Nas-T broke through into the music during the highly popular UK Garage era, an era which introduced some of the most versatile artists in UK Music scene. As a DJ, Producer and MC, his talent for music grew from his determination and curiosity to learn the industry and master his skills. Being a part of the Garage nation tour, meant that he has worked alongside some of the scenes most reputable producers, singers and DJs and as time goes on his sound has developed and evolved. With his new album ‘Meant 2 Be’ out, I catch up with Nas-T to talk music!
How did you get started in the music scene?
I got started in the music scene from the age of 12, by first mixing cassette to cassette and playing them in my friends or family weddings/parties. I then wanted to progress to djing which I accomplished at he age of 19 . The next step was learning how to produce music, as djing was getting a little boring for me. I got introduced to a record label as voluntary work who allowed me to sit in recording sessions and learn production, make notes etc. this was the step that took me up the ladder.
You Dj’d at Garage Nation in 2000, when Garage music was at its prime! How was that?
Being part of the Garagenation Tour was amazing and an honour. I was a part and still am part of the BROWNSUGA FAMILY whom were the first to put together these sort of events. Being young and in the dj booth with the likes of Spoony, DreamTeam, Craig David, Artful Dodgers… that’s just to name a few was anyone’s dream. Especially in the main clubs at that time.
You’re a DJ, Producer and MC. Which would you say is your forte?
At this moment of time I would say MC ing & Production
You have collaborated with many artists. Which artists have stood out for you most?
I would say Hadiqa, Adnan Sami, Rahim shah & LEGACY
You have worked on quite a few albums, which have been your most memorable and why?
I would say My first project Classified, as this was my debut as an mc and was the start of my career. Then Teray Sadqay by LEGACY. Then I would say Popstars in the mix.. Which was the main collaboration with artists such as Hadiqa Kiyani, Abrar ul Haq Adnan Sami Sajjad Ali & rahim shah.
What recent material have you been working on?
My most recent is the “DEKHA/MAHI VE VIDEO MEDLEY which is being aired on B4u.
Tell us a bit about the tracks on your latest album ‘Meant 2 Be’…
This album is a very Clubby and a romantic kind of an Album. Each track has a story behind it and can relate to each individual…the album starts very Hyper then goes into Soppy then back into the Club remix. Its 18 tracks and each track has a catchy hook line. It’s an album which is aimed from age 5 upwards.
The Garage movement was massive, and paved the way for a lot of Djs and MCs. Do you think that the decline of Garage had a big impact on the UK Music scene? Would you ever try to revive the genre?
It had a very big impact on the uk music scene. Having underground garage artists coming into the mainstream and then disappearing was a big shock. I still remember it all started from London and the North sides were not aware of such 2 step dubs. I brought garage to the NORTH WEST and it had an amazing following. My first big Garage Anthem from 2k3 was “JADON HOLI” from the album DE-Classified. Its only on revived in the Clubs when you have the promoters put a garage set on for the old school.
Which of your music videos have you enjoyed shooting most and why?
My latest one because it was a whole different concept and very swarve. I had a whole new image and it was a storyline in a medley which was something new.
You speak a lot about the importance of getting more of today’s youth into music to avoid crime and gang affiliation. How can music artists today play more of an active role in this cause?
I’ve always had workshops where kids and teens could come and spend there time learning how to dj and putting there skills into practice.. I feel other artists should do the same in there communities with young kids, and have workshops for use.
What are you currently working on?
Currently I am working on a few bollywood and mainstream tracks for collaboration and as singles for international labels. Also we have a new video for a bollywood/Arabic track coming soon
Where can the B4U fans find out more?
All B4u fans can find out more on facebook
www.facebook.com/dj.mc.nast also search RHMEDIAInc
www.nas-t.co.uk
www.twitter.com/NasTmc
www.youtube.com/RHMEDIAInc
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