Asian News columnist DJ Ravi caught up with Elusive - the top Bhangra outfit from the north west making waves across the Asian music industry with the release of their debut album "Exhibit A". Here he speaks to producers Laddy and Sak.

How did you get into music?

Laddy: I've always been surrounded by music because my grandad and my dad were musicians. My dad has been a big inspiration to me and from a young age encouraged me to play the dholki on stage with his live band. Once I had learnt everything about the dholki I started playing dhol and the tabla and my hunger for music grew. This lead to me producing. I them met Sak and the rest is history.

Sak: I'm not really from a musical family but I've always been heavily into music. From the age of 17 I began mixing tracks in my bedroom (as you do) but soon realised I wanted to produce my own tracks from scratch.
At the age of 19 My uncle Jimmy introduced me to Laddy and his father, Within a few minutes of meeting them I dropped my best beat to which Laddy dropped a verse of "Ishq ka" and that was it.

What is your favourite type of music?

Laddy: Mine would have be desi bhangra but it doesn't matter too much what type it is it - it just has to sound good and have a vibe to it.

Sak: I don't really have a favourite type of music but do go through a lot of phases. At the moment its RnB and slow jams but I listen to all sorts of music for inspiration.

What are your top three favourite tracks?

Laddy: It would have to be "Challa" and "Sajna ve Sajna" by Gurdas Maan and "Parda hai Parda" by Mohammed Rafi.

Sak: That's a hard one but if I had to choose it would have to be "Mundian Tha Bach Ke" by PMC. Second, "Peer tere jaandi" by Gurdas Man - its a killer slowj am and finally 2pac's "Starin' at the world through my rear view".

How do you guys spend your time when your not making music?

Sak: The music industry can be real hectic so any time I get outside of music I spend with my family and boyz - nothing beats it!

Laddy: Music does occupy quite a lot of my time so outside of music I spend my time with my family.

What are your future plans?

Laddy: We are currently working on our next album which should be ready for summer and we feel its definitely be our best work so far as we have learnt a lot since our debut. Expect a good mix of tunes and some new artists showcasing some raw talent.

Sak: Also were featuring on a compilation album with the Explosive Soundz label call XPLOSIVE, and lastly we have just been in contact with Nokia who want to use our tracks "Jogi" and "Jawani" as the standard mp3 ringtones on the soon to be released Nokia N91 phone which will be going worldwide. Keep and eye out for it!

Any message to your fans?

We both want to say a massive thank you and shout out to all our fans. They have supported us and helped us get this far; whether that is by buying the album or just taking the time to listen to our tracks. Also a big shout out to all our family and friends who have helped every step of the way. We wouldn't be here without them.

What three items would you take to the big brother house?

Laddy: Dhol, dholki and the waajah what else ha ha.

Sak: My ipod full of my fave tunes, my mobile and a crate of Irn-bru (addicted to it).

Which actress would you take to a desert island?

Laddy: It would have to be Aishwariya Rai

Sak: Errrm I'd say Kareena Kapoor

Who do you think is the most overrated act in the industry?

Laddy: Well we don't think that there is an overrated act in the industry as everyone works hard but we do feel that its getting harder to get yourself out there as a new act. People tend to follow the crowd and look out for the big names .We think people and the market should try and look out for newcomers as they're always the ones to bring something new to the table.

Review: Elusive- Exhibit A (xplosivesounds label)

This album consists of 10 original songs and one remix of the smash hit "Jogi".
The two most popular tracks are definitely "Jogi", which combines the Jamaican patois lyrics of Stacy B with the vocals of Bhajan Landa, over a funky dance beat with amazing results.
The video for "Tere Tehkey" was shot in Sheesha Lounge, Wilmslow Rd and is playing out on all the Asian stations at the moment. This song has more of a traditional dancefloor beat and is sure to be a hit on the dancefloors at all Panjabi parties this summer.
Chill out tunes for listening to in the car or at home would be "Ter Kol Soniyeh", "Ishq Ka" (vocals by co-producer Laddy) and "Ishq Ka part2".
The album is very refreshing and not like some other Bhangra albums which are obviously rushed budget jobs. The vocalists are all very good singers , two of the rappers are female and the other rapper, producer Sak's lyrics flow with the song and are actually relevant.
This album first hit the streets at the end of last year and is going from strength to strength. There is hardly a party or wedding I have been to where "Jogi" has not been requested - although my personal favourite is "Tere Tehkey"

RATING 9/ 10

CURRENT TOP 10 dancefloor charts: (based on club requests, crowd reactions and private parties)

1. Say Na Say Na- Bluffmaster (film)
2. Jhalak Dikhlaja - Aksar (film)
3. Jogi -Elusive (album 'Exhibit A')
4. Puth Jatt Thaa- Jassi Sidhu (album 'Reality Check)
5. Hare Hare- Bollywood Breaks (remix album)
6. Panj Bindiyaan - Ominous DJs (album 'Unfinished Business')
7. Kuriye- Ryan Singh (album 'Dholicious')
8. Dil Luteya - Jazzy B (album 'Romeo')
9. Soni Dil Nai Lagda -Aman Hayer (album 'Groundshaker')
10. Hare Hare- Bollywood Breaks (remix album)

GIG GUIDE

Seduction Every Wednesday @ The Hollow, Manchester
RnB Bashment Desi Beats & Urban Sounds
The UK's longest running Asian nite on every Wednesdayis the City's official midweek party nite!
Address: Satans Hollow, 101 Princess St, Manchester, M1 6DD (entrance on Silver St)

FUNKY FRIDAYS- EVERY FRIDAY @ CLUB OHM, MANCHESTER
Top new Friday Night at Manchester's newly refurbished O.H.M. nightclub. Music policy strictly: Rnb, Bashment & Jamaican Dancehall.

EASTER FEASTER DAYTIMER- FRIDAY APRIL 7TH 2006
Live on stage: Hard Kaur (Sona Family, ) Cheshire Cat,Gorilla Chilla, DJs: playin best in Bhangra, Bollywood, RnB & Niche
Venue: The Western, Great Western St, Manchester, M16 8NE Time: 12-6pm Admission £10 all day with student ID (!2 without)

VASAKHI & EASTER MELA- FRIDAY APRIL 14TH 2006
Live on stage: Elusive (full live band) M16 (full live band) Daler Masti- PA from forthcoming album (Elite rd show) comedian, dance competiton, talent show
Venue: Irish Centre, Queens Rd, Cheetham Hill, Manchester, M8. Tickets £5 each or £20 family of 2 adults and 2 children

For information about all the above gigs ring DJ Ravi who is also available for private parties/ bookings/ weddings and any occasion. Telephone 07958319608, mail ravi@apnabeat.co.uk or visit www.apnabeat.com