Recently, Salman from Holland had the pleasure of interviewing one of the best up and coming stars on the desi music scene at the moment, namely 'Shinda Grewal.' He is in the USA working hard on his debut album.
1) When did you really start working with music? I mean has it been a childhood ambition for you or what?
I have been interested in music ever since I heard the first song that impacted my life, I appreciate art more then other subjects. I started professional recording in 1999 at the age of 16.
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2) Why did you move from the UK to the USA, when it is obvious the music scene is much bigger in the UK? How would you compare the music scenes in the two countries?
My family had decided to take the chance to move to the United States because they came to the conclusion that it would be better for my family and I to see things that the UK cant offer.
The UK obviously is on top of the scene but I feel that it is time to push the talent further; to expand on the American Punjabi music scene. |
| We have the resources we just need the rite people to know how to use them and not contaminate them. There is to much commercial music on the market, and until weget rid of that we will keep running in circles. Money is running the scene everywhere you look and that is the poison that is stopping us as artists to achieve our goals. Music and business cannot be compared or collaborated. |
3) I heard that you are capable of playing instruments as well, is this true? If so, which ones do you play?
Yes, I do play instruments; I play the dhol, tumbi, algozeh and currently pulling strings on the surungi.
4) Have you ever considered doing anything apart from music with your life?
I go to school fulltime; majoring in business, music is my hobby but also my life. I don't tend to feed my family off it, but sure to feed my soul.
5) Do you think you will make it as big as the likes of Panjabi Mc, Bally Sagoo etc?
The question is to general and soon for me to decide that. The ball lies in the listeners court, but all artist have there own way of showing there talent, and being "BIG" can be shown in different ways and levels. My goal is to be big with the people who are deep in Punjabi music lyrically and artistically and can stand alone at that level of understanding for the appreciation of the Punjabi language, along with the poetry behind it; the ones who can relate there everyday lives to it, to create work that can pull them through a bad day or give a sense of advice at times of need. If I succeed in that, then yes i will consider my self as BIG perhaps bigger.
6) I heard that you are a student, are you studying music or something totally different? How do you manage your time, I mean it must be hard balancing your music with your studies right?
The question was answered earlier; I'm a fulltime student studying business. My life is busy I try not to waste any time with it.
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7) What sort of style of music would you categorize your music as being? I mean is it desi, garage, remix? I mean if you could define it, what would you say your personal style is?
The music I create has no boundaries. I would have to say it has a traditional aspect to it. It creates a whole new sound. I don't think music should be surrounded with boundaries. It's an art and art is what you bring, not rules and regulations an artist has to meet. The music I'm focusing on at this time is a personal approach, something that brings salvation to me; to create strong, rich, modest original sound; to send a message that shows, light, power and humbleness, with that I hope to leave a statement.
8) If you had the choice of working with any artist in the desi music scene, who would that be? |
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If i could work with any artist I would have to say Gurdas Maan. |
9) In nearly every album there is one song that stands out, in your forthcoming album what would you say that track is? Also, tell us more about you debut offering, I mean who is going to feature on it and when should we expect it to be released in the UK and the USA?
The track has made an impact in the United States; called Akhian Udeak Dian it's the single to my debut album. The album will feature Gurdas Maan, Bjork, Panjabi MC, Deena Norian from Long Beach, and others. The album is not completed yet but is on its way. The release date is set for mid next year.
10) Do you have a final message for the thousands of desitunes4u.com visitors all over the world?
My admiration and respects go to the fans that keep the virsa united....
That concludes the interview, firstly a big thanks to Shinda for taking some time out to do the interview. The album is out next year, and I've heard the single and thats sounds phat so if he can keep that standard for the rest of the album it promises to be one top album! If you want to get in contact with him you can e-mail him yourself at shindagrewal@hotmail.com.
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