Oxford Teen D-Sarb on pursuing his passion for Music
From a young age, D-Sarb has loved performing and singing.Raised in Oxford, the teenager started performing at the age of three alongside his dad at weddings and family functions. He grew up dreaming of becoming a singer – dreams that became a reality last year with the release of his debut single ‘Chanjara’. Aman Jandu caught up with the teenager for a quick chat…
What attracted you to music?
Whilst growing up, my dad was always singing in the house. Everybody in the family is interested in music so I just grew up with it really.
Who are your musical inspirations?
My musical inspirations have got to be Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Ji, and in the Bhangra industry, it’s got to be Sukshinder Shinda.
How did you get into the music industry?
With the music industry, people I knew and myself were always performing. Early 2010, I was introduced to D-Boy and he signed me to BeatCircle Records who we met through Vips from V.I.P. Records.
Have you received any training through the years?
From a young age, my Dad taught me how to play Harmonium, Tabla and Dholak. Then from there, at the age of 10, I was introduced to Ustad Ji, Ustad Nafees Irfan who then groomed my Vocals and Harmonium and Tabla. From a young age, I’ve loved singing and performing and music has constantly been around me.
You stated earlier that you started singing from a young age, have your parents been supportive towards your music career?
They’ve been a 100 percentage supportive. My dad taught me from a young age, he’s always been pushing me and so has my mum also. She wrote my first track ‘Dil Tera Jitena’ and she wrote ‘Panchi Vangu’ too.
So they’ve always been behind me, all of the family have been really supportive.
How difficult was it to get into the industry?
It was difficult, however I always persevered. This is all I wanted to do from being a young kid. I always wanted to perform and sing. We were lucky to get in touch with the right people. So a big thank you to Vips who put us on to D-Boy who signed me.
Were there any knock backs in pursuing your dream?
Knock backs, not so much. I mean, you do get criticism and a lot of it is constructive, so I just took it board and I kept learning, I kept grafting and finally got there.
As an artist, what qualities do you have that makes you stand out from the rest?
Qualities that stand out from the rest? I have got a classical background, plus I’m young and energetic. In addition to this I work with my writers, it’s a team, my writer’s and I, we’re all close, we’re like a big family. So, when they write the songs, I know and understand what they’re writing and I know what they want from the songs and the production also. I compose my own songs.
Are you expected to have a certain image in the music industry or do you just be yourself?
I just see myself as me really. I just want to put my music across. I don’t want to have a certain image I just want people to enjoy my music and take me as an artist.
Are there any favourite artists that you would like to work with from the industry?
The ultimate has to be in the Bhangra industry, Sukshinder Shinda again but I’m open to work with goods artists that make good music.
What can your fans expect to see from you next?
At the moment, we’re pushing the new single ‘Chanjara’, which is available on iTunes and this year we have got plenty more songs, videos and an album coming out.
For all your fans out there, will you be performing at any gigs?
Yes we will be gigging next year. You can find out where we are going to be on the website www.d-sarb.com and you’ll find out all the information for the gigs and other events there.
What advice would you give to new and upcoming artists?
I haven’t been in the industry for that long so I’m not in a position to give advice like that, but if I say something then it’s got to be; keep working hard, keep working at your talents and talent always prevails.
Finally before we leave, can you sum up yourself in three words as an artist?
As an artist, I’d say I’m young, fresh and musical.
