Having won the coveted title of TNL Onstage 2013 Nathan Eardly has become a name that is quite popular in the local circuit. Nathan is one of those people who defines the saying “good things come in small packages"!! Check out his take on music and how it became a part of his life.

How did you end up in music?

I have been into music from the time I could remember. I have been singing since I was 5 years old and playing the guitar since I was 12. But mostly my music was evolved around church until I was 19-20 years of age where I joined HSBC (HDPL) where I met a good number of musicians working. I played in a couple of bands helping out by playing bass and vocals. Also I was asked to perform solo/duo at almost every award ceremony they had. Hence I started being exposed to the world of music. Soon after I left HDPL in 2011. It took my a while till I was introduced to Mr. Derek Wickramanayake where he gave me opportunities to play at venues daily. That's when I started my full time music career. And ever since August 2012, I have not turned back.

Courtesy Pavithra Jovan De Mello/Jovan De Mello Photography

How has winning Onstage helped you as a muscian?

Onstage was a massive stepping stone for me in terms of exposure and experience. I got a good number of gigs to play at while I was in my preliminaries itself and since that season up until now, the mention of winning TNL Onstage have been helpful with getting gigs. Also I had the opportunity of getting in touch with some of the finest musicians and producers in the country. So I would say, it has been one heck of a journey since TNL Onstage season 13.

What drives you to create music?

What drives me to create music is mostly myself. The way I see it is, when you know who you are and what you are gifted with, the only urge you should have is to put all of what you've got into use. Obviously, lifestyles, music and lyrics of some great legends such as  Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Sam Cook, Aretha Franklin, and new artists such as John Mayer and Bruno Mars inspires me to create music but I think creativity starts with you. Everyone in this earth is unique and it's a matter of finding out our strengths, talents and bringing out that uniqueness and boldly showing it to the world.

What inspired the lyrics for your original?

The lyrics for my original 'Love will set you free' is all about the lack of world we see today. It tells us that even though love hurts and breaks us to pieces, one day, us never giving up on love and never giving in to the uncertainty and hopelessness in the world, love will bring us all to a lovely place to live in. We all need to close our eyes and see that it's all about you and me, meaning that it's all about the people we meet day to day, we need to show love, even though sometimes it can be hard.

What do you think separates you from other musicians in Sri Lanka?

My uniqueness. I have been told by so many that I sound like Michael Buble, Stevie Wonder and John Mayer. But I keep myself from not trying to copy these amazing musician's songs but sing it with my own flavour. I believe in not trying to take the feel out of a song but I also believe that you can do your own rendition to songs that will be a hit someday! It's all about being true to what you are doing.

Have you got any overly enthusiastic fans?

I do. Firstly, my family and extended family (I've got to mention my Aunt Christine and Uncle Shane). Anudhi De Silva. She has been a huge fan even since my first performance at TNL Onstage and Milinda Perera. Would like to thank all of them for believing in me and for all the much appreciated support. Also, a huge thank you! to all of you out there who have been an inspiration and who have given me support in any way. specially Uncle Aruna Siriwardena for all the amazing advice and support he had given me which had helped me till today and I am sure it will keep me going till the end.

What would you say defines a good song?

For me a good song is defined by the story behind it. True, what we hear at first is the music and I think the melody should be a vital part of creating a song. But the only thing that will keep the song a great one is when it has a greater meaning behind every word and also when people can relate to the song easily.

Courtesy Curve

So far the best gig you have performed at and why do you consider it your best?

The best gig so far that I have played in would be the concert held by the band FLAME dedicated to the National Stroke Association of Sri Lanka. I took part as a guest artist with this amazingly talented Korean singer. It was a great pleasure to be singing for such a great cause and a great feeling to have played with such down to earth, humbled musicians in the country.

Have you ever had any embarrassing moments onstage?

Yes I have. And it keeps on happening almost everyday. I start a song with my mic muted. It is such an embarrassing/frustrating moment when you can't start the first verse after an intro you play with so much effort and emotion put in.

What do you think is the bigggest problem musicians locally face?

Lack of vision. I am sure myself and a few other musicians in this country would agree that people tend to get comfortable after they get to a stage in their career. It is a bad place to be at. Always remember that the sky is the limit and if you put your heart and soul in to it, no one can stop you from reaching the highest place possible! Why settle for good when you can get great!

By Reihan Stephen