Amrit Bains: Punjabi-Canadian Artist Turns Adversity into Musical Accolades
By Varinder Rathore
August 10, 2013
“Where has good music gone!?” one laments. Turn on I-tunes or You Tube and much of today’ pop music is homogenized beats with singer’s voices reworked and synthesized beyond recognition by crafty
studio engineers. Urban Milan readers email us, " I want something exhilarating, original and
coming straight from the heart!” Well have no fear because Amrit Bains is here! Amrit Bains is a Vancouver-based crooner who is literally “a one-man musical startup company!” He does it all; writing the heartfelt lyrics,
singing/rapping bilingual tracks and dancing without restraint in all of his videos. Pretty amazing you must
say! Yet what also sets the talented Amrit Bains apart is his chameleon-like singing ability. Mr. Bains musical dexterity has no bounds. He is able to easily shift between the fist- thumping Punjabi bhangra anthem, “God
Damn Thieves”, to the techno-based, “Junglee” and top it off with the heartfelt ballad, “How to Win Your
Heart.”
Recently Urban Milan met up with Amrit and probed him about his inspirations, the musical process and how he single-handedly finances his elaborate videos.
UM: Mr.Bains it is a pleasure to interview you. Please tell us a little bit about your childhood musical influences?
AB: As a young child growing up in Punjab, India I would sing around the family home and my friends would say, “Amrit, you have a great voice, you should become a singer!” Singing was a hobby but I did not have the time to pursue it. Then I emigrated to Canada and got caught up with working a fulltime job.
UM: So what inspired you to pursue your passion of singing and become a star?
AB: In 2004, my wife was diagnosed with cancer. This was a tremendous shock. It was difficult to see her loose her hair and become weak. I would sing to her all the time and she continued to be optimistic and go to her treatments. My thinking is sadness is an unfortunate part of life. Feel it but do not drown in it. By Gods grace she fully recovered. Then she said to me, “Amrit your music must go beyond the four walls of our home, you must share it with the world.”
Her words gave me inspiration and my love of music went from a hobby to becoming a professional career.
UM: It is very inspiring to see how you turned adversity into inspiration. Truth be told, there are few Desi musical artists in North America. Tell us about your musical journey and the musical process?
AB: initially I returned to Punjab, India and recorded some tracks but the music producers wanted me to make music videos which were tasteless and crass.
Clearly, I did not have the artistic freedom I was searching for, so came back to Canada disappointed but not deterred. I then began working in Vancouver and one of my earliest musical creations was, “God Damn Thieves” which is a direct admonishment of the exploitive Indian music industry whom I had witnessed doing deceptive acts firsthand. After my early setbacks I became confident and I am now involved in the entire musical process. I write my own lyrics, sing all the songs, and effortlessly dance in all my music videos which my fans love!
UM: One cannot help but notice that in your videos one of your signature trademarks is the accompaniment of young beautiful women?
AB: (Giggles) Ha, ha, ha. I believe in enjoying life to the fullest. Every moment is precious and my female costars are artist whom I respect. Some of them felt they could not dance until they met me but via my encouragement and training they came out of there shell and shine in the music videos.
UM: Very interesting, that is a wonderful segway into my next question. The music video are elaborate, how are you able to singlehandedly finance these musical endeavors?
AB: I already have the concept in my mind. I am able to record the song in one shot and it saves money on expensive studio time. I am a simple man and don’t need a humongous mansion. I live in a nice house and live within my means. The money I save goes toward the music.
UM: Over the years you have developed a loyal fan base as well. Any messages to your fan before we complete the interview?
AB: My fans are my wings. They allow me to fly and continue my musical journey. Fans are like my family and I always have time for them.
I want to let everyone know about my latest song and video, “Gung Ho” has just been released and I am certain they will enjoy it. I can be
reached at my website: amritbains.com. Take care and I hope to tour the United States in the near future.
studio engineers. Urban Milan readers email us, " I want something exhilarating, original and
coming straight from the heart!” Well have no fear because Amrit Bains is here! Amrit Bains is a Vancouver-based crooner who is literally “a one-man musical startup company!” He does it all; writing the heartfelt lyrics,
singing/rapping bilingual tracks and dancing without restraint in all of his videos. Pretty amazing you must
say! Yet what also sets the talented Amrit Bains apart is his chameleon-like singing ability. Mr. Bains musical dexterity has no bounds. He is able to easily shift between the fist- thumping Punjabi bhangra anthem, “God
Damn Thieves”, to the techno-based, “Junglee” and top it off with the heartfelt ballad, “How to Win Your
Heart.”
Recently Urban Milan met up with Amrit and probed him about his inspirations, the musical process and how he single-handedly finances his elaborate videos.
UM: Mr.Bains it is a pleasure to interview you. Please tell us a little bit about your childhood musical influences?
AB: As a young child growing up in Punjab, India I would sing around the family home and my friends would say, “Amrit, you have a great voice, you should become a singer!” Singing was a hobby but I did not have the time to pursue it. Then I emigrated to Canada and got caught up with working a fulltime job.
UM: So what inspired you to pursue your passion of singing and become a star?
AB: In 2004, my wife was diagnosed with cancer. This was a tremendous shock. It was difficult to see her loose her hair and become weak. I would sing to her all the time and she continued to be optimistic and go to her treatments. My thinking is sadness is an unfortunate part of life. Feel it but do not drown in it. By Gods grace she fully recovered. Then she said to me, “Amrit your music must go beyond the four walls of our home, you must share it with the world.”
Her words gave me inspiration and my love of music went from a hobby to becoming a professional career.
UM: It is very inspiring to see how you turned adversity into inspiration. Truth be told, there are few Desi musical artists in North America. Tell us about your musical journey and the musical process?
AB: initially I returned to Punjab, India and recorded some tracks but the music producers wanted me to make music videos which were tasteless and crass.
Clearly, I did not have the artistic freedom I was searching for, so came back to Canada disappointed but not deterred. I then began working in Vancouver and one of my earliest musical creations was, “God Damn Thieves” which is a direct admonishment of the exploitive Indian music industry whom I had witnessed doing deceptive acts firsthand. After my early setbacks I became confident and I am now involved in the entire musical process. I write my own lyrics, sing all the songs, and effortlessly dance in all my music videos which my fans love!
UM: One cannot help but notice that in your videos one of your signature trademarks is the accompaniment of young beautiful women?
AB: (Giggles) Ha, ha, ha. I believe in enjoying life to the fullest. Every moment is precious and my female costars are artist whom I respect. Some of them felt they could not dance until they met me but via my encouragement and training they came out of there shell and shine in the music videos.
UM: Very interesting, that is a wonderful segway into my next question. The music video are elaborate, how are you able to singlehandedly finance these musical endeavors?
AB: I already have the concept in my mind. I am able to record the song in one shot and it saves money on expensive studio time. I am a simple man and don’t need a humongous mansion. I live in a nice house and live within my means. The money I save goes toward the music.
UM: Over the years you have developed a loyal fan base as well. Any messages to your fan before we complete the interview?
AB: My fans are my wings. They allow me to fly and continue my musical journey. Fans are like my family and I always have time for them.
I want to let everyone know about my latest song and video, “Gung Ho” has just been released and I am certain they will enjoy it. I can be
reached at my website: amritbains.com. Take care and I hope to tour the United States in the near future.