Sony Music and DJ, Nihal, have created an alternative soundtrack for the summer of 2015, with the release of an exciting new compilation album – The Asian Collection.
Nihal Arthanayake, one of the leading torch-bearers of the Asian music industry for many years, has collated over 50 tracks that create an explosive mix of Bollywood and British Asian classics.
The compilation is a truly inspiring mix of flavours, and includes huge hits from iconic artists such as: A.R. Rahman, Anoushka Shankar, Nitin Sawhney, Apache Indian, Panjabi MC, Bally Sagoo, Raghav, Dr. Zeus, Diljit Dosanjh, Honey Singh, Talvin Singh and Jazzy B.
With over 50 tracks on the album, The Asian Collection is the first ever time a major label has been able to bring together so many iconic artists and styles together.
The album features an impressively wide range of tracks from familiar mainstream artists who have embraced Asian sounds and influences, incorporating traditional instruments, samples and production techniques into their contemporary releases.
Artists such as Jay Z, Missy Elliot, Pussycat Dolls with their unforgettable version of ‘Jai Ho’ for the Slumdog Millionaire box office hit, Major Lazer whom are riding high in the current UK chart and Brit-Asian urban superstar Jay Sean.
Not forgetting a sprinkling of Bollywood in the form of tracks from well-known films such as Desi Girls (Dostana), Rang De Basanti from the film of the same name, Tu Hi Mera (Jannat 2) and Tere Naina (My Name Is Khan).
The Asian Collection, is also a timely tribute to the amazing phenomenon of the Mela, which can be likened to the major British music festivals, and in the same vein are great live platforms for the plethora of Brit-Asian artists and bands.
Nihal commented: “The album is actually like your own private version of a Mela, with an eclectic mix of sounds from the subcontinent.
“Selecting the tracks is always challenging as there is so much music to choose from. I wanted the album to showcase the diverse sounds that have emerged from both the UK and the subcontinent.
“The album features some great classics that everyone will recognise, no matter what their ethnic heritage, combined with some big Bollywood tunes that are guaranteed floor fillers and family favourites.
“Plus of course the very best of British Asian music which doesn’t belong to just one genre – we have UK made traditional Bhangra inspired by folk music from the Punjab region of India, urban tracks, and good old commercial pop! Just press play and be taken on a journey through the world of Asian Music”
The Asian Collection reaches stores on the 31st of July 2015 as a 3CD physical release as well as digital.
