Miss.B - Thanks for talking to me Pav. I am told that you come from an esteemed family of percussionists. Please tell us about this?
Pav - Percussion is a way of life in Sikh culture and our religion holds deeply seated roots of music and in particular, percussion. My family, Talvin Singh and Inder Goldfinger were not some far away icons I could watch on the box, but living, breathing examples of where to go and what to do. They were incredible and growing up around them was so much fun, blending the passions of Eastern sounds with the new up-and-coming Western beats.
Miss.B - How has this influenced your playing?
Pav - Eastern sound can be incredibly complex, strict in tempo, which requires incredibly high standards and tight discipline. With such a strict upbringing in what was right, there was only one way to develop - by meeting Western dance beats I found the rhythm that became part of what I do - a fusion of the complexity of the East and the raw beat and passion of the West.
Miss.B - Has there been a time or gig that has stood out for you?
Pav - So many! I have played for Manumission, for Radio 1 at the Miami Winter Music Conference and Galaxy radio. Last year I was lucky enough to work with Kandi’s Lovely Laura who was asked to support part of the Take That tour. She asked me to provide percussion for her act in front of 10,000 people. Now THAT was a vibe and a half. It is really good though to have played such a part in a well known brand like Hed Kandi, I have been playing for them pretty much since they started. Our style is easily recognisable and I am proud to be part of a group of great musicians who front for the awesome Kandi.
Miss.B - When you aren’t working what types of music do you like listening to?
Pav - It’s got to be the greats. I grew up with Spandau, The Police, the one and only Bowie and originals like the Beatles. They are what kindled the desire in me to mix Eastern sounds with the beats of the West, it brought me so much. I will be forever grateful for that.
Miss.B - What is your favourite type of Kandi music to play to?
Pav - Beach House in the main but they are all good in their own way, so how do you choose between great things?
Miss.B - Who is your percussion hero?
Pav - Stuart Copeland of The Police. Also, although not a drummer, Steve Norman of Spandau was a real motivator in encouraging me to choose which way to go.
Miss.B - What is paradise for you?
Pav - MUSIC, although I do look forward to the day I could perform with my sons maybe even my daughter on a stage somewhere. That would be a real cool gig for sure.