By Emb Hashmi
Panjabi Sikh London Born, Derby boy based in the east Midlands, is not your average DJ, he is educated to degree level attaining a BA honors in Business Management & Enterprise, nominated for a BritAsia award and has a strong following, is he the next big thing in the Asian music scene, or will he expand his music collective and dominate the world with his unique sound. Asian World spoke to the talented young DJ to delve deeper into his psyche and see what makes him so successful.
One of UK Bhangra’s most foremost DJ’s, AJD, has now entered the music industry as a new executive producer with his debut single ‘Magic’.
AJD has a ten year career in the live music circuit. AJD has teamed up with long-term friends and talented musicians Kaos Productions, to launch one of his own formations entitled – “Magic” (Jadu).
AJD was nominated for a BritAsia Music award which is quite an impressive achievement for a newcomer. He said “I’m really happy to be nominated”. He said it is great to be recognized and he does enjoy events like this as it gives artist a great platform. AJD had a busy night not only being nominated for an award but he went on to illustrate his d-j skills at the after party.
AJD has collaborated with new talent to realize his ambition for his single “Magic” taking it from concept to production. The single includes vocalist Billa Ferozepuria from Punjab, and lyricist Deep Ghanauri from Canada.
AJD composed and wrote the chorus of his new single.
Accompanying the release of Magic has been “The Magic Single Launch Tour” – Which has seen AJD touring across the UK to promote the launch of Magic, and also doing what he does best d-j. MAGIC got its first airplay, on the Bobby Friction show who commented “Now that was a special set right there”.
1. When did you know you had a talent and ambition for music and why do you think you had this talent? ie. Family background in music or was there an influential person in your life that you looked up to?
I have been DJ’ing for over 10 years, and as time went along, I was infused with musical ideas that I thought are a gap in today’s current market. I then teamed up with various musicians to bring these ideas to life. My family background is business minded; I am the first person to relate into the field of music.
2. What gave you the fuel to produce your own single after being in the industry for 10 years?
While I was on the road DJ’ing constantly, I began to create various ideas for songs that I felt were not yet in the market, whether the ideas span from melodies, to vocals, to lyrics, and compositions. I then turned these ideas into life by collaborating and working with professionals in these related fields.
3. What response have you had from industry, fellow artists and fans?
The response has been amazing. Every day I thank my genuine supporters for being so great to me. I really feel overwhelmed with the response off one song.
As the response from fellow artists, I already shared great rapports with industry artists through the events I was a resident DJ at, so the industry has taken very warmly to my transition from resident DJ to music artist.
4. 5. Best and worst thing about being in the public domain?
Best – the appreciation and support you receive, which fuels you to carry on. I read my Facebook wall and twitter every day. Kind words of support and progression to anyone can help them. a million miles more to progress.
Worst – I have to always (Try) and look my best in the public! Whether it is shows, appearances or even a trip to Asda – I can’t wear my jogging bottoms anymore!
5. How would you describe your genre of music?
Bhangra. Pure Panjabi party Bhangra. However I will delve into other genres soon.
6. What are your fans like ie.. good, bad, crazy overwhelming …?
My “supporters” as I call them, are fantastic. I believe that no new Asian DJ in the Bhangra industry is big enough to have “Fans” as so they say. I believe the current Bhangra industry is more of a singers market, as the term “fans” seem to gel with them more. For us as DJ’s, we can only appreciate the support and stay grounded and remember that we are not larger than life.
7. Best gig you have ever preformed at and why?
I have DJ’ed at so many it is very difficult to say. I am just glad to be part of such big brands such as the BBC London Mela, Asiana, Elegance, Desi-Licious, Milkshake, Shaanti and many more.
AJD – “I sincerely thank everyone for their love and support across the tour and hope the support will continue upon the release of Magic, on my own record label, AJD Records. Let the Magic commence!”.
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