Pick Of The Week #22: Navid B (+ Interview)

After our previous installment with Kris Mars, this week we have Digi Crates’ Navid B as our Pick Of The Week.

Besides the track with The 49ers we broadcast through viagra online canada pharmacy Laid Back cialis online Radio, we also talked with the Australian producer about his music, hailing from Iran and his debut album ‘Subtle Waters‘.

Above you can stream Navid B’s track ‘H2O’ featuring The 49ers. Want to hear the full song? Then tune in to Laid Back Radio, who broadcast ‘H2O’ once every few hours this week, or just head over to Youtube since this isn’t an exclusive.

Originally you’re from Iran.

Do you still visit Iran?

Nah, I have never been back! I would love to as I would live to see my roots and my family, but the political situation there isn’t too great either. So that’s why I haven’t been back!

How would your music sound if you were still living in Iran?

Haha, cheesy I would say is the best word! I would have never heard underground hip hop or Japanese hip hop. So I doubt I would have been inspired to make music.

Ayatollah Khamenei wants to ban music in Iran. What’s your opinion on that?

From what I know, western music is banned already! Which is quite sad! I guess it’s a form of control over people. For me, music is everything: it can control your state of mind, it can influence your thoughts and it can change your mood! So by taking this away from people, you are taking away peoples joy!

Is there a Hip Hop scene in iran by the way?

I think there might be an underground scene, but yeah I don’t fancy it too much.

How did you hook up with Hus of Tha Connection and Digi Crates Records?

He found me on the Internet! I was lucky, huh? He randomly emailed me asking about my music, I thought it was a joke at first.. I was like, whatever buddy, I’ve only been doing this for like 6 months, why would you want to release my music? Haha.

Do you play any instruments?

Nope, I don’t play anything, I know what sounds right so I just work with that.

Then what software do you use to create your music?

I use Logic Pro, and the quantum leap east west composers pack, that has great orchestral and ethnic instruments!

Did the release of ‘Subtle Waters‘ change your ‘musical career’?

It’s been a great learning experience, I have made great contacts and learnt about where I want to head with my music, so yeah.

How’s the ‘instrumental hip hop scene’ in Australia?

Haha, it doesn’t exist man! I wish there was more of it here, one day…

Who created the cover of your album?

I don’t know who does the artwork for Digi Crates, but I think Hus. I think it’s cool but I’ll do a bit more for the cover myself next time.

So you have other releases coming up?

I’ve been working with a friend of mine on a release. He’s known as Soulchef, he produced the whole album and sent me 7 tracks for me to put vocals on it. I got 4 artists to put vocals on it. My girlfriend Ine recorded 2 tracks, her sister Mari did 2 tracks, she fwas eatured on my release on the song ‘Paradise‘. My sister Nassim is on a track with Jas Mace from The 49ers. And a friend I met on the Island Kingdom of Tonga that goes by the name of Gusto! The last song will hopefully have all the girls in it…

Click here to listen to a few exclusive snippets of Navid B’s upcoming album with Soulchef.

What do you think about downloading music?

I also downloaded… But I stopped. When you make music, then you realize its worth!

As a kid you were into East 17. What is the worst record in your collection?

I used to think things like indie rock were crap, but I look at the stuff I used to listen to like G-Unit and Murder Inc, now that was rubbish.

Anything else you want to add/say?

Throughout my life I have loved music, and have realized the influence it has on the mind, body and soul. Music can influence communities and cultures. I turn on the radio and all I hear is music that promotes violence, materialism and indifference. I’ve seen girls dancing wildly and singing along with Akon’s ‘Sexy Bitch’ song, the song is putting you down, use your brain for God’s sake!

The point I’m trying to make is that it’s up to every artist to make music that is real and worthy, it doesn’t have to be about God or love. Like The 49ers track on my release about water! Now that is dope man! Haha, a song about H20! It’s fun, it makes sense and it doesn’t promote anything stupid! That’s my challenge to artists! Hah, peace.

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