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{{Short description|Canadian DJ, producer, writer, and radio host}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{BLP sources|date=June 2017}}
{{notability|Biographies|date=June 2017}}
}}

{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
|image_size =
| image_size =
|name = Johney Brar (DJ JoN-E)
| name = Johney Brar (DJ JoN-E)
|caption =
| caption =
⚫
| birth_name =
|background = non_performing_personnel
| alias = DJ JoN-E, [[Johnny No Best]]
⚫
|birth_name =
⚫
| death_date =
|alias = DJ JoN-E
⚫
| origin = [[Toronto]], [[Ontario]], Canada
|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1984|7|25}}
⚫
| instrument =
⚫
|death_date =
⚫
| genre = Mashup, Remix, [[Bhangra (music)|Bhangra]], Hindi, Indian Fusion, Hip Hop, Top 40, Retro
⚫
|origin = [[Toronto]], [[Ontario]], [[Canada]]
⚫
| occupation = [[DJ]], Radio Personality
⚫
|instrument =
⚫
| years_active = 2000-2016
⚫
|genre = [[Bhangra (music)|Bhangra]], Hindi, Indian Fusion, Hip Hop, Top 40, Retro
| label =
⚫
|occupation = [[DJ]], Radio Personality
⚫
| associated_acts =
⚫
|years_active =
⚫
| website = [http://www.bbcsoundcrew.com www.bbcsoundcrew.com]
|label =
⚫
|associated_acts =
⚫
|website = [http://www.bbcsoundcrew.com www.bbcsoundcrew.com]
}}
}}


'''Johney Brar''' (born July 25, 1984 in [[Toronto]], [[Ontario]]), also known as '''DJ JoN-E''', is a North American [[South Asian]] DJ, Producer and Radio Jockey. He was the host and executive producer of the primetime [[Desi Live]] Radio Program which first aired on [[CHRY]] 105.5FM then signed to air nationally on [[HD Radio]] in the US in New York/New Jersey [[WEPN-FM|WRKS]] 98.7FM HD2, Washington [[WTOP-FM|WTOP]] 103.5FM HD2, Chicago [[WKQX (FM)|WKQX]] 101.1FM HD2, San Jose/Bay Area [[KIOI]] 101.3FM HD2 and Los Angeles [[KPWR]] 105.9FM HD2 on [[HD Radio]]. He is currently head of operations for [[BBC Soundcrew]].
'''Johney Brar''' (born July 25 in [[Toronto]], [[Ontario]]), also known as '''DJ JoN-E''' or "Johnny No Best", is a Canadian DJ, producer, writer and radio host. He was the host and executive producer of the primetime [[Desi Live]] Radio Program which first aired on [[CHRY]] 105.5FM then was nationally distributed in the United States on [[HD Radio]] in New York/New Jersey [[WEPN-FM|WRKS]] 98.7FM HD2, Washington [[WTOP-FM|WTOP]] 103.5FM HD2, Chicago [[WKQX (FM)|WKQX]] 101.1FM HD2, San Jose/Bay Area [[KIOI]] 101.3FM HD2 and Los Angeles [[KPWR]] 105.9FM HD2. He is currently head of operations for Sixcity Media.


⚫
== Career ==


== BBC Soundcrew ==
=== BBC Soundcrew ===
Johney Brar (DJ JoN-E) & Gurjit Bolina (MC LoudMouTH) created the South Asian entertainment company [[BBC Soundcrew]] in the year 2001 to help develop the North American Indian/South Asian Music scene. [[BBC Soundcrew]] was developed to change, broaden and strengthen the Desi/South Asian Night Life scene.
Johney Brar (DJ JoN-E/Johnny No Best) & Gurjit Bolina (MC LoudMouTH) created the South entertainment company [[BBC Soundcrew]] in the year 2001 to help develop the North American Indian/South Asian Music scene. [[BBC Soundcrew]] was developed to change, broaden and strengthen the Desi/South Asian Night Life in Canada.
⚫
Based in [[Toronto]], [[Canada]] BBC Soundcrew has made their mark with their own ventures including the Top Desi/South Asian DJ Website in Canada (BBCsoundcrew.com), BBC Soundcrew Gear, successful mix CDs and remix albums, their own record label (Funky Dhol Productions) and the only weekly primetime urban Indian/Desi radio program in North America ([[Desi Live]] on 105.5 FM Mondays 8-9PM - Hosted By DJ JoN-E) which has moved to national syndication in the United States as of December 2008.


⚫
Based in [[Toronto|Toronto, Ontario]], Canada, BBC Soundcrew has made their mark in the 2000s with their own ventures including popular Desi/South Asian DJ Website in Canada (BBCsoundcrew.com), BBC Soundcrew Gear, mix CDs and remix albums, a record label (Funky Dhol Productions) and a weekly primetime urban Indian/Desi radio program in North America ([[Desi Live]] on 105.5 FM Mondays 8-9PM). The show was then nationally distributed in the United States on HD radio to five major markets from 2008 to 2011.
⚫
BBC Soundcrew's successful night life scene saw them open for such popular South-Asian musical acts as [[Punjabi MC]], DCS (Shin), B21, Sukhsinder Shinda, Lehmber Hussinpuri, Jassi Sidhu, RDB, Premi Group, Bikram Singh, [[Apache Indian]], [[H-Dhami]] and many more.


⚫
BBC Soundcrew's successful night life scene saw them open for such popular South-Asian musical acts as [[Punjabi MC]], DCS (Shin), B21, Sukhsinder Shinda, Lehmber Hussinpuri, Jassi Sidhu, RDB, Premi Group, Bikram Singh, [[Apache Indian (musician)|Apache Indian]], [[H-Dhami]] and many more.
⚫
== FM Radio ==
⚫
BBC Soundcrew's "Desi Live" Radio Program was hosted By Johney Brar (DJ JoN-E) and aired every Monday 8:00pm-9:00pm (EST) on [[CHRY]] 105.5FM [[Toronto]]. Shows could also be listened to on their website as well as [[Rogers Cable]] Channel 945.


⚫
=== FM Radio ===
BBC Soundcrew's "Desi Live" Radio Program hit the airwaves in December [[2004]] after the green light was given from the Board of Directors of CHRY Radio Station. After the approval, "Desi Live" was given a prime time Monday night slot (8-9pm EST) to help add some diversity to the Monday night lineup on [[CHRY]] 105.5FM.
⚫
BBC Soundcrew's "Desi Live" Radio Program was hosted By Johney Brar (DJ JoN-E) and aired every Monday 8:00pm–9:00pm (EST) on [[CHRY]] 105.5FM [[Toronto]]. Shows could also be listened to on their website as well as [[Rogers Cable]] Channel 945. It hit the airwaves in December 2004 after the green light was given from the Board of Directors of CHRY Radio Station. After the approval, "Desi Live" was given a prime time Monday night slot (8-9pm EST) to help add some diversity to the Monday night lineup on [[CHRY]] 105.5FM.


Desi Live Radio Show was sandwiched between the popular hip hop program "Backroad Radio" 6:00pm-8:00pm and "Everyday I have the Blues" the long running jazz/blues show hosted by Vince Vitacco (9:00pm-11:00pm)
Desi Live Radio Show was sandwiched between the popular hip hop program "Backroad Radio" 6:00pm–8:00pm and "Everyday I have the Blues" the long running jazz/blues show hosted by Vince Vitacco (9:00pm–11:00pm)


The show primarily played [[Bhangra (music)|bhangra]] ([[Punjab region|Punjabi]]) music along with urban Indian beats and music from local talent.
The show primarily played [[Bhangra (music)|bhangra]] ([[Punjab region|Punjabi]]) music along with urban Indian beats and music from local talent.


The show took great strides in its first year with its popularity soaring. Each show was also made available online at bbcsoundcrew.com [http://www.bbcsoundcrew.com] so listeners can listen anytime as even the old shows were archived.
The show took great strides in its first year with its popularity soaring. Each show was also made available online. CL Magazine stated:


⚫
<blockquote>BBC Soundcrew, one of Toronto’s top Indian and Bhangra DJs, has sought to create a presence and medium for South Asians to explore their culture, not only in Toronto, but for Canada’s diverse Indian population.<ref name="campuslife">{{Citation
<blockquote>
⚫
“BBC Soundcrew, one of Toronto’s top Indian and Bhangra DJs, has sought to create a presence and medium for South Asians to explore their culture, not only in Toronto, but for Canada’s diverse Indian population."<ref name="campuslife">{{Citation
| title = A Voice for the South Asian Community
| title = A Voice for the South Asian Community
| newspaper =Campus Life
| newspaper =Campus Life
| date =July 6, 2005 }}
| date =July 6, 2005 }}
</ref>
</ref></blockquote>
</blockquote>


[[File:Desi_live_radio_program_advertisement.jpg|thumb|265px|right|Advertisement for Desi Live Radio Program, 2004.]]
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Desi live radio program advertisement.jpg|thumb|265px|right|Advertisement for Desi Live Radio Program, 2004.]] -->


"Desi Live" was produced and hosted by BBC Soundcrew"s Johney Brar (DJ JoN-E) and was considered the #1 Urban Bhangra Radio Program in North America. With visitors dropping by the studio every week and segments such as "The Old Skool Track of the Week, Top 5, Featured Album, Use it or Lose it (The audience decides if a new debut track should be kept in rotation on the show), and artist interviews.
"Desi Live" was considered the top Urban Bhangra Radio Program in North America. With visitors dropping by the studio every week and segments such as "The Old Skool Track of the Week, Top 5, Featured Album, Use it or Lose it (The audience decides if a new debut track should be kept in rotation on the show), and artist interviews.


⚫
Johney Brar announced in October 2008, that he will be leaving [[CHRY]] 105.5FM permanently at the end of the month, concluding his four years of programming on [[CHRY]] on October 27, 2008.
However, the shows popularity triggered criticism by the show host on the local South-Asian community. While the show production and listenership made it one of the top 3 on the network, it fell well below expectations during yearly station fund drives, as [[CHRY]] was primarily a non-profit organization.


=== HD Radio ===
<blockquote>
⚫
Johney Brar signed a deal to move his show to the United States market with a national distribution deal with [[HD Radio]] provider WorldBand Media, beginning in late November 2008.
“It is sad to see that South-Asians will listen and love the show, but when it comes time to give a few dollars to support the cause they are no where to be found."<ref name="BBCsoundcrew.com">{{Citation
| title = Our History
| newspaper = BBCsoundcrew.com
| date =July 26, 2008 }}
</ref>
</blockquote>


⚫
The shows title remained "Desi Live," however the show expanded from a 1-hour format to a 2-hour format. Desi Live also began airing live programming 5 nights a week, airing weeknights 8{{nbsp}}pm{{snd}}10{{nbsp}}pm on HumDesi Radio (a division of Worldband Media) hosted by Johney Brar (DJ JoN-E).
⚫
Johney Brar announced in October [[2008]], that he will be leaving [[CHRY]] 105.5FM permanently at the end of the month, concluding his four years of programming on [[CHRY]] on October 27, 2008.

⚫
== HD Radio ==
⚫
Johney Brar signed a deal to move his show to the United States market with a national syndication deal with [[HD Radio]] provider [[WorldBand Media]], beginning in late November 2008.

⚫
The shows title remained "Desi Live," however the show expanded from a 1-hour format to a 2-hour format. Desi Live also began airing live programming 5 nights a week, airing weeknights 8:00pm-10:00pm on HumDesi Radio (HD Radio) hosted by Johney Brar (DJ JoN-E).


The show aired in the following cities:
The show aired in the following cities:


[[New York]]/[[New Jersey]] - [[WEPN-FM|WRKS]] 98.7 FM HD-2 <br>
[[New York City]]/[[New Jersey]] - [[WEPN-FM|WRKS]] 98.7 FM HD-2 <br>
[[Los Angeles]] - [[KPWR]] 105.9 FM HD-2<br>
[[Los Angeles]] - [[KPWR]] 105.9 FM HD-2<br>
[[Chicago]] - [[WKQX (FM)|WKQX]] 101.1 FM HD-2<br>
[[Chicago]] - [[WKQX (FM)|WKQX]] 101.1 FM HD-2<br>
Line 75: Line 67:
[[San Jose, California|San Jose]] - [[KIOI]] 101.3 FM HD-2
[[San Jose, California|San Jose]] - [[KIOI]] 101.3 FM HD-2


This was the first attempt to nationally syndicate a Desi/Bhangra Show in North America, making Johney Brar the youngest nationally syndicated South-Asian DJ in North America.
This was the first attempt to nationally distribute a Desi/Bhangra Show in North America, making Johney Brar the youngest nationally syndicated South-Asian DJ in North America.


As of October 2009, Desi Live changed timeslots from 8:00pm-10:00pm weeknights to its new home 9:00pm-12:00am Friday's and Saturday's.
As of October 2009, Desi Live changed timeslots from 8{{nbsp}}pm{{snd}}10{{nbsp}}pm weeknights to its new home 9{{nbsp}}pm{{snd}}12{{nbsp}}am Fridays and Saturdays.


As of July 2010, Desi Live began airing one night a week, Saturday's 9:00pm - Midnight.
As of July 2010, Desi Live began airing one night a week, Saturdays 9{{nbsp}}pm{{snd}}midnight.


The last show for Humdesi Radio aired on May 21, 2011. Humdesi Radio was sold shortly after this, officially cancelling all shows on its network.
The last show for Humdesi Radio aired on May 21, 2011. Humdesi Radio was sold shortly after this, officially cancelling all shows on its network.


==Desi Live TV==
===Desi Live TV===
In [[2015]], concepts were pitched to two prominent Canadian television networks of turning the radio show in to a live dance music television program, appealing to ethnic music audiences around the country. While the idea gained interest from the networks, it was put on hold by Johney claiming that certain rules and restrictions of what we can do on the program by the networks would likely make the show unprofitable. Due to this, the pilot episode of "Desi Live TV" was never shot.
In 2015, concepts were pitched to two prominent Canadian television networks of turning the radio show in to a live dance music television program, appealing to ethnic music audiences around the country. While the idea gained interest from the networks, it was put on hold by Johney claiming that certain rules and restrictions of what we can do on the program by the networks would likely make the show unprofitable. Due to this, the pilot episode of "Desi Live TV" was never shot.


==Executive Producer - Radio==
===Executive Producer - Radio===
Johney Brar (DJ JoN-E) has created or assisted in development the following radio programs:
Johney Brar (DJ JoN-E) has created or assisted in development the following radio programs:
{| class="wikitable"" style="width:100%"
{| border="2" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 100%; width=100%;"
! Debut Year
|-
! Station
! align="center"| '''Debut Year'''
! Show Title
! align="center"| '''Station'''
! Timeslot
! align="center"| '''Show Title'''
! Role
! align="center"| '''Timeslot'''
! align="center"| '''Role'''


|-
|-
Line 100: Line 91:
| align="center"| [[CHRY]] 105.5FM
| align="center"| [[CHRY]] 105.5FM
| align="center"| [[Desi Live]]
| align="center"| [[Desi Live]]
| align="center"| Monday's 8pm-9pm
| align="center"| Mondays 8{{nbsp}}pm{{snd}}9{{nbsp}}pm
| align="center"| Executive Producer & Host
| align="center"| Executive Producer & Host


Line 107: Line 98:
| align="center"| HumDesi (HD Radio)
| align="center"| HumDesi (HD Radio)
| align="center"| Desi Live USA
| align="center"| Desi Live USA
| align="center"| Weeknights 8pm-10pm
| align="center"| Weeknights 8{{nbsp}}pm{{snd}}10{{nbsp}}pm
| align="center"| Executive Producer & Host
| align="center"| Executive Producer & Host


Line 114: Line 105:
| align="center"| HumDesi (HD Radio)
| align="center"| HumDesi (HD Radio)
| align="center"| Bollywood 360
| align="center"| Bollywood 360
| align="center"| Weeknights 12am-2am
| align="center"| Weeknights 12{{nbsp}}am{{snd}}2{{nbsp}}am
| align="center"| Executive Producer
| align="center"| Executive Producer


Line 121: Line 112:
| align="center"| HumDesi (HD Radio)
| align="center"| HumDesi (HD Radio)
| align="center"| Top 10
| align="center"| Top 10
| align="center"| Weeknights 7pm-8pm
| align="center"| Weeknights 7{{nbsp}}pm{{snd}}8{{nbsp}}pm
| align="center"| Co-Executive Producer
| align="center"| Co-Executive Producer


Line 128: Line 119:
| align="center"| HumDesi (HD Radio)
| align="center"| HumDesi (HD Radio)
| align="center"| Apna Ave
| align="center"| Apna Ave
| align="center"| Weeknights 10pm-11pm
| align="center"| Weeknights 10{{nbsp}}pm{{snd}}11{{nbsp}}pm
| align="center"| Executive Producer
| align="center"| Executive Producer


Line 135: Line 126:
| align="center"| HumDesi (HD Radio)
| align="center"| HumDesi (HD Radio)
| align="center"| Divine Sounds
| align="center"| Divine Sounds
| align="center"| Weekdays 4am-6am
| align="center"| Weekdays 4{{nbsp}}am{{snd}}6{{nbsp}}am
| align="center"| Executive Producer
| align="center"| Executive Producer


Line 142: Line 133:
| align="center"| HumDesi (HD Radio)
| align="center"| HumDesi (HD Radio)
| align="center"| Chutney Flava
| align="center"| Chutney Flava
| align="center"| Weekends 11pm-12pm
| align="center"| Weekends 11{{nbsp}}pm{{snd}}12{{nbsp}}pm
| align="center"| Co-Executive Producer
| align="center"| Co-Executive Producer


Line 149: Line 140:
| align="center"| HumDesi (HD Radio)
| align="center"| HumDesi (HD Radio)
| align="center"| Chak Dey USA
| align="center"| Chak Dey USA
| align="center"| Weeknights 2am-4am
| align="center"| Weeknights 2{{nbsp}}am{{snd}}4{{nbsp}}am
| align="center"| Executive Producer
| align="center"| Executive Producer
|}
|}


==Notable Guests==
===Notable Guests===
[[File:Vikas Kohli of FatLabs interviewed by Johney Brar of Desi Live (1).JPG|thumb|150px|right|Vikas Kohli being interviewed on the Desi Live radio show.]]
[[File:Vikas Kohli of FatLabs interviewed by Johney Brar of Desi Live (1).JPG|thumb|150px|right|Vikas Kohli being interviewed on the Desi Live radio show.]]
[[Trish Stratus]] - [[WWE]] Hall of Famer
[[Trish Stratus]] - [[WWE]] Hall of Famer
Line 159: Line 150:
[[Shaun Majumder]] - Canadian comedian/actor
[[Shaun Majumder]] - Canadian comedian/actor


[[Vikas Kohli]] - Audio Producer of [[Fatlabs]] recording studio in Mississuaga, Ontario, Canada
[[Vikas Kohli]] - Audio Producer of [[Fatlabs]] recording studio in [[Mississauga, Ontario]], Canada


Lara Levi - CEO of Death Row Records
Lara Levi - CEO of Death Row Records
Line 165: Line 156:
[[Sonjay Dutt]] - Professional Wrestler
[[Sonjay Dutt]] - Professional Wrestler


[[John Leguizamo]] - Emmy Award winning actor
[[John Leguizamo]] - Emmy Award-winning actor


== Discography ==
== Discography ==


BBC Soundcrew (DJ JoN-E) - ''Live to Air'' (2001)
BBC Soundcrew - ''Live to Air'' (2002)


BBC Soundcrew (DJ JoN-E) - ''BreakThrough'' (2003)
BBC Soundcrew - ''BreakThrough'' (2003)


Various - ''Urban Bhangra'' (BBC Soundcrew (DJ JoN-E) - Soun Rab Di)
Various - ''Urban Bhangra'' (BBC Soundcrew (DJ JoN-E) - Sound Rab Di)


BBC Soundcrew (DJ JoN-E) - Got Yourself Desi Remixxx Feat Nas (2004)
BBC Soundcrew (DJ JoN-E) - Got Yourself Desi Remixxx Feat Nas (2004)


BBC Soundcrew (DJ JoN-E) - ''Desi Live the Mixx CD Vol. 1'' (March - 2005)
BBC Soundcrew (DJ JoN-E) - ''Desi Live the Mixx CD Vol. 1'' (March - 2005)


BBC Soundcrew - Punjabi MC VS Eminem Mashup (Single 2005) (Produced By DJ Din)
BBC Soundcrew - Punjabi MC VS Eminem Mashup (Single 2005) (Produced By DJ Din)


BBC Soundcrew (DJ JoN-E & DJ Davy) - ''Desi Live the Mixx CD Vol. 2'' (March - 2008)
BBC Soundcrew (DJ JoN-E & DJ Davy) - ''Desi Live the Mixx CD Vol. 2'' (March - 2008)


==References==
All Albums and Singles are made available at [http://www.bbcsoundcrew.com/audio.html BBCsoundcrew.com Music]
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.bbcsoundcrew.com/article.jpg Excalbur News Article on "Desi Live" and BBC Soundcrew]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070323231631/http://www.bbcsoundcrew.com/article.jpg Excalbur News Article on "Desi Live" and BBC Soundcrew]
* [http://www.campuslifemagazine.ca/article.php?id=desi Campus Life Magazine Article on BBC Soundcrew, "Desi Live" & DJ JoN-E]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070502220355/http://www.campuslifemagazine.ca/article.php?id=desi Campus Life Magazine Article on BBC Soundcrew, "Desi Live" & DJ JoN-E]


{{DEFAULTSORT:Jon-E, Dj}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Jon-E, Dj}}

Latest revision as of 05:55, 14 July 2024

Johney Brar (DJ JoN-E)
Also known asDJ JoN-E, Johnny No Best
OriginToronto, Ontario, Canada
GenresMashup, Remix, Bhangra, Hindi, Indian Fusion, Hip Hop, Top 40, Retro
Occupation(s)DJ, Radio Personality
Years active2000-2016
Websitewww.bbcsoundcrew.com

Johney Brar (born July 25 in Toronto, Ontario), also known as DJ JoN-E or "Johnny No Best", is a Canadian DJ, producer, writer and radio host. He was the host and executive producer of the primetime Desi Live Radio Program which first aired on CHRY 105.5FM then was nationally distributed in the United States on HD Radio in New York/New Jersey WRKS 98.7FM HD2, Washington WTOP 103.5FM HD2, Chicago WKQX 101.1FM HD2, San Jose/Bay Area KIOI 101.3FM HD2 and Los Angeles KPWR 105.9FM HD2. He is currently head of operations for Sixcity Media.

Career

[edit]

BBC Soundcrew

[edit]

Johney Brar (DJ JoN-E/Johnny No Best) & Gurjit Bolina (MC LoudMouTH) created the South entertainment company BBC Soundcrew in the year 2001 to help develop the North American Indian/South Asian Music scene. BBC Soundcrew was developed to change, broaden and strengthen the Desi/South Asian Night Life in Canada.

Based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, BBC Soundcrew has made their mark in the 2000s with their own ventures including popular Desi/South Asian DJ Website in Canada (BBCsoundcrew.com), BBC Soundcrew Gear, mix CDs and remix albums, a record label (Funky Dhol Productions) and a weekly primetime urban Indian/Desi radio program in North America (Desi Live on 105.5 FM Mondays 8-9PM). The show was then nationally distributed in the United States on HD radio to five major markets from 2008 to 2011.

BBC Soundcrew's successful night life scene saw them open for such popular South-Asian musical acts as Punjabi MC, DCS (Shin), B21, Sukhsinder Shinda, Lehmber Hussinpuri, Jassi Sidhu, RDB, Premi Group, Bikram Singh, Apache Indian, H-Dhami and many more.

FM Radio

[edit]

BBC Soundcrew's "Desi Live" Radio Program was hosted By Johney Brar (DJ JoN-E) and aired every Monday 8:00pm–9:00pm (EST) on CHRY 105.5FM Toronto. Shows could also be listened to on their website as well as Rogers Cable Channel 945. It hit the airwaves in December 2004 after the green light was given from the Board of Directors of CHRY Radio Station. After the approval, "Desi Live" was given a prime time Monday night slot (8-9pm EST) to help add some diversity to the Monday night lineup on CHRY 105.5FM.

Desi Live Radio Show was sandwiched between the popular hip hop program "Backroad Radio" 6:00pm–8:00pm and "Everyday I have the Blues" the long running jazz/blues show hosted by Vince Vitacco (9:00pm–11:00pm)

The show primarily played bhangra (Punjabi) music along with urban Indian beats and music from local talent.

The show took great strides in its first year with its popularity soaring. Each show was also made available online. CL Magazine stated:

BBC Soundcrew, one of Toronto’s top Indian and Bhangra DJs, has sought to create a presence and medium for South Asians to explore their culture, not only in Toronto, but for Canada’s diverse Indian population.[1]


"Desi Live" was considered the top Urban Bhangra Radio Program in North America. With visitors dropping by the studio every week and segments such as "The Old Skool Track of the Week, Top 5, Featured Album, Use it or Lose it (The audience decides if a new debut track should be kept in rotation on the show), and artist interviews.

Johney Brar announced in October 2008, that he will be leaving CHRY 105.5FM permanently at the end of the month, concluding his four years of programming on CHRY on October 27, 2008.

HD Radio

[edit]

Johney Brar signed a deal to move his show to the United States market with a national distribution deal with HD Radio provider WorldBand Media, beginning in late November 2008.

The shows title remained "Desi Live," however the show expanded from a 1-hour format to a 2-hour format. Desi Live also began airing live programming 5 nights a week, airing weeknights 8 pm – 10 pm on HumDesi Radio (a division of Worldband Media) hosted by Johney Brar (DJ JoN-E).

The show aired in the following cities:

New York City/New Jersey - WRKS 98.7 FM HD-2
Los Angeles - KPWR 105.9 FM HD-2
Chicago - WKQX 101.1 FM HD-2
Washington - WTOP 103.5 FM HD-2
San Jose - KIOI 101.3 FM HD-2

This was the first attempt to nationally distribute a Desi/Bhangra Show in North America, making Johney Brar the youngest nationally syndicated South-Asian DJ in North America.

As of October 2009, Desi Live changed timeslots from 8 pm – 10 pm weeknights to its new home 9 pm – 12 am Fridays and Saturdays.

As of July 2010, Desi Live began airing one night a week, Saturdays 9 pm – midnight.

The last show for Humdesi Radio aired on May 21, 2011. Humdesi Radio was sold shortly after this, officially cancelling all shows on its network.

Desi Live TV

[edit]

In 2015, concepts were pitched to two prominent Canadian television networks of turning the radio show in to a live dance music television program, appealing to ethnic music audiences around the country. While the idea gained interest from the networks, it was put on hold by Johney claiming that certain rules and restrictions of what we can do on the program by the networks would likely make the show unprofitable. Due to this, the pilot episode of "Desi Live TV" was never shot.

Executive Producer - Radio

[edit]

Johney Brar (DJ JoN-E) has created or assisted in development the following radio programs:

Debut Year Station Show Title Timeslot Role
2004 CHRY 105.5FM Desi Live Mondays 8 pm – 9 pm Executive Producer & Host
2008 HumDesi (HD Radio) Desi Live USA Weeknights 8 pm – 10 pm Executive Producer & Host
2009 HumDesi (HD Radio) Bollywood 360 Weeknights 12 am – 2 am Executive Producer
2009 HumDesi (HD Radio) Top 10 Weeknights 7 pm – 8 pm Co-Executive Producer
2009 HumDesi (HD Radio) Apna Ave Weeknights 10 pm – 11 pm Executive Producer
2009 HumDesi (HD Radio) Divine Sounds Weekdays 4 am – 6 am Executive Producer
2009 HumDesi (HD Radio) Chutney Flava Weekends 11 pm – 12 pm Co-Executive Producer
2009 HumDesi (HD Radio) Chak Dey USA Weeknights 2 am – 4 am Executive Producer

Notable Guests

[edit]
Vikas Kohli being interviewed on the Desi Live radio show.

Trish Stratus - WWE Hall of Famer

Shaun Majumder - Canadian comedian/actor

Vikas Kohli - Audio Producer of Fatlabs recording studio in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

Lara Levi - CEO of Death Row Records

Sonjay Dutt - Professional Wrestler

John Leguizamo - Emmy Award-winning actor

Discography

[edit]

BBC Soundcrew - Live to Air (2002)

BBC Soundcrew - BreakThrough (2003)

Various - Urban Bhangra (BBC Soundcrew (DJ JoN-E) - Sound Rab Di)

BBC Soundcrew (DJ JoN-E) - Got Yourself Desi Remixxx Feat Nas (2004)

BBC Soundcrew (DJ JoN-E) - Desi Live the Mixx CD Vol. 1 (March - 2005)

BBC Soundcrew - Punjabi MC VS Eminem Mashup (Single 2005) (Produced By DJ Din)

BBC Soundcrew (DJ JoN-E & DJ Davy) - Desi Live the Mixx CD Vol. 2 (March - 2008)

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "A Voice for the South Asian Community", Campus Life, July 6, 2005
[edit]
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