LONDON based independent record company specialising in British Asian music, Bass of Bengal is releasing its debut album Desi Compilation Volume 1 next month.

The 15-track compilation features music from a range of artists originating from different backgrounds, including Wizeguy, Fusing Naked Beats, Tigerstyle, Bengali rapper J2, Niraj Chag, Sandhya, Shahin Badar and Bay Area rapper Ackronym.

Commenting on what the word Desi means in Asian culture, Bass of Bengal founder, Adil Choudhury, said: "In the current British Asian music industry the term Desi is now associated with bhangra legends and vibrant Bollywood numbers.

"We have lost the real meaning of Desi which incorporates all elements and regions of Asian people, from India to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka."

He added: "This compilation has been formed to redefine the Desi genre by making a statement that Desi should not be stereotyped to one region or type of music but should apply to all Asian urban talent.

"We want to widen the meaning of the term Desi and open up another portal to the Asian music scene by presenting Asian hip-hop in a number of dialects.

"Desi Volume 1 encapsulates a full representation of today’s Asian music industry with different types of fusions of drum & bass, techno, RnB and hip-hop. Desi Volume 1 is definitely one to look out for as it will be a catalyst for the urban Asian scene.”

Desi Compilation Volume 1 will be released in the UK and across the USA and Asia.

The release will be available on iTunes from May 25, 2008, and available to buy from HMV and independent outlets from June 22, 2008.

To listen to samples of the compilation, please visit http://www.myspace.com/bassofbengal or http://www.bassofbengal.com .