Irfan: Your debut ‘The Lick' introduced a brand new sound with bhangra and garage fused for the 1 st time ever with the smash hit ‘Tappe.' That bhan-garage sound has subsequently been rinsed out by many artists. Do you feel that you got the full credit you deserved for bringing something fresh to the table?

Surinder Ratten: Err.....? Kind of but that was a while ago and I don't want to just rely on that need to move on a do the same continually i.e. bring something fresh to the table on consistent basis then I don't mind people going on about it still it created a worldwide music craze which I don't mind!!!!

Irfan: Many rumours state that ‘The Lick' was co-produced by RDB; do you want to set the record straight on this matter!

Surinder Ratten: I don't know where these rumours come from!! RDB state themselves on interviews that they were given the oppurtunity to co-prodouce a track on the album which was "Shazia Manzoor's Pyar tu Nibhana Do 4 Lov Mix" which was done by Kully Saab and that's it.

Irfan: Out of all the artists in Bhangra at the moment who's work do you rate?

Surinder Ratten: If your talking about the UK Asian scene or what's gets classed in it. Everybody is great. I'm a big fan of PMC's music and I think the ‘Word Is Born' album was one of the best albums I heard in while; slick production for me one that one. In the bhangra scene Shinda, Jazzy B, DCS and loads more.

Irfan: Since then some of your tracks have featured on mainstream compilations. However since that hype of desi music in the mainstream; it seems like they don't want to know at the moment. Why do you think desi music has been unable to sustain mainstream interest?

Surinder Ratten: No continuity; not maintaining the hype I suppose!

Irfan: You've collaborated with Shin & Roach Killa for the video track ‘Akh Largi.' It was interesting for me to see what kind of collaboration you did with Roach Killa having linked you guys up personally! What is it about Roach Killa that made you want to use him ahead of other MC's? Surinder Ratten: Simply it was the right kind of Mc suited best for that track and the fact that he is a very talented artist makes it even better watch out for his album. Irfan: Your video for Akh Largi is very different from the usual bhangra video. What's the thinking behind it? Did you have a say in the concept? Surinder Ratten: I had a small say in that video. It was all X1x's vision and they did a good job but they do long it!!!

The Lick 2

Irfan: The ‘Lick 2' is finally here (click here to buy album); tell us more about the album i.e. who's featuring on it etc? What kind of styles of music are on there? Lastly, why did it take so long to come out?

Surinder Ratten: It's really a fusion based album like the first and I just wanted to use urban based groves fused with Indian music styles from Punjabi music to straight RnB there are a lot of new artists like Roach, D Fernandez, Joga; all guys that I've been working with for a while trying different ideas and that was part of the delay really I was just enjoying my music that much it was just all about creation. Then came along to gents who became my Ustads and have been and still learning North West Indian classical music my Ustads are Babbar & Javed Niazi Khan.

Irfan: To quote your press release ‘This album is said not to be a traditional Bhangra album.' Many die-hard traditional bhangra listeners feel all this excessive fusion of styles is ruining bhangra. What would say in response to this argument?

Surinder Ratten: Simple my overall music is not bhangra; I never said ever that my music has been bhangra. If you noticed I sometimes name the track and have subtitle simply telling you what flavour your getting.

My music is my music. You can call Brit Asian music or whatever you want to … I have done desi tracks...where I've tried only to use the traditional instruments requiring for making Punjabi music / Bhangra...this music is my virsa and I can't disrespect it by calling my music. Bhangra which is heavily made with western music influences. For example it's just does have a tumbhi, harmonium, dholki ,dhol, chena and so on!

The Lick Video Shoot

Irfan: Moving away from desi music, you a big Man United fan, as wearing the top in your video (left) would prove! Let's have some predictions from you. What will Man United win this season? The League? FA Cup? Champions League? Surinder Ratten: Hopefully the league which is most important. We want our trophy back!!! Then the others can follow and I would just would like to thank the marketing dept and club for giving and allowing me to wear the famous red shirt!!! Theirs my speech!!!

Irfan: Do you have any final words for the desitunes4u.com readers worldwide?

Surinder Ratten: Thanks for your support I hope you like the music.

That concludes the interview, a big thanks to Surinder Rattan for taking some time out to talk to us. Be sure to check out his website at www.Surinder-Rattan.com.