Mukhtar Sahota returns with a special collaboration with the Wadali brothers and this time introduces the fourth generation from this musical family, Baljit Wadali the grandson of Pyarelal Wadali. SimplyBhangra.com's Prabhsimar Kaur caught up with him to discuss about this and more!

Ishq Yaar Da Lageya brings togther the unique sound of Mukhtar Sahota's fusion of two entirely different genres blended so well that they compliment the song and gives the breath of new air. Sufiana fused with sounds of latin music the combination of different layers of sounds and instruments work as a treat.

1) You have worked with the Wadali brothers before, how was your experience working with the younger generation of the clan; Baljit Wadali?

Having worked with the Wadali Brothers and Lakhwinder Wadali previously on my album, ‘Unpredictable’, Baljit Wadali is the fourth generation of the Wadali family and he is a talented singer with a promising future. It was a great pleasure working with Baljit and it always is with artists who are skilled in their art, it makes the song selection and the whole recording process a smooth one.

2) Your single 'Ishq Yaar Da Lageya' is out now, what was the process of the track, did you sense immediately that Baljit's voice would mesh with your track?

Baljit has been in contact with me for a few years now and said that he had always admired my work and was determined to work with me, especially since my album with his uncle, ‘Lakhwinder Wadali’, titled ‘Unpredictable’. We had many telephone conversations regarding the song selection, which is crucial.

When I start a project the first thing I do is select the lyrics then work on the melody composition, and at this point I would start to build the track musically, combining various sounds, rhythms and a musical style to suit the song. Baljit has a melodic but powerful voice and sits perfectly with the music created for 'Ishq Yaar Da Lageya'.

3) How is your earlier track, ‘Charka’ with the Wadalis different from this track apart from the fresh voice of Baljit Wadali.

My previous track 'Charka' with Lakhwinder Wadali and Puran Chand Wadali was very different in the style of music, as it was more traditional with the accompaniment of Tabla, Harmonium etc… whereas 'Ishq Yaar Da Lageya' is a fusion of Latin and Sufiana music and more on a commercial level.

4) What inspired you to combine Sufiana and Latin music together, both are entirely different genres.

My inspiration comes when I am composing and experimenting with various sounds, and as the song develops, you start to get a sense and a feel that you’re onto something unique that has not been experimented with before. I think the combination of the two different genres work very well, with the sounds of the flamenco guitars and the rhythms of the tabla/drums combined together.

5) What made you incorporate such layers of sounds in one song and that too in a Sufi genre song?

I personally think that any genre of song that sticks to a certain formula can become a little conventional. What I like to do is to mix it up and bring something new to freshen up the sound.

7) What is your view regarding the iTunes Charts and our Punjabi Industry?

For those of you who are not aware, 99% of the Punjabi iTunes charts are false. Artists and Record Label are buying their own singles/albums for a chart position.

8) As an artist who doesn’t do things by the norm, do you think there’s enough support for creatively expressive artists from the media?

I don't think there is enough support for creativity from the media, be it radio or TV. It’s all about the current trend and jumping on the bandwagon. The media is more concerned about numbers, listenership and not creativity.

9) Your music is clean. This allows families to enjoy themselves whilst listening and watching videos. However, there are Punjabi songs that could be argued that are not appropriate to watch and listen to with families. What are your views on this?

I personally hate videos that glorify guns; it's totally inappropriate and unnecessary. I think all those artists that think it's ‘acceptable’ or 'cool' need to be shipped off to a war zone then let's see how cool you really are. Take a look at what's happening around the world today, and you think you look tough waving a gun in a music video.

10) How impressed are you with the current level of Punjabi cinema – Is it an exciting time to be involved with it right now?

Punjabi cinema is having ups and downs but it has great potential to become a booming industry. The repetitive stories, films with no storylines, recycled songs from one film to the next, and the lack of creativity are having a negative effect on the industry.

I'm still not convinced that Punjabi singers should be given lead roles as it's unfair on actors who have had professional training through drama school and never seem to get that break, yet we keep seeing the same five faces in every Punjabi film, is that all we have to offer….. I am currently composing music for a number of Punjabi films, which gives me an insight on how the industry is operating.

11) Do you feel the Bhangra scene is suffering because producers are, generally, relying too much on their signature sound?

I'm not sure if the Bhangra scene is suffering because of the Producers ‘signature sound’, because majority of the Producers sound alike! I think it's suffering simply because of lack of creativity.

12) Any upcoming projects?

This year is very busy for me, I have been signed up for the soundtrack for 4 films and I will also be releasing my own singles with various artists and showcasing new talent.

After my single, ‘Ishq Yaar Da Lageya’, the next project releasing soon is a Punjabi film, ‘Saka – the Martyrs of Nankana Sahib’ in cinemas from 8^th April. I have composed the following 3 songs for this film, ‘Shaheed’ featuring the vocals of Nachhatar Gill, ‘Saka’ featuring the vocals of Kanth Kaler and a female duet, ‘Tappe’ featuring the vocals of Shipra Goel and Sonia Sharma.

More info on this project coming soon.

Thank you Simplybhangra for this interview and your continued support.

We at SimplyBhangra.com wishes all the people associated with this track loads of good luck.

Interview done by Prabhsimar Kaur.

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