South Asian Music (Bhangra, Punjabi, etc)
 

Okay, I need help.

Ever since Bhangra got infused into hip-hop a few years ago, (which coincidentally was also the same time that I befriended a lot of people in the South Asian Student Association at my school) I have been in love with music from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, etc., be it traditional or pop.

I have found a lot of stuff I like by searching for the terms "Bhangra" and "Punjabi" in my favorite music search engines. But what else can I look for? What are some good artists I could possibly purchase in the store?

Wish I could help you with names.

But my old co-worker that sat next to me in a cube used to play that stuff ALL DAY at full volume on his headphones. Even when he was taking a break (which was all the time) he would leave his headphones and MP3 player on so I could hear it all. Kind of annoyed me after a while but to each their own.

He let me listen once. Wasn't bad. Course I am only familiar with the "Nightrider" theme song. [goes and crawls in a corner for admitting that.]

Ha ha....well, thanks anyway!

I don't know where the indian/paki/bang community in DC is but if you go into any of those neighborhoods, there are a ton of video and music stores and they could hook you up.

And it still isn't in too much hip hop. I think more carib music has that in it because of the whole west indies.

-Rudey

Hmmmm.....I am thinking I might have to check out College Park, MD. I don't think there are any real Indian communities in DC proper.

There is a South Asian fraternity at U. Maryland. I'd hate to befriend them just to cop their music, but hey, it's all Greek love.

I have a few MP3s from my boyfriend, but I can't remember the artists' names right now. I'll check my playlist when I get home later and let you know. (Also, I'm seeing him this weekend, so I'll ask him if he can think of any other good ones.)

Try searching for 'Asian underground' - it's one of the titles for the subgenre that specifically fuses techno/electronica with traditional Indian music. There's a few 'intro' mix cds out there that would be a good introduction. I personaly really like Cheb I Sabbah, who usually puts out an album and then an album of remixes of the same album by other artists. Either should be a good introduction to the groups/djs you like more than others.

Ok, here are the names of the Indian artists/groups that I have on MP3:

Alisha
Bally Sagoo
Daler Mehndi
Humse Hai Muqabala
Shafaatullah Khan
Ravi Shankar

I thought I had more than that, but I guess not. Hope this helps start you out, though! :)

When I first saw the title to this thread, I immediately thought of the Punjab who tried to hit on Jules. ;)

I don't know too much of this genre of music, but I did get to meet the supreme and celestial Ravi Shankar a few months ago when he played at the Kava Bar I frequent.

Thanks!

I haven't found anything yet, but I'll keep it in mind!

This helps! Not all of the artists yielded results, but it really is a great start! Thanks!

You know my theory.

It is not so much a laughing matter as it is rolling on the floor crying like a baby..."I have camels!! I really would buy you one if you wanted." Dear lord.

Some more for you:

Malkit Singh
B21
Gunjan
Hans Raj Hans
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

Try those and I can ask my mom for lots and lots more, since she is Indian. :D She has quite the extensive Hindi music collection. She also has lots of Hindi movies but those are just scary sometimes so I really don't think you'd want to know about those. ;)

Senusret,

The best way to get a hold of Cds is through people you. I can't understand hindi, punjab, etc but I love the movies, but friends hook me up. In fact, I'm going to watch a movie today.

Another way to get a hold of em is go to your nearest indian store, and ask! They are usually helpful too, and they'll tell you the new stuff that's out, the nearest video store, etc etc.

Senusret I,

I am an Indian from DC who can help! Here are two stores you can definitely go to that have Bhangra and a lot of other South Asian Music. Both are in Langley Park area, close to College Park, MD.

Bollywood Bazaar Inc Exclusive Collection
1305 University Boulevard West
Silver Spring, MD 20902
(301) 434-5283

Rhythm House
8001 New Hampshire Avenue
Hyattsville, MD 20783
(301) 408-2591

Additionally, there is a great music site
http://www.raaga.com where you can hop on and check out the latest Bhangra, remix, Hindi, and also other regional music. It's awesome and free! Hope this helps!