Transcript from an Interview with Aslan Akay
Aslan Akay is a rapper based in Newcastle Upon Tyne UK, whose music tackles contemporary injustice. His producer is Mike Forsyth.
I've got no explosive jacket strapped on, but I'm a terrorist cos what I say is wrong... ' sums up Aslan Akay's verbal assault on international injustice. Aslan was born on August 4th 1983 in Bedford, Uk. After recovering from paralysis at the age of 3 he developed a strong identification with the underdog. From an early age he wrote poetry and after meeting producer Mike Forsyth decided to try his hand at music. The end result was recording a demo entitled 'The Terrorist' (copyright E.A.Akay & M. Forsyth 2007) inspired by Cherie Blair of all people!!!! Back in 2002 Aslan had been watching the news and had been disgusted at the fact that the PM's wife had been forced to apologise for stating: 'as long as young people feel they have got no hope but to blow themselves up you are never going to make progress.' He picked up a pen and wrote down the opening lines to the song, with the knowledge that Cherie Blair's comment did not justify terrorism but merely was the mouthpiece for the many but not the few. Aslan says 'the war on terror, the Iraq war, the demonisation of minorities, the banning of free speech are all part of a sinister imperialist agenda designed to benefit the worlds power elite at the expense of the weak and vulnerable. It is ridiculous attempting to censor people like Cherie Blair for making neutral comments then going and bombing innocent civilians just to satisfy oil companies.' Musically Aslan draws inspiration from Falco, the 2 Live Crew, Public Enemy, Manic Street Preachers and not to mention his teenage heroes the Shamen. With a new version of 'The Terrorist' to be recorded later this year Aslan hopes to reach wider audiences and continue the struggle for free speech.
Why this name?
Aslan Akay is actually the artists real name (minus his first name)
Do you play live?
Will start later this year
How, do you think, does the internet (or mp3) change the music industry?
It is a great invention that will allow musicians to reach wider audiences.
Would you sign a record contract with a major label?
Yes
Your influences?
Falco, Public Enemy, 2 Live Crew, the Shamen, Manic Street Preachers
Favorite spot?
Newcastle Upon Tyne
Anything else...?
Listen if you hate George Bush!!!
MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/aslanakay