SimplyBhangra brings you an exclusive interview with producer Mani Hype! Last year, he hit the ground running with his high-energy single, DC. Now, his scorching new single, Punjabi Heart, is set to soundtrack your summer! Mani Hype fills us in on his year since, and discusses Punjabi Heart, Punjabi culture and his upcoming projects.

Mani Hype, welcome!

Hi, and I’d just like to extend warm greetings to all the readers of this amazing site too!

For those readers who may not know, tell us a bit about your background. What was your journey like, up to becoming a signed act?

I grew up as young lad helping DJs as a road crew member. When I wasn't playing football, I was on the road. Music was a way of life to me. I grew up listening to Radio 1 DJs like Pete Tong, Norman Cook a.k.a. Fatboy Slim, and Judge Jools. They were idols to me and I longed for a pair of decks. As the years went by, I gained a vast amount of experience; I set up my own roadshow and I went up and down the country DJing at every venue.

Then, I came to a point where I wanted to start making music. I really wanted to get my sound out there on record rather than just out of my speakers. Friends around me had started making music and I helped them out, and then it was a case of them saying, “Right, now start your project.” One album later, a massive record company and a brilliant PR team, here I am.

As a signed act, you first made an impact a year ago, with the upbeat and infectious single, DC. What have you been up to and what’s developed since?

DC was the debut single off my album. Since then, I’ve finished off the album, which is titled Ballistic, and have been preparing the album launch, and I’ve also worked on other projects.

<Mani Hype – DC Video>

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Your new single, Punjabi Heart, is as hearty as it gets. What was the thought process behind the track?

Punjabi Heart is a track with which I wanted to especially reach out to all the Punjabis who would never forget where they have come from, who would never forget their roots and culture. I wanted give them a track to be proud of, but most of all a true Punjabi song. So, I really enjoyed co-writing the track.

The video for Punjabi Heart references TV talent shows. We’ve seen Desi acts succeed on the likes of Britain's Got Talent and Got to Dance. Was the video inspired by that?

Yes, very much so! How great was it to see Asian people representing on national TV? When it came to the video shoot, I did take a lot from the reality shows and wanted to showcase true Bhangra-style dance. I’m glad people have seen it that way. The teams involved knew exactly what to do and were great to work with.

<Mani Hype –  Punjabi Heart video>

The video is self-aware (as a fictional ‘reality show’ within a music video) in the way it displays traditional Punjabi culture. Is that something you try to particularly promote, as you alluded to earlier; proudly and consciously displaying your original, cultural roots?

Punjabi dance is a true art in itself. The form and the way it’s created and constructed are amazing. Every move is inspirational and reminds us of our culture. So, for me, wherever I can in incorporate it into my music, I will do so. For me, it’s very important to show all cultures our heritage.

Lishkareh Punjab Deh dancers, as featured in the Punjabi Heart video

There’s been a lot of discussion lately regarding the industry and its perceived lack of creativity. Do you think the problem lies with artists, or with audiences who should be demanding more?

The audience can make or break you. They are the paying customer, so they have a right to an opinion. It does lie with the artist to make a creative track and to produce something brilliant for the audience to take back home or to dance to.

We as artists cannot expect the public to like our music instantly because we have flash videos or hot girls and guys in a video. The music is the important factor.

The video for Punjabi Heart matches the song perfectly; fun, intense and vivacious. Is that what you’re aiming to bring as an artist, and what we can expect from the upcoming album?

That’s exactly what I am trying to do with all my songs. With Punjabi Heart, I wanted to reach out to all ages and for the video to connect with them too. The vibe I want to bring to the table is full-on and in-your-face music that will be ringing in your ears.

There is something for everyone on the album – a real must-have for everyone.

You’ve already been fortunate enough to work with Angej Ali and the late Kaka Bhaniawala, who both deliver impressive performances on your songs Punjabi Heart and DC, correspondingly. Who else have you worked with, that you're itching for audiences to hear?

On the album, I have worked with some real powerful artists. To name just a few, you will hear tracks from Nirmal Sidhu, Ashok Gill, Jaspinder Narula and Sudesh Kumari – all of whom I really enjoyed have sing the tracks and have really enjoyed working with.

What can we look forward to from Mani Hype in the near future?

The future holds a lot of doors for me to open, but you can expect me to collaborate with a lot of artists, Punjabi and English. If all goes to plan, the next project should be one that wows everyone.

Where can we keep up to date with you, to catch any news and developments?

You can catch up with me on the VIP Records website, and on my Myspace, Facebook and Twitter pages. And, of course, right here on SimplyBhangra.com as always.

And what closing message would you like to extend to the SimplyBhangra readers?

A massive thank you to each and every one of you who have supported me so far. Long may it continue. Please check out more and upcoming releases, and keep on supporting Punjabi artists and Punjabi music.

God bless you all – without you guys, this industry wouldn't be where it is, so I sincerely thank you.

Interview by Govinda Lakha,