Who is the Real Enemy? Asian Dub Foundation Work It Out.
Asian Dub Foundation Interview
Q: How far do you think you've come since the start of your music career regarding Asian music in British culture?
ADF: Massively, I mean there's been huge steps; depending on your definition of Asian music. Our particular take on it is unique to us. Talvin Singh and Panjabi MCs is unique to them. The fact that we're still around, the fact that Panjabi's track has been around for 4 years and is number 5 in the charts. You've got to see it as a major step because it certainly wasn't like this when we started. When we were growing up it was utterly dreadful. I think it's pretty much interwoven into the fabric of British society now.
Q: So what do you think is the correct definition?
ADF: There isn't one
ADF: It's just the diversity of the music; what different people do and the areas they go into. What's good about the scene is that's it been there for a long time and now it's just coming through. Luckily it's been there since '78, '79. Artists based in West London here were selling and doing shows across the middle east, Asia, Canada, America - all over the place and finally now there's a recognition. Records are going platinum left right and centre and now people are picking up on it and it's got to be supported that music; it's originality, it's freshness - it's good that it's coming up but don't lose the opportunities cos it's got to be supported.
Q: I was talking to a guy a few years ago in the middle of Birmingham at Rich Bitch studios and he was massive in other countries but not here. That was about '93.
ADF: It was still massive here but it didn't have any kind of channel.
ADF: It wasn't playlisted.
ADF: In terms of the actual structure of Bhangra music actually worked quite a lot differently to other kinds of music. The actual business structure is different for good reason.
ADF: We saw a parallel situation to this in France. When we first went out to France in the early mid 90s, Rye music you wouldn't hear it on the radio, the dominant music Algerian music just was not heard. Now in the last couple of years it's mainstream - people love it. We embrace all the African music then. People have taken music from right throughout the African continent and it's become mainstream. It can be heard in the French hip-hop - it can be heard there. That's another good thing but when we first went you would not hear it on the radio. Finally doors are opening and different music's coming through and it's what we need. |
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Well Look Who It Is!!! Asian Dub ...
