Gifted: Climbing the ladder of success



 REBEL: Rules Eliminated Because Everything Lives – I don’t have rules, rules are set by the living (we are all living) so why should I listen to another person’s version/idea of right/wrong?


 Up and coming music producer Gifted has been on the fringe of the music industry for a number of years, grafted his way to the forefront, the young and talented producer holds music close to his heart and believes that his raw talent and skill will be recognised by the mainstream.


“I’ve always loved music my whole life & I would say it’s always been a big part of me but I decided to pursue a career in it at the age of around 14-15. I started off just writing lyrics & learning my favourite songs by reading the inlay booklets. After a year or so I decided I want to actually make music so I picked up some software from a friend then started making hip-hop/garage music just to show my friends for fun.

However, things changed by my final year of high school - I knew this was what I wanted to do forever and the rest (as they say) is history. I am now a Producer/Composer/Songwriter & Engineer.”

Believing that his music does not conform to any set genre and that actions speak louder than words

“Conform isn’t a word I can ever warm to as my whole persona is based on individualism and self expression but if you wanted to find my music in a record store, it would be under the Hip-Hop/Urban or even R&B category although I would like to say, it’s far from the norm. I think I’d prefer to let time answer how I’m going to stand out. It’s one thing to say I’m going to be different and do new things but actions speak louder than words! Let’s say there will only ever be ONE me and when people see what I’m bringing to music people will be taken back.”

Influenced by a variety of artists, including the late Michael Jackson, the renegade producer feels that there are no rules to the music game as he continues to make his mark.

“My biggest influences musically are Michael Jackson (who I would like to dedicate this interview too R.I.P) and Quincy Jones. There understanding of music is unmatched even to this date, however there are others that come closer than most, such as Kanye West, Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins & The Neptunes. People like Pharrell (Of The Neptunes) & Kanye have shaped my music/indentity in the sense that, they showed me that it’s ok to be me when I’m making music. I don’t have to have rules to abide by; they showed me music is about feeling. When you hear stuff from me in the future, you WILL feel it.”


Gifted has grand plans for the future, from having already worked with Grammy nominated artists; including Swizz from So Solid Crew the producer is working hard to lay down the foundations for his career and believes that his rebel tendencies will bring him favour among his peers.


“I believe I am a Rebel. Very much so, it may come down to my upbringing or simply because I’ve heard so many, “NO’S” that I grew older and thought, “I don’t care anymore”, I want a YES from situations so I’m going to create one. The two people I listen to most often are God and my Mother.”

With big goals and high expectations Gifted his aiming high and is looking to create his own brand and identity to share with the world and wants his music to connect with people.

“I wouldn’t say I plan to be, ‘Signed’ per say, as I’m contemplating starting something on my own two feet from the ground up however, if I decide that I DO want a production deal – When that happens, you will see a LOT of change. I PROMISE!


To be ultimately blunt, as any passionate musician would say – I aspire to be a great. There’s more than 10 things I could list that I would plan to do once signed but the main one is to, show the world why God put me on this planet. I stand for more than just music, although I’m not an artist – I want to be one of the first producers to really connect & engage with people and allow them to be motivated by work ethic & attitude and show them that ‘Impossible’ really means “I-M-POSSIBLE” (I am possible).”

Having already worked with a host of well known and talented artists Gifted is setting his sights high when it comes to his aspirations of working with other established artists, and continues to pledge his support to the UK Asian Music scene.


“Not so much the Asian Music Industry (work with) although I will say I do have love for them, however mainstream wise – I would love to work with many artists, including the likes of Beyonce/Drake/Chris Brown but then there’s also other artist’s like Tinie Tempah & B.O.B that I would also like to work with!


I’ve already worked with big names from Konvict Records (Sway), Jive Records (Huey Ent) as well people like Giggs, Wretch 32 & So Solid Crew but there’s still a lot of people to work with yet!”

The young producer feels that there is still a lot that needs changing in the music industry and feels that the boundaries and genres should be more clearly defined to help promote artists and help them break through.


“I would like to see less of the somewhat robotic duplication of this new wave of ‘urban music’ which is actually pop because if people like myself are trying to bring back the essence of it all, certain artists are pushing it even further back & people in those kind of positions make it harder for people still on the come up.


Of course commerical mass appeal is what any artist needs if they want to make money, I just wish we was back in the era where you didn’t have to conform your sound to make money.


It would be good if everyone were to be themselves because each person has a beautiful perspective deep down, they just need to take the shutter of their lens & see things clearly for once & not be blinded by the lights (literally) – Think about that one.”


Twitter: @GiftedTheGreat
Facebook: ravgiftedchana

Work enquiries: Giftedmusiccontact@gmail.com

Pop Couture: Beauty divine

REBEL: Real, Energetic, Brave, Everlasting + Loved-  A Rebel goes against the grain, doesn’t conform, strives to prove and does whatever it takes to get to their destination

For the past six years singer Kazz Kumar has been breaking boundaries since her days as a member of a girl band and then part of the hugely popular ensemble, the Sona Family. Now a solo artist, Kazz reflects upon her humble beginnings, her exposure to different types of music and her instant fascination with performing to an audience:

“I started really young. My parents used to play a lot of different genres of music at home. I was brought up around great music! I started singing in youth choirs and in small theatre productions, even got the chance to sing solo at Disneyland!

I auditioned here and there and became a member of a girl band for a year. I left to join Sona Family back in 2005! I started working on my solo project at the end of 2008 and I’m still on the hustle, working on my album and on other artist’s projects!”


Being a non conformist when it comes to personality, fashion and music, Kazz is not one to shy away from the limelight and media attention as the singer/ songwriter explains:


“My music is edgy pop! I write my own songs so they all have the ‘Kazz’ stamp on them! I think my personality comes through in all my tracks and I have a different look/style in comparison to the other artists. I believe it’s really important to have your own ‘swagga’, there’s no point in being a cookie cutter type, where’s the fun in that?”


Kazz looks up to artists who she feels that have shaped her music and identity and helped her become the unique singer she is today 


“I look up to Michael Jackson, Madonna, Boy George and Cyndi Laupar! They were my heroes as I was growing up! When I got older I was listening to a lot of Alanis Morrisette, Linkin Park, Aaliyah and Robyn. Real music, real creative people”


Reflecting on the importance of being signed and the artists she would like to work with Kazz is clearly a woman who knows where she is going and is not afraid to say it like it is.


“I plan to work even harder than I already do! Being signed isn’t everything; it doesn’t mean you can relax. I aim to work work and work to represent what us Urban Asian artists can do, plus I’d love to prove people wrong, and those who didn’t believe in me. People I’d love to work with such as David Guetta, Red One and LMFAO! Oh and Plan B but only because I have a huge crush on him! I’m excited about Jernade Miah’s project, he’s a real talent.”


The UK Asian Music Award (AMA) nominated singer explains how she feels the state of the Asian music is prime for a big change.


“Urban artists need to be given their own TV music channel and radio station. Promoters need to pay artists to perform. Real talent needs to be highlighted. Those who create out of blood, sweat and tears, they are the REAL artists.”


The young, talented, sexy and hip artist has joined forces with established producer Young Archie from Young Archie Assignment to produce ‘In My Head’ which is billed to be a classic summer tune with a dub step twist. Keep your eye out for Kazz Kumar!
www.myspace.com/kazzkumar
www.facebook.com/kazzkumar
www.twitter.com/kazzkumar
www.youtube.com/kazzkumar

Enter: Kane Hustle

'Being a rebel is a positive thing, it means going through with what you believe in. These days that's a rare quality'

Hip Hop producer Kane Hustle has been heavily inspired by music ever since an early age; the Asian producer has enjoyed music in all aspects of his life and found it his calling.


“Music has always been a massive part of my life, through my culture, peers, and even my religion; it’s a huge part of daily life for me. I brought a few instruments when I was like 9-years old and it just spiralled from there. When I turned 15, after I brought my first pair of decks, I distinctly remember wanting to become a music producer. I always wanted to be the maestro behind the music the person who pieces everything together and since then it’s just been something that’s inseparable from me.”

Kane believes in his unique style of music and feels that Hip Hop music today is lacking ‘soul’- and that evoking emotion with variety and creative freedom is the key to producing a solid track.


“My specialism is Hip Hop, it draws on Electronica because of the sounds I use, but basically, its Hip Hop. In my opinion the beauty of this music is, is that you can use sounds and instruments from any source in the world, there’s no rules with Hip Hop, it’s not too dissimilar to what Asians have done with Punjabi music in the UK except there is more creative freedom.


My music is definitely different; you’ll know a Kane Hustle beat when you hear it. Everything I do has to have the ability to evoke an emotion and right now, Hip Hop is missing that these days- it’s too ‘soft’ - nothing comes from the soul. Everyone is too busy trying to make money, which is fine, I understand, but as a fan, it means there is little diversity or variety. I think that everyone is trying the same formulas.”

Influenced by a plethora of different artists and producers both Asian and mainstream Kane has a lot of respect for those unique artists that have shaped the industry in the past years and feels that his identity is shaped by those vibes.

“I was born and raised on Hip Hop. Without sounding corny it saved my life; in many ways it supported me when I was down, lifted me up when I needed it and helped shape the man I am today. I guess it’s not strictly the music, but the poets behind the music who have helped do that. I’m influenced by everything around me- I draw positive vibes from everything and anything in life.


People like Dr Dre, Daz Dillinger, Pete Rock, Lil Jon, Alchemist, Neptunes, Scott Storch, Punjabi mc are all people who have really influenced me on my musical journey. I look up to those producers and marvel at some of the work they have made over the years, but there’s a lot of up and coming producers/artists who influence me and surprisingly, a lot of them come from the UK. Musical talent is in abundance. That’s what keeps you humble, there’s an ocean of music out there.”

Taking his craft seriously, Kane plans to establish himself as a solid figure in the Hip Hop scene and is continually finding new ways to express himself through his art.

“I want be a master at my art and I visualise myself taking my talent to a universal scale, I would be happy to just be earning a living doing what I love, but I want my music to carry me into other avenues and open up other doors. I also love writing poetry and because, generally, I’m a deep thinker, being able to convey this into raps- and then fuse this into my music, is something which I seriously look forward to doing in the future.”

Kane believes in the ethos of Rebellion and Revolution and sees it as a positive thing whereby that sometimes, in order to make a chance one must turn their back on the norm to get noticed.

"Rebel in the general sense of the word means someone who goes against convention, the norm and does what he or she wants to as long as you’re not intentionally hurting someone, being a rebel is a positive thing; it means going through with what you believe in. These days- that’s a rare quality people possess.

I’ve always been a rebel never been one to care what people think. I’ve never intentionally hurt. Once I set my sights on something, I will make sure I achieve it. I’m not one for settling or following society.


If something doesn’t sit well with me, I won’t do it, especially in my music career- being a full time musician, is- in many ways- a massive sacrifice for me and going totally against the norm of the people around me.
Signed or not signed, I want to make good music, create a following of loyal fans, grow musically and then make great music until, as I said, I become a master of my art. I just want to keep learning, absorbing and growing."


http://www.youtube.com/user/KaneHustle


http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.twitter.com%2Fkanehustle&h=65e63

http://www.kanehustle.com/

Introducing..... Taz Khan

‘A rebel is someone who is in your face, tells you like it is, somebody who doesn’t take crap, somebody who will do anything to be noticed.’


Singer Taz Khan discovered his passion for music from a young age and believes that it’s these experiences, coupled with awe inspiring role models that have helped shape him into the artist he is today.

“At a really young age I was a big fan of MJ (Michael Jackson) his voice his dance moves and his look. He became an inspiration to me; he is the reason why I got into the music business. Another reason I wanted to become a singer is because my dad was a singer in Pakistan, I’d always hear him singing, and my mum also had a really good voice so I grew up with people singing in my family.”

The young R’n’B singer believes that his unique style and embrace of different musical influences helps him stand out from the crowd and away from the certain clichés and pitfalls in other industries.


“I want to use my style of music and my vocals and with the help of my producer Raja D and work with different genres or music e.g. Dub Step, Baseline, Electro Drum and Bass as well as Rock. I want to move away from the Dhol and folk style music because in my mind it is dead. Most artists in the Asian music industry are playing with the classic folk style music, I want to break away from that and work with different genres of music, bring a new feel into the Asian industry. I want to be a bit daring.

My influences as I have mentioned include Michael Jackson, Neyo, Drake and Timbaland, Michael Jackson set a standard in the music world he was in your face he did what he did and set a trend I want to be just like that but do that in the songs I sing the music me and my producer make the different genres we play with, we want people to think wow that’s impressive we want to do things that have never been done before we want and will set a trend in the music industry.

Timbaland also set a standard in the music business one of the first people in the Hip Hop scene to use Asian/Indian music in his track ‘Indian flute’ and make it a massive hit in the US. Neyo is a legend, his style of music his look and his vocals make him stand out from all the crowd and Drake well his voice is unique, and he’s an amazing in your face rapper /singer.”


Taz Khan has a lot of respect for the Asian music industry, but believes that it is time for a change. If had a choice he would choose a few established people already active to help him on this groundbreaking quest:


“At this moment there are only three people in the music industry who I think I could work with, Roach Killa, who is a legend, if he works with the right people he could be a bigger star than he is now. I’m talking about the UK scene; the guy has unlimited talent and seems like a good guy. He is without a doubt the best rapper that has ever come into the Asian industry. He has set a standard.
Rishi Rich has worked hard producing music for some of the biggest names and he has an eye for talent. He was also the first person in the UK Asian scene to make sum of the best tracks ever heard, in my opinion he is much underrated- I would compare him to the Timbaland of the UK.
Also, Eren E, who is Imran Khan’s producer, this guy is an incredible producer working with electro working with different sounds different feels of music. He put Imran Khan on the map and yet can you believe that he hasn’t yet won an award.”


The daring singer has grand ambitions for the future, setting his own trends and creating a niche for his music to thrive in.


“In 10 years time I see myself as part of a revolution in the music industry, a part of a group who believe in changing the music industry, I see myself still singing making songs and also helping people who I believe can change the industry.”

Having all the tools he requires to begin on his journey of self expression, it’s the paper kind (being signed) that is one of the ultimate accomplishments for an artist to make it in the music industry, Taz has many plans for his music once he is signed and hopes to change the landscape of the industry he is part of.

“Once I am signed I plan on working with my producer Raja D putting my blood sweat and tears and making a killer album with different feels of music putting different styles of music experimenting with different sounds that will change the music industry forever, it’s time for a change.”

http://twitter.com/tehseentazkhan