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Bass In Your Face!!
I’ve been on the live music circuit for the past decade with Bhangra pioneers Apna Sangeet. As a keyboard player, I’ve toured the UK and played around the globe. So when it comes to live music I know what it means to be in a band and the buzz you get performing on stage. It’s like no other feeling to know what you are doing on stage, with your instrument, is making thousands dance. Many might call me a sell out for becoming a DJ and a PA act, but I did 7 years of 100% live before exploring other areas. However, the respect I get from people after a live gig is amazing and the one thing people say to me is that it was so refreshing to hear live band because all singers seem to do these days is mime.
The public want to hear live music, the musicians want to see live bands, but I don’t think there will be an orthodox live Bhangra band for a long time. As a live musician myself it hurts me to say it, but until the industry and peoples mentality change, then every Tom Dick and Harpal will be jumping on stage to mime over their out of key, auto tuned tracks.
I think the fundamental problem was back in the mid nineties when certain live bands suffered a lack of professionalism on stage. Musicians have to take a long hard look at themselves before pointing the finger at anyone else. From memory, Bhuchungy Group was one of the first bands to always wear uniforms on stage. It was a must, Tarlochan Bilga wouldn’t let you on stage if you didn’t have yours with you. Alaap’s 10 piece band was the same. Every single musician was immaculately dressed creating an aura on stage.
But as the 90’s hit, certain bands started to dress how they felt, drink heavily before even playing and have a certain attitude which just stunk of arrogance. They felt they were untouchable and here forever. However, the public and promoters had enough of their antics and stopped booking these bands which opened the door for more DJ’s and PA acts because they were cheaper and easier to handle.
Another factor is that everyone wants to be famous, a star and be one quick. The quickest way of becoming one in this industry is one of three ways. A DJ, a producer or a Dhol player! No one wants to learn how to play instruments anymore and with technology advancing at such a rapid rate you can lay down everything from drum beats and guitar riffs from the comfort of your bedroom.
There is a serious epidemic of Dholi’s, DJ’s and producers and the sad fact is that only a handful are actually talented. A lack of quality singers (and I stress quality) is a problem in the UK. We have a more talentless singers than talented one’s making a name.
Another factor is that the public now seem to be satisfied with a guy miming on stage. Forget the fact he’s singing off key, out of beat and forgot his lines, the audience appear to be happy with that. If they aren’t, well they’re not being vocal enough to promoters and saying we want see DCS, Jazzy B, Malkit Singh, Apna Sangeet, Sukshinder Shinda and we want to see them live.
The musicians and fans who made that noise here at the Asian Network, were treated to some great live performances last year which showed the listeners that bands like Alaap, Achanak and DCS were still main event players.
For most, if you can lay your vocals down in a studio that makes you a singer. Hell does it!! A singer is someone who can sing at the drop of a hat or with a live band. With so many PA and promoters booking the cheaper option, bands have become foreign to the Y2K Bhangra fan which means that no one is getting inspired.
What does the future hold now for live music? Well the demand is still there that’s for sure. But until people’s mentalities change, it’s not going to happen.Budding musicians need to realize that there is more to life then just picking up a dhol to become a musician. Pick up a bass guitar or drums sticks and give it a go. Granted, it’s harder, but the rewards would be so much better.The singers who mime, well I’d urge you to practice harder to at least sing to a backing track if not with a band, you know who you guys are. I’m a fan of Bhangra music, before even being part of the industry, and as a fan I want to shout it loud and proud that I want to see and hear live music rather than PA’s!!
I’m gonna put my Simon Cowell’s hat on and say that if anyone reading this believes they have the X Factor, go pick up an instrument!Learn and see how much satisfaction you’ll get when what you do on stage, is making the crowd in front you rock!
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Comments
Post your commentWell that's just the nature of society now Dipps - no one seem bothered with depth or real talent - people are happy to be sparkled by the gloss. It's a sad fact which cuts across all music genres and popular culture. If I had talent to sing or play an instrument I would want to show it off LIVE whenever I could. Are artists scared of being anything less than perfect - cos for me I'd rather have the passion and a few bum notes than 'perfection' and a souless performance.
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Well said Dipps...
Keep it Real... Keep it desi!!
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I liked the article and I think music should be kept real including Desi. I like Desi a lot even though I am a US Latin in Miami Florida.
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kida dipps
saw you at king of kings and ur right, you cant beat live music. juggy d not playing with a live band was a mistake cos every act did and you can tell the difference. we need more jassi sidhus and dalvinder singhs who refuse to do pa's.
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i think you real gud.....kp it up!!!
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well said bruv. to many people want the dj stuff.
not enough of the live music anymore.
wouldnt dj at clubs if live scene was alive.
neways big up dipps bhamra bad bhangra dj
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i agree with whats dipps is saying, but who and where is the next big live punjabi vocalist coming from? dalvinder only does live, juggy d is rubbish even on pa's and des-c dont have a desi band to perform live with.
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Dips, I agree it would be good to have a live scene, but please, bro, you have to be joking about the 'uniforms' that the bands used to wear, right? I mean they were just embarassing, and I'm glad the Punjabi youth don't dress like that anymore, and just go on stage in the kind of clothes that every other UK Punjabi wears and hangs out in and looks cool in. The sight of a bunch of Uncles with beer bellies wearing tight white trousers and flourescent coloured silk shirts was just embarassing and stupid to look at!
Plus if you want to get people playing music you have to somehow teach the youth to play keyboards and guitars etc etc --- set up classes specifically to teach these skills to the youth! How else are they going to learn otherwise?
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its very true what u said dipps but is dhol not an instrument?
and also dipps is ur father bhamra? out of Apna Sangeet? so its more of who u know rather than how much u know cos u only toured with ur fathers band not with neone else?
so we could all easily say its WHO U KNOW!
otherwise wheres ur career abt from a normal radio presenter?
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its very true what u said dipps but is dhol not an instrument?
and also dipps is ur father bhamra? out of Apna Sangeet? so its more of who u know rather than how much u know cos u only toured with ur fathers band not with neone else?
so we could all easily say its WHO U KNOW!
otherwise wheres ur career abt from a normal radio presenter?
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its very true what u said dipps but is dhol not an instrument?
and also dipps is ur father bhamra? out of Apna Sangeet? so its more of who u know rather than how much u know cos u only toured with ur fathers band not with neone else?
so we could all easily say its WHO U KNOW!
otherwise wheres ur career abt from a normal radio presenter?
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its very true what u said dipps but is dhol not an instrument?
and also dipps is ur father bhamra? out of Apna Sangeet? so its more of who u know rather than how much u know cos u only toured with ur fathers band not with neone else?
so we could all easily say its WHO U KNOW!
otherwise wheres ur career abt from a normal radio presenter?
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Hi Dips, I just read what you had to say.
Your right it is ashame about there not being a Live Scene like before. I also remember being part of it and the vibe is amazing.
There are many things that contribute to things being the way they are. I think you missed something... Money!!!
Alot of the time people are more interested in making money as opposed to quality and love for music.
Thats from Promotors putting on a night, in the cheapest and easiest way possible to get back the most money (its a business for them at the end of the day).
Also Record Labels allowing "not up to scratch" music to be churned out.
I am sure I will get knocked for these comments but I think they are true.
I know it must be difficult to make hits. I know people out a lot of effort in. I just think that sometimes a bit more time, effort and budget could definatley help...
I'm not saying everyone does this and there is no way I think it's just easy. I just think people have become complacent as they have been allowed to get away with it for so long...
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I watched Desidna channel for the first time last night and found it very informative. I will be watching it every week.
I want to know if you can tell me where I can buy the single Happy Sad by Sonna.
I've searched the web but not able to find anything about her.
Thanks for Michelle, a non muslin living in Bristol.
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Easy Peeps...
Dipps Bhamrah here….thanx for your thoughts and feedback on the blog.
I know I have a tendency to moan a little bit but you just cant help it when your passionate about something as important as our industry and our music.
I love live music but I do want to say that there's nothing wrong with doing a pa…IF you have no choice! Pa's are a fantastic tool to start your career but in reality, the act will not get the right money to pay a full band and you have to build your name and success with pa's. But if you a player and have a following the likes of Jassi Sidhu & Dalvinder Singh are the model to base yourself on as they refuse to perform at gigs unless its with their live band. If only more Bhangra acts did this.
There were a couple of points and comments which I wanted to touch on. Jay, as far as uniforms go, I wasn't really thinking about the DCS boys jumping up on stage with sparkly tops and leather trousers again lol! Its more a reflection on how the uniform was seen as a mark of professionalism (even though when we look back now even I cringe)! Throw in other small factors which are the way to perform and that lack of professionalism has led to a decreased number of live bands and bands being booked.
And Nav, I do agree with you...it is who you know! But the thing is if you struggle with 'what you know' then the 'who you know' will eventually not mean anything for you. Everyone needs someone to give them a break. Shinda gave Jazzy his break, TSB gave Malkit his stage, Nachural Records backed Punjabi MC….but even then its still down to individuals to showcase their talents which they have learnt or are still learning! Everything works hand in hand and as the saying goes...knowledge is power!
Its an open forum so keep your thoughts coming in!
Catch You Laterz…
DIPPS BHAMRAH!!
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Dipps will there be any more Live shows like last years?
Any plans from the 大象传媒?
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Lollywood is so called because the film industry in Pakistan is situated around the city of Lahore. Similarly, Hollywood gets it name from the film industry centred around Hollywood.
Therefore, as the Hundus have finally rebranded Bombay, shouldn't their film industry be renamed "Mumbo-Jumbo", particularly as that's mainly what comes out of there nowadays?
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hey, how come you stoped performing live and become a DJ if you loved performing so much.?
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hi dips its kalsi's son her just read your blog
so true what you said its just not what it was like in the 90s they were the days anyway keep up the good work see you soon
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Good comments Kam. But as pointed out before you are having a indirect go at Juggy-d with out saying it. Now is that because he has done very well and is doing a lot better than you and your Dad.
also the reason you are djing is because you did not make it anywhere with live singing. Why not mention how you ended up djing at bbc asian network......
Its all about who you know, not whay you know. Hint Hint!!!!!!
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To anyone who can help!
I'm currently in a band named Bollywood beats who specialise in latest Bollywood tracks.
My name is Amarjit singh. I'm trying to find some footage of some performances i have done with other bands inthe past 10 years or before wich have been filmed by the 大象传媒.The bands are Geet the Maga Band, Tofaan and Pardesi music machine. If anyonecan helpi would be everso grateful.
Thanks.
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i liked that new jazzy b song you playede last week can you tell me the name of the track.
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tht was reli interesting 2 read, my dad says that the music he grew up listening to when he was my age in the 80's is so much better compared to the music we listen 2 2day, bcoz it was all live bck then, all the time, and i must admit i'v listened to DCS bck in the day and they sound heavy!! my dads a drummer himself and wen i'v watched him on stage i can tell he gets a buzz outta being up ther, so i can c exactly wt ur saying, i think my dads drummed for apna sangeet a few times so i'll ask him about u 2nite :D
keep up the gd work, love priya xxx
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After reading this ... i believe it is true. Everyone wants to be famous these days but they don't know the true escence of music. I'm part of the younger generation and still prefer the music of the early 90's and 80's such as Apna Sangeet, DCS, The Safri Boys and even Heera. live bands are much better. Everyone now thinks that mixing a few songs will make them famous, but that isn't real music. I'm not saying today's music isn't good, but live acts would be a lot better.
And as for you talking about the Dhol, playing it is very difficult! Being one of the only female members in my class it is competitive. I've been playing the dhol for about 2 to 3 years now and i still struggle, so your most deffinetly right about what you said on that!
Keep up the good work Dipps. Love Mani x
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Dipps,
unfortunately, bhangra music has been reduced to taking vocal tracks from some no name pendu singer in india (who releases an album a week) and adding samples from mainstream hip hop onto it...Bhangra was allways about the experience of immigrant communities in the west expressed musically.
Growing up in the west, I cannot relate to what alot of passes for bhangra these days because the songs are sung and written in India where they talk about "bullet motorcycles" and the patoley in "phillaur". I liked how the old bands sung about "soho road tey marhak naal chaldi", and the old songs that mentioned southall by apna sangeet.
The ship needs to be built from scratch by western punjabis like us rather then outsourcing Bhangra to no names in India.
We need lyrics to be written by western punjabi lyricists. I have been blessed with good fluency in Punjabi for some reason and am working on some songs where the subject matter is clearly
us people.
The singers need to maintain the distinctively British style of singing in Punjabi that was developed in the 80s. Rather then singing rapidly and eating up half the words in trying to copy the Indian style of singing (ADH), each word should be pronounced and given its full due exposure in the song. Inspite of all his faults, Juggy d does a pretty good job of this in my opinion however his lyrics are usually too simple.
The last and most important part is the Music. In staying true to the British bhangra roots, we should limit dhol, tumbi etc to only those songs where they are needed and not force them in places where they dont belong. Keyboards and guitars are desperately missing, however those instruments need room in the song to properly play out their melodies. haunting melodies were a hallmark of the 80s Bhangra movement. The singers in India leave no room atall for melodies and usually fill them with simple filler tumbi music or nowadays a female singer.
All of this takes a lot of effort, however everyone knows that this is what the public wants and if a group of people can pull something like this off successfully, it will change the course of Bhangra for good. I mean common, the guys in the early 80's pulled it off. If you look at the stuff from early 80's what did they really have? not much. We certainly have alot more resources nowadays.
Once some kid hears a guy playin a punjabi guitar riff he will no doubt get inspired to pick up those instruments and the process repeats itself.
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hi
im gettin engaged and wanted to hire a bhangra group such as rdb, jazzy-b or something on those lines. i wanted to know if you knew how i would be able to get hold of them for a booking????
many thanks
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