When you ask CC why he has such an interesting name he will probably put on a sad face and say “My parents were not very creative so they went with that,” then he will see you looking flabbergasted and will burst out laughing saying “No men, Charles Chrisantha is my name so I use my initials!” CC over the years has grown to be an icon in the local music scene. His vocals have the ability to make anyone’s jaw drop. Having released his debut single “Remember Me” a few months ago which topped local charts for several weeks, CC speaks to us on his humble beginnings and his rise to fame.

Tell me about your stepping stones into the music scene?

Around 2001, I started performing in front of an audience with the  Kolpetty Methodist Church youth group, "Reap". We usually organized and played little underground gigs. I also managed to put up a few random performance videos on Youtube, with some of my friends from school, which made a bit of a stir in the local scene at the time. Then in 2007, I competed in, and won the TNL Onstage Solo category, which  gave me a huge confidence boost and opened doors to a whole new audience.

What was it like to win TNL Onstage?

I have to be honest. I knew I was capable of winning. But I am probably my biggest critic, and my performance on the day of the finals was below par. That colossal stage was very alien to me. I was used to singing for a group of maybe a hundred people. A sea of 3000 bobbing heads dried my throat up, and I barely recovered. So winning caused me to be more relieved than euphoric. I think I found the performer in me that night too.

You have been a couple of bands out of which "Salvage" and "Amadeus" later known has "Hopeless Poet" has been the most notable, Why have you guys not been performing anymore?

Both bands took heavy blows because of key members leaving either due to migration or musical differences. Hopeless Poet however is currently jamming and working on new material. So we will be out gigging before you know it.

What was it like playing the title role in the Workshop Players' Production of Jesus Christ Superstar? How did you find your acting shoes?

It was undoubtedly the highlight of 2013 for me. It was physically and vocally exhausting, and made me push myself to master and utilize a latent part of my voice. But most of all, it was an emotional roller coaster as it brought together two things I love, which is the story of Jesus and rock music. Jerome and the Workshop Players made the transition from singer to actor almost effortless and I am grateful for that. I believe it was a once in a lifetime opportunity and loved every moment of it.

What would you consider your biggest achievement as a performer?

For me, music is about moving people, the same way it moves me. So every time I see people in the audience singing along to an original tune or they personally tell me how much they connect to a song I wrote. Those are the moments I feel I have actually accomplished something.

What was the inspiration behind your single "Remember Me"?

Your theory is probably true and more interesting.

What's next  for you?

I am currently working on my solo album and pretty excited about it. I have gone back to my alternative roots for the album and so far loving the outcome. Cant wait to get it out there! Also, as I mentioned earlier, Hopeless Poet might release a few songs later on this year. 2015 will most probably see me revisiting the theater stage, although I cannot give you more details right away.

How would you define a good track?

Well, lyrics and melody matter to me a great deal. I love lyrics that connect with me. I don't really care too much about genres as much as I do about the musical prowess of the singers and instrumentalists. A song has to either be relaxing, make me think, make me dance or make me want to break things. If not, it's probably not worth listening to.

If you could form a  band again who would be the dream line up of all Sri Lankan musicians?

I feel the boys and girl of Hopeless Poet are the best at what they do. I do like to collaborate with other musicians outside of the band if I'm impressed by their work. Look forward to working with Dharini Udugama, Asela Perera, Suren de Kauwe, Shehan Rodrigo, Natasha Senanayake, Nishan Daniel and a bevy of other extremely talented musicians on my solo project.

What is the biggest obstacle you face as a musician?

It gets to me that a majority of local audiences still haven't developed a palette for good local original music. But I believe that is currently changing. And it only motivates me to keep writing better and better.

One word answers:

Your biggest fear - Failure
Your girlfriend - Love
Rock - Passion
Electronic Dance Music - DishkinDishkin (Hahaha. Ihave to thank Suresh de Silva for that)
Salvage - The Storm
Hopeless Poet - Hardfreakingrock

By Reihan Stephen