Balraj Samrai, a multifaceted artist renowned for his roles as a musician, DJ, facilitator, and co-founder of Swing Ting and SEEN Magazine, has been named one of Opera North's Resonance artists for 2024. Joining a lineup that includes Satnam Galsian, Ellen Beth Abdi, Rory A Green, and Jonas Jones, Balraj will embark on a week-long Resonance residency in Leeds, delving into the intricate tapestry of migrant experiences.
In an exclusive interview with Asian Voice, Balraj reflects on his creative journey, discusses the significance of his residency, and outlines his aspirations for the project.
Could you share how your journey in the creative field of music has unfolded, and how your upbringing, cultural background, and personal experiences have influenced this journey?
Both my parents are originally from the Punjab region in India, they migrated to the UK and I grew up in this country, born in the Midlands. Growing up involved attending gatherings, such as weddings, where music was always present given my cultural background. However, I also developed a strong interest in the popular music scene here, particularly electronic music genres like hip-hop, soul, garage, and jungle, which were prevalent during my upbringing. This exposure led me to delve deeper into DJing, and by the time I reached university, I found myself organising events, DJing, and forming a collective, which I ran for many years.
Through that journey, I co-founded a label, engaged in music production, and continued DJing. I always had a desire to incorporate elements of my cultural background into my work. Sometimes, I would include music from my heritage in my DJ sets, like tracks from Punjabi hit squad or traditional folk music, or even explore connections to South Asia. I was always intrigued by how these influences could be integrated into my sound. Additionally, there was a trend where hip-hop artists were sampling Bollywood music, which also caught my attention. While my experience initially stemmed from the electronic club music scene, over time, I began to explore different themes and directions in my work.
Why did you apply for your residency in Leeds?
In 2020, during the lockdown period, I embarked on a project for Opera North. This endeavour was inspired by the profound impact of Covid-19, particularly its disproportionate effect on communities of colour, including Black and South Asian individuals. This project marked a significant moment for me as it represented a more direct connection to my cultural heritage. Surprisingly, the project gained traction and received airtime on platforms like BBC Radio 6 Music, validating the potential of my sound and artistic direction.
I applied for this residency with Opera North because they have been incredibly supportive in the past. I collaborated with them on a project in 2020, although it was relatively small in scale. They encouraged me to apply for a full residency this time around, and fortunately, my application was successful. Over the years, I've built a good relationship with the organisation. They often share and promote my work, which has been immensely helpful.
Could you provide further insights into the residency program and what do you hope to achieve during your time?
I'm currently exploring this myself. I aim to create music that resonates more deeply with individuals who have undergone the migrant experience, while also appealing to those who may not have the firsthand experience, but are open to connecting with diverse narratives. It's about sharing stories with a subtle narrative touch, avoiding heavy-handedness. It's about creating a space where individuals from different walks of life, including the global majority, can find a sense of belonging and resonance. It's about acknowledging generational experiences while also striving for a more equitable world where everyone has the opportunity to engage with diverse experiences, whether through travel or other means.
Another aspect I've been contemplating is my transition away from club music and towards themes that resonate more deeply with maturity and responsibility. As I've grown, I've found myself drawn to exploring themes of adulthood and the shift in perspectives that come with it. It's about embracing this phase of life and challenging the expectation that creativity and relevance are reserved for the younger generation. I've noticed a tendency in the music industry to prioritise youthfulness, and I wanted to push back against that notion.
Ultimately, I hope my journey inspires other musicians to follow their own path, regardless of industry expectations. It's about staying true to oneself and creating music that resonates authentically, rather than conforming to external pressures.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians and artists who are looking to pursue their passion in the music industry?
Traditionally, there's been pressure to pursue certain professions deemed more stable or prestigious, but recent times have highlighted the indispensable role of art forms like music, film, and drama in sustaining our well-being and sense of connection. I'm a firm believer in the validity of pursuing a career in the arts, whether full-time or as a fulfilling hobby. My encouragement to younger South Asian artists and creatives is to carve out space for their passion, even amidst demanding schedules. Whether it's through educational work, tutoring, or diversifying their income streams, there are ways to prioritise and sustain artistic endeavours. Representation in the arts is still lacking, and while it's heartening to see more emerging talents, there's still progress to be made in normalising and celebrating diverse voices within the industry.
