Stereo Nation (noun) - a hybrid of Punjabi/ Hindi fused with reggae and western pop sensibility. A rich mix of gorgeous Caribbean grooves with infectious Indian melodies and percussion.

Stereo Nation are Tarsame (Taz) Singh and Kendell Smith. Both members, with their diverse musical backgrounds, came together in 1994 to form the unique global sounding energetic mix that is now known as Stereo Nation.

 

Taz (a British/Asian raised in Coventry) was formerly known as Johnny Zee and was already an established performing/ recording solo artist with numerous album releases, most notably his debut 1989 album Hit The Deck - one of the biggest selling bhangra albums of all time. His Asian-rooted but British/ American inspired ideas eventually brought about a stronger experimental reggae influence into his music and the inevitable collaboration with Kendell on the 1994 Spirits Of Rhythm album. Kendell (born in the Caribbean, but raised in Birmingham) was performing and touring with The Specials at the time, and his renowned dub poetry performances alongside Maxi Priest and Gil Scott Heron made it an ideal yet unique partnership.

Although together they were known as Johnny Zee & DJK at the time, the seed of Stereo Nation had already been planted. The growing success of Spirits Of Rhythm and the follow-up New Dawn as well as several live performances eventually led to a deal with EMI Premier UK in 1996.

Now known as Stereo Nation, it was the phenomenal success of their 'bhangra-reggae-pop' first single/ video 'I've Been Waiting' that brought them to worldwide attention. The video became an instant number one smash throughout Asia, as well as a 'top ten' video on the UK music channel, The Box. The I've Been Waiting album went on to achieve double-platinum status within six months.

 

Consequently, Stereo Nation went on tour with a nine-piece live band throughout 1997 in order to satisfy the rapidly increasing international fan base. The follow-up single/video/album Come Be My Lover went on to achieve similar status, as well as a huge sponsorship deal with Coca-Cola.

In 1998, Stereo Nation prepared for the worldwide release of their much anticipated latest album Jambo and a world tour to follow. Now signed to Sub Dub Records, and working closely alongside the famous Asian/ western producers Simon & Diamond, deals have been secured with Oriental Star Agencies (UK), EMI/Virgin (Arabia) and Times Music (India) for the simultaneous worldwide release of future releases.