Catching up with Dj Vix!
DJ Vix launched his eagerly awaited new single at Arch One in Waterloo on Saturday 29th January. The venue was filled with a trendy young crowd who were dressed to impress.
Rashpal, who was talking on behalf of Event Star and Cerise Entertainment (Joint Promoters) said that he was happy the night was a success as it was the first time that they had hosted an event at the venue. He described the night as having a ‘good vibe and a good crowd’ and we couldn’t agree more.
The music was a mix of Bhangra, R n B, Hip Hop and Garage; both old and new. So, musically there was something for everyone. The main attraction of the night was, of course, DJ Vix, who had the crowd cheering and showing off their favourite Bhangra moves when he played his new single.
They will be hosting an Asian night once a month at Arch One. The next date will be 26th February with a live performance from Punjabi Hit Squad. There will also be a Garage night once a month with the resident dj, Rush The Dj . With cheap drinks, good music and a vibrant crowd.......So in the words of the promoters themselves, ‘If you want a good night out then come down to Arch one.’
For more details on future events, log on to www.cerise-entertainment.co.uk
OR www.EventStar.co.uk
On the night we managed to catch up with DJ Vix to talk about the new single, the forthcoming album and his love of ‘daroo’!
SB: How did you become involved in the Asian Music Industry?
DJ Vix: My history is as a DJ. I started my roadshow ‘Dhol n Bass’ in 1996. From there it was a natural progression. I won a few awards for best DJ. After I won the awards I got a deal with Moviebox Records. I was introduced to them via Sukhshinder Shinda who is someone I really look up to.
I’ve had opportunities to work with him in the studio when he’s recorded percussion for me. It was a great opportunity to work with such a great artiste.
SB: Can you tell us a bit about your new single?
DJ Vix: The new single is called ‘Glassy Nachdi’. It’s collaboration between Bhinda Jatt from California and Surinder Shinda from India. Its east meets west. The video was shot in the UK a couple of weeks ago and it’s releasing on the 4th of February on iTunes as well as all the Asian music stores. So please support the single (Single is out now BUY NOW - links below).
SB: You seem to produce a lot of songs about ‘daroo’. So what’s your favourite alcoholic drink?
DJ Vix: (Laughs) Well, I don’t like to promote alcohol. If you noticed in my last song ‘Ah chak botal daroo di’ we did promote safe driving. So, nevertheless, we always try and put a positive line at the end of the song. There are only two songs about ‘daroo,’ they just happened to be back to back.
SB: When’s the new album due and what can we expect from it?
DJ Vix: The new album is due to come out in the summer. I’m still thinking of the name so if any of you guys have any suggestions email them to me.
SB: How about ‘Daroo’? Or maybe ‘Glassy Chakla’?
DJ Vix: (Laughs) No, we’re keeping away from ‘daroo’. We’re going to keep the title non-alcoholic. However, ‘Glassy Nachdi’ will be featuring on the album, just to give you a preview of what to expect on the album. I’ve done collaboration with a Bollywood singer, Kumar Sanu.
He’s someone I listened to when I was growing up, so that was a dream come true. I’ve got Miss Pooja on there. I’ve got a massive collaboration with one of the biggest singers in the Bhangra industry who is still at the top of their game. That’s all I can say.
SB: Can you give us a clue?
DJ Vix: Some people call him the King of Bhangra. There’s a few people trying to claim that title but in my eyes there’s only one and he will be featuring on my new album.
SB: Is his surname ‘Mann’?
DJ Vix: No comment
SB: Ok then. It’s been a while since we heard a song by Bhinda Jatt. Is this a one off or is he making a comeback?
DJ Vix: He’s definitely making a comeback. We’re half way through his album at the moment. There are some really great songs in there. ‘Glassy Nachdi’ is just a teaser of what’s about to come from Bhinda Jatt. He’s coming back and he’s sounding really good.
SB: You’ve mentioned a few artists that you have collaborated with. Who has been your favourite and why?
DJ Vix: I enjoyed working with everyone but especially Shin from DCS. He’s someone I grew up listening to. He was a true professional and I learnt so much working with him.
SB: Is there anyone who you haven’t already worked with who you would like to work with in the future?
DJ Vix: I’m a big fan of Babbu Mann. I’d love to work with him. He’s brilliant. When he starts singing in English in his songs it’s a bit funny, but when he’s singing in Punjabi I love it.
SB: You said you started DJing in 1996. Do you remember ‘Boom goes the gun and yo yo he sings?’
DJ Vix: (Confused, blank face) No
SB: It’s the intro from Bhinda Jatt’s very first song.
DJ Vix: (Laughs) Oh yes, I know it! You caught me out there, you guys are good!
SB: Thanks and thank you for taking the time out for this interview. Do you have any final words for your fans?
DJ Vix: Keep up the good work at SimplyBhangra and thank you to all the readers and fans for supporting my music. Log onto my new website which will be launching on February 4th the same day as the single, its www.djvix.uk.com.
Make sure you go and support the single and keep supporting Punjabi music.
Article by Sarb Mann and Manjinder Mann
Share