1. Can you please tell us who Dhol Beat International is [Member's names] and where are you all from?
DJ Impact - Bj (Dj, Producer, Singer)
Dholi Deep - Sandeep (Dholi, DJ, Producer)
Dholi Trikz - Ricky (Dholi)
Dholi Raja - Chris (DJ, Dholi)
DJ Dizzy - Aniz (DJ, Producer)
G-Masala - Vasu (DJ,Producer)
Karmjeet Singh (Singer, Song Writer)
DJ Indo - Jason (DJ, Producer)
2. How did all the members get together to form DBI and who was most instrumental in the process?
DHOLI DEEP: Back in 1999, I met DJ Impact at an indian event - one of the top DJs in Texas with a very big interest in bhangra. I started playing dhol right about that time, and Impact gave me the opportunity to do some gigs with him. We then became partners, and in 2002, we created a bhangra group, and came up with the name of Dhol Beat International. Later on, Impact and I were introduced to more artists in Houston, and with that came the other DBI members.
3. Once the foundation was formed, how did you get your major break into the main steam record industry?
DHOLI DEEP: Over the past years, Impact and I, have been making remixes. In 2003, we decided to release a remix album, which was Dance Radio Asia Vol 1. Because of everyones love and support from our first album, we made four more albums after DRA 1. The two latest releases are North American Bhangra Connection, and Dance Radio Asia Vol. 3.
4. Is there anyone out there in the music scene you try to follow or use as inspiration?
DHOLI DEEP: Well, there are a lot of artists which we really look up to like Zeus, Sukshinder Shinda, Jazzy B, Sanj & Lil' Sach, Aman Hayer, TDF, and most of all RDB. RDB have really helped us in the music scene. I (Dholi Deep) have done a couple of gigs and recordings for/with them. Respect to Manjeet Singh for that.
5. What is your opinon on the numerous amounts of Amatuer DJ's and Dholi's in the Desi music scene right now? Is it a good thing or is it watering down the competetion?
Dholi Deep- Well, its good to see that there is a lot of good djs out there. Some djs mix good, some djs get the crowds hype, and some djs produce good music. I think if a dj at least has one of these qualifications, then yes its good theres numerous amounts.
6. For people that are famaliar with DBI , they definetely know that you guys try to keep it real Desi and traditional with the constant flow of the Dhol in the background. What is your take on the constant use of Hip-Hop samples in Desi music and whats your opinon on sampling in general?
Dholi Deep-Hip Hop beat samples in my opinion sound good only in original production. Sometimes in remixes when djs use hip hop beats it ruins the the desiness of the track, and it kills the traditionality. We have used some hip hop beats in mixes, but those beats don't ruin the desiness of the track. Many producers sample hip hop beats, tracks like Hor Glassy, Aashique, Mundiya To bach ke rahi, tracks like those sound clean with the hip hop samples because its original production.
7. There is a rumor out there that your main vocalist [Karamjeet], is planning to release an album of ALL orignal work with DBI production. Can you fill the fans in?
DHOLI DEEP: Yes, Karamjeet will be singing on our album. He has an amazing voice. He's like the Surinder Shinda of North America. Along with Karmjeet, you can expect DJ Impact, Lehmber Hussainpuri, Ranjit Mani, and many more singing on the album. It will be ALL ORIGINAL work. We are expecting its release by the end of this year or early 2006.
8. If given the opportunity, is there a particular artist/producer/DJ you would love to work with in the future?
DBI: If theres one artist we would have to pick it would be Dr. Zeus. Amazing production!
9. Can you tell us, where is your favorite place to perform in the world and where would you love to perform in the future?
DHOLI DEEP: A lot of us have performed in different places. My favorite place so far has been Toronto, Canada. Amazing crowd, and the bhangra scene there is amazing. I Really want to perform in the UK some day. Dholi Raja has performed in Cancun, Mexico, and had an amazing experience there. Dj Impact, just recently did a gig up in Dubai, and the crowd there was really hyped up.
10. Off the wall questions:
a) Your favorite food, both Indian and American?
Indian - Butter Chicken
American - Pizza
b) Your favorite sport/team to watch?
Basketball - Houston Rockets
Soccer - Manchester United
Rugby - South Africa
Cricket - India
c) What CD are you currently listening to?
Aman Hayer - Gettin' Serious
d) Your favorite College Bhangra Team to watch?
Phulorida Bhangra
11. With the phenomenal success of Absolut Bhangra, when can fans worldwide expect Part 2? And is there anything else you would like to promote in the future?
DHOLI DEEP: Absolut Bhangra 2, should be released later this Fall. Probably around November. We have started the production and we'll keep you & the members of punjabisongs.com posted on that. As of now, we have released Dance Radio Asia Vol 3 (Bollywood Remix CD), and North American Bhangra Connection (Bhangra Remix CD). So get your copy today at www.punjabonline.com and www.dholbeatinternational.com
12. Since you guys are based in Houston, what was the experience of being in the path of Hurricane Rita?
DHOLI TRIKZ: Hurricane Rita decided to change her path a couple of hours before she hit land, and thankfully it was away and to the east of Houston, and was downgraded to a catergory 3. However, Houston was still going crazy. The highways were packed for days. I evacuated & took 15 hours to get from Houston to Austin. A drive that takes roughly 3 hours on a normal day. Every single gas station had run out of gas, the grocery stores had empty shelves - it was crazy! Anyways, things are getting back to normal now, and we hope that everyone is returning home safely.
13. Finally, thank you for sitting down with us. Is there anyone you would like to send a shot-out to or anything you would like to say?
DBI: First of all, Much Respect to punjabisongs.com for all the support you guys have given, keep tuning for more updates from them.
Dholi Deep: I just want to thank DJ Impact whose given me a lot of inspiration, guidance, if it wasn't for him the name Dholi Deep or Dhol Beat International wouldn't be alive today.
DBI: For the fans, we appreciate everyones love and support, watch out for our upcoming albums and gigs. Next major gig, check out a live performance by us @ the boston bhangra competition November 12th.
Peace!
Dholi Deep & Dhol Beat International
