Interview with DJ A.P.S.
with Ankur Sood

For those that don't know, could you please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about yourself? How did you get all into the music business?

The world renowned, DJ APS.

I took an interest in music at a young age. My father was in the music business as an instrumentalist and interest was sparked at a very young age. I began playing the dhol and moved on to a natural progression to hip-hop and music production.

You've been traveling quite a bit to show your skills and move the crowd, where have you been too and where would you like to still spin?

I am fortunate enough that my music has taken me all over the world, from the United States to Australia. With the Bhangra market heating up all over; new bookings are popping up from Germany, Switzerland, Bangkok and many other places that you never would think would play Bhangra.You originally started a trend of releasing your music online in which turned you into a favourite among the younger generation and gave you a huge push in getting people to know your name.

What are your thoughts on bootlegging?

It was crazy. I started out just making these mixes as a hobby but had no outlet to get my music out to the people. My stuff locally was getting around and started making a buzz. After it hit the internet, people recognized the skills and wanted more. Then the emails, requests, booking just went off. BBC in England proclaimed me as the most downloading Indian DJ ever during the Napster years.

You really cannot stop bootlegging but any publicity is good publicity it was free advertising I guess. I had problem in the past where some unoriginal crooks began downloading my mixes from the net and claiming it as there own and attempted to sell them, but people didn't fall for the scam, its all about djaps.com and know the truth!

What was your first real big break?

I don't see anything as a big break. Itís a constant growth. But it was humbling when I first went to Australia to see the love and support of my music.

You seem to be a man of many talents as you can spin, rap and produce. Is there something else youíd like to add to your arsenal?

I can even cut my own hair.

I just like learning all I can, experimenting with different sounds and styles always trying to be few steps ahead. I would like to eventually do a movie score.

How original do you think the bhangra scene is at the moment? Where do you see it going?

I hope it gets a bit more original. I loved the Bhangra scene back in the early 90's during the daytime jam scene; I would like it to go back to that era. It was new and the music was cutting edge original. The way its going now anyone with a computer can put 2 beats together, but I think making your own beats is the key to originality, not sampling 50cents beats for your whole album. People are scared to be original and experimental. Too many people want to use the same formula that works for others and kill it until the next flavor of the month. I just hope for the sake of the scene, DJ's will take our music to the next level to be considered serious for mainstream and not just like the Latin invasion here and gone.
The scene in Canada is not where it should be but still growing and we all need to come together form a solid foundation, instead of being petty. The U.K. scene for one is serious. Radio shows (thanks to D.S.E promotions) have been playing my tracks. The Bobby & Nihal and Panjabi Hit Squad shows have my track "Tabba" at #1 in the charts. UK is now blowing things up for me there as a result hitting worldwide.

Do you plan on releasing any mainstream stuff with other artists or DJ's?

I'm currently working on my new album and in negotiations with many labels to get proper distribution. Currently I am working with many local artists and always looking for new singing talent to break in the market. I am always eager to work with other DJís and artists. All I can say for the moment is stay tuned and the world will be shocked on whatís in store for the new album!

What can we expect from DJ APS in terms of music and tours in 2004?

My new album is going to drop during the summer. Thereís also a long awaited collaboration hip-hop album with my older brother Mr. Tiger. Last but not least, Iím hoping to start a tour with some local talent and have a few surprises along the way.

Any last words youíd like to share with the thousands of MyBindi.com readers and your fans?

Thanks for the support so far and watch for my new album out soon. In the meantime keep checking www.djaps.com for all your updates and new track samples.

To DJ's and promoters: Bhangra music doesn't cause fights so don't be afraid to play it!

Links:
DJ APS - www.djaps.com
Bobby & Nihal Radio Show - www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/urban/bobbyandnihal
Panjabi Hit Squad Radio Show - www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/djs/panjabi.shtml