State of Bengal

State of Bengal (SOB) is one of the key DJ / producers to arise from the new cutting-edge British-Asian music scene. In 1987, Sam went to the village of Noakhali to visit traditional folk musicians and dancers. Drawing from his experiences Sam returned to London to set up a Sound System, which included DJs, musicians, rappers and dancers. The team mixed Bengali and western dance styles to create a style that epitomized the diverse facets and synergy between the two cultures in the UK. The Sound System developed its repertoire and reputation and found its identity as the State of Bengal. Two of the rappers that Sam helped to train up were MC Deedar who went on to Asian Dub Foundation and MC Mustaq who became the lead rapper for Fun-Da-Mental.

Sam then spent 3 years completing his degree, whilst still training singers, rappers and DJs, many of whom went on to establish themselves as part of the core of the new British-Asian scene, Osmani Soundz and Gesse being among them. While maintaining his involvement with other artists, Sam continued to work on his concepts for State of Bengal, creating a definitive style of music that draws from a multitude of influences of both East and West. The aim of SOB has always been to reflect the experience of second generation Asians in the UK through music, as music is one of the few universal languages known to man. He has developed a strong fan base, with both Asian and Mainstream audiences. His music is complemented with live DJing at a host of globally-respected venues.

His reputation as an innovative and exciting producer and DJ were projected further by his eruptive tracks Flight IC408 and Chittagong Chill, featured on Talvin Singh's highly-acclaimed Anokha compilation, as well as his remix of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's Shadow for the RealWorld StarRise compilation. The industry and media hailed the tracks as ground-breaking. The success of the tracks led to Sam being courted by major labels, culminating in a deal with Indie label, One Little Indian in September 1997.

It was at Anokha, a weekly club night that ran for 18 months that international artists Bjork discovered SOB's music and unique DJing style. She was so inspired that she asked him to remix the track Hunter from her Homogenic album and open for her world tour (end of 1997). Her respect for State of Bengal's music and DJing skills led her to pursue him to sign to her label One Little Indian. SOB's music and unique DJ ability, of mixing an eclectic range of music from Indian classical, breakbeat, hiphop, tabla-driven beat, melodic Indian vocals, to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan to fit together comfortably, which was instrumental in the success and aesthetic of the Anokha club.

Since his departure from Anokha in July 1997 he has been sought after as a resident DJ at several clubs around London and the UK. At present he has taken up a monthly residency at the cutting-edge 333 club in London, hosted by infamous DJ, music critic (Mixmag) and radio presenter (Kiss FM and GLR) Patrick Forge. SOB is frequently requested to perform live on-air DJ guest slots for several radio shows.

1997 and 1998 proved to be hectic years, in which State of Bengal completed his debut album Visual Audio, whilst also taking time out of the studio to tour with Apache Indian as well as his own live DJ tour. During this time period he was also offered several remixes by various artists, of which he accepted Ronnie Jordan and agreed to co-produce a single for Warner artists Amar.

State of Bengal has been a fan and collector of Ananda Shankar, whom he has helped to bring back into focus in the UK by holding tribute nights. SOB also collaborated with Ananda Shankar on an alnum, after completing a long-awaited joint UK tour, which included the international WOMAD festival. He has been asked to remix a track by Massive Attack after they heard him at the RealWorld studios.

Sam continues with his passion to encourage and train-up talented musicians and vocalists who would not otherwise necessarily have the opportunity to enter the music industry and where possible incorporates them in his music.

In September 1998, Mumbai, India, was sent rocking when State of Bengal was transported by UG Sound Systems to DJ live with an interactive drummer at 3 Flights Up and the Razz Rhino. The response from media, industry, celebrities and muscians was groundbreaking.

Stolen from the Official State of Bengal Web Site

Album: Visual Audio

CD Single: Rama Communication