He is arguably one of the top South Asian DJs in all of North America and if you live South of the Canadian border you've probably never heard of him. Yet for all the Desis living it up in Toronto, to see the name Double AA appear on a bill is a damn near guarantee it's going to be one slamming party! Recently I caught up with the man himself to chat about life, the current Desi scene and a whole lot more and boy did he talk, holding nothing back! Check it out, Double AA, the man behind the turntables!

Rajiv Ramdeo: How's it going buddy, thanks for taking the time to chat with us. But before we get into this I want to ask you something that I've personally been wondering, how in the world did you come up with the name "Double AA"?
Double AA: Well it was grade 10 in High School and I was thinking of various names. I wanted my name to stand for something about me being South Asian/East Indian but at the same time something in your face. We came up with Double AA because initially it stood for Double AA ? The Asian Assassin. That's why there are two A's, each standing for a word, but the whole Double AA, is pronounced like there is only one A. I know its confusing! (chuckles) But ya that was it. I liked the Assassin part because to me that was the battle part of DJing, I'll assassinate you on the turntables kinda attitude. But after the first few years not only did the title get a bit long, but also being Asian was considered being Oriental, which I'm obviously not, and Assassin was a word that was being played out, so I just dropped it to Double AA.

RR: Well the name has really worked out for you over the years and this actually leads me into an interested topic I wanted to discuss with you, that being the Desi remix scene. You've been in the scene since the beginning, around 1993, and what many out there don't know is that you were one of the pioneers of the Desi remix scene just as Jiten, Zak & Sanj and company were here in Toronto. Tell us about that.
DAA: Ya it's true and many people don't know that. When I got into the remix scene I brought a whole different vibe. I was the first one anywhere that I know of that used Hip-Hop (we're talkin' 1991-92) stuff like Black Moon, Brand Nubian, Tribe and stuff like that in Indian remixes. I also did a track called "Gangstamental" on "The Bomb" which exclusively used G funk sounds, all Dre influenced of course, with pimped out samples and a deep West Coast bassline. So Ya I've been in this game for a minute now. The experience was amazing; we were the ones that helped bring it to what it is now here in Canada, and in North America. The remix thing was definitely cool, I had a crazy response from "The Bomb." From Vancouver to NYC, it was all positive. In total, I released 3 remix tapes, but I look back and laugh at how crap they were now, (laughs)! In terms of ABC, I've been down with them for a long time now. Being that they lived by me back in the days we were all friends. We all got in around the same time, it was a good environment of friendly competition.

RR: You didn't stay in the remix scene for very long though, how come?
DAA: Very simple, everyone and their mama was jumping on the scene and I just wanted to stray from the pack and work on other things. The market just simply became too saturated, and now it's even worse! Anyone and everyone was trying to make a quick buck. The few of us that love music and what we do just kinda started getting lost in the pack with the others. One of the other main reasons was that to me it wasn't really very creative. Yes I accept sampling as a form of music being a hip-hop fanatic, but everything was sampled. The drums, the hook, the sounds, nothing was played, it was a bit much. Also, that was the time I really wanted to work on my live DJing abilities. I always get people saying you should have stuck around and made more money from it and who knows got more U.S. exposure, but I'm glad I got out when I did. It wasn't my scene and I got to work on other things. School was also important to me and I was beginning university around that time.

RR: Any comments on where the remix scene has come today?
DAA: You know what, I don't keep up with it at all. I know it's big somewhat in the U.S. still, but in Canada it's barely a blimp on the radar screen. I think England really sets the example. Their whole scene started up with remixes from Bally Sagoo and the Extra Hot DJs in the UK. But slowly they have evolved to bigger and better things. Sure they still have their big name DJs but they also have the B21's, and the Rishi Rich's of the world moving everything forward. If you look at everything, the UK has set the example and North America follows whether it is music, culture, movies, magazines or whatever. We have to accept the UK as the benchmark. They are the leaders, and we in Canada are about 4 or 5 years behind, and I think the U.S. even a few more.

It's funny you know a lot of the remixes that do come out aren't even being done by the DJs that have their names on the CDs. It's some third party person or producer who does it for them; not many people know that. I just think if you are going to call yourself a DJ, you have to show and prove on turntables, not CD's or a studio. Otherwise, just call yourself a remixer or whatever. I just hope all these PC remixers and so on do evolve and build their skills, because right now there is way too much Doo Doo Brown on the scene and it needs to be cleaned up.

"Some of the crazy stories I can't discuss on your site... People that weren't around for that time wouldn't understand. It was kinda like a musical/cultural revolution; the whole brown thing was just blowing up..."

RR: So you left the scene and began working on your DJing skills, and I must say that was a very smart move on your part. Today when we think Double AA, we automatically think amazing turntable skills. I've seen you perform on numerous occasions and it's quite something to hear what you do and watch floors get so packed just from the mere mention of your name. Can you tell us a bit on how you got started as a DJ?
DAA: I got started in about 1990 thanks to my dad. He was and still is a huge electronic freak. We used to have a room full of 8 track tapes, cassettes, records, speakers, amps, and stuff, so I started piecing things together. Using a dual tape deck I started looping beats manually, pure old school man!!! The loops would be off of course but anything to make an instrumental. I then got an Amiga, which was a vast improvement, but still things would be off beat. Anyhow, I bought a pair of Technics 1200's with my hard earned money from working part time jobs and delivering newspapers. I still remember that day, I was going crazy when they got delivered. I even remember my first records Chubb Rock and Kid N' Play. My first club gig was in '93 at this place called "The Zone" held by Asian Fury, we're going way back into the day jam days. Even while I was underage I started doing 19+ events. My friends loved it, we would all roll together straight from night school, walk in, no questions asked, little punks dressed in their hoodies, DJ quilted vest, and 100 Mile jeans. It was a good time for sure! Funny stories... (laughs) well of course your nice handful of stalkers going from the ladies leaving crazy messages to loser punks trying to leave intimidating messages. Some of the crazy stories I can't discuss on your site, haha... but I can tell you that I got that small exposure to what it feels like to be a rock star. People that weren't around for that time wouldn't understand. It was kinda like a musical/cultural revolution; the whole brown thing was just blowing up. It was definitely one of the greatest experiences I've ever had and I wouldn't change a thing... life was good! That period was nuts, from being on local radio shows, people calling in, the parties, the remixes, everything was fresh and constantly changing. As far as breaking into the scene, well, a lot of people and DJs at the time were drinking lots of hater-aide and many still do, worried about their turf, they had issues, but they got over it. I let my DJing speak for itself.

RR: And that you do, in fact many in the scene consider you to be the first and probably still the only East Indian DJ in Toronto to bring the ability of scratching and live cuts on 2 turntables to the scene. In a time when many are running CDs and putting together straight PC sets, you stayed with LPs and you perfected the art live in the club mixing and for that I have a tremendous amount of respect for you and what you do. How did you resist following the crowds?
DAA: Well that's all I knew, that was DJing to me. When I would see DJ Scratch from EPMD do tricks, or Jazzy Jeff do cuts, that was DJing. I would hear a Primo track and try to mimic his cuts. I didn't look up to guys that played CDs. Now the game has changed unfortunately. You get guys who burn music, don't even know what the hell they are playing, hitting play on a CD player with no idea of tempo, or musical selection; never mind the scratching! When it comes to turntable skills that's all I'm about. I don't want people to get it confused I'm not a turntablist, that's an art craft all on its own. But I think a club DJ needs to employ all the skills of what being a DJ entails. I'm not hype, I'm not show, I'm not into fronting and talkin' shit, I don't kiss your ass, just give me 2 turntables and a mixer and that's what I'm about. I grew up on the Hip Hop influence of DJing so to me learning how to cut, and juggle records was essential, not a choice. Now DJing has really lost that. I accept that CDs have changed the musical landscape and they are fine to add on top of a performance, but I still feel turntables should be the core of any show. Can you see DJ Premier cutting on a CD player in a Gang Starr video... no I didn't think so! You know I get people who come up to me at clubs and they always say "respect man" I always respected your style and skill in DJing. I'm glad some people still recognize skill.

Funny thing is, I've been doing it so long and yet I could still learn a million tricks, it never stops. Key thing is staying true, and make sure you love it. You could leave me in my studio with turntables for hours and I'll just sit their and scratch, cut, and practice. I don't need someone putting $400 in my face to do it. Don't get it twisted though it is strictly business at times like EPMD said, but it's also the love. I'll never switch to CDs, I can say that right now, I will retire long before I ever do that. I rather break my back carrying 5 crates then chump out and carry a CD binder. That is not DJing in its truest form to me, plain and simple! I know many will argue but that's how I see it. Even still I go record hunting in basements and garage sales and I drop $500 on old records. Some of the records I may already have 3 or 4 copies of, but getting that rare original copy, or promo pressing is what its about... once again it's the love for it.

RR: Today you are one of the most in demand, if not the most demanded DJ in Toronto. It's almost a guarantee when you see Double AA on a bill; the party is going to be hot. So let me ask you as someone whose right in the thick of things, what's your take on the South Asian (party) Scene today?
DAA: My take on the scene. Well I mean its ok in Toronto and promoters are making good money off parties which is great. But I'll tell you this, you can't compare the vibe right now to either when the whole scene first started in the early 90's or when R&B and Hip Hop was just about to blow from '95 to '97. Now you go to any club/bar/popular grocery store and you hear Sean Paul, Nelly, Busta. Everything is just common now, including the parties. Before when there would be a big bash there would be a buzz. It's not like that and it won't be, times have changed. You've heard all the DJs a million times, everything is becoming old. An injection of fresh blood is needed from the DJs to promoters. We have some promoters who it looks like will do this until they reach the age of 100. What happens when you have the same people in the game always is that everyone gets set in their ways and gets lazy, that includes DJs. When you have competition then everyone is improving their product and trying to be ahead of the curve. This is just simple business sense not anything specific to DJing. There are too many promoters that have their heads stuck up their ass loving the fame and glory for a quick minute, and that's cool, but their fame won't last long. There is a lot of politics like in everything else, people causing divisions and taking sides, that's business I guess, but when you deal with a bunch of moronic Indians it's that much worse. Every party is really the same you either have me, Jiten or DVS as the headliner. The problem is two fold. No other DJs in Toronto have stepped up, none at all. There is no real competition. We need some young guys who are real DJs on turntables that can play, can cut, can mix, and step into scene. But that's not happening. The other problem is this chain link of promoters that has each one bending over and taking it up the ass from the other. They have no monetary incentive in changing anything because they all want their money, and business is business but for anyone else to get in is difficult. So as long as you have the same clowns running the show expect much more of the same. I must say I'm very surprised as a consumer that people flock in the numbers they do. Every party is pretty much the same every time, over and over. Same faces, same people, hell I get sick of seeing the same people and I'm paid to be there! But things can really be much better. When will it happen, who knows?

RR: Don't let me cut you off as I see you have more to say but tell me, where do you see the party scene heading?
DAA: Well, there will always be a market for the so-called scene. The younger people will be there to replace the older crowd, and at some point there will be a point of diminishing returns, when that will happen I don't know. But like the UK, our scene needs to be more than just about clubbing. We need people to step it up and raise the level. Whether it be artists, singers, producers, or bands. Why does every magazine, website, or business need a launch party in a club to promote their business? They don't, they just all want to have an excuse for a party. If they really think that is an effective promotional technique they are in big trouble with their business right from the get go. Parties are just so blahzay now. Hell I cut my toenails; lets have a bloody launch party!!! It's another one and another one, over and over. It's time for the leaders to step up and carry the so-called scene and make it more and for the pretenders to sit down. I don't want to be DJing when I'm in my 30s. I love music and DJing but you need to evolve and expand. So the club scene will be status quo for now, but as far as other scenes we need to evolve... only time will tell.

RR: So what do you say to these young Toronto DJs trying to break into the scene and make that preverbal step up?
DAA: I have some good news and bad news. If you got talent there is room for you, because we need fresh blood. The bad news is that you have to deal with swollen egos along the way. If you are an aspiring DJ and have your skills down solid, I mean cut, scratch, mix, and know your music. Just keep plugging along, promo the hell out of yourself, do mixes, post them on your site, give away CDs; whatever it takes. For artists the timing is right, that will be one of the next phases, basically we need talented people. If you have the talent we need you! But remember one thing, don't kiss anybody's ass. Your pride is much more valuable than $300. Last but not least keep yourself grounded. DJs just do your thing. Don't do it for the perceived fame or money, do it for the love. If it leads you down a path of success so be it then, and enjoy it. But if you don't love the music, your stay will be short lived. Also don't let DJing take over you. Do your education and go to college/uni. I got my 2 University degrees and still managed to hold down the scene for 10 years. You can have it all but just work hard. I think the perception is that all DJs are bums. I got that a lot when I was in University, people were surprised. Lastly but not least don't let your head get too big, too many people, in fact every person I know has a ego in this game, you don't need to. Be confident and have humility, it will take you a long way.

RR: Ok, away from the South Asian scene you've held residencies at many of Toronto's hottest nightclubs, are there any interesting stories you would like to share about your experiences?
DAA: Well expect the unexpected. Expect one turntable to be busted, expect for the sound system to cop out, expect someone to try to rip you off with money. Other stories will remain but are not PG so we will pass!

RR: How do you handle the fame and popularity that comes with being such a well known figure in the community? I mean "Double AA" is almost a household name in some circles.
DAA: I'd say being a DJ, yes you do become a popular and a social magnet but you got to keep yourself grounded. I really keep DJing and my private life separate. I don't let it engulf me and dictate who I am. To me it's an aspect of my life, not my life! All of my friends are long time childhood or high school friends from before the whole DJing thing blew up. I'm into the whole social club circle and BS. Outside of DJing I do my own things, I'm not like "hey do you know I'm Double AA"; it's never been like that. To me it's acting, Double AA is a character but the real me is laid back and chill Rav.

RR: So what's next for Double AA?
DAA: What's Next? Well, I still got the DJing on lockdown. I've been working on the production side of things for the last 3 years on the DL. I've slowly pieced my studio together and its now fully set to go. It's an actual studio, not a PC with Reason! My MPC 3000 LE is my prized possession, I got my Mac G4, keyboards, and tons of other gear. But just like DJing it's a slow move up another ladder. I just finished up the remix for Deesha's "Falling In Love," it is off da bindi man!!! That is going to be serviced across Canada to all radio stations and the Tri-State New York area. The original has been on major rotation for 3 months now, and the feedback has been enormous. I've also had the fortunate opportunity to be in the studio with Sarai and Ed Raso. Sarai is another Indian producer who is doing big things, and Ed, well his resume speaks for itself. He engineered all of Puffy's biggest Hits whether it is "I Need A Girl Pt II" or workin' with 112, or Ms. Dynamite. He really has been great to feed off of. Right now I'm just working with some amazingly talented people who aren't household names but 3 or 4 years from now they will be.

RR: I have to ask just because, what do you think about the huge South Asian push into mainstream?
DAA: The South Asian Push got major turbo boost with PMC's success. I have to give that guy massive respect. Think about what he did. He took a vocally hardcore Punjabi track and had it blow up on commercial radio across the world. That's like some Chinese singer being Number 1 on Hot 97 in New York singing in Chinese. You laugh at the thought of it but that's what he did, he blew the door off the scene. It just goes to show that Europe and the UK are really leading the musical change in many ways. You have other producers and artists working with mainstream acts like Rishi Rich and his collabo with Craig David. The whole Indian culture is becoming more accepted in pop culture, once again thanks to the UK charge and movies like "Bend It Like Beckham," it's no longer "Hey you Paki go to where you came from", at least not so much! So the push will continue. But the key is not to make it into a fad, doing it in a respectful manner will help preserve the roots of it and the same time give it longevity.

RR: Any final thoughts for the DesiClub.com readers?
DAA: I just hope people came away with something interesting after reading this. If anyone ever has any questions about DJing or needs guidance feel free to drop me a line. Shout out to DesiClub.com for the interview and providing this forum, good chattin' with ya.

RR: Great, well Rav thanks for taking the time to sit and chat with us here at DesiClub.com. We wish you the best of luck in all your future activities.

If you would like you reach Double AA, you can e-mail him at info@doubleaa.com or peep the site www.doubleaa.com.

Do you have any thoughts on this? Feel free to send Rajiv an e-mail @ Rajiv Ramdeo.