Talktime | hard Kaur
Named Taran Kaur Dhillon, she shot to fame with the song Ek Glassy. This Hip Hop rapper is out with her latest single Jhumka Gira Re. She talks to GANGREIlIU PANMEI about why this song is not a remix, reason why singles are trending and how she now wants to do something different
Why did you choose to remix the Jhumka Gira Re songIJ
I’m going to say this in every interview that it’s not a remix, it’s an original song. Obviously, the inspiration came from the three words — jhumka gira re — but once you hear my song you’ll know that it’s different. The rap is in Hindi, Punjabi and English.
But why these three words, as you sayIJ
It’s about the beat. I was working on a couple of tracks and I met this person from Delhi. I liked his beat — it was a Reggae bashment. It was similar to what I had grown up with but never experimented. I wanted to come up with something different.
Are you still interested in party songsIJ
I have always wanted to do different things. I’m coming up with a mixed tape next month which features over 30 artistes. It is going to be the biggest album featuring so many in the history of Indian Hip Hop. I’ve been doing music for 23 years now. I’ve also been concentrating on working as a music director. I’m waiting for my chance.
What about pop culture in IndiaIJ
I’m happy that it has reached a stage where underground Hip Hop is being appreciated and will be the next big thing. There is a movie being made on Hip Hop by Ranveer Singh called Gully Boys. Hip Hop is really massive right now.
How’s music changing in IndiaIJ
We are going to the next level. Good days are coming. A lot of talented artistes are coming up. Even in the villages, with access to the Internet, people have started appreciating talented artists and respecting good singers. They know the difference between good and bad music.
Why are singles trending moreIJ
It is more to do with the budget. Earlier, there was a big budget on an album and signing of an artiste. It was a full project with many people involved, but things have changed now. It is more easy for an artiste to push himself as an independent.
What’s you take on live performances.
There is no measure of the happiness you get when you are on the stage with a mic in your hand and the crowd singing with you. When people know your lyrics, you feel you have done a great job.
What type of music do you want to doIJ Do you write songs that people wantIJ
I do both. I can’t be satisfied with one type of songs. I love doing different types. I love doing Hip Hop, Bollywood, independent songs, commercial songs and romantic songs which I’ve never sung ( laughs). I love to try out everything.
What about global singers coming to IndiaIJ The Justine Beiber trip.
I have never seen anyone so unprepared on the stage. I just think that he is ignorant of our culture. But Snoop Dog came, Akon came, people loved them because they respect the culture wherever they go. I think that’s to do with the difference of attitude between Brits and Americans.
What do you have to say about the music the youth are listening toIJ
There is bad and good to it — there is talk about sex, cars, girls and the other side where lyrics tell you to not sell your soul.
Tell us about girls in Hip Hop.
I’ve seen some girls trying to come up, but it’s about polishing your talent and mastering it. Women have to fight in a male-dominated industry. Women need to understand the game — keep your self-respect, don’t sell your soul and be great on stage.
Tell us about your fans.
They are the ones who love you on your good and bad days. They are the ones who really encourage me, much like my mother. Music is what unites us.