By Aryanna Garber

With the release of his new single, 'Kool 2 B Asian,' dropping on iTunes tomorrow, we decided we wanted to get to know the real Menis, the man behind the awesome track. And, it turns out that Menis, the man, is just as cool as Menis the artist! He is surprisingly laid back and super down to earth, a really awesome guy with a sweet new sound! Check out this exclusive interview with Menis to find out the inspiration behind his song, what music he likes to listen to, and his advice for all aspiring artists!

You started off as an unknown kid, performing at youth clubs and local gigs, how did you meet up with your first producer, Nazza-T?
We met up at a club night where I was rapping and he was djing.  He said he was a producer as well and it just kind of took off from there.

You're definitely really busy right now, as a lyricist, musical director, and designer. With all of that under your belt, what are you focusing on right now?
At the moment I have a live band together and I'm doing the rapping thing.

If you had a choice, which mainstream artist would you want to collaborate with?
N.E.R.D. or Baby Bird

You say that you prefer the live performance thing over being in the recording studio...why's that?
I love being on stage you really feel Menis... I really come alive on stage.

How are you going to convey the "real Menis," which you can see when you perform, onto your album?
The tracks are all really witty, comical, and cheeky, I don't take things too seriously. I think that vibe will show the fans my true personality.

What kind of music did you listen to when you were growing up?
Well, I actually did not listen to a lot of HipHop as a kid. I listened to a lot of Michael Jackson, Prince, and Lionel Ritchie. It was not until I was a teenager that I really got into HipHop.

The video for your new single, "Kool 2 B Asian,' is really awesome. You have so many stars from the  South Asian music scene featured in your video, it's really cool. What was the inspiration behind the 'Kool 2 B Asian' track?
I could've gone with a simple club track, but a lot of the youth in the UK love the Bollywood stuff and are afraid to admit it. I wanted to create something full of South Asian pride, which really highlighted the beats and music.

"Kool 2 Be Asian"

We know you are coming out with the 'Kool 2 B Asian' t-shirts; do you want to pursue the fashion thing on a bigger scale?
Yeah, I am a big fan of fashion and I want to be ahead of the game in fashion in the UK that's another way to spread the music. We are just starting off with the t-shirt and then move on to the hoodies.

So, how would you describe your personality?
You would think I am quiet if you don't know me.  I don't just go up to random people and talk to them. But I can really get crazy and be out loud Menis when I want to be.

Now, for the question that everyone wants to know...what is your real name?
Anish

Now for a fun question, when it is late at night and you are just craving a snack what is your go to food?
I love Nando's, it is a Portuguese chain in the UK. I also love milkshakes and burgers and stuff.
 

What advice would you give to any aspiring artists out there?

If you are really loving music it is not hard. You just have to put the word out there and give in to your creativityAnd, don't forget to go and buy the single!