Tuesday

Artists

Introducing Indy Sagu

Indy Sagu has been working on the Bhangra scene for nearly nine years. His album The Debut, launched his career in spectacular form (2001). In 2004, he released his second album, Indystructable, furthering him as a household name in the U.K. and abroad. Despite having established himself as a producer, this time around he is hoping to break the mould and this album could well be the gateway to that haven. 2008 bought Indy his third installment to the Bhangra industry; the album titled Reincarnated released worldwide through iTunes, and again showcases his talent as a music producer, as well as, his ability to fuse music from East & West with his own twist. This has bought much interest from around the globe furthering his grip in this music market.

DJ-ing & producing remixes since the age of 17, this young man has been influenced by personal experiences, like all good artists. He bought his first set of turntables before age 16; his influences vast and closer to home than one would imagine. At an early age, Sagu learnt to play the dholki and tabla from his father. Now owning his own professional music studio, as well as, record company (www.lioncorerecords.com), he’s established a firm foothold in this ever changing music industry.

Since picking up his award for BBC Best Newcomer 2003, Sagu has concentrated on the production of sound and has spent time learning percussion with the view to bring new sounds and flavors for everyone. Recently Indy Sagu was down in New Jersey for a ‘wicked’ (as they would say in the U.K.) performance with RDB so yo know I had to snag my interview right away!
 

Indy, when did you realize that music was something you were at one with?
I think from an early age actually, I always knew I wanted to be involved in music I just did not know how or what I wanted to do.

What inspired you to pursue your career as an artist?
Well I come from a very musical family; my grandfather was always on the harmonium, my dad was in a live Punjabi Bhangra band in the early days, my cousin is a well known wedding DJ…so I think they all inspired me in some form or another and played an influence in me pursuing my music career.

How long have you been working in the music industry?
This year will be my 10th year in the music industry. Time flies!

Would you mind telling us some more about your album THE DEBUT?
The Debut was the 1st of my three albums, I think the title pretty much explains itself; it was a great project to work on, seems like so long ago now. It was the first time I got to work with major artists in the Bhangra scene on a 1-on-1 level. Working with legendary singers like Surinder Shinda and Ranjit Mani was just an absolute pleasure.

How did you get involved with DJ-ing at age 17 years of age?
I was actually on summer break at the time, well I say break but I was actually working at an electrical store and with my first wage I bought myself a set of turntables and a mixer, nothing fancy, something that would do the job. Kinda went from there really. Did a few family events and just got bigger and better from there.

Who are some artists that have inspired your work?
There is no one in particular rather I think I have been inspired by many artists both in Bhangra and mainstream as well as different genres of music.

Are there any experiences from past performances that you would like to share with us about?
There have been many shows which we have performed at. We performed in front of 50 thousand people, along side Coolio, and did a performance with legendary Hip-Hop artist Public Enemy. I have performed at so many different elite private functions and public shows in countries such as Dubai, Pakistan, Australia throughout the United Kingdom as well as North America and to be honest each show has been unique, the fans, and clientele are quite different and I have taken away many different and memorable experiences from each show.

Can you share one of your more meaningful pieces and tell us more about the song?
One track from my latest album (Reincarnated) ‘Goli Senay Vicho Maar’ is all about how friends and family are two faced and stab you in the back. Yes…I know the song has quite a deep and powerful message but I think I can say that everyone at some point in their life has experienced this and will therefore be able to associate themselves with this song, I know I have hence the reason for the blunt lyrics.

Where do you currently do most of your work? In the United Kingdom or United States?
Well, as of right now I am actually based in Toronto Canada, my studio is in the process of being shipped from the UK to Toronto. However, prior to coming to Toronto this year all my work was done in the U.K.

I read that you learned to play the dholki and tabla from your father. Do you still keep up and play those instruments?
I do indeed! I learned the dholki from my father who actually played in a live band; I learned tabla professionally for two years.

How did it feel when you received the BBC Best Newcomer award in 2003?
It was the best feeling in the world. Truth be told…that’s the only way I can explain it. I don’t think anything can prepare you for that.

I hear that your new Album Reincarnated has been released, tell us a little more about the way the album came together.
The album had been in the making for the last four years pretty much since I left the Untouchables Record Label. I worked with the likes of legendary singers Kumar Heera, Bhoota Pardesi, and Surjit Anakhi, working with the singers I grew up listening to is a great feeling. This album has been a very personal and special project for me in many ways.

If I’m not mistaken the album is available on iTunes correct?
Yes it is. You can now LEGALLY download the album from iTunes or just a single song if you prefer. There is something on the album for everyone so I’m sure you will like something on it.

What is the Don’t be a Vicitim campaign?
I’m the ambassador of Beatbullying.org. It’s an award winning prevention charity based in the U.K. My album Reincarnated has been launched in support of this charity. Its purpose is to create awareness of bullying, aims to reduce and prevent the impact of various types of bullying, and to create a support system that will help people realize they are not the only ones being bullied basically that they are not alone. The actual campaign we have set up is called ‘Don’t Be a Victim,” it’s something we are working on and we trying to create global awareness that there are websites, workshops and people there who will help you if are being bullied. Show your support and stay tuned for further products that will be associated with this charity.

Now to wrap it up, do you have any last words for the readers of Bravura Artist Magazine and all your fans?
I’m working on my fourth album Indy Sagu, and will release the first beat bullying EP within this year. As well, there will be a bootleg album and various mixes which will be available later this year 2009 and you will be able to download these for free from my web-site www.indysagu.com. In the meantime, I’m doing shows throughout North America and you can find information on my site and Facebook which is updated regularly. For the latest information join me on Facebook, Twitter, and join the Indysagu and Beatbullying groups. Lastly, a big shout out and big up to all my fans, thank you all for all your support and feedback. And thank you Monica for the interview!