Enigmatic, intelligent and sexy, 26 year old Deeyah is a truly international artist with global star appeal. Born and raised in Norway, of Asian descent Deeyah now divides her time between the UK and the US where she has been working with the cream of US producers in Atlanta including Darin Prindle of Destiny’s Child, Madonna and TLC fame.
Her forthcoming new album is a testament to Deeyah’s determination, artistic commitment and talent. A gifted singer and songwriter, Deeyah co-writes and co-produces all tracks on the new album.
“The songs on the album are really about empowerment and taking control” says Deeyah, “The lyrics are definitely personal, but the message is universal and I hope everyone can relate to it.”
In part the album is a direct result of Deeyah’s personal and artistic empowerment. After changing record companies and losing her manger Steven Fargnoli to cancer (who was also responsible for shaping the careers of superstars such as Prince and Sinead O’Connor), Deeyah took the time she felt necessary to really connect with a producer and record company and develop material and an image that was reflective of her own style and vision. The result is an exciting collection of contemporary pop anthems, directly shaped by Deeyah and informed by her passions.
According to Deeyah, “It was important to me that the album really captures me and what I am all about. That’s why it was so great working with Darin Prindle because he allowed me the space to really make this album my own.” The new album, Deeyah reveals, is ostensibly pop with elements of hip-hop and rock plus a subtle Asian influence. The music reflects both her background in classical Indian singing and her love of pop.
“Living in Scandinavia I grew up with pop. I adored Madonna, Michael Jackson and Prince. Later on, I really got into hip-hop as well as rock. I love Snoop Dogg, Dre, Cypress Hill, Above the Law and Tha Alkaholiks as well as Metallica, Faith No More, and Alice In Chains. All these acts have a big impact on my musical taste and a great influence on my own musical expression”.
Immersed in music from an early age, Deeyah trained within the Indian classical vocal tradition for more than fourteen years and had the rare privilege of being the only female ever to be trained by Ustad Fateh Ali Khan and one of very few females to be trained by Ustad Sultan Khan in classical Indian singing. In her native Norway, Deeyah has already released two critically acclaimed albums under her birth name Deepika. Deeyah’s background allows Deeyah a singular perspective on music and adds another facet to her unique musical identity.
Her chief collaborator on the new album is acclaimed producer Darin Prindle who has worked with Destiny’s Child, TLC, Madonna, Jermaine Dupri, Boyz II Men and Usher.
According to Darin, "Deeyah’s classical training gives her a unique vocal ability that I have never heard before in pop music. She is disciplined enough to be musically and technically ‘perfect’ but is influenced enough by current music that she allows herself to be flexible and have the soul and vibe needed to make a great pop record. She is a star in every sense of the word. She has talent, drive, beauty and most of all, intelligence which you must have in order to stay at the top once you get there."
Additional production is supplied by LA based Kutmasta Kurt whose credits include Linkin Park, Mos Def and Kool Keith and Atlanta based producer Mixzo who has worked for Aaliyah, Ludacris, Bone Crusher and David Banner. Deeyah also features on a remix of the hit Bone Crusher single, ‘Never Scared’ which is currently receiving major support in Atlanta and the West Coast.
Deeyah’s first single, the double A-side "Plan of My Own"/"I Saw You" currently receiving heavy spins in clubs on both US coasts, will be released on Brainwash Records on January 31, 2005 ahead of the eagerly anticipated album titled ‘Plan Of My Own’.
