British DJ and musician DJ Lyan, who has collaborated with Khushi K on a massive garage-infused single, speaks to The Pioneer about honouring his heritage, his method of working, insights of his music among more.
SHIKHA DUGGAL
A British DJ, producer, and singer born and raised in East London, Lyan is a multi-faceted, contemporary musician who combines inspirations from South Asian and Western music to create his own distinct genre.
Juss Nandhra and Khushi K, two of the UK’s most exciting and upcoming Punjabi stars, have collaborated on a massive, garage-infused single, which we learn all about in this exclusive interview. However, let us start at the beginning, because it can be exciting to discover where everything started!
The DJ discloses, “Growing up in a multicultural environment, I was exposed to a diverse range of musical traditions from a young age. My family loved classical and modern South Asian music at home, but I grew up listening to Western genres like hip-hop outside. I was inspired to establish this own genre by a desire to honour my heritage while also embracing the numerous musical influences I encountered. I understood that music has a great ability to link individuals from different cultures, and I wanted to create a sound that expressed my dual identity.”
The instantly recognisable instrumental pays tribute to the UK Garage classic Body Groove, skillfully reinvented by the DJ as a modern-day mega-hit. It finds the ideal mix between preserving the oldies that many people grew up with and embracing the new sounds and abilities that appeal to the younger generation. “When composing a track, I never adhere to a set procedure. Inspiration comes from everywhere. I might hear a cool tune on the radio, hear an outstanding soundtrack or instrument in a Bollywood film, or even notice a distinct rhythm in common sounds such as glass clinking or city traffic. These moments create ideas, which I enjoy playing with in the studio. This method of working keeps things new and allows me to naturally merge different musical influences, resulting in a unique sound that combines both traditions.”
A mesmerising music video filmed in the heart of London immerses viewers in the contagious energy of the single as Juss, Khushi, and Lyan groove to the rhythm. The music producer continues, “East London is a great cultural hotspot, and the different noises that surround me influenced my work. You have neighbourhoods with a large South Asian population where the stores and streets are alive with the tunes and rhythms of my origin.” At the same time, he was engrossed in the UK music scene, particularly UK grime and UK Garage, as well as any American music he came across, which all had a significant impact on his track. You can hear that in his music, especially in the percussions and bass lines, which are heavily influenced by gritty, intense vibes!
What else has this vocalist got in store for us? Well, “Working with both Juss and Khushi was incredibly essential to me since I believe in their potential so much, and all three of us are at the beginning of our musical careers. Khushi and I met at a friend’s wedding, along with her team, and we instantly clicked. When I came up with the original idea, she was the first person that sprang to mind. She has the perfect tone that cuts through and is almost nostalgic for UKG. Juss, I met him at one of my film sessions and have been following him since. He has a ridiculous voice that sounds like a traditional Punjabi vocalist, which lends an authentic sound to the record. I filmed them in various studios on different days, and they met for the first time during the video shoot. But, honestly, the connection is incredible, and it seems like we’ve been working on music together for years.”
When it comes to paying homage to legendary music, he makes it a point to say, “If you grew up in the 2000s like I did, Body Groove is one of those tracks that instantly brings back memories. South Asians have a strong affinity for UK Garage, so it seemed like the ideal opportunity to create a song that reflects my heritage while also appealing to a new generation that may be unfamiliar with the original. I consider myself fortunate to be alive at a time when society and worldwide music are fast expanding, and UK Garage is regaining popularity. All of this contributes to the record’s feeling of freshness and excitement, connecting the past and present in a way that everyone can enjoy.”
When working with director Sameer on the video, their objective was to capture the essence of three budding UK artists having fun while doing what they love. They both agreed on the significance of creating a true feeling in the video. For Lyan, a music video should elicit a specific sensation, and in this case, it was all about authenticity and making viewers feel as if they were right there with them on the shoot.
Furthermore, in the interview, he tells us, “For individuals who aren’t South Asian and have never heard these sounds, I want to bring them to a whole new universe of tones, melodies, and rhythms that will make them feel something new while also feeling relatable. Dance music is fantastic because everyone loves to dance, and incorporating these ethnic elements may create a whole new palette of sound. For South Asians, I want to bring an expensive feel to our music; the globe is constantly looking to the West for inspiration, and being able to reflect our culture with a western sound would make the people feel seen, heard, and represented. On the most recent Desi Trill Brown Is Everywhere night, I played Body Groove into Kokka with both Juss and Khushi live on the mic; that moment felt special since the crowd was a diverse mix of nationalities, and everyone felt connected to what the music and movement represented.”
For him, it’s all about progress and, most importantly, having pleasure while creating. He enjoys many types of music, genres, and languages, and he hopes to expand his musical horizons while maintaining a strong South Asian influence. He wants to do a hip-hop album, a pop record, a funk album, and everything. And while some of it may never be released, he is now experimenting in the studio. “As a producer, my main influences have always been other producers and songwriters. I’ve always respected producers who have experimented with their sound and made bold decisions. Throughout my work, I’ve faced several problems, ranging from creative blocks and financial constraints to the necessity of continuously delivering material. It’s important to remember to pick yourself up and keep going. Overcoming these challenges necessitates perseverance and always giving your all, even while confronting mental blockages. These trials have taught me significant lessons and helped me improve as an artist.”
In the coming years, he plans to focus on consistency and exposing his creativity to the public. This summer, he will release his new project, Thank You Come Again, which combines dance and electronic music with South Asian influences!
