Whattup BTF,
I've been feeling this way for a while as well. As an avid bhangra fan/dancer for 15+ years, I remember feeling the most hyped about performances when the big dogs like Sher Foundation or Khalsa Junction took the stage. After that, the innovation brought forth by teams like DRP, Gabroo Shokeen, and VCU kept that momentum for some time.
Judging by how many people have contributed to this topic, you don't have to see any statistics or data to see that yes, we here at BTF feel like the fire has been lost. Teams just don't have that true "hype" or have that fire, not only as performers, but as DANCERS, to innovate the game and leave a long lasting impression.
I can't speak from a dancer's point of view, but as an audience member and more importantly as a DJ,
I think a large part of what will bring about this change is the music.
How many of you guys remember when Sher Foundation came out with doing quick medleys instead of dancing to only 3-4 songs? And the infamous Sher Bass Drop?? Ohhhweee, that shit made the performance infinitely more memorable and really helped solidify Sher Foundation's legacy. How many teams are doing that today? Many teams have been using the same "hoy"s and sword "shwings" and "BOOOMS" since they first emerged.
We need to create new and more innovative types of mixes and cultivate a more progressive sound for the bhangra circuit. That's where I think I can help.
I've been putting out a lot of tracks this past year and have had the pleasure of being asked to do team mixes, however, I don't really have the time and prefer not to work with teams who I haven't connected with on a personal level. As someone who takes his music and art very seriously, I like to create alongside passionate choreographers, as well as to reinvent the music of traditional Bhangra/Punjabi songs by creating mixes that could enhance a performance and that works with the team to deliver their best performance. I truly think they both go hand in hand.
That being said, starting in 2016, I will be offering songs to the bhangra circuit (via BTF and Soundcloud) for a fee to use in their mix (homie's gotta eat y'know). I won't be doing full team mixes as I don't really have time to meet and talk to every team who wants a mix, but I can definitely offer my advice and my services to some extent. I really think that a true dancer is influenced by the music and that's what I want to offer you guys: a song that will be unique, designed with you in mind, and a certified BANGER.
Peace and best of luck to everyone who wants to take this art to the next level,
Baysikhz