Bally Sagoo Interview
Marriage, DJ schools, Night Clubs, Bollywood - paving the way with musical ace Bally Sagoo!

By Ashanti OMkar

Bally Sagoo, a man who needs no introduction to our readers, a man who is accredited with many a trophy and a unique Guinness Award winner in his own right - Let's delve straight into this revealing interview and hear about him and his plans for the future.

Tell us about your heritage and roots.

I was born in Delhi India and my parents moved to Birmingham in the 60's...I was 6 months old. I come from a strict Sikh background and speak fluent Punjabi. I even wore a turban for 21 years throughout my school and college days.

What about the community you grew up in - how did you fit in?

I grew up in Balsall Heath in Birmingham, which had a major influence as I grew up with a lot of my black friends and so got into the black music scene fast and loved it ...more so than the Asian music that my parents played around the house. So I was finding it a little weird, as I was more Funk and Soul, my family, Bollywood...that really wasn't cool at all.

How did your family and community react to your choice of career being music?

At the start my parents were not impressed with my too liking of black music and neglecting the traditional Indian music. They also couldn't stand the fact that soon as I came home from school I'd be on my sound system in my room mixing up reggae, soul disco grooves with my mates from school. They were not too impressed with my dress sense either as I was very much into the two-tone clothing style of band such as 'specials, the beat and madness!

What's this we hear about your impending marriage?

My girlfriend Sita and I have decided to tie the not as we have been together now for 7 years. She works with me and runs my label. She is also starring in my latest video 'Aap ki Nazaron Ne Samja'...look out for her!

What are your plans in the near future?

My latest single is called 'Aap ki nazaro ne samja'. This is a beautiful song which Gunjan has vocalised. It's a very old classic song, which we have covered and I think will do well with all the listeners. I think the scene needs a bit of fresh air and this is the track to do it with. Most of this year is pretty full for my shows overseas. So soon after my wedding I will be on the road again...playing in OZ, SOUTH EAST ASIA and then USA and Europe.

Tell us about the creation and rise of Currywood Studios....

Whilst growing up in school I always dreamt of having my own studio, so made my bedroom look like a studio. I put a sign outside my room 'Currywood Studios'. All my early mix tapes feature 'recorded at CWS'..., which sounded very impressive! Today I have 2 recording studios.


How was Ishq Records formed and is it a success?

After being signed up with Sony music I decided it was time that I set up my own label, hence Ishq records came about in 1998. It's great, as one time I sent demos, now people all over the world send me demos. The best thing is about an independent like us is we find new talent and give them a break... hopefully stars of tomorrow. I not only release my own albums but have total control as this was one of the problems I found working with a Major. Nevertheless, I still became the first Asian to have 2 full Indian songs to hit the UK top 40! The artists we work with get the worldwide recognition they deserve. We try to put the albums across as my fans around the globe pick up most CD's with ISHQ banner. We are very proud that names such as Rishi Rich whose album Simply Rich, has become a huge success. I think he is a great producer. And I am glad Ishq Records has played a part in achieving that success for him.Kenz Desai & Gunjan from USA are doing a lot overseas and have become international names.

As someone who is said to have elevated the Asian culture into the mainstream, how do you feel the trend is going?

The trend in Asian music is great at the moment. I do think it's a phase and you won't get a lot of Indian songs in the mainstream. Everyone is rushing to make the charts and soon people will get bored. The thing to make it more positive is to see more Asian artists making English tunes. That will make more impact. Also Asian people better accept the language of Punjabi and Hindi, as the lyrics are more of a serious business to our culture. Bollywood sells more albums than mainstream acts but won't really make top 40. Desi music is getting wider appeal now. We have some great artists coming through. Bollywood isn't everything. What we need is more live acts desperately, like bands and singers. When are we gonna have a Britney or Timberlake of the Desi scene!

Tell us about the Bollywood/International Film work you have done - what was the experience like?

I am India every other week. I have worked on several Bollywood film songs and am working on some new tracks. Also working on mainstream films such as Bend it Like Beckham has opened more work in Hollywood as I am working on a Hollywood feature.

There are rumours of a Nightclub, which you will run - we are excited.

I am involved in opening my own club, as I have spent all my life playing in so many great clubs...that I have decided this is my next venture. We are still finalising some things and hopefully I will open not just one club but a few. The club I am working on will be on an international tip. It won't just be a Bhangra or Bollywood thing but more than that. We are looking at an INTERNATIONAL house of music playing so many various types of music. I am looking at Dubai first then hopefully also India. I will also be looking into London...but the scene overseas has always excited me more as here in UK we are choosier and NOT as open to world music... so look out for the 'Sagoo Bar'.

You also have some plans; to help out young aspiring DJ's in India, with the opening of a school....

The DJ school will open in India. It is not confirmed as yet as to when we will be ready. So many people ask me how they can get started and what to use. I have been in talks for some time in India with some people and we are in talks to set a few schools in various parts of India. But kids will be able to progress from basic lessons onto using computers and remixing too. The DJ scene in India is huge and not just guys but girls wanna be DJ's...so why not!

Everyone wants to be a producer nowadays - what are your views on that and how would you aspire young people into this field of work?

It's really not easy as so many weak tapes are out there. I always say to people really think what you put out and take care on your work. Too many labels are messing the scene up and that's also were they make the artists look worse than what they are. The biggest problem is too many copycats.

From a technical standpoint, how would a young person wanting to break into the business go about learning key skills?

Any young person wanting to get experience will not have an easy ride. But what you need to do is get into a proper studio and work with some good producers. The bedroom studio route doesn't always work for everyone. Make good demos that reflect your ideas. Spend time on your work, this will pay off eventually.

What sort of instruments do you play and use?

With today's technology as long as one can play keyboards then you can do a lot. Always get to know other musicians, as having ideas in your head is the most important thing. I watched other engineers growing up then soon found engineering my own self. Today I do it all my self, from programming to playing to mastering. Things happen over time not over night...

What about the use of Singers?

Finding new vocalists is the hardest thing in being a producer. I get so many demos but not from enough strong vocalists with control of there voice. I usually go to India to get my singers, as there are so many there. Singers who have a Teacher and are properly trained are those who show promise.

There are rumours of a Clothes Label - is this true?

I am in talks with some designers to make some cool stuff for me. Will let you know more soon.

What are your best collaborations and who would you like to work with?

Today I am very proud to have collaborated with people like Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Amitabh Bachchan... many Bollywood singers and many great Bhangra singers. I would love to work with AR Rahaman, Adnan Sami, anyone good really. My dream is to collaborate with Lata Mangeshkar...she would be the icing on the cake for me!

Who are your favourite artistes/role models?

Quincy Jones, Jam and Lewis, Timberland, Dre, RD Burman, and P Diddy, Luther Vandross, Marvin Gaye, Dr Dre, Michael Jackson, Missy Elliot, Lata Mangeshkar, Mohd Rafi, Alka Yagnik, Gurdass Mann...so many....

Remixes - will there be more from you? Tell us a bit about the market for remixes these days.

I am constantly approached for remix work not just here but India and other parts of the world. I only take on what I like and when I have time. Today's remix scene is in a real mess. Too many kids are knocking out weak material which I am amazed gets onto the market by labels that just have no clue...its crazy the stuff you hear on Asian radio and also the videos on music channels!If the media get a bit more strict on what they give airplay to then the viewers won't have to suffer in silence anymore!

You have been in the Guinness World Records book - a definite privilege. Tell us all about how you entered and how it feels.

I was the first to have made the top 40 with a full Indian language song. It has always been one of my dreams to have an all out Indian tune in the charts...I did it twice! I got invited to meet the president of India to congratulate me for achievements.

"Bollywood Star" on Channel 4 this is sounding very promising. What's it all about?

The idea of giving a British Asian a chance to go into a Bollywood movie is brilliant. The show was fun and we had so many people from all over UK who entered. It will be on Channel 4, so that is prime time baby!

On winning the AMA - this is a new thing for Asian musicians - how do you feel about it?

It was an honour winning an AMA and always a pleasure in being recognised for my work. I have a major wall of plaques and trophies and it just motivates me...I am always very much into the quality of my work, which is the reason for my success.

Do you have a message for your fans out there?

Thanks for all the wonderful support, look out for the new single 'AAP KI NAZARON NE SAMJA', and some great new projects unleashing soon...much respect to you all.

Since this interview, for Asian Post, Bally Sagoo has got married to the love of his life, Sita, in an understated, but beautiful ceremony, covered by AFM magazine and Bollywood Star has finished it's hugely successful 1st series run, on Channel 4.

RAGHAV - The singing sensation from Canada
The word on everyone's lips is RAGHAV, the hot new Asian superstar who is set to re-define Asian music in the mainstream, reaching the ears of listeners all over the world, no doubt. Every so often, a voice and talent comes to our ears, changing the face of a certain genre of music and setting trends, this has come in 2004 in the form of 22 year old Tri-Lingual Raghav, who with his multitude of talents is winning hearts and making the Asian music industry very proud.

So, you may ask, what is this song that has hit the music industry so much? The song is `So Confused', an infectious tune, with catchy lyrics and the vocal talents of the unique, smooth voiced Raghav! The tune is a mix of dancehall, R&B and pure melody. It is the first release of 2Play, a garage DJ since 1997, whose real name is Wessley - the man behind the huge club cover of `Turn me on' (sung by Raghav and featuring on the single), which was released into the mainstream and was a top 10 hit for Soca singer Kevin Lyttle. It encompasses the talents of MC Juxci and of course the magnificent vocals of Raghav!

To be honest, Raghav steals the whole show, his tremendous singing and song writing shine through and the song is really know as "that Raghav song which we love"! Raghav's singing encompasses a blend of Western with the `shaking of the notes' which have a subtle and loveable Indian tinge to them, this is the pure beauty of the piece, as it makes it universal to all - young and old, everyone has this tune humming in their head, and proving it's worth as an entry into the UK charts at Number 7! To give Raghav more credit, the whole melody line and lyric writing also belongs to him, his concept being `Should I tell her now or tell her later - I don't want to miss out on this chance for love'. A very real sentiment that many people go through, at least at one point in their lives.

The `So Confused' video is on heavy rotation on all the major Cable music channels, Channel U being one of the most prominent, it has been promoting the song since last October or so, with the song also being played around clubs as far as Portugal! Raghav tells us about his experience on the video: "One day after I had arrived in London from Canada, the video shoot was going ahead! It was all a quick set, I had to perform under pressure, but I am very happy with the outcome."

Now, the burning question on the lips of our readers is, who is Raghav - how did he come to become the singing sensation he is? Well, Ashanti Omkar had the opportunity to meet Raghav and his manager, Nyrone to get an exclusive insight into this very handsome, could I say gorgeous youngster with a fascinating personality and much eloquence, who was no doubt going to be the star for 2004.

With parents of Uttar Pradesh descent, Raghav Mathur was born in Toronto, Canada and brought up in Calgary, West Canada. A place with very few Asians, his Parents instilled the balance of East and West, which included many visits to India and lots of Bollywood movies. In the words of Raghav, "One day, I was about 4 ? years old and we went to visit my Masi, the in car stereo system was broken and kept playing the same song, `Hey Apna Dil' by Dev Anand. This song repeated all the way and at the end of it, I had pretty much memorised it. When we reached the house, I was singing it and that's when my Parents realised that I had an interest in singing. A few months later, I was sent for music classes with the great Guru, Nishi Kant Bali."

Raghav tells the Asian Post,"I got into Hindustani Classical music, as a result of my Mother's gentle encouragement. She never forced me into it, but gave me lots of opportunity to listen to the music and fall in love with its sweet sophistication, the concepts of Raags, which evoke different moods, the whole ocean of classical music just stayed with me throughout my young days and no doubt will remain in my heart and singing forever."

About his gurus, Raghav feels strongly that they have helped him along the way, "As a child, I was able to imitate the vocal styles, mimicking the sounds of my Gurus, Pundit Mani Prasad and Nishi Kant Ji. This helped to carve my voice into what it is today." One question I always ask my interviewees, if they have an Indian Classical background is what their favourite Raga is, Raghav's reply was "The Raag Yeman, as it is the one that I learnt first and remains my favourite over the years, for it's sweetness and versatility." Raghav began to perform all around Canada, from a very young age and captured the hearts of many a discerning listener as he grew up.

I asked him about how he got into song writing, his reply was, "At the age of 15, I started to jam with lyrics, I started to put together song words out of real life scenarios, definitive stories about my life and the lives of the people around me, then putting the lyrics to melody, that's how it all transpired." He tell us that his musical influences are: "Michael Jackson, I would almost faint before the concert was over; Stevie Wonder, vocally the greatest singer on the planet, in my book; veteran singers Indian singers like Kishore Kumar and Mohammed Rafi are also a big influence for me. In fact, I was hooked on Amitab Bachan movies and the songs in them. AR Rahman is also one person who I would love to work with, as he is the definitive in terms of music genius." Raghav is a humble chap and didn't mention that he has won many accolades for his lyrical talents, the main one being: Top original song in 1998 as voted by the National Songwriters Association Of America. Indeed a huge achievement for someone so young.

4 years ago, Raghav had to make a big choice. He was being offered scholarships in the USA to develop his huge potential. Raghav, a na?ve 18 year old was 3 days away from moving to New York to study drama, when he listened to his heart, a choice he will never regret. He chose to go to LA, where he was coached by Seth Riggs - when asked about Seth, Raghav proudly tells us, "Seth is the genius who trained up Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and Madonna, in the vocal arena. He is a mastermind in terms of vocal styles and he really knows how to work with someone's voice. He is an addictive personality and as it's been a few years since I had learned with him, I want to go back and learn more - music is an ocean and he is definitely one to teach me further!"

When asked about his style of music, Raghav tells us, "I would not like to bracket myself into a particular style, my music is from my heart and like myself and it is of an "Urban" nature, a fusion of many styles, Indian, Reggae, R&B, Hip Hop. One couldn't pinpoint the exact genre, but the blending of styles allows for people to feel the music. That is my aim, for people to feel the music and bond with it." He tells us, "I want my music to be loved by various audiences, like my solo release in February, `Can't get enough', it is a mix of Hindi and English, where we explore different elements incorporating the languages, breaking the barriers, the song is a heady mix of Hindi Film Music, through a sample from the movie Aarpaar, my vocals in English, British rapper, Iceberg Slimm performing on it and adding my voice singing a Hindi part too. The producer of the moment, Mushtaq worked on this song, `Cant get enough' and on listening, you can see his technical brilliance."

In conclusion, Raghav is one to be supported by us all, go buy the CD, because talents like his are rare to come by and with his forthcoming album which I personally am hoping will drop this year, Raghav tells his fans: "I will not cut corners on any elements of this album, I will not disappoint you, as I plan to pour my soul into this venture. I ask all my fans to await the album with high expectations, as it is going to be a release of A&R Records, a record company with decades of industry experience and the album will show all my musical passions, all the different aspects of music that I can possibly project at this point in time." Last but not least, Raghav adds: "I would like to Thank all the people who have supported the track and I truly hope to keep you as my fans for years to come, providing you with quality music. I want to take my music all over the world and thank everyone for showing me love. It is truly inspiring."

Having seen Raghav perform live at The Notting Hill Arts Club, for Radio One DJ, Nihal's excellent "Bombay Bronx" residency, I can say again that this guy is pure talent live! His voice resonates and his 'shakes' of the notes really bring out the goose bumps. He's also a huge hit with the ladies, that's for sure! I can't say enough good things about this guy!

Most of this was an article written for The Asian Post and published when Raghav's 1st single, with 2Play (So confused) hit the UK charts at Number 7. He subsequently had a huge hit with his own single 'Can't get enough', which was in the UK top 10 at the same time as his 2Play record! His next collaboration, with 2Play and Uk Rapper, Naila Boss, will be out very soon, entitled - It can't be right! Watch out for his solo outing and album in the summer.

For more on Raghav, go to:

http://www.truedirection-aandr.com/

Listen to Raghav with the guys who 1st showcased him:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/urban/bobbyandnihal/

Ragams in Tamil Film Music featuring SINDHUBAIRAVHI RAGA
Indian film music touches the masses in huge magnitude; this is done by making the music accessible to the un-trained ear. The way the resourceful music directors of South and North India did this was to `dilute' the Classical strains of Carnatic and Hindustani music and make it appealing to people, with inventive orchestration and use of Raga and Rhythm. Over the years, they chose to take the Ragas/Scales, of which there is, an infinite choice and made melodies out of them, which rarely resemble the classical forms.

From the Tamil movies, there is no doubt that that man who not just knew Carnatic music inside out and utilised it in the most dynamic fashion but the one who took Western Classical music also, and created an amazing fusion is Maestro Ilayaraja. Originally a band guitarist, he has blended Mozart and Bach, with the trinity of Carnatic music, Thyagaraja, Dikshitar and Shyama Sastri to make a sound which had enlightened and delighted people all over the world. Jumping from Ilayaraja, AR Rahman is the next genius to arise from Tamil Nadu, a pianist trained in Western Classical music and having learnt Carnatic music, AR Rahman is doing a splendid job brining Occidental music to the mainstream. These two Tamil legends have created a new sound of music which is highly revered all over India, AR Rahman being the one who crossed over to the highly critical North Indians as well, he is now in the mainstream, having brought Bombay Dreams to the masses of UK and going to New York. He is also working on the Lord of the Rings musical, with Finnish folk group, Varttina.

So, what are examples of these fabulous fusion pieces, one may ask. Let's start with Ilayaraja's first film album, Annakili. He created a huge hit, a piece called `Annakili Unnai Theduthe', using the Ragam Sindhubairavhi. He successfully touched the hearts of listeners by fusing the styles of South Indian folk music with a Carnatic Raga, delighting the ear of so many. Thus, the phenomenon of Ilayaraja imbibed the masses. Ilayaraja went on to use the Raga Sindhubairavhi in many songs, such as `Maniye Manikuyile' from Nadodi Thendral and `Enna Sattham Intha Neram', from Punnagai Mannan as it is the more `film friendly' Raga, in comparison to its close counterpart Melakartha Thodi. Ilayaraja did a very classical piece in the Raga Thodi, which was a massive hit, from the 80's classic movie, Varusham Padhinaaru, the song being `Gangai Karai Mannanadi'. I can't say that any other music directors have made attempts with Thodi Ragam since then.

AR Rahman has given the Raga Sindhubairavhi a wonderfully refreshing, modern appeal. He used the Hindustani Raag Bhairavhi (it is a close form of Carnatic Sindhubairavhi) for the song `Taal Se Taal' from the Subashi Ghai film, Taal. This song and it's remix uniquely emphasise the vocal rhythm Thaanam syllables by Sukwinder Singh, which are otherwise known as Konnakol, done in Hindustani fashion. This added an interesting element to it. ARR added a masterpiece to the film Sangamam (rumoured to have done the music for this movie for free, helping out his Brother in Law, also named Rahman, the hero of the film). This was the song `Margazi Thingal Allava'. It is a truly spectacular number, which evokes feelings of sadness and joy alike; following the Classical patterns of the Sindhubairavhi Raga. S.Janaki sings the female part, which starts with a Hindu Thiruppaavai sung by teenager, Madhumitha, which then reaches a Climax of vocal Jathi. Carnatic singer, Unni Krishnan then starts the male part, with a fantastic hook, blending the true nuances (Gamakas and Brikas) of this rather spectacular Raga! ARR also blended Sindhubairavhi for a pathos piece, from the movie Kandukondain Kandukondain, the song, `Enge Enadhu Kavithai' which has a Pallavi in Sindhubairavhi, then transcends into the Raga Lataangi, ending in a peak of the Swaras of Keeravani Raga. This is another stunning piece, which encompasses a variety of instruments and harmonies.

There is so much more to this wonderful Raga - listen and you will be amazed....

This was an article I had written for Veena Magazine - a wonderful Asian Arts publication, Winter 2003.

Visit them at:

www.veenamagazine.co.uk

Mental Dependence - The Educated Asian Woman's Dilemma
As part of the Tongues of Fire season, "The Nehru Centre" in Mayfair was the venue to one of the starkest and most realistic Asian domestic violence exhibitions one would encounter. With the endorsement of top female celebrities such as Nandita Das (of the "Fire" movie fame) who are coming together to support a cause that affects many of us in some way or the other, "Behind Closed Doors" brings to light real issues faced by even the most modern of Asian women, today.

The exhibition was created with the talents of brilliant, outspoken, female Asian photographer, Poulomi Desai and organised by Barnados, as part of the Phoenix Project in Bolton. It explored the harrowing ordeals of many Asian women, who have spent their lives miserable, hurt and injured and told the stories of some of them, in form of a series of pictures and a short film, encapsulating the realities of the situation and hoping to draw out those Asian Ladies who are suffering in silence.

Educating people on where to turn to was one of the main aims of the gallery and question and answer session, and as with the National campaign on domestic violence, bring out the people in the minorities, particularly the Asians (whilst domestic violence sees no boundaries of race and colour, Asian Women over time have been in the pool of targets, over the generations) amongst us to talk about their ordeals and how they have come out of these situations, going on to lead productive lives, without the stigmas of society attached to them.

Domestic violence, which includes verbal abuse, physical abuse, incest, and so much more, is a very real issue. Many Asian Women, who are well educated and will set up in life, tend to build up a mental dependence on the Husband they marry or the In-Laws they are bound to or in many cases, the closed-minded Asian societies they have to live in, hence stopping themselves from getting themselves or even their children away from potentially dangerous home situations. This is a real incentive to change the situations of so many beautiful and successful women, who put their lives on hold to keep the people around them happy.

Of many of the hard-hitting images portrayed, the mannequin of the woman in bridal attire, who had hanged herself, was one of those, which sent a chill through one's spine. The sadness of the situation is that many women choose to take their lives, instead of finding the strength to confront the issue or even try to get away from the abuser/s in question and make new lives for themselves. The photographic images were in the realm of caged birds, cigarette burns on the bodies of these beautiful women and one particularly disturbing one, of a woman not able to get away, with the wording "if I can't have you, no one else can" - showing the mentality of abusive men, if particular, who in spite of the distress they cause these ladies, will try and make their lives hell if they get away.

These are some of the issues that the Asian society faces today, where all the good things are high-lighted in the media, but as the aptly entitled exhibition, `behind closed doors', a lot of painful abuse is going on, which is left un-touched.

Let us all hope that more and more women come out of these situations and go on to lead lives they deserve, filled with love and happiness.