1. For those who don't know who you are, give us a little info about yourself?
Manny Khaira is my name and im a music director and singer, I play various instruments ie Keyboard, Vaja, Dholak, Drums, and a bit of Tabla and Dhol.
2. How did you get into Music and now Singing, where did it all begin?
I used to play keyboards or Dholak with various bands as a freelance player and i have played with XLNC, DCS, Jazzy B, A S Kang, Avtar Maniac, Sukhshinder Shinda, Malkit Singh, Hans Raj Hans, to name a few.
Music was something that just happened with a few mates we thought lets make a band so we just starting playing instruments then i just picked it up from there, I didnt really have any training as such but musicians around me had their influnces on me and singing im a fan of Shin DCS so i had a few lessons with him.
Ive had a break from music due to domestic reasons but now im back for good both producing and singing.
3. Your brand new album"COOL 2BE PUNJABI" out in India and UK Tell us about it?
This is my first project for Tiger Touch Records who wanted me to put this album together, so i did with 7 various singers doing there music and also singing my song in the album called Punjab. It was released here in UK but the promo wasnt heavy so people may not even know about it but in India it was released in August 2008 and did well as i made so many contacts in India after this. ***** Debut single As Singer PUNJAB-> DOWNLOAD
4. Video "PUNJAB" Comes out with very new looks !!Tell us about it ?
This is my debut video song and was shot in India and yeah its got a different feel to it which was down to the director Parmod Rana who said to me just chill and be yourself so thats me as i am.
5. 'Solo album' Coming Soon and What tunes should we watch out for?
My solo album comprises of at least 11 tracks maybe 12 im still deciding on the last track. All songs are different to each other and they have a taste for all bhangra listeners. There are no samples everything is played live ie dholak tabla dhol vaja tumbi sarangi mandolin flute keyboards and drums not just picked out from a sample cd etc but all composed and played with a real punjabi bhangra vibe so i say most tracks are good it depends on your taste ive worked very hard the rest is down to our listeners.
6. How hard is it for a newcomer like yourself, who has unexposed talents, to get there name out there into mainstream Asian music?
Very hard at first, as the industry has changed over the years and as labels are not making as much as if any money because of piracy and downloads as an artist you have to spend a lot of money to get started and compete with others in the market ie video quality studio work marketing etc but once you start and start giging i guess it all comes together as i guess its like a business once people like your product they will book you etc so you make your money back too but its tough out there..and thanks to people like yourselfs all marketing helps us..
7. Who would you say has had the most influence on your singing career?
hmmm all the talented singers out there but 1 voiceireallylike nowadays is Sukhvinder Singh from Bollywood he has an amazing range and tone quality that i like and rest singers from India as they are so talented and dedicated i just wish i was there too.
8. RDB or Sukshinder Shinda?
Sukshinder Shinda paji by far he is a true musician.
9. Album coming on which records Comp. ?
Not sure yet im in talks with a few..
10. If there was one artist from the past or present that you would collaborate with, who would it be?
Sukhvinder Singh
11. There are not many big vocalists in the UK in the Bhangra industry. What do you think is halting the success of local vocalists getting into the limelight?
I say this and include myself its down to time and commitment and learning vocals from a great teacher..aaj kal singers just do a little practice go onto studio use tuning effects like auto tune and they think thats fine as they will most never sing the song live but sing along with cds which is not talent ..talent is live performance..and also money plays a big role nowadays so i guess you need it all..
12. Which vocalist from the UK do you rate the most? Can you name any upcoming vocalists who we should watch out for in the future?
Shin DCS is probably the most talented vocalist here.Jassi Sidhu nowadays has improved a lot too since his days of singing along with a cd..Upcoming look out for Jas Dhami his in it for the right reasons oh and me Manny Khaira im working hard now.
13. Is there anything else we should look out from you in the near future?
Yeap my solo album and im also working with a few other singers too so you ll here from me as a producer and as a singer.
14. With the album coming now, you must hope fans go out and support the album; do you have a message for the people who have decided to download your album for free rather than purchase it legally?
Please to all my fans and friends and people who dont know me yet pls pl s buy originals as it does have an affect on our music industry together it will benefit us all and for those who wont listen then how ever you get it enjoy my hard work as it takes a lot of time and dedication to produce and sing.
15. Finally, do you have a message for all the readers of www.kdsdj.Com?
Yes keep supprting bhangra music as its within our culture and keeps us locked to our punjabi language and keep logging onto this site as i said earlier together bhangra will stay alive we all do our little bit to keep bhangra on the map....thanks peace and god bless you all im only human like yourselfs so if i make any mistake during my career pls support and forgive as i can only get better with the support of YOU.......
