Recently, DJ Dev had pleasure of interviewing one of the best up and coming stars on the desi music scene at the moment, namely 'Ravi Rai.' He is the relasing his debut album called 'The White Label' soon on the Nacharal label. He has also worked as a radio dj for many differant stations.

1) You are soon releasing your debut album 'The White Label' Tell us about the album

This is an 8-track album, which has been in the making over the past 2 years. It's taken so long because I truly wanted to be happy with all the songs, so i kept revisiting them on a regular basis. I think it kinda pissed off Nachural Records cos it took so long! It features Vijay from Achanak, Ranjit Manni, Dippa Satrand and also introducing MC Menace. I'm also quite proud to say that after 12 years in the making, Ninder Johal from Nachural granted me to do the first ever cover of Lak Noo by Achanak!

2) Where did the title 'The White Label' come from? When a DJ releases a mix, it comes out on a white label vinyl first. I feel that this album has more of a remix / raw feel to it, thats why I called it "The White Label" 3) So is it just old lyrics with new beats or is there any new material on the album? It's really a mixture of both, if you wanna hear a sample, check out www.ravi-rai.com!

The White Label

4) Did you get to work with the artists themselves, or were you just given accapellas?

No I had the chance to work with all of the artistes on the album, which is kinda kool cos not very many producers have said they have had Vijay, Ranjit Manni and Dippa Satrang in their studio!

6) What advice would you give to someone wanting to get into the music industry?

Sleep with as many bosses as possible (I did not sleep with anyone from Nachural Records).

7) You've got a new section on your website called 'looking for love', would you like to tell us what this is all about?

Nikesh and me were bored, so that's what we did. Why are you looking for love? Dude, you need to register then innit!

8) You've also been on a couple of radio stations. Give us a run down on your career as a radio disc jockey

I started off at Sunrise Radio in Southall as the stations technical hand. I started getting into doing voice-overs and ad`s in house. I did a couple of demos for the bosses, which got some good laughs. I finally sat myself down and said "hey man, you gotta get into this properly because one day you could blow up and be one of the best". So I did. Tony Patti gave me a Sunday morning slot of 3am - 6am which I enjoyed, I had sum laughs! Then for no reason, I was taken off (and this was before I started bein a naughty little boy). So I thought, fuck this, I'm leaving. I then did a week at Asian Gold Radio which was pretty much boring, so I packed that in. Then I contacted Ray C (left) at Star, and, well, I'll stop there cos I don't wanna give that guy ANY credit!

9) You've pulled a few stunts on a few of your shows. What do you think is the funniest thing that has happened?

I like to think all the times were good, but if I had to pick one, it would have to be the Buckingham Palace crank call. Not just the call itself, but the bollocking I got from Ray right after the phone call was made. It just cracked me up!

10) Do you think it could be due to this more eccentric side that some radio bosses have been eager to show you the door?

I think people are scared of what different, so when the saw an Asian doing what the goras are doing, they freaked out. I blame that typical Indian mentality. Our music, our way of living will never move on unless we stop being so set in our ways.

11) Is it true that you are moving to Kiss 100?

We are talking, but no further comments.

12) What advice would you give to any budding radio presenters?

Watch Private Parts by Howard Stern, and learn from that. Dare to be different.

13) Any other final words for the thousands of Desitunes4u readers?

1. This album: The White Label, is just me messing around, The album which is coming out early next year will be the dog bollox! I promise you that. Desitunes4u will have the exclusive 30-second cuts.

2. Buy my album now and visit www.ravi-rai.com because I want you to.

That concludes the interview, firstly a big thanks to Ravi for taking some time out to do the interview. The album is out soon so make sure you check it out from a shop near you. If you want to e-mail him yourself then you can do at ravi@ravi-rai.com. Plus don't forget to check out his site, only if you want to, innit!