Interview: Rush the DJ

London based DJ/producer Rush the DJ has been making waves in the UK Garage scene for over 8 years with sets at Garage Nation, Hanky Panky and on underground radio stations De Ja Vu 92.3, Flava 87.6 and Pure Magic 90.6. In 2003, Rush along with DJ Sham and Bally Bass formed the group PCUK (Punjabi Connection UK). The group started causing a stir in the underground Bhangra scene with their remixes of Milkshake, Rouge vs Wifey and Turn Me On. In the 2005 the group released their debut album, I Sed, on 4 Play Recordings. Now in 2007 Rush makes his solo debut with The Rush Hour. The album features vocals by Kuldip Manak, Surinder Shinda, Labh Janjua, Tanveer Gogi and Avina; Hip Hop rapper Black Ace, Garage emcee Tank MC, and Raggae emcee Caution Buzzin round up the guestlist.

BO: How did you get started in deejaying?

Rush the DJ: Well it all started about 8-9 years ago. I was really into Garage music and at the time this was only played on Pirate radio stations. The djs were not only playing the tracks but also interacting with the listeners. The listeners were really appreciating the djs and this is something that attracted me to become a DJ myself.

BO: How did you get you big break?

Rush: Well as a DJ my big break was when I got booked to play at Garage Nation. This was the number one Garage event. I was booked to play alongside established djs such as DJ EZ, MC KIE and MC CREED. These guys I looked up to. As a Music Producer the big break was when I put together a Bootleg of Kelis track called Milkshake. This track got picked up not only on UK radio stations but also in Russia where I was invited to play in clubs and bars on a tour.

BO: What artists do you feel have influenced your own sound?

Rush: Well as a DJ I have to say I have picked up techniques from my Idol DJ EZ, as you may be aware I not only mix Garage Music but also Bhangra, R&B and Hip Hop. However I still use many of the DJ Skills Picked up from my Garage Days. In terms of Music Production I respect fully what Timbaland has done.

BO: How does it feel to go solo? Having complete control of the album?

Rush: Going solo has meant that I had total control in how the album will sound, but it also meant I had to work twice as hard getting the product to sound how I wanted. It’s a real achievement that I am really proud of. I have learnt a lot and everything I have learnt from this project will be put towards my next project making it even bigger and better then this.

BO: On this album you have Surinder Shinda, Kuldip Manak, Tanveer Gogi and Labh Janjua providing the vocals for some of the tracks. Who are you hoping to get for your next album?

Rush: To be honest I have so many ideas in my head, and I am still trying to finalize my next project. I can’t say too much right but it will be different

BO: How much of a role did you have in the video for your album? Where did the idea for the video come from?

Rush: Well the video was an interesting project. The budget for the video wasn’t Huge so we had to utilize what was available. I decided to incorporate Green Screen technology into the video. After speaking to Alex (who is a fantastic graphics designer, he also done the art work for the CD cover) I told him to let his imagination run wild staying away from the typical Asian music video trends. I wanted this video to b different and to get people talking about it.

BO: I’m a huge electro fan so I was pleasantly surprised by the Kuldeep Manak track Goriye, any plans to release an electro only album?

Rush: I am really surprised by the positive response regarding the Goriye track. This was a track which to be honest with had trouble fitting into the idea/concept of the album. In the end I just went with the flow and the end product was something totally different. As to your question I don’t think there will be a totally Electro album but definitely I will be working with electro sounds on other tracks in the future

BO: What have you been listening to recently?

Rush: Well, you may think I am mad but once the album came out I took a break from Music. I haven’t been in the studio or practicing on the decks. In the car I am listening to a lot of Talk radio. This is to give my ears a rest. I am planning to go into the studio very soon to start work on future beats and hopefully come up with some unique styles. I didn’t want to be influenced by other artists for my next project.