Recently, Irfan had the pleasure of interviewing one of the best up and coming female singers on the desi music scene at the moment, none other than the one and only 'Sonia Panesar.'
1) How long have you been into the desi music scene i.e. how did it all start for you and what/who has helped you progress?
I have been singing since the age of 4 as far as I can remember. I started learning to sing in the form of religious semi-classical Kirtan at the age of 4. At the age of 6 yrs, my uncle Kuljit Bhamra invited me to my first recording session as a backing vocalist for the hit song 'Koi Naa' from the album 'Mehndi Shagna Dee' by his mother Mohinder Kaur Bhamra.
I have grown up with the passion and ambition for being on stage as a vocalist. However, the desi scene started properly from the age of 16 when I stopped taking lessons and began performing at various charity events and festivals all over the UK. Kumar of Heera introduced me to Sukhshinder Shinda and as a result we recorded the backing vocals for 'Teri Meri Ik Jind' from Film: Bulandi and for Jazzy B's 'Stayin Real'.
Since then, I have recorded backing vocals for various albums/artists under Kiss, Keda, Audiorec and Fantronic.
2) What else do you do apart from singing desi music?
I compose and arrange my own 'Desi' music. I have also produced jingles and radio adverts for various local radio stations.
3) In 'The Senators' recent album, 'No Way out', you sang a couple of the songs (Naina & Kulli) which were class tunes in my opinion - did you get much recognition for them?
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Thank you for the compliment. For me, I am extremely happy at the fact that my voice was recognised and that I was upgraded from backing to lead vocalist - so special thanks to The Senator (album cover on the left). Also if you wanna check out a review for the album then click here now! |
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We've had loads of airplay on radio stations before and after the release. As a newcomer to the industry, one would always expect a lot, but you have to take it as it comes.
4) You are also known as 'DJ Sonia', for your work on the radio in West London. How do you find that? What are the benefits of doing that?
Being a radio show host is probably the most exciting opportunity I have ever come across in life other than singing. The benefits that I got from it were confidence in speaking to general public as well as celebrities and the great knowledge gained about the music industry.
I stopped presenting for the last 6 months due to personal reasons, however, will be returning in the next couple of weeks to British Born Asian Radio, broadcasting live on the internet, soon to follow on digital satellite and FM.
I will also be featured on a local community radio project 'Radio Art Asia' based in Southampton from 11th April 2002.
5) It has been said that there is a lack of top quality female singers on the bhangra scene at the moment? Would you agree with them comments?
Yes, I agree. There is definitely a lack of quality female vocalists, which is why I feel I should take any and every opportunity as it comes, because I would like to go as far as possible as a singer and producer. There are not many that I know that are a combination of both. Its time for a change.
6) Why do you think bhangra has yet to make it mainstream?
Don't want to answer this one.
7) As you currently doing a degree in 'Advertising & Marketing' how important do you think promotion is? i.e. do you think bhangra albums are promoted enough?
Promotion is a key to success, if you don't promote, you don't get recognised. In my eyes, the wrong albums are promoted. There are quality albums with class vocals and music out there and the public just don't know anything about it until a year later, which is sad really. Even a simple credit on an album can get you somewhere - trust me.
8) If you could use one word to describe yourself, what would that word be?
Unique
9) What are your views on the use of English clips in bhangra tracks i.e. do you think it's all right or should we produce our own music?
Debatable! It depends how you use them, as long as they are musically correct, in key and in the correct time signature, you are on the right track. Most importantly, you must obtain rights for them or one day you will be in big trouble. Use them if you must! But in my opinion, real music is real music.
10) I heard you got a new album releasing soon, so what should we expect from that (i.e. who's going to feature on it)? Also, when is it due to be released? What else should we expect from you soon?
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My solo album will be of top quality REAL music! It will be released when I find an appropriate record label. The plans are: It will feature myself as a producer and singer and possibly hints as a DJ… will be working alongside Pammi Saib, an extremely talented undercover producer from West London. He produced 2 of Malkit Singh's tracks on Nach Nach 'Mehndi' and 'Raveena Tandon', Premi's latest album 'Nachde Punjabi', the Kuldeep Manak remix track on the album 'Ice' and Love II love 2001.
I have also been featured as a vocalist on a forthcoming British Asian film titled 'A Quiet Desperation' releasing in April/May 2002. |
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'Munde Nachde Ne' - my lead vocal track, a Hindi/Punjabi pop song releasing on a compilation album releasing with Indiasound Media in May 2002.
'Koka' on the album 'Woman Trouble' by the Mixaholics on Metro Label releasing 2002.
11) Do you have a final message for the thousands of desitunes4u.com visitors all over the world?
Thank you, to all those who have supported me by buying the Senator's new album and acknowledging my voice. Thank you to Irfan who has given me the opportunity to voice my opinions here on desitunes4u.com.
Watch out for my forthcoming tracks and solo album!!!!!!!
Don't forget there is a God out there. Believe in him and you'll be a long way ahead of yourself than you think you are.
That concludes the interview, if you want to contact Sonia yourself simple e-mail her now at sonia@flavashop.com now!!
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