SimplyBhangra.com's Jusi Sahota caught up with New York based producer, Epic Bhangra! Check out this Exclusive interview.

Welcome to SimplyBhangra.com! Tell us about "Epic Bhangra".

Thanks for having me here. Contrary to popular belief, "Epic Bhangra" is a one man team, not a band or a group. Epic Bhangra's goal has been to bring America on the Bhangra map by collaborating with global and local Punjabi artists.

You've recently released a track with Kaka Bhaniawala. How was it for you to collaborate with such a recognized artist?

Calling it a dream come true would be an understatement. Few years ago, BJ Josan from DBI allowed me to redo a track of his, "Dil Laigee" that featured the vocals of Lehmber Hussainpuri. Just knowing I have worked on vocals of both these legends is unbelievable.

You have also worked with other singers such as Amar Sandhu, Labh Janjua, Gurnam, Yugraj, Bakshi Billa, Kay-V Singh, Lehmber Hussainpuri and Manjeet Pappu. Out of all these vocalists, who was the best to work with and why?

I relished working with each of the artists you mentioned. I know this is a very politically correct answer, but each of these guys brought a different mindset to the table and even though it was stressful at times it was a great experience for me.

Who inspires you to make bhangra music?

The need to break away from the 9 to 5 grind and the support of fans are the two things that keep me going.

Are there any bhangra music producers or singers that stand-out for you in today's era?

I am a fan of a lot of producers from the UK - Truskool, Tigerstyle, Gupsy Aujla, Manni Sandhu, Twinbeats, , Sangra Vibes, are all superior in their own ways and then there is Jatinder Shah holding it down for India.

Coming from North America, would you say that it is more difficult to break into the bhangra industry?

Bluntly put, it's been an uphill battle to get noticed. But thankfully, Soundcloud's growing Punjabi listener base has provided a sturdy platform for promotion especially for independent artists like me or anyone that is based out of America or someplace where there is no industry per se.

What is the most important skill a music producer or engineer should acquire when producing a Bhangra track?

You need to a) have good ears, b) be able translate ideas into meaningful sounds and c) finally love your own music or no one will.

How would you describe the "Epic Bhangra" music production style and what differentiates you from other bhangra producers?

I can't say I have one particular style of production. There are a few familiar elements in most of my songs, but other than that I try to keep each song different from the previous one.

We have seen you release a lot of singles in your career. Is there a reason as to why you have released singles and not an album?

It's been a combination of not having enough time and things not working out. On the bright side, I have been able to focus my attention on one song at a time.

For bhangra fans that have followed Epic Bhangra on social media, they would know that you first started releasing music on Soundcloud, but haven't been signed to a music label. Why is that?

To be honest, I haven't got the right break yet. Also, it's been favorable to be able to work at my own pace with my own choice of singers.

Where do you see yourself in five years' time?

I prefer not to look that far ahead coz only God can decide our fate. But If I'm still hungry and opportunities keep coming my way, I'll still be doing this in five years.

What upcoming projects do you have in the pipeline?

I am currently working on tracks with several promising new singers based out of the US.
Also have some other exciting collaborations coming up... can't reveal anything for now. But I'm sure you guys will be the first to know :)

Is there anything you will like to say to the readers of SimplyBhangra.com?

SimplyBhangra.com was the first site to promote my music and that will always mean a lot to me. Thanks for the support over the years.

How can readers of SimplyBhangra.com contact you on social media?

You can find me here
facebook.com/epicbhangraofficial,
twitter.com/epicbhangra
soundcloud.com/epicbhangra
Instagram.com/epicbhangramusic