|
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.
Moreover,
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.
What'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.
What'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.
It
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.
The
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
|