The world of British music was forever transformed by Tjinder Singh, the charismatic frontman of Cornershop. Cornershop is not just a band; it’s a cultural phenomenon, especially for South Asians in Britain. I had the pleasure of interviewing Tjinder Singh, a man whose work and life story have been nothing short of inspirational.
As he sat in his North London home, juggling the responsibilities of caring for his foster dog and catching up with his bandmate Ben, Tjinder Singh’s warmth and wit were palpable. “I’ve not heard of an Asian name such as yours associated with a zine before. It’s not common. There’s clearly a gap for weirdos!” he chuckled, setting the tone for our engaging conversation.
Early Life and Beginnings of Tjinder Singh
Tjinder Singh’s journey began in Wolverhampton, West Midlands, where he was born. His father, a headteacher in India, migrated to the UK in search of better opportunities, followed by his mother. Growing up in a new country, Tjinder experienced the duality of his Indian heritage and British upbringing.
Tjinder Singh attended a polytechnic in Preston before moving to Leicester, where Cornershop was formed in 1991. The band’s name is a clever nod to the stereotype of Indian/Pakistani corner shops, encapsulating their knack for blending humor with socio-political commentary.
Cornershop’s debut album, “Hold On It Hurts,” released in 1994, caught the attention of David Byrne of Talking Heads, leading to a deal with Byrne’s label, Luaka Bop. This milestone propelled the band into the limelight, opening for acts like Beck and Oasis.
Their critically acclaimed album, “When I Was Born for the 7th Time,” released in 1997, included collaborations with legendary Beat poet Allen Ginsberg, showcasing their eclectic and innovative style.
Overcoming Adversity
Born in the same year as Enoch Powell’s infamous ‘Rivers of Blood’ speech, Tjinder Singh’s early life was marred by racial tension and the constant reminder that he was perceived as a second-class citizen.
“It was rough at times and sometimes wonderful. But it was enforced every day that you were different,” he reflected. Reading a three-part history of Wolverhampton, Tjinder Singh learned about the city’s evolving demographics, reinforcing his belief that the notion of ‘racial purity’ is fundamentally flawed. “All this stuff about purity that Enoch Powell and other idiots bang on about – it’s idiocy,” he stated, emphasizing the cyclical nature of immigration and integration.
Musical Evolution and Cultural Impact
Cornershop’s music defies easy categorization. Their upbeat melodies, infused with poignant political commentary, often veer into post-punk territory rather than conventional indie-pop. Their latest album, “England Is a Garden,” juxtaposes groovy, cheerful tunes with dark undertones reflective of contemporary issues like Brexit.
Tracks like “Everywhere that Wg Army Roam” and “Wgs Will Walk” tackle institutionalized racism head-on. Tjinder’s use of the word ‘w*g’ is deliberate and provocative. “I personally identify with it, and there is a lot of significance behind those three letters. If you remove it, you remove all the history and what we can learn from that,” he explained.
Despite the challenges, Cornershop remains proud of their Midlands roots. Songs like “No Rock Save in Roll” celebrate the region’s rich musical heritage. “I like to link heavy metal to Birmingham rather than America!” Tjinder quipped, acknowledging the city’s contributions to the genre with bands like Black Sabbath and Judas Priest.
Representation and Belonging
As a South Asian in the British music scene, Tjinder Singh often felt like an outsider. “I got that feeling all the time of being the only Asians, the only Blacks in a gig.
I grew up describing myself as black, and it was common back then for many of our generation to do that because we were all ‘The other’ together,” he recounted. This sense of unity against discrimination was encapsulated in movements like Rock Against Racism, which played a crucial role in challenging racial prejudices in the UK.
Breaking Barriers
Tjinder’s path was fraught with obstacles, not least from his own community. “For an Asian to be in a band, it was as rare as hen’s teeth. For an Asian to have a guitar, that was sacrilege,” he noted, highlighting the cultural taboos he had to overcome. His parents, particularly his father, struggled to understand his musical ambitions. “My father wasn’t enamoured with what we did as a group, even when there was success. My parents just couldn’t understand it,” he admitted, though he now appreciates their concerns more than he did at the time.
Legacy and Influence
Cornershop’s pioneering presence has paved the way for greater diversity in the music industry. Reflecting on the band’s impact, Tjinder shared, “We had people write in to us to say that through our music, they felt like they belonged a bit more.”
Their hit single “Brimful of Asha” became a symbol of cultural fusion, blending Indian music with indie-pop and topping charts worldwide. “It was a matter of pride for us. But it wasn’t just about the music, it was about the industry – the artwork, the video, the interviews, the way we worked as a band,” Tjinder elaborated.
The song “Brimful of Asha” is a testament to Cornershop’s innovative spirit. “We put everything in that track – all the stuff we loved from Trojan Records to Jacques Dutronc to Mohammed Rafi,” Tjinder explained. The song also carries a political message, touching on issues like the Narmada Dam project, showcasing the band’s commitment to social activism through their art.
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