1. First of all, thank you for sitting down to answer a few questions. Can you please tell us who DJ Sanj is and where are you from?
Who am I? Well I am just a guy who was born in the UK who moved to Toronto Canada and djed as a hobby, who then moved to Dallas Texas and did bootleg remixes as a hobby, who then moved back to the UK to pursue a career in music.
2. I see that you are multi-coastal. How hard is it on your business life, your personal life and your family life?
It’s a full time juggling act. I have two studios, one in Canada and one in the UK, and a production company called Evil-Eye Productions that I run around the clock. So it’s great to have family that support and understand my addiction and passion to my work. But as hard as I work I always make time for my family and friends, because for me that’s what I value the most, even more than my work.
3. When did you first start realizing your talents as a professional DJ?
Well, I never considered myself as a great DJ, I always thought of myself as a producer who DJ's. When I started out, I enjoyed playing music that made people dance, which is why my music has always been hard hitting and very bouncy. Also, I feel to be a great DJ, u don't need to be the best "turntablist" or the best mixer, you just need to be the best entertainer. Play for the people, not yourself.
I think that’s something a lot of the dj's now seem to forget, they just play what they want and focus to much on their DJ "Skills".
4. How did you get your first break into the record industry and who helped you?
I had been doing loads of bootleg Hindi remixes back in the day under our banner ABC productions. After doing loads of those albums, I wanted to try something different; I wanted to do a bhangra remix album that was geared to what we liked in North America, Hard core desi. So, I remixed the songs I liked of the Roma Music catalogue and sent it to their Vancouver office. Once they heard the album, they sent to it the UK for a response. They loved it, and I guess the rest is history. I have stayed with Envyroma ever since.
5. What's the deal with the whole name switch from DJ Sanj to JNAS?
Well, the name DJ Sanj is known for desi music and I felt I could do so much more than just desi tracks. So I can up with the name J.Nas which represents a different side of me musically. Kind of like an alter ego. And my latest album AMW 3 showcases two different styles of music. You've got tracks like Balle Balle and apna punjab which are pure DJ Sanj tracks and then you have tracks like Kamray Mein Aaja and Dil Ke Bhaatein that are pure J.Nas tracks.
6. Well you know I have to ask with all the controversies going on with sampling and unauthorized use of samples, what's your take on the situation? And to set the record clear are you guilty of any of these accusations?
As for sampling, I am all for it, as long as what you are doing is entertaining people I think its all good. I have never made music for the critics; I have always made music for the masses.
As far as the use of unauthorized samples, I have, to date, never been contacted by or even had a letter sent to me regarding the use of unauthorized samples. I feel people made a small issue into such a big thing without having the facts. It’s funny because the album that made all the fuss in the UK wasn't even released by me. it was just a collection of bootlegs taken from a series of show I did on the BBC Asian network, which I was paid to do by the BBC. A certain someone just decided to compile them and release them WITHOUT my knowledge or permission. And just because I decided to stay quiet on the matter, people (the media) just started to assume things.
7. You've been releasing albums non-stop in the last calendar year. All the Bhangra fans are thankful but want more, so what other projects do you have in mind for the near future?
Doing music as DJ Sanj represents only a fraction of what I do in my day to day music life. I do a lot of behind the scenes productions and I run two recording studios and engineer albums for the mainstream music biz as well as the desi biz. This year I decided to focus a little more on myself, hence the appearance of many more Sanj releases. this year I have worked on a comp called ENVYROMA.com, AMW 3, and LIL Sach's new album called Baad Phat and Invincible. I am also working on the best of Channi Singh and an Asian R&B album scheduled for release by the end of 2005.
8. You've worked with a number of great artists in the Bhangra scene from Lehmber to Karan MC to Surinder Shinda. What artist are you most hoping to work with in the future?
I prefer to work with artist that are apart of our camp. for example Karan MC has been with me for 3 years now and I am looking forward to working on American Desi with him.
I also like to work with a lot of raw and new talent, as I feel they bring something fresh to the table.
9. Many people don't know that up and coming Lil Sach is your brother. Can you tell us how helpful it has been to have another family member with you for support and suggestions?
It’s great, we are a very close and tight unit. there’s me Lil Sach and Kal-M. we have grown up together and we are always sharing ideas. 3 heads are always better than one.
10. Off the wall questions:
a) Your favorite food, both Indian and American? Butter Chicken/Hamburger
b) Your favorite sport/team to watch? Washington Redskins!
c) The one thing you never go on the road without? my laptop
d) Since you love wearing hats, what's your favorite in your collection? my water proof prada cap
11. I know you've had a number of shows out in California and you've rocked the house. Can you tell us, where is your favorite place to perform in the world and where would you love to perform in the future?
My fav place to perform is India. As for a place I would like to perform, well , I think I have been practically all over the globe, so I will have to wait and see.
12. Finally, thank you for sitting down with us. Is there anyone you would like to send a shot-out to or is there anything you would like to promote?
Big Up punjabisongs.com and keep up the good work. Keep'in it real!
