Vancouver (and Surrey) is abuzz with the most exciting Desi Music the city has heard in a LONG TIME … meet the artists behind the revolution. 
(HINT: follow the links to open more)
The self-proclaimed “Brit living in Vancouver” has been leading the city’s music revolution, as both, music producer &radio host.
He’s produced and performed with legends in the industry. He’s a pro.
… also, check out the Vancouver based bhangra band he’s a part of: En Karma
The emerging bhangra star and dhol player had a big year with the release of his debut video and single Nachna Pasand.
He also helped bring buzz to Vancouver with his second single Ambran Da Chan featuring Toronto based artist Jas Raj. Look for Raju Johal to rep the city in a big way in 2012.
The newest addition in 2011 to Vancouver’s Desi music scene was Gagan Sharma.
Judging by his first single, Pyar Hogiya, (produced by Nick Chowlia) the budding singer has unlimited musical potential.
Starting his career with hit bhangra-band Signia, Luv made an anticipated return to the music scene in 2011 with his new single Livin’ It Up.
If a new song and video wasn’t enough, he also performed alongside bhangra superstar Bikram Singh and critically acclaimed DJ Rekha in New York.
2012 … big things expected.
Livin’ It Up also features talented, local up-and-coming rapper/dj A-Slam
His resume includes, being “THE” Desi/Hip-Hop DJ in Vancouver, in addition to, having massive underground success with the first two editions of the The Mundey In Black mixtapes.
DJ Reminisce is now looking to build on his recent success as an artist (hit single Photo & a feature on MC Special‘s newest album) by releasing more material as a high quality audio engineer, producer and artist in 2012.
Recognized as a super-talent Dhol player at a young age, Rayman travelled to India where his Ustaad helped him reach a new level of musical knowledge.
Today the multi-faceted musician/producer travels between Vancouver/Surrey and India working on projects with well known desi acts.
Check out his latest production for Satwant Grewal and Revolution Records
Also, look out for fellow dholi Manpal Rana who’s also one of the forerunners in helping promote desi artists in Vancouver with Frontline Media and bhangra supersite Chakdhey.
Delhi 2 Dublin may be Vancouver’s biggest and most exciting live band at the moment.
Led by music maestros Tarun, Sanjay, dholi Ravi and guitarist Andrew, the band have sold out Vancouver’s Commodore venue the last two years and have toured the world performing their unique Bhangra-Celtic-Electronica-Raggae styled music.
Check out some visuals for the band here & here
(Btw. there last album was mixed by the legendary Diamond “DJ Swami” Duggal who has worked with Apache Indian, Maxi Priest, Nusrat Fateh Ali to name a few…yah)
The leader, when it comes to constructing a live platform for desi artists in Vancouver (Malkit, Dho Point Naun, En Karma, Desi Method among many many others), Mo has been using his infinitely growing network, passion for desi culture and marketing creativity to build, promote and share desi-music.
Check out a few of his projects:
A monthly, Desi party in Vancouver
An interactive bhangra exhibition with the Museum of Vancouver
A not-for-profit organization dedicated to elevating and promoting Bhangra in Vancouver
With A-Slam, DJ Reminisce, and DJ Lajit leading the way for Desi DJ’s in Vancouver, DJ Goddess is looking to lead the charge of female Desi Dj’s in 2012. Check her first club mix out here
Her most recent accomplishment includes working with one of Bollywood’s top Music Directors, Monty Sharma, who gave Shivangi her first break in Bollywood as a background vocalist and lyricist.
The Bollywood bound hindi singer-songwriter also released her first single Jaane Tu in 2011.
In addition to alllll of that, her amazing vocals were a part of both DMeth Saturdays and Mali’s – The Demo’s.
The Piano virtuoso released her debut, self-titled album “SHALINI” in 2011. The album was a reflection of her unique, classically-modern style of music and has already received, deservedly, both radio success and critical acclaim.
With a beautiful voice and the ability to play piano and compose music at a very very very high level, it’s inevitable that she’ll be a source of amazing music for a long time to come.
The Vancouver based rapper started his career free-styling over Dubstep and Drum & Bass beats at college party’s in Victoria.
Since then, he’s been growing as an artist, performing live shows and perfecting his lyrical craft.
He used 2011 as a platform to release his debut mixtape and perform throughout the city.
He’s already one of the best rappers in Vancouver, if all things go according to plan, he’ll use 2012 to prove why Vancouver’s hip-hop scene is ready for the world.
In 2012, the singer, producer, writer has the potential to blow the Vancouver Desi scene UP around the world.
With his unmatched ability to mesh the hard-hitting western style of hip-hop & electronic music with Eastern, Punjabi & Hindi melodies, lookout for the emerging star to drop his first official mixtape and album within the upcoming year.
Checkout Mali – The Demo’s, a collection of his work to date.
The desi, hip-hop, electronic-dance producer not only released his second mixtape The City Is Ours in 2011, he also added the compilations DMeth Saturdays and The Esjay Roundup within the year.
With Diplo, the world’s “it” “best” “most progressive” music producer in 2011 (and the moment), giving him a nod, describing Esjay’s mixtape as “cool bhangra vibe and U.K. Bass”, Esjay hopes to ride the positive vibe of last year into 2012.
*5
If you’re from Vancouver and you feel like you’re buzzin’ (Desi or not) make sure you give us a shout & let us know.
2 comments
Karun says:
Jan 10, 2012
woww… heavy article I didnt realize vancouver had so much young talent!! looking forward to this read!!
VANCOUVER BUZZIN’: Snowboarding, Desi Music & Dope Visuals | Desi Method says:
Feb 8, 2012
[...] Desi Music & Dope Visuals by @esjaymusic on Feb 8, 2012 • 12:23 am No Comments Last time on Vancouver Buzzin, we highlighted the artists involved in the Desi music revolution in Vancouver. This time, we [...]