MUMBAI: Paying tribute to brother and band member Kuldeep, who passed away in May, Rhythm Dhol Bass (RDB) says that Bhangra nor the band's infectious party themed beat will go away.

The band is currently in India for a series of shows in Delhi, Chandigarh and Kolkata to promote their new single ‘We Doin It Big’(Three Records label). Speaking with Radioandmusic.com (RnM) RDB member Surjeet said, “The song is a tribute to our brother and band mate Kuldeep who died of cancer. The song has lyrics like ‘Wherever you go/ people know who you are’. We got support from other artists for the song and the video which was shot in locations that include Chandigarh and the UK. We are promoting the song in India.”

RDB has been joined by 34 music artists for the track (which has hit No.1 on UK’s iTunes) and the video (which has netted more than 2.4 million views on YouTube). The thumping track that celebrates achievement –big and small- also introduces Urban Hip-Hop artist ‘Smooth’ the label’s latest addition to its roster Raftaar, who gets to rap a verse in Punjabi.

Originating in Bradford UK, RDB comprise of three brothers- Kuldeep, Manjeet, and Surjeet Ral- who made their mark in UK music scene in 2001 with an infectious blend of Bhangra beat and vocals fused with different western pop music.

UK’s Bhangra music has worked its way from being strictly a live band for marriages in the 1970s to being a part of international music’s definitive sounds crossing ethnic and cultural barriers and winning fans beyond the Indian sub continent and NRI community.

Surjeet said, “The legacy of Bhangra music which was started in the 70’s in the UK is still alive. From strictly live band music, artists now have branched out into DJing and producing (records). They are more prone to releasing albums than before. That music has filtered down to India as one can hear what’s going on due to technology.” Bhangra still has a strong presence in the UK charts and clubs and RDB’s anthemic party songs were much in demand.

“Punjabi music now has an international feel and we have a vast array of fans. Bhangra has gone global even though not all of the artists (in the genre) may be doing well. We are in the scene but not everyone had the chance.”

The band’s musical reach can be seen by the fact that their fan base extends well into India and includes a number of Bollywood producers, directors and actors like Akshay Kumar. This has given them the opportunity to score hit Bollywood tracks like ‘Singh Is Kinng’, ‘Kambakkht Ishq’, ‘Yamla Pagla Deewana’ and ‘Aloo Chaat’.

The band’s resume also includes collaborative work with international names like Ludacris (‘Shera Di Kaum’), Public Enemy and Snoop Dogg (Singh is Kinng).

RDB has no plans to change its sound or attitude and will continue with its trademark style of churning out party anthems that get people to the dance floor. “But fans may get to see a softer side of RDB with ballads in the future. We are holding talks with  film projects and we’re looking into ballads,’ Surjeet concluded.