Music Maestro!

By Marianne David

Q: What are you up to these days?

A: I am now retired from performing and partially retired from producing new songs and composing. I am spending my time learning computer programming, which was one of my much developed skills about 25 years ago. I want to experiment in coding for Android which has taken the mobile phone industry by storm. I also spent a lot of time practicing the Buddha Dhamma and teaching. I ‘Facebook’ and share views with people with common interest.

Q: Could you tell us about some of the new artistes you are working with?

A: I am working with a new comer living in Australia. Also recently I have spent a lot of time helping various newcomers to get off the ground.

Q: What are your thoughts on Sri Lanka’s music industry?

A: I personally feel that the Sri Lankan music industry has grown tremendously over the past 25 years. Many of the singers/musicians who developed during this time are not only good musicians, singers and composers but also good businessmen. BnS is a good example. Both being very good singers and performers and Bathiya being an exceptional composer, their material stands out among the rest with quality and finesse. Knowing Bathiya very closely since his school days, I have watched their growth with interest and can see very clearly what a difference it makes to one’s career when one knows to handle the business side as well.

Listening to many other songs being released today I hear the lack of musical education and training. The emphasis on music video creation over a good composition is slowly taking its toll. If this trend is not broken, soon songs will have no musical or lyrical sense without a video. I urge all those who wish to enter the field of entertainment to get proper training in music, basic management skills and business ethics. I also urge the present singers and composers to at least do one song for children. Children’s songs are hardly composed/produced these days and it is very sad to see little children singing adult songs.

Q: What are your views on the current talent search programs relating to the entertainment industry being conducted in the country?

A: A talent search program is ok. Some of our best singers have come from such competitions. The question is whether we need so many such programs. As I see it today it has become a competition in itself among various TV stations. TV stations are producing songs and grooming their own artistes, which is a conflict of interest as per their work. I am totally against talent searches conducted for little children. It creates an unhealthy environment for little minds. Winning is not a part of life. It is how you do what you do best which matters. Boosting of the ego is not good for one’s journey through life.

Q: You composed your first piece of music on the piano when you were around 11 years. Could you tell us about some of the highlights of your musical journey since then?

A: I have been awarded the Kalasuri title by the Government of Sri Lanka and was also awarded the First Lylie Godridge Memorial Award for contributions to the Western music industry by the Government of Sri Lanka. I have won many ‘Observer’ and ‘Island’ music awards and two Presidential awards for film compositions.

I have composed/arranged music/lyrics for several school songs including Gateway International and Stafford International. Arranging and recording the Royal College School song was a landmark for me as this is my Alma Mater.

Q: You are a keyboardist, composer, arranger, lyricist, producer and performer. What do you love doing most?

A: All of the above plus teaching.

Q: You have an ongoing fascination with computers. How does this tie-up with your music?

A: Computers have played a major role in music performance and music production since the early 1980s and I am proud to say that I introduced MIDI/computer music to Sri Lanka in the ’80s. The computer is a very powerful tool which is used in music composition, recording, arranging, editing, mixing, mastering. It is here to stay. Computers assist one to save time in all the above tasks. It will inspire creative artistes to compose music unique to the computer tool. Dub Step is a good example of this type.

Those who do not understand the tool well will not see what it can do and will blame it for various things simply due to ignorance.

Q: How did you feel when you were bestowed with the Kalasuri title?

A: Actually nothing. Recognition of what you do is a relative thing. Some may think it’s important and others may not. I simply do things that I like to do and feel will make others feel good and improve their minds in some way. I think that is what everyone should do. I think no one should expect an award or recognition but simply do things.

Q: Could you tell us about your music classes?

A: I pioneered the teaching of audio engineering in Sri Lanka in 2002. Many of those who learnt the skill under me are doing extremely well today. I also teach piano, violin and guitar.

Q: Could you tell us about your children and their musical leanings?

A: My eldest son Birendra studied piano but decided that his passion was in playing the guitar, which he did very well. My second son Eshana who sat with me when I composed in my heydays is now working with BnS while studying CIMA. My daughter plays the piano and sings in the school choir.

Pix by Lasantha Kumara