Interview with Natasha Senanayake

Tell me in brief how music became a part of your life?

Music has been in my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up hearing my mother play the piano and my grandfather would play recordings of Mozart and Beethoven for me to listen to almost every day. A large number of family members including my grandfather and great great grandfather were serious musicians and composers. I think this influence rubbed off on me from a very early age and my family always encouraged me to develop my musical abilities.

What’s your favourite genre of music?

That’s an interesting question. I do not have a genre of music which I can call my favourite although I am drawn to Western classical music and musical theatre. As a composer, I try to keep my mind, eyes and ears open and I like to appreciate different musical genres and styles. You never know what can influence you as a musician. I also have a deep fascination with world music and I love to explore traditional and folk music from different parts of the world.

How do you know that you have composed something good?

“Knowing” that I have composed something good is tricky. I hardly ever know, really. I feel that, just like any other form of art, music is subjective. Some will like my music and others won’t. I want it to be that way. Once I finish a composition, I always hope that it will have an impact on at least one listener. If I do I am happy that I have reached out to somebody, and I move on to the next new piece. It is interesting to watch the reactions of listeners who are exposed to my pieces.

How does it feel to win the first ever Commonwealth Music Competition?  

I feel truly honoured and privileged to have won the Commonwealth Music Competition Glasgow, 2014. I think that this competition is a great initiative that will hope to celebrate musicians from all countries of the Commonwealth. I am very excited about the musical activities I will be engaged in through this, next year.

What do you think is the biggest challenge local musicians face?

Different types of music come with different types of challenges for local musicians. The biggest challenge that local pop/rock musicians face is lack of opportunity to develop their own identities as artists within the general public. However, performing platforms including TNL Onstage, The Melomanic Sessions and radio programmes such as Yes FM Homegrown are really helping to provide opportunities for performers to be recognised. Also, the internet is a great tool for local artists to reach out to the rest of the world and make international connections.

How do you plan to help the local music community?

I have been teaching, performing, conducting and music directing in the local community for a while now. I hope that by putting passion into whatever I do, I will create an impact on others in my community and I hope it will help inspire other budding musicians to get involved in the community too.

You are a founder member of the Melomanic Sessions which has gone from strength to strength over 3 years, your thoughts on that?

I am absolutely thrilled to be able to say that I was involved in the birth of the Melomanic Sessions. I am thankful to Chisantha De Silva (better known as CC) who is the person that invited me to be a part of it. I met Asela Perera and Kavya Galle Kankanamge through this initiative and now it feels like I have known all three of them most of my life! Over the last 3 years, Asela and CC have both worked hard to ensure that the Melomanic Sessions takes place every two months. All four of us are deeply humbled at the faithful following of people who have been supporting us. Every session is a really uplifting experience and is a pure celebration of the joy of music making.

The biggest mistake made by young musicians?

I can’t really think of one. I think most mistakes a young musician would make will hopefully help her or him develop and grow.

How do you see the local scene currently and where will it be in 5 years?

I think the local music scene is currently oozing with talent in different genres and styles. I can say that over the next 5 years, the music scene will continue to grow. It is encouraging seeing an increasing number of young people placing more importance on the arts and making it their main focus rather than merely considering it to be an extra-curricular activity. With so much of enthusiasm and talent, the future of the local scene can only look brighter, in 5 years’ time.

By Reihan Stephen