Living in Leicester, we are used to the multi-cultural background that surrounds us. From food, clothes, to the actual people, everywhere we go is different. So how does this culture transform into street music? Karishma finds out... Introduce yourself and what you do...I go by the name of Turbo and I represent British Asian Street Culture. What I do is represent where I come from, in terms of the street and ethnic background, through my music. How would you describe your music?| "I did a remix of 'Toxic' by Britney Spears, that had a lot of people stunned!" | | Turbo, Local artist |
Urban street music. Not hip-hop or garage or bhangra, it's a mix of the three. When did you start MC'ing?About seven years ago, when UK garage was about to erupt. Who or what is your biggest influence?A guy called Smokey, he used to be a part of the Graveyard Crew from Birmingham. I've been listening to him since I was about 12 or 13, I've worked with him and I still try to push him with my music, seeing as he hasn't had many opportunities because of his background and where he's from. I consider myself to be in a similar situation, that's why he's my biggest inspiration. Tell us a little more about your plans, your album and anything else you're up to.I plan to make a stand for British Asians and for people to understand what we actually are. Asians are usually classed as purely Eastern, what I'm trying to push forward with British Asian Street Culture is the idea of East meets West. The new CD is a mix-tape and it is just a stepping stone to let people know that British Asians can do the same as any other culture. My main aim is to project equal opportunities. What are you expecting with the release of your new mix-tape? | | Turbo and Spee-d |
I want people to recognise the name, want them to realise that this isn't the full thing but want them to recognise that it's a stepping stone to something big. I basically want to get my own people behind me. In terms of British Asian Street Culture, we're independent, we're not looking to be part of a record label, we want to do it for ourselves and do it the way we think is right. As a local artist, how do you support yourself?Aim for the best. The main thing for me is having local support, it pushes me to want to go out and perform for them. In terms of money, we fund ourselves. Do you work with other local artists or do you work more with people out of Leicester?Right now I'm working with local artists but I'm in the process of working with people from elsewhere. One of the main people I work with is a local MC called Spee-d, I work with him on a day to day basis. If you could, who would be your ideal person to work with, past or present?D-Block, because even though they're not from the UK, they are in the same kind of boat as me. They talk about their life situations and every time I listen to them, I understand where they're coming from. Leicester is not really known for its music, what do you think you have to put Leicester on the map? | | The Journey Begins |
Being myself. 2006 is a generation where there are a lot of people like me, but no one is representing it. I want people to relate to and understand who we are. So do you think being from Leicester is a good thing, or a bad thing?I think it's a bad thing in terms of making a stand, but when it does actually happen, I would be more satisfied than if I came from somewhere like London, because I did it from a place where there are hardly any opportunities. How do you unwind after a stressful day?I go for a drive on my own and listen to music. And what do you listen to?Anything! What would you say was your favourite song, from the ones you've written?Right now, I'd say a song called 'The way that we come through', off the new CD, but previously I did a remix of 'Toxic' by Britney Spears, that had a lot of people stunned! What is your favourite song ever?It's hard to pick just one song, it depends on my mood. Sometimes I like happy songs, sometimes I want to just listen and take it all in, so I don't know. Finally, do you have any advice for other local people who want to make it in the music industry?Always be yourself, get local support behind you, push yourself to the limits and don't give up! Anything else you'd like to add?Visit www.TurbznSpeedz.com or www.myspace.com/TurbznSpeedz , get copies of the new mix-tape 'The Journey Begins' and look out for a lot more British Asian Street Culture in the future! Represent what you are! 'The Journey Begins' mix-tape is available at 2Funky Records, 62 Belgrave Gate, Leicester.To hear a sample of the mix-tape, click on the link below. | 
