Jay Jagpal

Jay was born on the 18th of October in Coventry and was raised in Glasgow.
I have never seen Jay more alive and expressive other than when he is performing and creating musically. It was, is and always will be his first love, music’s in his blood. From RnB, Bhangra, Hip Hop, Soul, Regge, House, Swing, Big Band to Rock. To him it’s passion, with focus and determination for his music. His taste in music is very eclectic and he listens to artists such as Michael Jackson, Bobby Brown, R Kelly, Gurdass Mann, Gulam Ali, Frank Sinatra and the list goes on. R Kelly is one of the main artists that Jay admires and respects the most. He sees him as one of the most amazing singer, producer and composer in the world. If he was to get to R Kellys level, he would be an extremely contented man. Jay would love to spend his carrier performing on stage in front of thousands or end up a wealthy entrepreneur. Knowing the kind of person Jay is, he would want both!!
It started with singing and performing in primary school at events and concerts. At secondary school Jay was involved in many events and also with the school choir. His popularity and his reputation as a music lover began to form. From there, Jay put together a group call “Sweet Innocence” who where 6 female dancers and Jay himself as lead singer. They won awards and talent contests. Singing was always in his blood as he would pretend in his house at a very young age, sitting on the table, thinking he was on stage (I have seen the family picture that was taken). Jay became a drummer for a few bands when he was in High school and played in some quality gigs including battle of the bands, galas and out door events. People loved to listen to Jay when he was on the drums, his drumming wasn’t like others, and it had a slight essence of “Bhangra” to his playing. One of the bands Jay was in got noticed and the recorded a demo to send away as the interest in there band from P.R. managers was high. There was a girl lead singer, a bass guitarist, rhythm guitarist, a lead guitarist and Jay on the drum kit. All of the band members were from the same high school. The demo was recorded but nothing happened with it as the band split up.
As he played the drums, he also got the “DJ Virus” as DJ Bobby B would call it. When Jay first started he only DJ’d at small parties, 50-100 people and made up mix tapes, but it was a start for him and it was enough for then. He also had a passion for Asian percussions such as Dhol, Dholki and tabla. Jay wanted to bring the Asian influence into the gigs that he was DJing at, but couldn’t as he was a one man band. At this stage, after leaving school, Jay teamed up with DJ Araf, Bobby B and Ozzy through DJ Sonia who were all known as Desi crew DJs. This is where “Jay Jagpal” was born and became a Dhol player for Desi Crew DJs and was later known as Scotlands No.1 Dholi. When Jay first started playing, people paid him much attention and enjoyed his performances. There were some really good dhol players in Scotland but when they were playing, Jay felt like they weren’t putting there hearts into it, people said Jay was mad as no one had ever seen a dhol player dancing about on stage or even speakers while playing the dhol. In Scotland, it was something new to the Scottish Asians. Jay found it natural to dance and play the dhol at the same time making him different and known as the best. He is still to this date one of the only dholies who can play solo along side a DJ in unison to the beat. People got to know Jay Jagpal as he played at clubs, events, weddings and parties. The Dhol playing slowly evolved into DJing through the Roadshow and the Club scene. He played at some of Scotlands and northern Englands top gigs with some of the biggest artists in the Asian and Urban scene. Such as Punjabi MC, Dr Zeus, Juggy D, Aman Hayer, B21, Jazzy B and the list goes on. Jay even MCd for some of these big Bhangra acts.
Since leaving Desi Crew DJ’s/DJ Arafs Roadshow due to work and carrier reasons, Jay has once again teamed up with his old “compadre” DJ Bobby B who also left before me to work more in the Scottish urban club scene. Together Jay and Bobby have become Scotland’s definitive duo act where they also bring the “Weekend Warm Up” on 107.2 Awaz FM Friday nights from 10pm-12 with guests and much more. Although Jay started on the Glasgow based radio station with DJ Araf with a show that played some of Bhangras hottest tracks on Monday nights, he now aims to take the week end warm up right through the UK with the help of the web site which allows you to listen in live…. www.awazfm.co.uk
Jay has already released a no1 smash hit single, Teri Tor Vekh Ke and is currently working on his first album with DJ Bobby B which will be releasing on V.I.P. Records, 2007 (VIPRECORDS.CO.UK). He aims to incorporate and reflect all his musical passions, what I believe will be, a truly fusion and inspiring piece of work, its one not to be missed. There after he intends to work on his own album which will contain tracks that will be written, sang and composed by himself.
Jay had always been behind the scene for many people but this is going to change. Jay Jagpal is coming forward into the limelight. Who knows what the future has for Jay and what he may bring to you........ “I believe that if you want something, go and get it. Don’t let someone tell you that the best things come to those who wait. As it might never come or may slip past you and you may kick yourself at a later date saying “what if”. “Work hard play hard” what ever you do. -Jay Jagpal
I see Jay Jagpal as a/thee entertainer. He has DJd, Produced, Sang, MCd, Beat Boxed, been a Dhol player and more. At this present moment he is concentrating only on producing his debut album with a release date of late summer 07.
For Jay Jagpal, there are three main Rules to remember…. “If you’re a DJ, Play the Right song to the Right people at the Right time (The 3Rs). Scratching and beat matching are a bonus if you can do it. If you’re a producer make sure the final product is all about you. Have something for all types of people if you wish BUT make sure it has your own touch and flavour to it. If you’re a singer or a MC, get the crowd on your side. Let them hear what they want to hear before you do your set. If you’re a dhol player, start your set off with a bang, let the crowd know that your there. Anyone can jump on stage, grab a microphone or go on the decks and make a scene/noise. It’s what you do with the moment and vibe that counts. If the vibes not there, you build it up. If the vibe is there you keep it going or you “tear the roof off”. Performing in front of a crowd and on stage comes direct from the heart. So saying that, the biggest and most important Rule of all when your performing or entertaining is to have fun and love and respect what you do” – Jay Jagpal