Both Dahov and Singh brought their own influences to this performance but each is also an interesting blending of cultures unto themselves. Dahov was born in Dubai but his family is originally Armenian. He frequently contributes to the fans and audience’s awareness of his Armenian heritage through music. The percussionist/entertainer comments, “Once in a while I throw Armenian melodies into my performances. That can sometimes be problematic as our traditional beat is 6/8 which makes mixing it with a modern electronic or pop sound a bit more difficult. Nevertheless, Armenians have a very rich music culture and many legends in the music industry with artists like: Cher, Charles Aznavour, System of A Down, etc. System of a Down has used this approach many times in a lot of their concerts and songs. It’s unique and immediately identifiable. Armenians, like any group of people, are a very proud culture. I’m very happy that I have been able to expose the general public to what we have to offer.”
Harmanjit "Mickey" Singh is an Indian-born American singer, songwriter, producer, dancer, model, and actor, based in Los Angeles. His first mixtape of Punjabi and English music, titled "Mick's Tape", was released for free download on July 22, 2013. His music combines Urban-Desi genre with American and Punjabi music, peppered with jazz influences. Making a conscious and calculated move to represent himself as he is, including his family’s heritage, has resulted in Singh bringing a strong presence to the dance music market. Performing in Canada would serve to spread the breadth of his exposure in the North.
Every performer appreciates the adulation of the public and their peers. Dahov admired Mickey’s performance and music that night and it was reciprocated. Dahov notes, “I think when he saw me performing live and heard the power of the derbake, he thought this is a really powerful instrument and it seems the beat on it is keeping everyone on their toes! Mickey’s beats were mostly fast, so he knew as well it would be a perfect fusion.” He goes further to state, “I’ve done other gigs where I needed to customize or alter my show a bit to make sure that I was meeting the crowd and the artist in a general area that we share and can automatically relax with. Performing at this show with Mickey, it was easier to blend in. I started off with club music and then transitioned to Bhangra music. That got the crowd going and, as soon as I was done…BANG! Mickey took over with one of his most famous songs. It was a perfect blend!”
Part of the reason for collaborations such as this one in Montreal between Dahov and Mickey Singh is to cross pollinate their fan bases. This has been a focus of the music and entertainment industry for as long as anyone can remember. Contrary to a solely finance based marketing ploy, this pairing proved quite successful in bringing new music to the fans of both artists. Dahov concedes, “Harpaul actually was very interested in me as he knew he could introduce me into the South Asian community where there was/is a big market for something unique like what I do. The South Asian community is really a big party loving community. His approach was very clever and has worked very well. Mickey is a very talented artist. I had listened to a lot of his music when I attended and performed at many of the South Asian events along with Harpaul. His kind of music was very familiar to my ears as I already did enjoy Indian music and actually speak a bit of the language myself. Mickey Singh is one of the first Indian singers who has taken Indian music to a more club style English oriented beat. I liked that a lot because his music wouldn’t sound unfamiliar to mine as it is very close to the regular club music that we hear every day! I really love the idea that music can bring everyone closer…all in the name of having fun!”