The DesiVibes UK Freshers Tour begins October 3^rd! Award-winning superstar Mumzy Stranger and his protégé Junai Kaden will be headlining. The many supporting acts include Mumzy Stranger’s newest signing Char Avell and the feisty and fierce Tasha Tah.

Ahead of their 15-city tour, the four Tiffin Beats Family members are each giving an exclusive interview to SimplyBhangra every Friday!

This week: Tasha Tah

Tasha, welcome! What’s going on in your world? We hear you have a new single out soon, featuring a US artist!

What isn't going in my world?! [Laughs] I had a break from music for a while, but I'm back and working on lots of projects that I'm excited about. I have a new outlook on my music and a different energy all round. I'm still keeping it edgy but with a twist!

I can't spill the beans on exactly who I'm working with just yet, but you will find out soon, I promise!

“...as artists, each day is inspiring and we all learn from each other.”

Your material is indeed quite edgy and Dance-driven. Who are your biggest influences? What do you like to listen to?

Musically, I've always been inspired by Madonna simply because she is evergreen and her music evolves with her audience. However, as artists, each day is inspiring and we all learn from each other. My biggest influences range from Beyonce to Michael Jackson to the great Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

I'm quite an upbeat person, so I love dance numbers – anything that makes my feet move. At the moment, I'm really feeling Afrojack, LMFAO, David Guetta and Luciano. I guess I'm in Ibiza Mode right now!

How would you describe yourself and the music you make?

The music I write varies and it completely depends on what mood I’m in. I can write anything from Soul, R&B, Pop, Dance and, recently, Punjabi. Generally, the songs I write are quite 'hooky', be it a slow or a fast song. I also play a little piano and that really helps me to ignite the feeling in the songs I write.

“Singing was a part of my family – music was our way of life.”

It seems like you’ve come so far so fast. But you’ve been writing and performing since 14. Your grandmother was an established poet and your father was involved with media giants T-Series. What did coming up through that environment instil in you, creatively and practically?

So much! If it wasn’t for my late father’s guidance, I wouldn't have been logical with the steps that I have taken. He always told me three things. Firstly, nothing happens over night; secondly, always focus on your own project; thirdly, no matter what happens, the show must always go on.

A lot of people don't know this, but my dad was an amazing singer himself. Singing was a part of my family – music was our way of life. I met so many celebrities walking in and out of my home. It made me accustomed to fame and made me realise that musicians/artists were just normal people with a special gift.

I've been very fortunate to get advice from some outstanding musicians in my life. I've seen the highs and lows of the industry from an early age and internal perspective, so this experience has kept me grounded.

Tasha Tah live at last year’s London Mela, and set to embark on a 15-city tour this October

How did the industry being predominantly male affect your path?

Not at all; there’s room for everyone. It’s not like female vocals are not needed. Generally, I suppose in any field it can be tough for a woman when there are not that many, but I just deal with it. Like anything, you have to earn your respect. I'm in this industry because I love music, and it’s as simple as that.

“Women have earned their respect by simply just being tough and not tolerating nonsense stereotypes.”

What are your thoughts on the inequalities and barriers females face?

It’s an age-old problem, I guess. But I feel like it’s changed a lot. Women have earned their respect by simply just being tough and not tolerating nonsense stereotypes. They have proved themselves, and I feel those barriers are closing. I haven't faced any inequality in this industry – maybe a few snide remarks from men that live under a rock, but then I always kindly direct them to jump off the nearest cliff.

You will, of course, be part of October’s Freshers Tour. Are you ready to rock that tour with some much-needed girl power?!

Absolutely! I can’t wait! Performing is my favourite part of being an artist. I'm part of an exciting team, and the line-up of artists is awesome.

And yes, I will definitely be bringing that much-needed girl power!

Mumzy Stranger, Junai Kaden, Char Avell and Tasha Tah all extend this message to the SimplyBhangra readers on behalf of the Tiffin Beats Family:

Thank you for all the constant support we receive from the SimplyBhangra readers. It’s really important that we as a scene are constantly supporting each other and promoting each other. United, we become stronger! At the end of the day, we are here for the fans – much love to all of you! Thank you to SimplyBhangra for all the good work and support!

Check back next Friday to see the third artist in our set of four exclusive interviews.

In the meantime, visit DesiVibesUK.com for Freshers Tour 2011 tickets and info.

Interview by Govinda Lakha.

{jcomments off}