Roach Killa is a multi-talented Canadian Artist, with an originality of his own. Described as an all-over musician, he produces, writes and composes unique music. From the bass line of Reggae rhythms, swinging R’n’B flows and bouncing Hip-Hop beats, he creates addictive combinations. His style attracts the wider audience, capturing global music lovers.
He developed a passion for urban & pop music and was inspired by artists such as Michael Jackson, Bob Marley and Tupac. He mastered the art of Reggae vocals at an early age from a culture he fell in love with soon becoming a Reggae star in his own right.
Roach Killa’s new single ‘Heartbroken’ featuring Garry Sandhu and Naseebo Lal, is being released by the UK’s foremost Asian record company – Moviebox Records. The urban artist is currently concentrating on launching his music and art to a wider audience here in the UK, back home in Canada and the WORLD!
Asian World speaks to the Reggae Punjabi artist ahead of the release of his brand new single.
What drew you to the Reggae/Punjabi genre?
I think my main music inspirations were Apache Indian and Bob Marley. The area that I grew up in Toronto, there were a lot of immigrants at that time and a lot of different cultures and different ethnicities. The area that I was living in there were a lot of Jamaican people so I kind of got onto that Reggae vibe.
When I saw Apache Indian doing it, it kind of brought it home a bit more for me because if an ‘apna’ can do it, so can I. that’s how I got into the reggae/Punjabi.
Who are your biggest musical inspiration?
There’s so many different genres of music, like I said, Apache Indian was the influence that got me into the Reggae/Asian vibe. Other artists like Tupak. As well as Mohammed Rafi. There are so many different genres of music that I listen to, and they’re all inspirations. My style is a combination of everything I’ve listened to.
How did you know you wanted to get into the music industry?
At a young age, I had a lot of musical influence in my house. I used to play a lot of Punjabi music and a lot of Bollywood music. I was born in Libya, so I listened to a lot of Arab music. As a child, I grew up with 2 different languages.
I think I had music in my blood, it was my interest. As I was growing up, people around me became lawyers and doctors. Me, I wanted to rap or sing and entertain, it was always there I just discovered it at an early age.
What’s the best moment in your career so far?
There’s been a lot of highlights, but one of the best moments in my career is going to India, Mumbai recording with the Meet Brothers and recording my first Bollywood song from the film ‘Bhaagi’ with Tiger Shroff and Shahid Kapoor earlier this year. The film was a success and the song was well received.
For me that was a big thing because growing up as a kid watching Bollywood movies, to then having one of the stars singing your part, its surreal!
Have you experienced any difficulties while you were trying to make a name for yourself in the industry?
Yes definitely, it’s an uphill battle. I came from Toronto to the UK because we know the UK scene is international. If you want to be a Bollywood star you have to go to Mumbai, because that’s where the hub is. Same thing, I wanted to be part of the UK Asian music scene I had to come all the way down to the UK. So, that was kind of hard for me to up and leave on my own without my family.
It’s been a tough year but I wouldn’t change a thing because it defines who I am as an artist and a person, so I’m glad I went through the hardships, it was a good learning curb.
Is there any advice you’d give to new comers joining the music industry?
Don’t be afraid to be creative, it doesn’t matter what the next guys doing. Don’t just follow the popular genres, every artist needs to have originality for people to latch onto. For example, if your listening to a radio and you hear Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, you know its him because you know the distinctiveness and originality in his voice. Or if you listen to Jay Z or Drake or Gurdas Man they’re all original in their own creation. So, don’t be afraid to be yourself. The worst thing in life is failing and not trying, if you fail you get up and try again.
What else have you been up to outside your busy music career?
a little while ago I was going into schools in the Midlands, working with West Midlands Police, raising awareness for knife crimes. I was speaking to kids out there about the dangers of carrying knives and criminal activity and dropping out of schools, basically motivating children, showing them that we could have done all that but we got into music so there are opportunities out there.
It was a great campaign, and even if we saved one person’s life its one step in the right direction.
So you’re out promoting your new single, what was it like working with Garry Sandhu and Naseebo Lal?
Me and Garry Sandhu have been connected for the last few years and we’ve done so many songs together, so it always great to have Garry back on the track.
With Naseebo Lal I didn’t get a chance to work with her in the studio personally as she was in Pakistan but we got the vocal over. I haven’t connected with her as much as I would like to, but if I do I will definitely let you guys at Asian World know!
It was great to have her vocals and the funny thing is my mom is a huge fan of her, so this one’s going out to my mom. Big up Naseebo Lal she killed the track!
