DJ Phoenixx Interview (2008)
DJ Phoenixx has been spinning and mixing the hottest cuts for as long as he can remember. However, not content with playing records, he embarked on the path of making records. He trained in music production with The Sound Pipe Studios, learning production techniques from music producers BEE2 and TAJ-E. Soon after DJ Phoenixx mastered the craft, he was ready to create havoc with his edgy musical style. ‘You get a massive buzz watching people go crazy for a tune. I just wanted to add to the thrill by making them go wild for my beats’ says DJ Phoenixx. And madness on the dance floor is what he intends to create with his debut album ‘We Are All’.
Desi-Box.com had the pleasure of Interviewing DJ Phoenixx, If you guys have not heard of him yet check out at www.thesoundpipe.com also you can Order the album from there. To see what went down with DJ Phoenixx read below and drop your views on the Interview.
01. DB: Hey, how are you doing DJ Phoenixx?
DJ Phoenixx: Hey guys, I’m doing great.
02. DB: Let’s start from the beginning of your career. You started out as a DJ, what made you want to go into Deejaying in the first place?
DJ Phonenixx: As far as I can remember from a very young age I always wanted to be an entertainer. My cousins use to run their own road show and I use to attend many gigs and parties with them. Seeing them in the mix and the amount of hype they use to cause, it just got into me hence me wanting to become a DJ.
03. DB: How was it for you trying to establish yourself as a DJ, did you encounter any difficulties?
DJ Phoenixx: It was quite hard at the beginning because no-one is willing to give you a chance and the main issue is that there are so many good DJ’s out there, so making yourself stand out was the hard part. It took time and a lot of hard work and then it’s all about getting the right opportunity at the right time. I think the key for me has been that I never expect too much in return. I don’t do too much talking; I just let my music/talent talk.
04. DB: Can you tell us the reasoning behind choosing the name Phoenixx?
DJ Phoenixx: Well, there was a point where people would come up to me at gigs and parties and want to know my name but when I use to use my first name it did sound a little boring and seem very common (Indian Names). So my friends and I came up with Phoenixx which isn’t very common and sounded really good, which later helped me for my artist name for this album.
05. DB: What made you want to change lanes and from remixing tracks go into producing them?
DJ Phoenixx: I felt I needed to do more, hence me being part of The Sound Pipe Road Show where I was in daily contact with BEE2 and TAJ-E. I used to spend a lot time with them in the studio during sessions and I wanted to do more. I really enjoyed being in the studio and was always fascinated with how music was made, so I gave it a go with the help of BEE2 and TAJ-E. It was a long journey with many difficulties, not something you can do overnight.
06. DB: How did you get into contact with 'The Sound Pipe Records'?
DJ Phoenixx: Like I stated before, I was lucky enough to join the Sound Pipe Road Show where I am currently head DJ. So being part of the road show I was able to work with BEE2 and TAJ-E on a regular basis. I think luck played a big part in my life; I was just at the right place at the right time.
07. DB: It must have been a dream for you to have as your mentors BEE2 and TAJ-E when learning music production. How was it like working with them and how much did their guidance help you?
DJ Phoenixx: Working with these guys is always a pleasure and their guidance gave me the will and strength to keep going even during the hard times. I would be lying if I said there weren’t times where I was ready to give up and stick to DJ-ing but they kept me on my feet. BEE2 has been in the music industry for a very long time and I can remember watching him performing at melas when I was a kid, so working with a big artist like him, was an opportunity that I’m grateful to have.
08. DB: How hard was it as a new music producer to get who you wanted to sing the tracks for you?
DJ Phoenixx: I’ve always been a big fan of Bhangra music from a very young age so I always knew the artists I wanted to work with and some of them have featured on my album such as Kuldeep Manak, Sarvjit Kaur and BEE2. Again, I found myself really lucky because being with the Sound Pipe label helped me a lot in contacting other artists. Sometimes it’s not always about what you know, it’s who you know.
09. DB: Congrats on your album 'We Are All'. How do you feel having finally completed the album and for it to be released?
DJ Phoenixx: It’s a big relief, the amount of times I listened to it whether in my car or whether it was the studio thinking to myself will it be good enough? Will people appreciate my music? I’m just glad it’s there on the streets and everyone can buy it and see what I’m all about.
10. DB: During the production of the album did you face any problems or did you at any point think "What did I get myself into?"
DJ Phoenixx: Many times, getting the right beat on the right track was the difficult part. The question that is constantly on your mind is whether this track will be a hit or a flop? In this case I always found it hard. I always tried doing more and more but then ended up going to the first version that I had started with. There are certain tracks on the album to which I have over 5 versions. It’s fun and frustrating at the same time. Fun because I’m doing what I love, and frustrating when the outcome is below my standards.
11. DB: For those who don't know what kinds of sounds can we expect from the album?
DJ Phoenixx: Well there’s something for everyone in this album, I’ve tried my best to cater to all. You got your hardcore Desi, Hip-hop beats fused with the Indian rhythm, some grimy heavy bass-lines alongside the UK Punjabi pop music which seems to be doing well.
12. DB: Which tracks from the album are your favourites?
DJ Phoenixx: It’s hard for me to choose as I find every single track my favourite but there are tracks such as Majujane (BEE2 and Miss Pooja) and also Killer Look’s (Major) that are getting a lot of great feedback. There is also a track called Cry of passion by an upcoming artist called Nitasha featuring a MC that goes by the name of “Horizon” which is also getting a lot of love and support.
13. DB: In three words how would you sum up your album?
DJ Phoenixx: OFF THE HOOK
14. DB: Is there anything after having completed your album you would do differently?
DJ Phoenixx: No. I’ve always been the sort of guy to have no regrets, so doing anything differently is never a question with me.
15. DB: What advise can you give to all the aspiring DJs and music producers?
DJ Phoenixx: As I’m a newcomer myself I can only talk from my own experiences and my advice would be is to keep it real, keep the Desi music flowing as it’s something our culture offers and needs to be pumped around as much as possible. Also, i would say don’t expect much back and the chances are you will get back much then you ever expected.
16. DB: What can we expect from you in the future? Any plans for a new album at the moment?
DJ Phoenixx: At this point, I’m currently working with other well known artists who will all be revealed soon. My main aim is to promote my current album as much as possible, get my name out there and get my music out there. I have set myself goals which I’m determined to achieve.
17. DB: Finally what would you like to say to all Desi-Box.com fans worldwide?
DJ Phoenixx: Just want to thank all the people out there that have taken time to read this interview and also the people that have supported me through my music. Keep it locked on desi-box.com and also keep up-to-date with me and the rest of the Sound Pipe team on www.thesoundpipe.com. You can buy my album on-line at www.thesoundpipe.com. I’m always looking for new talent and enjoy helping upcoming artists as I know how it feels, as I have been there myself so my doors are always open for those people.
www.myspace.com/djphoenixxonline
Facebook: Gurps DjPhoenixx
DJ Phoenixx
The Sound Pipe
Credits: Umar B (for The Interview), DJ Phoenixx (for Taking The Time Out), Aisha (Sorting It All Out)
