TIGERSTYLE - THE INTERVIEW - EXCLUSIVE - PART 2****

[Amrikingh]

33. What do you think of lyrics in panjabi music these days, do you think nowadays there promoting more drinking songs then anything else?

Far too many songs come out about drink and girls. We think lyricists and musicians need to open their minds and open up the music to the world, and relate their songs to more than just drink and girls. Our music reflects aspects of our culture, identity and our origins aswell as songs to dance to.

34. Do you yourself drink or smoke cannabis?

I have never taken alcohol or smoked cannabis or tobacco nor have I taken any other drug for that matter.

35. How about playing your stuff in clubs, have you ever got abuse or nasty comments because of having the full dhari and pagh?

Nope. A lot of people admire what we do. I’m sure a lot of people oppose what we do also, but each to their own. We are our own persons and we do what we think and feel is in our interest as artists and musicians. People have shown nuthin but love for the turban wherever we’ve been.

Some places we have performed to 100% white crowd, the likes of Poland or Switzerland, so in that sense we have introduced our music, our culture, our beliefs to these people and we got pure love and respect in return.

36. The hot topic while back was live bands, would you like to see more bands in the scene competing with the DJ’s like yourselves?

I think there does need to be a revival of bands. We need to see more musicians in the scene rather than everyone trying to be a producer or a DJ. One thing I’d like to point out though, is that we are not merely DJs. We play alot of instruments on our recordings and we compose & write. For us its not about competing, its about expressing ourselves as artists, whether that’s by being part of a band, or its being a solo artist or its producing tracks, or DJing. I think the younger artists need to aspire to be real musicians before they take to being producers. Only a musician can truly understand how to bring elements of a song together as a producer. Most highly acclaimed Producers play some type of musical instrument.

37. What’s with Specialist and Truskool signing with Vip Records, aren’t you boys doing collaboration with them or is it too early for that?

I have to agree they are talented producers and it’s a good business move on the part of VIP. I don’t see a collaboration any time soon. We are focussing on our own work and I guess they are doing the same.

You have to say it is talent we haven’t seen for ages.

Also with Vip Records is KS Bhamra

38. Any use of his vocals in your forthcoming album? Lucky you have such a great singer in your camp now.

I think you need to distinguish our Soldier Sound Recordings camp from VIP. Not every artist under VIP is involved with us. We are merely engineering some of their products and providing some instrumentation. K S Bhamra will not be featuring on our album. We do admire his work tho. And he is a very nice, sincere person.

39. What do you think of the new Malkit Singh album 21st chapter?

I’ve not heard it. Although Malkit Singh is one of my favourite singers from childhood.

40. Anything else coming soon from VIP records?

I think you need to speak to VIP in regards to their future releases. Or visit their website for more info. www.viprecords.co.uk

41. What do you think was the Biggest Tune of 2005?

“Kawan†by Bikram Singh & Gunjan. No doubt about it! It was the biggest tune. Maybe not as a dancefloor anthem, but it was never meant to be a dancefloor track. But in general as a song, I don’t think there isn’t anyone who has not heard it or doesn’t finds it appealing.

42. What makes your music different to other producers?

You tell me!! Haha. We try fully to understand the lyrics, the sentiment of the writer and the singer and we then start a journey with each track, trying to take our production level higher in terms of compositional quality, groove and sonically clear. To us its just music basics. I guess our approach is what makes us different to other musicians.

43. What is your highlight of 2005?

The release of Bikram Singh’s debut album “ American jugni†was a huge step for us as the Soldier Sound Recordings production house. However, as artists, our signing to Nachural Records back in march 2005 was also a significant point in the year.

This year we also acquired premises to house the Dera Production Suite, home of Soldier Sound Recordings & Tigerstyle here in Glasgow.

44. What is the best venue your been to and performed at?

Its difficult to say, we perform at so many places. I think one of our favourites is playing at the club night Shaanti @ the Medicine Bar in Birmingham, it’s a great venue and the crowd and very receptive.

45. Name three of your favourite classic Punjabi songs

“Peerh tere jaan di†– Gurdas Maan

“Maan kari na jattiye†– Kuldip Manak

“Kothey te khalo maiya†– Surinder Kaur & Asa Singh Mastana

46. Any events happening which people should know about? Gigs etc…

We’re planning our 2006 USA tour shortly. We’ll also be giggin up and down the UK. Check our website www.tigerstyleonline.co.uk for specific dates.

47. What is your favourite song produced?

I think you need to hear the new album before I mention what my favourite song is. Ask me this time next year.

48. Would you consider releasing a pure classical album with raags etc.?

Maybe in the future at some point once we have the commercial status we are trying to build.

Ok quick fire round…

Kaka or Lembher?

Kaka Bhainiwala

Saag or Paneer?

Both, together

Sanj or Zeus?

Zeus

Veronica or Gunjan?

Gunjan

Bikram Singh or Malkit Meet?

Bikram

Jazzy B or Sarbjit Cheema?

Jazzy B

Balvir Boporai or Jassi Sidhu?

Balvir Boporai

Truskool n Specialist or Sangra Vibes?

Truskool n Specialist

Maninder Bawa or Jaspinder Narula?

Jaspinder Narula

Achanak or Alaap?

Alaap

Aman Hayer or Sukhshinder Shinda?

Sukhshinder Shinda

A.S Kang or Malkit Singh?

Malkit Singh

DJ Stin or DJ Vix?

Stin

Panjabi MC or Panjabi By Nature?

PMC

Elephant Man or Mc Intensity, ?

Elephantman

Labh Janjua or Shin?

Labh Janjua

Thanks for your time Pops

Anything you would like to say to all listeners’ n readers out there?

Make sure you support genuine artists. Help cut down piracy, only buy originals. Check out our website www.tigerstyleonline.co.uk and join our mailing list for direct updates from ourselves.

Thanks

Peace