With Panjabi MC recently releasing his new album titled The Raj, we thought it was about time to catch up with PMC and see what he had to say about his latest master piece.
DB: So, you’re back again, with an album that may just be the best yet. How are you feeling right now, with it having just been released?
Panjabi MC: I really think its my best one. I know that its gonna take time for people to absorb it cause its big again. The dance tracks are ground breaking!!
DB: What kind of response are you getting on the album so far?
Panjabi MC: a really good one. I don’t go all out to promote my stuff but everyone who actually has heard about it is down and feeling it
DB: The album is titled ‘The Raj’. When and how did you decide that this would be an apt name?
Panjabi MC: that’s the name of the title track. So that became the album name. Its also my name..
DB: ‘The Raj’ boasts a massive 18 tracks. Had you always planned for the album to contain this many tracks, or did it just happen?
Panjabi MC: I love big albums that last 80 mins. Im used to mixtapes and its got to last a long journey in the car. E.g from Coventry to London
I don’t go all out to promote my stuff but everyone who actually has heard about it is down and feeling it
DB: Now, we’ve heard that this album was produced ‘on the road’. Is this true? Things must have been pretty hectic, with gigs and producing at the same time – how did you manage?
Panjabi MC: that was my last one. Indian timing. However this one was done in uk.
DB: We’ve taken a listen to the album, but before we tell you what we think of it, we want to know what you think of it yourself?
Panjabi MC: like I say I’m very proud of this one!
DB: Ok, now it’s our turn to tell you what we think of ‘The Raj’… We think it’s absolutely outstanding, and definitely is some of your best work yet! Can you tell our audiences a little bit about the elements and the sounds you’ve delivered through the new album?
Panjabi MC: always keeping it desi. I’ve got a nice range of tracks. From American rap remixes to dance tracks. All the elements I need to make a good club dj set
DB: Which is/are your favourite track(s) on the album? Which ones did you enjoy producing the most?
Panjabi MC: moorni, jatti, the raj, panjab in here, kee lagh da remix, but loads more. That’s why I love this album
I think people who like my sound will like THE RAJ
DB: We love how you’ve retained your identity through each and every track, but given every single one a new, contemporary twist and at times even taken exciting risks. How important do you think it is for a world-class producer like yourself to experiment with upcoming sounds?
Panjabi MC: Its what I do anyway, cause I make the tracks that I feel are needed around at the time. I love the dance tracks cause their cutting edge (that’s when someone rips off your sound and thinks no ones noticed)
DB: What kind of market, except the Asian market, do you think this album will attract? Was it aimed at a specific market in particular?
Panjabi MC: ive got a wide audience outside the bhangra market. I think people who like my sound will like THE RAJ. However I always make my tracks for the desi crowd
DB: ‘Jodi’ is a very ‘Panjabi MC’ in the sense that it is your signature style; Panjabi Bhangra fused with a slick hip-hop element. It of course features one of your favourite singers, and the great, Kuldeep Manak. How was it having the opportunity to work on this track together?
Panjabi MC: amazing as he is our guru. I was glad to be called up on this project
DB: ‘Jodi’ is also the first track to be accompanied by a music video. Why did you choose this one to have a video shot for first?
Panjabi MC: this is all about record companies.. they wanted that video done first. Moorni is the next one coming in 2 weeks
anyone who hasn’t heard this album on some serious bassline speakers need to do that asap
DB: ‘Salute’ and ‘The Raj’ are two tracks that you have managed to keep undercover pretty well. Both are very deep and inspirational. Can you tell us a little bit about what you were trying to achieve through the tracks and what they mean to you personally?
Panjabi MC: salute is all about the families of soilders who never really get appreciated for what they give. As a panjabi who comes from near many wars, I had that opinion, and the raj is all about who I am as a person and what made me like that. cutting edge again…
DB: One track, that we believe crosses cultures and even generations, is ‘Dil Mor De’. You fuse a completely traditional sound with an electronica/dance vibe coupled with a totally contemporary dubstep tone. Would you agree that this track proves there is an ongoing element of surprise that runs through the whole album?
Panjabi MC: I agree. And thanks desi box!!!
DB: ‘Panjab In Here’ is another desi-box favourite, proof that you have the ability to produce great, great music without the need for vocals. We see that one being a big dance club hit. You’ve definitely kept it real with this amazing new album. We’ve got the traditional Bhangra numbers; some exciting fusions; vocals from some of the greats, and some amazing dance numbers. Is there anything you’d like to say to the public to entice them even further into buying the album?
Panjabi MC: anyone who hasn’t heard this album on some serious bassline speakers need to do that asap!! And get the cd. (with free instrumental cd) cause it sounds a lot better…keep this one in your player for a while..
DB: …And finally, do you have a message for your fans?
Panjabi MC: a big thanks to everyone who has contacted or commented. Thank you to all my fans for continuous support. CD’s available in UK shops now. Check me on twitter @panjabimc1.
BUY the album The Raj from iTunes below: