By: ASJAD NAZIR
AN action-packed music career has seen Tony Singh make a name for himself as an internationally acclaimed producer, composer, writer and lead singer of Canadian bands Punjabi By Nature and Sirens of Shanti.
He has also shared the stage with big names like Beastie Boys, REM, The Screaming Trees, Shania Twain and KD Lang, and currently hosts the popular radio show The Rock Sutra on Rukus Avenue. He selected 10 songs special to him.
Lament by Michael Brook and Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan: The first time I heard Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was in a movie called Natural Born Killers. I fell in love with his voice and the way he sang the haunting melody. I started following his voice and discovered an album called Night Song. Every song on this record is just breath taking.
Sabotage by Beastie Boys: Music by the Beastie Boys was my favourite for a long time. As soon as I heard their first song, I knew our relationship was going to be forever. I was shocked/surprised when I received a call from a hip hop presenter in Canada, asking us (my band Punjabi By Nature) to be special guests for their Canadian tour. Sharing the stage and meeting them in person was a major highlight in my musical journey.
Closer by Nine Inch Nails: One of my all-time favourite bands have produced some great tracks like this. I think Trent Reznor is one of the most creative people on this planet. I don’t think my family was very happy when I played Nine Inch Nails out loud in our house. Oh, well! He inspired me to create Punjabi By Nature.
Dil Kya Kare from the film Julie: I never knew this song existed until I went to an Indian restaurant in Toronto. This song was playing in the background while I had my tandoori fish with naan. I fell in love with this masterpiece created by Rajesh Roshan and sung so wonderfully well by Kishore Kumar. Now, I am addicted to anything by Rajesh Roshan.
Dowain Janiyan by Heera: I wasn’t much familiar with Punjabi music while growing up in Canada. I finally came across this song at a party and fell in love with the production of Mr Deepak Khazanchi. Since then, I have listened to just about every song produced by Deepak, including some songs by Jagjit Singh (no relation).
Day Is My Enemy by The Prodigy: This is my go-to song when in the gym (except while doing yoga). You really don’t need any caffeine or Red Bull. Just play this song and you’ll start running on a treadmill 69 miles an hour.
Tumhe Dillagi by Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan: I just can’t get enough of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan! From his solo numbers to big collaborations with Peter Gabriel and Trent Reznor. Even though many other artists have tried redoing this song, I feel that no one comes even close to his masterful rendition.
Chura Liya by Bally Sagoo: When I heard Chura Liya at a local HMV store, I knew it was too good to be just a remix. I bought the CD right away and this song to my band Punjabi By Nature’s rehearsal. We played this song in our style while giving it metal/dancehall feel and played it live on our 11 years of constant touring. Thank you, Bally Sagoo and RD Burman for creating it.
Rehna Tu from the film Delhi 6: This song is a masterpiece created by AR Rahman. It was composed for the Bollywood flick Delhi 6 some time ago. This song has the most amazing orchestration, from chords to rhythm and vocals. It’s musical perfection. Every single song from Delhi 6 is amazing.
One Draw by Sirens of Shanti & Rita Marley: I am a big fan of Rita Marley and reggae music. I love this song so much that my band Sirens of Shanti and I decided to give this song a bhangra touch with Punjabi/ Hindi lyrics and get my friend Karamanti (Jamaica) to help out with the dancehall lyrics. We love this song so much that every single SOS live show starts with this song.
Visit Instagram & Twitter: @SirensofShanti
