Most of us have seen him perform at a Mela or a Gig, and if you haven't then your missing out! H Dhami is the latest artist to have been signed up by Rishi Rich and is ready to launch his brand new debut album! The track 'Sadke Java' has been getting heavy rotation up and down the countries radio stations. SimplyBhangra.com caught up with H Dhami to bring you this very exclusive interview!

 

 

It’s been a pretty hectic year for you! For those who have managed not to find out who you are, give us a quick low down about H Dhami!

H Dhami:It’s been crazy but at the same time it’s been so amazing. I’m basically a punjabi vocalist who’s just signed to Rishi Rich Productions. I’ve been always wanted to sing ever since the age of six when I used to perform alongside my Dad on stage. He’s Palvinder Dhami - the legendary lead singer from the bhangra band HEERA. We’ve already released a video for my first single; 'Sadke Java' and I’ll be releasing my first album in March so it’s all good!

You’ve been brought forward by Rishi Rich, how did you manage to hook up with him, or was it a case of him finding you?

H Dhami: It was his artist Veronica who actually introduced us at an Awards event last year.   It was a great privilege to meet someone I respected so much within the Asian music industry. Rishi had already heard about me through the grapevine and he invited me to his studio for an audition. Well, I guess you know the rest!

The ‘Sadke Java’ video (Click Here To Watch) has been playing for a few months now on TV and the single doing heavy rotation on radio, how has the reaction so far been for you?

H Dhami: The reaction so far has been amazing. I’ve been really blessed to get the support I’ve been receiving from fans, friends and family. I’ve been performing the track internationally and it’s such a great feeling to see the love people have for my first single.

Oh and who is the girl in the video? Has she got Facebook? Haha

H Dhami: Lol... you’re not the first one to ask about the girl in the video! Her name is Tia and yes I agree, she's stunning. Although, I have to say she has an amazing personality and it great working with her.

A few more singles of yours have been playing recently, are they off a H-Dhami album, and if so, when will they be releasing?

H Dhami: Yes it’s all new material and there’s so many more great tracks we’ve recorded.  We’re still working on various styles and have yet to decide which tracks will make the album, but they’ve all got a vibe so it’s hard to decide! Don’t worry, we’ll make sure you get a copy!

 

Has the album soley been produced by Rishi? And any notable collaborations that we should look out for?

H Dhami: The album is all Rishi, which gives it that extra edge. There are a-few collaborations on the album including Rishi’s other newly signed artist Mumzy.  But I can reveal I’ll be doing a collaboration with my Dad which is really going to be something special and I know a lot of people are looking forward to it.

2007 saw you first burst onto the UK scene via a lot of Mela’s and Gigs, any favourite places you performed at? Or any places you wish you hadn’t bothered…

H Dhami: 2007 was one hell of a rollercoaster ride for me. Within the space of a few months, we’d received numerous booking both in the UK and abroad. Performing at Mela's across the country was a wicked laugh, just seeing the crowd going crazy and vibing was a buzz for me. Performing in different parts of the world was definitely a highlight for me, as I’ve not even released and album and I’ve been lucky enough to take my music on an international level. Can't get enough of it...lol...

Whats it been like working alongside some of Rishi’s ability and knowledge, do you feel your vocal ability has improved under his guidance?

H Dhami: Rishi’s been an amazing mentor. I still learn something new everyday. Until today I still wonder where Rishi get's this inspiration and ability from, it’s amazing to watch. I’ve definitely improved since working with Rishi and look forward to taking my talent to another level with years to come.

A lot has been made of your similarity with Juggy D, vocal wise and performing, what would you say to those who just think you’re a Juggy D part 2?

H Dhami: A lot has been said in regards to the similarity between Juggy and myself... Let me ask a question - What do you think...?

I know everyone out there has their own opinion, and i respect that, but i think people just need to realise that we are two individual artists, we love doing what we do. Is it because Rishi was the founder of Juggy D and now me,  that’s we both have to be the same..? I think it’s because we are young punjabi artists and we love entertaining, it’s as simple as that. People will be able to see the difference between our styles once my album is out. In terms of performance, we both go nuts on stage - that's what bhangra does...lol!

 

 

 

For those who don’t know, your father is part of the famous Heera group who have massive worldwide success, how was it growing up around this success? Did you ever get the chance to experience the live Bhangra scene with the Heera group?

H Dhami: Growing up around i would call the 'Pioneers Of Bhangra Music' has been amazing. Going to the studio at such young age, watching my dad in the vocal booth, on stage and on national TV – is a feeling of its own. The best times was when they would perform at weddings. I would sit on stage and watch them and see the love and reaction from the crowd. At the age of 6, I went on tour with Heera to Canada and Chicago - that was the 1st time I stepped on stage and performed. I had my bhangra wear on and was busting out the old skool moves!

How did you first get into singing and performing, was it basically a case of looking up at your dad and saying to yourself ‘I want to do that’?

H Dhami: In simple words - Its in the blood, Like father Like son...

I’ve always had an interest in music and initially started bhangra dancing, then dhol, then tumbi and now vocals.. It was at 6form/college where i started to sing and performed at a charity event. Everyone around me encouraged me to take it further and make something out of it. But my dad like any other parent advised I finished my studies first. When I graduated, I knew I wanted to continue singing and with the support from my dad, family and all my friends I’m able to do what I love.

Your still a relative newcomer in the music scene, how has the whole experience been for you? You must have clocked up quite a few air miles by now!

H Dhami: It’s been an amazing experience for me. Having the right team around me has enabled me to achieve what I have so far. Believe it or not, I haven't got an air miles card! That’s on my list of things to do!

Your own brand of music isn’t really all out (Desi) Bhangra, its more of a fusion, which is what Rishi really excels at, do you think you will be doing a full blown hardcore Bhangra track anytime soon?

H Dhami: My album will feature all sorts of beats and styles including good old traditional Bhangra giving it a real variety of sounds.

 

 

 
Correct me if im wrong but all your performances up to date have been PA’s, have you thought about the idea of singing totally live, with a band?

H Dhami: All performances to date have been LIVE PA's. Live band could be a plan for the future, who knows?

Have you got any plans to tour North America?

H Dhami: Yes certainly, we’re looking to do a big tour when the album drops.

What can we expect from H Dhami in 2008?

H Dhami: The album will be releasing very soon as well as more videos and more great performances.

A big thanks for the interview, any final words for your growing list of fans and the readers of SimplyBhangra.com,

H Dhami: I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my fans for the love and support you've shown. Keep the love and support strong. Hope to see you guys soon. God Bless.. H-DHAMI.