Jas Dhingra

Jas Dhingra is a name that you might not recognise, but he is the artist formally known as LL Cool Singh. A master of the mixes and a genuine talent in the UK Bhangra industry, AsianFx caught up with the busy producer and asked him a few questions.

1. Jas you have been away from the scene for a while, how come?

I have been hiding under my decks!!! I admit I've taken time out for myself but my decks have never been further than arm's length either! Everyone deserves some time for their personal life, travel and fun, it's all part of the learning process and hopefully my maturity will show through in 'Mixaholic'

2. You've also changed your name, what are the reasons behind that?

I never really had a big master plan for LL Cool Singh. Someone gave me the nickname and it just stuck. The gimmick actually helped people remember me! I wanted to eventually play under my real name but to be honest I was happily gigging away and never got round to it. Having lied low on the UK Asian scene for a little while, I wanted to bring something fresh to the Bhangra industry with my latest album and with this I decided it was the right time to launch under my birth name; Jas Dhingra.

3. You've also changed record labels, how did that come about?

I achieved a lot with Metropolis and have some great memories from my time with them but as I said earlier, I have been away for a little while and wanted to have a fresh new start, new name, new label to go with the new me.

4. Tell us a little about the new album..

The new album Mixaholic is quite different to my previous albums. For me, it reflects my maturity in the industry and my experience over the last few years. Each tune in the album has been inspired by a different genre of music, whilst retaining the essence of traditional Bhangra through the vocals, instruments or scripts.

The sounds that have been used throughout the album are those that have been picked up and experimented on the dance floor. To name a few tracks... Gabru Putt and Boliyaan very much reflect modern as well as traditional Bhangra... traditional sounds that I am hearing more of on the Bhangra scene. I have also contemporised Challa which is my ultimately favourite track and whilst no one can ever supersede the original, I hope the audiences will like the modern twist that I've added to an all time classic. Naare is also a great example of inspired music which came from a qawaali. I hope there are enough different tracks that will make the album appeal to all.

5. Which artists did you work with?

Vocal talent on the album includes the highly rated singer Mukki G and Sonia Panesar who has recently risen to fame featuring on the Swami album. Alongside the vocalists we have the Mixaholics themselves, dhol players and MCs who have worked alongside me during my career.

6. Are you in for the long haul now?

I've never left! Bhangra is my passion and yes I'm back to make some waves in the industry... my way!

7. How do you see the future of the Bhangra scene in UK? How has the internet affected things?

The internet has had a massive impact on the Bhangra industry, to be honest like most industries! The internet has rocked the music industry, making music accessible to the whole world and cheaply. There are many challenges such as downloading which has affected album sales significantly. But where there's gloom there's also opportunity and the internet has a wealth of opportunities. For the industry to really excel, it needs to embrace this change and take Bhangra music to the next level.

8. What are the opportunities and how can Bhangra embrace the internet?

Well if I have some ideas so let me deliberate these and try them out!

9. Is London more happening or is it the Midlands?

Difficult one to answer as they both rock!

10. What's your advice to budding new DJ's/ artists wanting a break on the scene.?

Keep your ears to the dance floor and experiment with music! Have faith, If you want it bad enough, your time will come!

11. Your message to your fans?

I just want to say thanks to all the fans out there that have welcomed me back into the industry... I appreciate all your support and warmth.... I hope I can continue to rock your boat!

FAVOURITES:

• Colour: Black
• Number: 1
• Song: Challa (Gurdas Mann)
• Indian Film: Namak Halal
• English film. All the James Bond films, but at the moment Casino Royal
• Actor: Sean Connery
• Actress: Priyanka Chopra
• If I ruled the world for one day I'd be: Me!
• Life motto: Have faith. If you want it bad enough, your time will come!
• Love or lust: Bit of both
• Turn on's: Big gorgeous eyes (like my wife's)
• Turn off's: Attitude
• In ten years would like to: Look back and see that I made a contribution do the Asian Music scene.