Catchin' Up With Panjabi By Nature
Since Jaan Panjabi we have not really seen PBN, although you did feature on Dippa's album Dhola Ve Dhola. Where have you been hiding?
After the release of Jaan Panjabi I was very busy on the club/wedding circuit both here in the UK and abroad. Alongside the gigs I’ve also been busy producing music for established bhangra artists and new upcoming singers as well as working solid on my forthcoming album “Homegrown”.
Everyone talks about an artists "signature" sound, but then complain when it is overused. We all know the signature sound of Aman Hayer, Shinda, RDB etc and we know you have a "signature" sound. Will it be heard in your upcoming album?
I think more than a signature sound, the above mentioned artists including myself have a signature “Style”. At the end of the day I make bhangra music that the public can go crazy on the dance floor to and that’s something I will always try to do! Aaj Me Peeni, Nain Preeto De, Nachdi & Jaan Panjabi are all songs which have done really well at parties and in clubs and these are the type of tracks the fans are expecting from me. My new album “Homegrown” will definitely continue with that PBN “Style” but that is just one element to the album. I have also for example produced a number of Hindi influenced tracks as it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. The album is well balanced and can only be really appreciated if you listen to it from beginning to end.
Previously you have featured Dippa Dosanjh, Lembher, Jeevan Mann, Sanjay Dhaliwal, Surinder Shinda and Amar Arshi amongst others. Who can we expect on your next album?
The new album will feature Lembher Hussainpuri, Miss Pooja, Dippa Dosanjh, Kaka, Apna Sangeet’s K. S Bhamrah, Charanjit Channi, Sameera as well as a host of new singers which I am positive will make some noise after the release.
Chakdey.com have been noticing that videos are attracting more and more attention to albums especially with the likes of X1x and Ballistic using green screen technology . How important do you think video's are in the promotion of an album, and what can we expect from your next video's?
I think music videos are probably the most important marketing material for any artist; new or established. Not only does the consumer get to hear new music whilst sitting in the comfort of their own home but more importantly they are able to see the actual artist behind the songs/album.
We are shooting a number of videos both here in the UK and also in Canada and India. So expect both high quality and versatility. I always try to visualize the energy of my music through my videos. One particular video we are shooting for the album features a number of dance groups from all over the UK! I think it may very well be the most entertaining PBN video to date.
Is “Homegrown” a completely solo project, not a compilation? If so tell us more?
Yes! “Homegrown” is the official PBN album. Having featured on a number of compilation albums such as Jaan Panjabi and working on projects like Dhola Ve Dhola I think now is the right time to release my own album. My last album titled “Ready or Not” which featured Aaj Me Peeni was released at the end of 2005. The album has been a long time coming and I think I’ve kept people waiting long enough!
Sales of bhangra albums have been on the decline recently due to heavy piracy. How does this make you feel, and how does it affect the end product you plan to release?
Time and time again we speak about piracy and the public not supporting artists but it seems to be falling on deaf ears. Established artists are all feeling the affects of illegal downloading! I dread to think how much it must be affecting new artists!!
All I can say is if you think the product is good and are a fan of the particular artist, go out and buy their album! If record companies do not make a good enough return on their products how can you expect them to keep feeding money into new ones?
Fortunately the consumers have supported my products enough in the past so that I am able to produce and release new projects to a standard that I am happy with. Hopefully they will continue to do so…
Apple sold over 1 million iphone 3g's at it's recent launch. How do you feel about embracing the digital era, and would you consider launching your album on itunes?
It’s good to see that the Internet has at least played a constructive part in promoting artists internationally. The digital era has enabled people from all across the globe listen to our music. Homegrown will definitely be releasing on iTunes at the same time as it hits the stores.
You are a true professional when it comes to your music. What has been the highlight of your music career?
I think one of the biggest accomplishments is managing to work in the bhangra industry for 6 consecutive years. It’s a great feeling to have worked this long and still have the opportunity to release new material which the public support. In recent times I would have to say the highlight has been the success of “Jaan Panjabi”. It really did take me by surprise. The amount of positive feedback I have had for that song here in the UK and abroad in places such as Canada has been overwhelming and for that I am really grateful.
This is due to be your 4th official solo album and the 7th Album you have produced to date. Which album out of them all has been the most successful, and is that album your favourite or is it one of the others?
That’s one of the hardest questions I have ever had to answer lol. I couldn’t honestly tell you which has been the most successful as fortunately each of my solo albums have done well for me in their own way and they have all managed to bring at least one track to the playlist for bhangra djs across the world. I don’t think I have a favourite album but more stand out tracks that have been appreciated by the fans. Aaj Me Peeni, Nain Preeto De and Jaan Panjabi are songs that have brought the PBN name forward and pleased bhangra listeners across the globe, What more could I ask for? ; )
You tend to stay quiet whilst you are working, until it is time to release your product, well that time has not quite arrived yet, but this is your soapbox, so tell us whatever it is you want to tell...
Okay, basically my official album “Homegrown” is releasing by the end of this year. I’ve spent over 2 years in studios both here and abroad perfecting the final product and I am sure some may see this album as my best material to date. One thing that I can guarantee is that there is something on this album for every type of listener! To sum up “Homegrown” in one sentence I would have to say it’s “The album that was made for the Dance floor”.
I am currently busy mastering the album and shooting videos over the next few months. Look out for Exclusive Promos, Launch Parties, behind the scenes footage and more Exclusive Info on Chakdey.Com.
On a final note, is there a message you want to give for your fans?
THANK YOU for all the support you guys have shown over the years. I always say it’s the consumer that makes and breaks an artist and fortunately through your support I’m still managing to produce music today.
Look out for the new album “Homegrown” releasing before the end of the year!
Finally a big shout out to Vin and all @ Chakdey.com.
PBN
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