once saturated with too much 'over-sampled rubbish' but now they're our some amazing new artists coming on to the scene with real talent and making a big impact (artist such as Rishi Rich and Raghav who are really representing)!	Navigator in Spain
With so much talent on the scene at the moment, artist going for 5 minutes of fame will not even get noticed. Back before this 'Asian Explosion' the quality of music released was very poor compared to now!

Mahul: The UK AMAS are coming up; will the 'Navigator' be appearing there?

Navigator: Navigator definitely will be making an appearance there and will have something 'Very Special' lined up for you all. Keep it locked on this site for more info.

Mahul: What advice would you give new talent who are trying to enter the music scene?

Navigator: Just to get out there and DO IT!!! Record Labels aren't going to knock on your door and give you a contract!! You need to work hard and do something 'Fresh' that will get recognized. Promote your self to as many people as you can, send your promo CD's off and hopefully there will be some one out there that will believe in you too. Good Luck!

Mahul: Is there anything else we can expect from the 'Navigator' in the future?

Navigator: Expect to see another Massive Navigator album to be released this year, and also look out for another 'mad' video!!! I am also in talks to do some remixes for some 'well-known mainstream artist!!! Watch this space!!!!

Mahul: Have you got a final message for our readers?

Navigator: I have a final message for ladies that look 'Nice From Far' but 'Far From Nice' SORT IT OUT, its FRAUD! And for the readers keep posted to this site for all the latest info on the scene and if you would like to contact me, give me money or just to give it! E-mail me at nav_e_d@hotmail.com (nav_e_d@hotmail.com). Look after yourselves, and each other! Also don't forget Navigator - Know Your Fate in shops NOW!

That concludes the interview, firstly a big thanks to Navigator for taking some time out to do the interview. Watch out for him as he's set for big things, remember where you heard it first.