Following the release of his new album, 'Get Blitz', Simply Bhangra caught up with Blitzkreig, to bring you the latest on what he’s up to!

1.     How did you get involved in music and rapping?

It has always been in my blood, I actually started rapping and making music when I was 11 yrs old. I also play the guitar and drums. My teacher would allow me to perform in front of my class everyday if I behaved myself in primary school!

2.     Why did you decide to call yourself Blitzkrieg?

I was actually named Blitz by my close friend Robby. He would compare my rhyme style to a Blitzkrieg. He was murdered in 2003 and I have kept the name in memory of him. It’s a constant reminder to work hard and live every moment to the fullest.

3.     Which musical artistes inspired you to rap?

Artistes like Nas, Mos Def and Jay-Z have greatly inspired me. I was heavily influenced by late 90's New York rap such as Mobb Deep, Bootcamp Click, CNN, etc. Most of the new rap just can’t compare.

Blitz Freestyle (High Contrast - Kiss Kiss Bang Bang)

4.     You have collaborated with many artistes. Which one have you most enjoyed working with and why?

Most of the people I have collaborated with are good friends of mine and it’s always fun working with the crew. Creating music with Tigerstyle & Mentor are definitely memorable experiences.

We always have a great time and a lot of laughs hanging out and always seem to make great songs. Filming the music video for "Take Your Picture" with Juggy was probably the most fun I have had on a video shoot. We had a house party with 150 people and just filmed ourselves partying.

5.     You were discovered by Punjabi MC, who played your demo on his online show and, although you have collaborated with several artistes, you have not yet collaborated with him. Would you consider working with PMC in the future?

Of course, PMC is a legend, would love to work with him in the future. He's a great guy and we have discussed working together on a few occasions. It’s all about finding the right track and the right time. I’m sure when the time is right you will hear a PMC & Blitz record on the radio.

6.     How did the track with Juggy D come about and what was it like working with him?

Juggy D is the definition of a Punjabi rockstar. That guy is like my older brother. We have known each other since he first started touring in Canada years ago. It’s one of those situations in life when you meet people you can relate to and get along with...it turns out his village is next to mine in Ludhiana Punjab, so we come from a similar background and can relate to each other.

It was an amazing experience creating the "Take Your Picture". I flew to London and recorded the track with Juggy in West London, I then jumped on a plane to Glasgow to mix the track with Tigerstyle, then we finally we filmed the video with Juggy in Toronto. It definitely paid off...my fans are loving the track and Juggy and I are pleased with the results.

Blitz feat Juggy D & Tigerstyle - Take Your Picture (Video)

7.     What other projects are you currently working on?

The current focus is promoting my new album "Get Blitz" which is in stores and on iTunes right now. I will be releasing two more videos in the coming months for my songs "Dil Laghi" produced by Mentor & "Love You the Same" featuring Navin Kundra.

I recently signed a deal with Universal Music India so I will be headed to India on a promo tour. I’m also featuring on RDB's single ‘Akhian’ and Surinder Rattans new artist Joga's upcoming video.

Blitzkrieg - Get Blitz (Album Out Now)

8.     As a rapper do you have any plans to launch yourself in the mainstream market?

I’m just enjoying my success so far and looking forward to where it takes me. Currently I’m looking forward to launching my album in India. The mainstream would be great, however I also realise that there are so many alternative markets to explore.

9.     How is the music scene in Toronto different to the UK?

The Toronto scene is still young whereas the UK has more of an infrastructure to promote / maintain talent. Toronto is growing and will eventually get there.

10.  Some of your fellow North American rappers have set a trend for rapping in Punjabi. Is this something we can expect from you in the future?

Probably not...I have my own style which my core fans love.

11.  You featured in the Bollywood track ‘Twist’ from Love Aaj Kal. Are there any other Bollywood tracks in the pipeline?

You will have to wait and see!

12.  How have you developed as an artist since your first album ‘Rhyme Book’?

I think I’ve developed not only as an artist but as a person. The ‘Rhyme Book’ was released three years ago. Since then I have experienced so much more in life. I’ve travelled to more places and met more people.

I've seen life’s ups & downs which influences you as an individual. Musically, I‘m working with more talented people which is taking my songs to a higher level.

13.  Thank you for taking the time out for this interview. Do you have any final words for your fans?

Thank you to the SimplyBhangra. team who have always supported me and all the upcoming artists out there, keep up the good work people. 

Make sure to buy my album "GET BLITZ" in all music shops now or on iTunes. Visit my website, follow me on Facebook / twitter and I thank everyone for the continued support. Watch out for more videos and tracks coming soon!!

www.getblitz.com
www.facebook.com/blitzmusic
www.youtube.com/getblitz

Listen to SimplyBhangra Radio - Week Ending 24.10.10, where we speak to Blitzkrieg who returns with a collaboration of epic proportions with his brand new album Get Blitz!

Interview by Sarb and Manj

(UK)

(USA)

(CANADA)