One Signata Nach a.k.a Nikhil Rajpal is the President of Represent One Records.  He established the company to produce popular music that has a positive message and also to provide a platform for South Asians artists. A musician himself, he is set to release his new creation - Destination: Desi Nation - where following the footsteps of some of the most respected names in hip hop he has played  the role of songwriter,  lyricist,  producer, beat-maker, rapper and singer.  His unique, made-from-scratch style of music blends both pop and classical elements of hip hop, with a strong infusion of classical Indian, Pakistani and Punjabi percussions - but not the way that others have attempted this mix of sounds.

He has degrees in finance and marketing from Boston University. He is married to Priyanka (daughter of Mr and Mrs Mukherji from Andover,MA) and they currently live in Austin, Texas. 

Why did you make the unusual choice of music for a career? Why did you decide to pick hip-hop as your genre?

Music has always been an important part of my life. I was raised under the mixed influence of hip hop, Hindi music and Punjabi folk music.  I learned to play the piano when I was five and soon after I started composing music. Later in life,  techno music fascinated me. Technology allows you to produce music that sounds exactly as the creator intents and that was something that caught my attention.

Hip hop has always held a special fascination for me. R & B artists use their music to solve their listeners' problems or ease their pain. This aspect of the music and the experiences of my life made me realize my calling which was to empower South Asians to come out of the woodwork and fight through pop culture for equality.

What were these special experience that seem to have set you on an unusual path?

I grew up in Rochester, NewYork in a very white neighborhood. Being a South Asian minority was never easy. I was very sensitive to issues facing South Asians. In high school when I learnt about the "Birmingham thought revolution" that led to the black civil rights movement of the 1950's and 1960's, my life was changed for ever.  I learnt that there was a difference between "issues" and "problems." Problems were things that one person, on his or her own accord, would have to face in the light of very little obstacle. An issue, on the other hand, was something that a group of people had to deal with on an individual basis, if not united in actively proposing and executing change.

In summer of 2003, I had first hand experience of the racially motivated post 9/11 attacks. A few friends and I were attacked at a pizza store in Rochester. That event was a turning point and I knew then that I needed to do something to bring an understanding of South Asian culture among the mainstream population. Since hip hop is so popular I felt it was the right medium to reach a large population and to educate them.

What is the meaning of One Signata Nach?

It has no meaning. I just like the sound of it.

What differentiates One Signata Nach from other artists?

First and foremost it is the lyrics. I am very clear that my music is about sending a positive message and not to sell any negative concepts like drugs or violence. My goal is to bring peace and harmony to the world. I would like to bring the message of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King to the world. One of my songs features cameos of Martin Luther King’s speech.  I would like to encourage young listeners to band together and promote camaraderie amongst their inter-ethnic peers. I would also like to promote harmony between Hindus and Muslims in India and Pakistan.

Musically my made-from-scratch style blends both pop and classical elements of hip hop, with classical Indian, Pakistani music and Punjabi percussions - but not the way that others have attempted this mix of sounds. I always explore new dimensions.

While music seems to have been a passion for you since high school why did you choose to do a degree in finance and marketing?

If one has to succeed in the music business one must have a clear understanding of marketing.  Music business requires a good understanding of both music and business. Often talented South Asian musicians make music their hobby since they do not know how to make a career out of it. Lack of marketing skills keeps artists from getteing the opportunity to expose their talent to a large audience. Unless you understand the business you cannot sell your music.

One of the reasons I established Represent One Records was to provide a platform for South Asian artists.  

Can one really make enough money in music to make a living?

Absolutely.  If you have talent and can market yourself well, you can make a living. At Represent One Records we hope we can pay our artists at least 50K the first couple of years and that is the equivalent to a job fresh out of college.

Could you tell us a little about the songs that you have released thus far? Are they in English?

They are not all in English. "Ek Rang" is a combination of Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu. It is about one man's fight to overcome religious propaganda and find peace with other members of his race. In "Ganga", I have addressed the role that men need to play in South Asia towards ending the objectification of women and effectively limiting the instances of rape, abuse and AIDS in their country.

Songs like "challengers", "dreams of a golden age" and "stand in line" work towards the mentality of equality - encouraging young listeners to band together and promote camaraderie amongst their inter-ethnic peers. “One Day “is a patriotic song that talks about the issue of South Asians in the United States.

Do you stay away from the theme of “love” which is perhaps the most popular theme in any genre?

(Smiling) I do not stay away from that theme. In fact I have two tracks in my new album that are based on love. Woh Chali Chali is about my first meeting with my wife Priyanka when she just walked way without paying much attention to me! Woh Chali Chali!

Who are the musicians that you look up to?

There are many. Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan certainly tops the list. Lucky Ali is a person I admire not just for his music but for how he was able to use music to bring himself out of difficult circumstances. Bally Sagoo tied hip hop to Hindi music and that was wonderful. In the current South Asian scene I am very impressed with what Raghav and Jay Shaun have accomplished.

What advice do you have for youngsters who may try to follow your footsteps?

If you want to write music make sure you understand yourself first. I am a big proponent of using music to make a difference. If you have the talent and passion go for it.

When is your CD going to be released?

Destination: Desi Nation is due to be released on Aug 25. People can check out our website www.onesignatanach.com to listen to some of the songs and to buy the CD.

Thank you for your time.

Thank you.

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