The rising star - Priyesh Khanna.

With a following of thousands on the internet and number one ratings on numerous internet Indian music charts, Priyesh Khanna is a unique Anglo - Indian song writer. His writing talent bases itself on the foundation of Ghazals but with a style of Hindi and Urdu that is accessible to all. His music is breath of fresh air in a world divided by bhangra, pop and filmi music as he focuses on lyrics but still brings in modern touches of hiphop, ambient and rock music.

He has been referred to as a cross between Javed Akhtar, Lucky Ali and Talvin Singh. Listening to his work certainly reflects this and indeed his singing although has that filmi touch, also has something unique to offer.

Priyesh started writing at the age of 15 where he was inspired by the likes of Pankaj Udhas and Jagjit Singh. Quickly becoming recognised as a bit of a prodigy he recited at numerous poetic gatherings and was featured on numerous television and radio programmes including the BBC.

Realising that the best way to share his writing with the world was to sing it, he learnt the principles or Indian classical and Western Jazz vocal. He formed a small band in school and went on to set up a studio in his home from where he began webcasting his creations. After university his 1st class degree in computers gave him the added advantage of enabling him to use the latest computer based music production techniques. His first track "Parchhai" launched on www.mp3.com India chart shot straight to number one with fans from all over the world e-mailing him great feedback and wanting more. He continued to please them but these were really ideas and concepts he was experimenting with ... the hiphop ghazal, recited poetry with ambient rhythms (Sample these at www.mp3.com\priyeshkhanna).

The album, fresh off the press has the sounds of the 21st century but with the timeless depth of Indian poetry, presented in Priyesh's simple but effective style. For example Tracks like 'Raat', based on one of Priyesh's poems about the night, have an interesting blend of a western ballad and traditional filmi music, 'Parchai', is a touching ghazal put to ambient rhythms with a mixture of singing and recital and 'Chandni' a ghazal with a toe-tapping Rajasthani influence. He's even taken couplets from the 19th century romantic poetic Mirza Ghalib and put them to Jazz! Watch out for this one .....! "

Also, Some quotes about Priyesh's style of music:

"Kuch ahsaas, kuch sha'iri, aur aj ki dhadkan"
or in English
" The timeless mood of urdu poetry, fused in the musical essence of today".

Some Reviews:

"Fabulous World Fusion! You have to Listen to this!"
· Mp3.com

"Cross between Javed Ahktar, Lucky Ali & Talvin Singh Watch out for this one!"
· Spice Magazine

"Extraordinary writing talent"
· Bappi Lahiri

"Classic Urdu poetry updated and plugged into smooth hip-hop-a surprising intercultural fit. Ethereal male vocals, near-silent scratching, and a resilient beat. Don your dhoti and go dancing!"
· Listen.com