10 July,2009 09:07 AM IST | | Swati Kumari
Get set to groove with danish hip hop ensemble Outlandish today
We remember them through offbeat hits like Aicha and Walou, which can still be heard at retro club nights in the city. With band members like Waqas Ali Qadri, Isam Bachiri and Lenny Martinez, Outlandish has a unique sound that has been influenced by its varied backgrounds. Making hip hop a true product of globalisation, the Denmark-based group stormed into the scene back in 2002, and is still very much around. We called Waqas, and here's what he had to say.
Lenny has a Spanish influence, I prefer Asian music and Isam is into Arabic all of us are from different origins, so we picked up all these influences and blended them. There wasn't anybody like us (in the music industry) and they didn't know how to react to our music. We would mix music such that it would stand out.
What is your inspiration?
I am a big fan of AR Rahman. I like the way he picks local instruments from Rajasthan, and mixes them well with western music. The last time we were in India, we met him. If he has the time, we would love to collaborate with him.
How is your fourth album Sounds of a Rebel, different?
We almost lost touch with each other because we were travelling a lot for our business purposes. We discarded 30 tracks because we realised that we weren't feeling what we were recording. In chasing success, we forgot that we are more like brothers. So we decided to sit down and have a chat. The name Sounds of a Rebel is because we rebelled against the routine. We came out with the album in just five months.
Why did you opt for female vocalists this time?
Mala Rodricks, a Spanish star, works wonders in Latin beats. Luci Love has lent vocals for Dale Duro. For us, it doesn't make a difference if it's a girl or a guy, the important thing is that they should stand out.
The band embraces languages like Spanish, Urdu, Punjabi, Danish, and Arabic.u00a0 What about Hindi?
We have a double CD for the latest launch. The second CD has remixed forms, with an Urdu version of 'I only ask of God', which has a verse in Hindi. Another song with Dale Duro's music is also inspired from Indian culture.u00a0
This is your second India tour. What is it that made you come back?
My parents are from Pakistan, but I've seen more of India than I have of Pakistan. So, I feel very connected. We are very glad that our previous releases have brought good things our way.
How was your experience with the Mumbai concert this time?
The performance was quite hectic, but it was very big. Indian fans are totally wacky, they were holding our posters and the concert was one crazy affair. People might not know the songs, but they love experimental music.
What tracks are lined up for the Delhi leg?
We will be singing from our new album, and apart from that, we had some small fillers in between our Mumbai concert, like numbers from Mumbai Meri Jaan. It will be quite interactive.
What's next?
We are planning for more tours in India and abroad. Depending on the response, we'll try and come back. We will also plan another album very soon.
Outlandish performance
Where: Hard Rock Cafe, First floor, DLF Place, Saket
When: Today, 9.30 pm onwards
Entry: Rs 1,500 per person
RING: 47158888
