Cornershop

Cornershop formed in Leicester in 1991, Tjinder Singh and Ben Ayres developing a sound that drew on indie rock, Bollywood, and a very specific British-Asian experience. They signed to Wiiija Records and released a series of albums that built a following without achieving mainstream success. Singh's lyrics addressed race, identity, and the British-Asian experience with a directness that was unusual in the predominantly white indie scene.

'When I Was Born for the 7th Time' (1997) was the breakthrough — 'Brimful of Asha', remixed by Norman Cook, became one of the most recognisable British singles of the decade. The original version was already excellent; the remix made it enormous. The album showed a band capable of real musical range — from indie rock to Bollywood to country.

Cornershop have continued to record and tour with remarkable consistency. 'Handcream for a Generation' (2002) and 'Judy Sucks a Lemon for Breakfast' (2009) were both strong albums. Singh remains one of the most distinctive and underrated voices in British music.