On the Buzz this week I feature a digital sensation. Meet Chethana aka Chey who is an Attorney-at-Law, Hindi Language Coach, Singer, and Actor making her full all-rounder. I’m sure you would have seen her work pop up on your screen. Today this bubbly personality tells us her story on the Buzz. It’s refreshing to see Creators who have a great sense of awareness when they make content. 

Tell me about your music career - why did you take it up and why did you take a long break in it?
Well, my music career started when I was 16 years old, back in 2010 to be exact. I did a song called “Me Aththamaido” with Yashan De Silva which was a huge hit. Back in the day, my stage name was “Miss Chey” and it’s been 11 years since my first single but the song is still ongoing, people still remember it which is amazing. After that, I collaborated with Five Frogs Entertainment and did another single named “Hansa Landu”. My time as an upcoming singer with Five Frogs Entertainment was amazing, I got multiple opportunities to sing at the biggest Corporate events in Sri Lanka like Sri Lankan Cricket Awards and Dialog Events to name a few. On top of that, being able to share the stage with the best singers in Sri Lanka such as Umara Sinhawansa, Umaria Sinhawansa, and Sanka Dineth was a cherry on top. 

I thought of venturing into music because of my Mother actually. I have always been the singer in my family and my mother always pushes me towards pursuing art. She is my biggest support system. However, unfortunately, I did not have enough time on my plate to continue my singing career as I started my LLG degree. Now it's been 7 years and I always think to myself I should not have taken such a long break. Singing is life.  

What’s going to be your comeback move?
Nothing but Good Music. This time, it’s going to be huge, and I want to do it right. That is why I have collaborated with my friend Pasan Liyanage Who is one of the biggest producers in Sri Lanka right now. “REDFOX” is his baby and I’m really glad I’m making my comeback with one of his compositions. I would not have it any other way. Making a comeback is one tricky thing. We have to think about every small detail. All I can tell right now is this song is going to represent me as a person, which means it’s going to be FUN.  

What are your thoughts on the music world today and what do you hope to change or add?
We had good music back in the day. I belong to the early 2000 generation, and the songs that were released back in the day are the ones that we listen to even today. I want to take a guess and say that the new Gen Z is also fascinated by old music. I honestly feel today’s music world in Sri Lanka is overly commercialised. When that happens, creativity is lost, artistry is replaced with trending music and ultimately, listeners forget the song in a matter of days. There are only a few good songs that I listen to on repeat, to be honest, songs that give you goosebumps and feels. 

As an Artist, I would not want to change anything though, I believe everyone should be entitled to do what they want to do in the field. That’s how true creativity finds its way. However, if I can make Sri Lanka proud one day as a Singer, I would definitely go for it. Sri Lankan music is way too underrated globally and that needs to change. 

What would you tell your young self today?
That I should not have stopped singing 7 years ago, that I should have continued no matter what. If I had, my whole life could have been different, who knows? However, I would also like to pat my back and appreciate the 16-year-old me for being so brave to do a song as a kid. The industry was so different back in the day compared to today, the digital space was not this strong. It was a huge deal to have a hit song under your belt. 

The digital space has made many create unique content. What took you into it and where do you hope to go in it?
Honestly, my hectic life as a law student made me join the digital space as a creator back in 2016. It was purely to relieve my stress and look at where I am right now. To see myself being appreciated as a “Digital Content Creator” across all four major platforms (Tiktok, Youtube, Instagram, and Facebook) was something unexpected. It’s always a nice feeling when you see people enjoying the content you put, and being verified by the respective platforms is a cherry on top. As a content creator, I definitely have huge plans, because my target is the International Audience. Sri Lanka has some wonderful content creators, and I would love to see us collaborating with International content creators. 

What is something a digital content creator should keep in mind?
To be Original and Authentic in whatever you do. That is the only way to create a brand name around you. No matter what you create, You, as a person, should come out. It’s not following trends, it's about making it your own. Having a good quality production is a must too. 

Are you all about the LIKES / and FOLLOWERS?
Oh God no. Never. If you take a look at the numbers on some of my videos, you’ll see what I’m talking about. I’m all about good creative energy, as long as I’m satisfied with the end results and at least one person had enjoyed it, I’m cool. Sometimes videos reach, sometimes they don’t, it doesn’t bother me at all. It's NEVER about the numbers. 

Who do you feel should be the next local voice which needs to get onto the global platform?
Hands down, UMARIA SINHAWANSA. She is so talented and literally so gorgeous. She should have gone global years ago. 

Who is Your favorite content creator and why?
My list is quite long haha. First and foremost, it's Lochana Jayakodi. She is the best comedian I’ve ever seen and we always have such a great time when shooting together. She’s the best in her field. Dancing-wise, I love Kavindu Madushan, his choreography is super good. Content-wise I’m gonna say Amandha Amarasekara and Eric Heinrichs because they blow my mind every time with their creativity and effort. Finally, Saasha Karunaratne is such an amazing creator, she gives this unique touch to everything she does. 

I heard you are coming back with a song after a 10-year Break, tell me all about it?
Yes, it’s called “BABIYA”. It’s produced by Pasan Liyanage at Redfox Studios, and the Lyrics were penned by Heshan Attanayaka. It will be released in 2022 and I’m super excited about it already. Let us all hope it would be a Banger haha.