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THIS STORY LAST UPDATED: 10 March 2006 1352 GMT
They came, they saw and they conquered!
Rishi Rich Having stormed the mainstream chart with "Can't Take My Eyes Off You", Rishi Rich, Jay Sean and Juggy D performed at the Brunel Rooms and, acording to reviewer Darpan Kaur, nobody could take their eyes off of them!

The night was hosted by Bristol based, Bhangra Fever Dj's, Esa and Sho.

Their warm up set at the beginning of the evening didn't seem to be enticing that many gig-goers onto the dance floor. A mix of R n b and Bhangra tunes were being played but a lot of the mixes seemed to be out of sync which made certain, popular tracks like Sean Paul's "Like Glue" sound quite weak.

clubbersMoreover, just when a great track came on, for example Punjabi Mc's "Mundian To Bach Ke", dozens of people flocked the dance floor from around the room and boy did it go down a treat... for literally 60 seconds until a new track was played! It's a shame some great toe-tapping tracks weren't played in their entirety.

However, there was an average turn out on the night and the atmosphere was reaching electric awaiting the arrival of Rishi, Juggy and Jay.

They finally arrived, running a little late and just before they went on stage to perform I managed to grab a few words with Juggy D and Rishi.

Rishi RichWhat's it been like working on Jay Sean's and Juggy's album?

Rishi: It's been really good, we've been really busy with the promo tour for Jay's single and Juggy's album so it's all been hectic but I'm pleased that I can apply my sound to both their music.

 

Do you find it quite difficult to keep producing different sounds and beats for each track?

R- Well yeah it is quite challenging but it's what I love, I like being in the studio it's where I belong. It's great to be back. Most of all it's all about being innovative and to keep making new, fresh beats. As a producer its wicked going into the studio and seeing what you come up with…it can be really good or really rubbish! That why I love what I do

If I can take you back to the release of "Simply Rich" 2002, the first mix of urban sound and bhangra, it was a great turning point. How do you think you've evolved as an artist since then?

R- Since "Simply Rich" things have definitely changed for me, it gave me the opportunity to showcase everything I've been working on for the past five years. It's not something that just happened its something that I planned to do. I knew that I wanted to come out with new sounds. I was in the studio working for four years before I worked on Mystique's and Craig David's stuff. I did what I wanted to do.

Has there ever been a point where you've thought "yeah I've made it?

R-I don't think that I'll ever think that you know because in this industry you can be at the top and then it can all change. Top of the Pops was actually a great moment for all of us. I've still got a long way to go; it's all about improving the work that you've just done.

Rishi RichWhat's the concept of the Rishi Rich Project?

R- The concept is of me as a producer using different artists and then them going off and doing their own thing. I had Veronica's vocals on the "Hum Tum" single. I've got a whole load of successful artists who will be featuring on my new album. The project is about a producer who's not a DJ and performs but as an artist can showcase his music.

You've worked with Britney, Mary J Blige, Craig David, who would you like to work with next?

R- I've always wanted to work with Adnan Sami, but thankfully I'm already dong that now on my new album which will be released in December. I went over to India and he's done a track on my album and I've done one on his. Let's see what the future holds.

Who have you collaborated with on your album?

R- Well obviously Juggy D and Jay Sean, Outlandish, Craig David, Anisha from Mystique, Adan Sami, DCS, The Sahota's.

What's it like working with Jay and Juggy?

J- I am here ok!

Well they're great guys. We all respect the fact that we need our own space and there both very humble. You get artists who release a few hits and then think there it and no one can touch them.

Finally the final burning question…describe your ideal woman!

R- Pretty, can get on with my Mum, good personality, long hair, nice figure...ummmm

OK that's enough now! Is this your first time in Swindon?

J- Yeah it is I haven't got a clue what its like as we haven't really been out at this time! It's cool

What was it like when Rishi asked you to do the vocals for "Nahin Jeena?

J- It was my first opportunity to express my talent and what I had to offer and Rishi was obviously feeling it and gave me the chance to sing on his album. Before that I had been singing from about the age of 11. I did my first stage show when AI was about 13 or 14 and always had a passion for music. I wanted to entertain.

You're a born and bred Southall boy, you write your own songs, where do you get your inspiration from?

J- Everyone has their own way of writing; I can't go into the studio and say I'm going to write a song today. It depends on whether you're around the right kind of people and you got good vibes. You got to be in the right frame of mind and set yourself up. Sometimes you can sit there for six hours and not come up with a single thing because you haven't got the right vibes.

Does it help if you have a healthy love life?!

J- Depends what your writing about I suppose, I start writing for songs and get ideas in the weirdest places. I'll be sat on the toilet or something and suddenly have an idea or a tune going through my head and I'll want to write something, seriously, cos some people read newspaper's on the toilet and stuff. It does get easier once you get going nut it's a challenge.

No one's ever going to look at you in the same light now! Give me a quick rendition of your favourite track.

Juggy sang an acoustic version of " Sohniye" with a soft voice.

J- It's the first track I've released on my album and means a lot to me. All of the tracks do especially as I've written the material myself and each track has a special meaning to me.

Juggy's album is going to be released on 9th August which will be set to really reflect his sound. There's a good feel of a strong urban vibe. Jay Sean, Veronica and Don D have featured on the album so there's a big variety of desi and R n B vocals.

Jay wasn't available to speak, but his and Juggy's performance on stage was fantastic.

clubbersIt was as if the whole crowd of fans had received a charge of energy in their batteries and were dancing to "Sohniye" and "Can't Get My Eyes off You" like jumping beans!

They're both great live singers and crowd pleasers. Their performance lasted for about half an hour and they were gone as fast they came.

Gig-goers were still pouring in at midnight but when I spoke to various fans some thought it was a bit of anti climax whilst others thought they wanted to follow Rishi Juggy and Jay out of the club and all the way to London, which is where they went for their next performance that evening.

Rishi RichThe Brunel Rooms was a fitting venue for their performance; both the stage and revolving bar were elevated central features so no matter where you were stood you could still see everything!

The soft florescent fuchsia pink lighting creates a warm atmosphere and also it's actually the first time I've ever seen a club with a carpeted ladies room! Interesting!

Overall I'd say it was a rocking night if you're an R&B and Bhangra club-goer, it would be Bhangra heaven, but, despite Juggy and Jay's performance stealing the second part of the evening it would have made a big difference if they entertained us for just a little longer - instead fans were left a little deprived!

Reviewer: Darpan Kaur

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