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'Music has no colour, no barriers'1 August, 2001: Steven Kapur better known as Apache Indian was a surprise packet. Calm, collected and lucid, he was the antithesis of his raggamuffin image and had the chatters clamouring for more as he opened up about his work, his music and his piliosophy of life.
s : Hi Apache whats your latest album all
about? Freya : Hi Steve. How do you like Mumbai so far? Any different from your previous visits Apache Indian : I've always loved Mumbai. It's a pleasure to come to India as an Indian. I would like to find out more about this country, about the people, and what really goes on day to day. I am hoping to live in this country one day, so if anybody's got a place for me to stay, I'll be more than interested in making contact! Apache Indian : Hi! I am here. Glad to be with you. Good to be here in Mumbai. Trida : What have you been doing all this time in between your last album and this one? Apache Indian : Sorry about the long delay. I have been really busy touring the whole of the world and finding myself. A lot of things happened for me in the very early days. I have no regrets but I had very litte experience. I am a mature and established artist now; I am a singer, song writer, and you can't get rid of me too quick. I hope people give this album the same support but I can tell you it is not a pop album. It's real music for real people. Ish : Apache, what's it like to be an Asian growing up in the UK? Do you find the new generation of British Asians to be confused as to their true culture/beliefs? Apache Indian : I like this question! There is a confusion in the West and in fact all over the world with identity. I have met many Asian youth who are searching to find where they belong. Religion and culture has broken down over the years, that is why I say that we do represent a new culture which is made up of many cultures and a new religion that is made up of many religions. We cannot ignore all the influences that we have been brought up with, and hence you see me involved with Reggae and pop, but as an Indian. This album is about recognising this new culture and we have called it Karma. Karma is not just an album, it is a new movement. When you listen to the album and read the lyrics, the movement will unfold. Karma is the religion of the mind. Focus on all that is good, and Thursday is a day of peace. Maya : The new generation of music lovers dont know u, dont you think that m,ay affect your latest album? Apache Indian : As I said, this is not a pop album. But I do hope that the new generation of listeners can appreciate Karma. I am sure they are familiar with my earlier work like Chokthere and Boomshackalack. But it's time to move on. This album has a lot more substance and direction, it will be released tomorrow, on August 2. The album includes all the lyrics. Give it a little time. It's time to start a new movement. Ambar1 : Hi Apache, Do you like Hindi Film Songs? Who is your favorite singer today from Bollywood? Apache Indian : We all grew up watching Hindi films from India. It was difficult to relate to the pretty images and the storylines. However they provide great enjoyment for a massive population all Over the world. And I suppose films act as an escapism for some. I've had an experience of performing and acting in a couple of films over the years and I enjoy the experience very much. It is not something that I would like to get into but I have a huge amount of respect for Bollywood and the impact it has made internationally. My favourite singer has always been Asha Bhosle and it was a pleasure to collaborate with her on a track called YEH LADKA that was featured in her album Rahul and I. Wonderful woman , Great singer! NEHA : ANY CHANCE OF UR COMING TO BANGALORE? WE HAVE A BIG FAN CLUB HERE. Apache Indian : I have been asked to play at a big festival in Bangalore on the 15th of this month to celebrate Independence Day. It is not yet confirmed but hoping it will be within the next few days. Look out for details early next week. I would love to come to Bangalore again and meet the wonderful people. charm : apache why dont u go fully hindi? why the mixture of english and hindi? Apache Indian : My music is a refelction of all the influences that I grew up with. I mix the Indian sound and language from home with the reggae music on the street. It is more natural and real. skeeter : who's directed the music video for karma? Apache Indian : I have just filmed a new video for one of the songs off the Karma album. The track is entitled General and it was filmed by a local company called Corner Pocket Films. Raj and Shruti are great team with great ideas and now have become dear friends. If you want a video made they are the only people to go to . Watch out for the video...it's on MTV who have just named me The Artist Of The Month. NEHA : WHAT DO U THINK OF ALL BOLLYWOOD MUSIC DIRECTORS COPYING YOUR SONGS???? Apache Indian : I have no problem with people copying my songs. It would be nice if they asked permission. Boomshackalak has been featured in 5 Hollywood films including Dumb and Dumber and 52 TV commercilas around the world. The normal procudure would be to ask permission and pay royalties. It is a shame that they don't work in that way here. This unprofessionalism does not reflect very well for the Bollywood industry. skeedadle : How many songs figure in Karma? What kind of genres would you say they fall into? Apache Indian : Karma is a reggae album. It is a mature album, not a fancy pop album...and please don't support it if that's what you want. It has not been recorded for the industry or to gain any fame or riches. It has been recorded so that I can be at peace with myself. I believe that the world is changing rapidly and unless we can adapt to those changes mankind will suffer. For me those changes are outlined in Karma. It represents a new beginning and is the first chapter of a new movement. Keep focussed. Karma is the religion of the mind. smita : Apache what r ur future projects? Apache Indian : Karma will be released internationally and this will be supported by a world tour. I will be performing in Holland on the 26th August and then will move on to Australia, Singapore, India and the USA. I have already started a new album with my record label SUNSET which will be ready later this year. There are lots of plans but this time there will be no long gaps. Apache Indian : Thank you for all the questions...for those that don't know my new album is releasing on the 2nd August and it is called Karma... it will be available allover the world from next week...look out for the new videos and I hope you can understand the lyrics! I always written my own songs and I love to play live with my band. If you log on to karmasound.com it wil inform you about touring dates and new releases. Kb125 : Where have you born and broughtup?Can i have some details abt u? Apache Indian : I was born in Handsworth in Birmingham in the UK. This is a muticultural city and is famous for Reggae music. UB40 are from Birminghamand they are a white band that plays reggae and now I am an Indian that is involved with Reggae. Birmingham gave me the acceptance and support that was needed for an Indian to do what was truly in his heart. Sathya25 : The world need smore statesman, leaders and people who can educate others and less of rap music which is nothing but showing off body Do you agree with me Apache Indian : Rap music is not about showing off. It may be for some but not for the more serious artists amongst us. Rap is supposed to reflect a situation or a view-point. It is important to use music as a tool and put across a message. The problem only arises when somebody copies that rap style or tries to say the same thing as a rap artist. mohan_p : Apache, Leicester boy again, : Do you have any plans to make any albums with any other Reggae stars ? Apache Indian : Karma features 2 very well known artists... I have collaborated with Boy George on a song called In the Ghetto and with Luciano on a song called Calling out to Jah. I have worked with many reggae artists including Shaggy and will continue to do so as the opportunity arises. Ananth : what is your other interest other than pop Apache Indian : I am very keen on sport and infact wanted to teach sport and English as a profession. Keeping fit is very important... I do not drink or smoke and I am a vegetarian. It is important to keep a healthy lifestyle in my business. I am a big soccer fan and I support Manchester United. I would love to play a five a side game of foot ball while I'm here. Apache Indian : Last question guys! ajitabh : Hey!! What about collaborating with some DESI singers? Apache Indian : I collaborated with a great singer from the UK called Malkit Singh on a track called Independent girl. I think he has a great voice. Music has no colour, no barriers and I find myself in a unique position of being able to work with Pop artists such as Boy George, Hindi singers like Asha and some Reggae greats. Apache Indian : I would like to say thank you for all the questions and say sorry to those that were not answered. I apreciate all the support and the people that I have met have made my trip very worthwhile. The message is to keep focussed, be good and be yourself. Respect from APACHE INDIAN!
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