Apache Indian was not able to impress many during his tour in 2011. He worked upon his music to suit modern demands and finally succeeded in winning hearts in India. He spoke to Iknoor Kaur
His music was loved in the 90s when independent music was at its peak and albums and artistes were loved like Bollywood playback singers and composers. All those who witnessed this phase would remember DJ Steve Kapur aka Apache Indian. The musician visited India in 2011 and he realised that his music needs a revision. So he did the needful and came up with another album It Is What It Is and was in India again this year to promote the same. This time the music was loved.
Written and recorded in the US by producer Jim Beanz, the album features music that resulted from Apache’s collaborations with some biggies in the international music scene. “I’m working with people like Timbaland and Nelly Furtardo. They are modern tracks, as per modern demands. It has got Hindi and Punjabi and is collaborative reggae,” he shared.
Apache who is noted for a highly distinctive vocal style that is a fusion of Asian, West Indian and English cultural elements, was also spotted recently shooting for the album in Mumbai along with pop singer, Raghav Mathur. “I wanted to team up with him for a long time. He has done reggae as well and Jim had worked with him earlier. It sounded like a great idea. I have done single called Celebrate which will feature him.”
Among some of Apache’s all time favourite Indian artistes is Gurdas Maan and Mika Singh. He even worked with Mika on the trilingual film, www.love.com in 2010. He said, “I’m a big Punjabi fan. I also love Hindi classics of Mohammed Rafi and Kishore Kumar. Bollywood songs are great and I think the choreography that Hindi films have is the best in the world. I worked with Pritam in Race, AR Rahman in No Problem and I have also done a Telugu song. I love everything about Indian music.”
It Is What It Iswill feature 14 songs. Apart from this, Apache is also working on a film based on his life. Though he didn’t divulge details, he said, “It will take a couple of years and should turn out to be a nice story.”