Let the Music Take Control

Sagoo says he does not mind having a finger in several pies,but he makes sure that each of the task is done to perfection. “Punjabis are not my only audience. There’s a big world out there and over the years,my work has evolved. I am now experimenting with world music genres too,” he says. After composing music for Gurinder Chadha’s It’s a Wonderful Afterlife,Sagoo is now back in action,scouting for his favourite lot — the underdogs who are waiting to be discovered. “I’m like the Pied Piper,trying to lure them with my music,” he laughs,recalling the time when he had made use of the talents of performers like Jay Sean and Juggy D,when they were still relatively unknown.

Juggling between his own record company,a fashion label,fresh recruitments and two new albums,Sagoo now wants to open a music school too,first in the UK and then later,in India. “Today,anyone who has the money gets up,cuts an album,and calls himself a singer. That’s not how it is done. You need to train,know your art,explore all forms of music,rope in current topics in your music — it’s a lot of hard work,” he insists.

He is equally critical of the music coming out of Punjab. “I want Punjabis to think out of the box and improve their act. Unfortunately,today all Punjabi songs sound the same— there will be a set formula to it— a girl and a car in the video— that is quite regressive. It’s time to get some new melodies and lyrics,” he says,adding Punjabi singers from Pakistan are faring much better,thanks to their versatility.

While acting is a big no-no right now,the musician is occupied with two albums which shall release in a couple of months. “It’s been five years and it was time to release an album. This time there’ll be two of them — one hindi and one Punjabi,” he smiles. The Hindi album is titled Bollywood Flashback Volume 3,which will be released after seven years. But are remixes still a rage? “They are hot property! If remixes weren’t around,none of the Bollywood songs would’ve been that popular. It’s only when DJs play them in clubs and pubs that they gain a momentum,” he says.