The finals of TNL Onstage took place on the 3rd of September 2016 at the Viharamahadevi Open Air Theatre.  After months of hard work, the winners were declared and awarded and this week, we caught up with both them to talk about their big win! 

Today, the runner up of the SOLO CATEGORY - Dilrukshan Perera. 

Tell us a little bit about yourself. 

I’m 23 and I’ve been singing ever since grade 4. I started with oriental music then after some time tried Western music and I chose to continue on that side. 

What’s your first memory that sparked your love for music? 

I played at a friend’s wedding with a band for the first time and I saw how people enjoyed the songs. Being able to entertain people like that is one reason that made me love music. 

What’s your music background? 

I participated in competition called Battle of the Bands in 2014 and won the solo category. 

What made you decide to enter TNL Onstage? 

TNL Onstage is one of the best competitions in Sri Lanka and they have been doing this for a long time. That's one reason I wanted to take part this year. I believe that it's a very good platform to start a career in music as so many leading bands and artists have started with TNL Onstage. 

How was the competition and what motivated you? 

The competition was very tough this time since we had to make an original song for the finals. But it was interesting and I gained experience and exposure also it pushed me to make my own song. What motivates me is the love for music and that this would be a step forward towards my dream of being a musician. 

How does it feel to be the runner up of TNL Onstage 2016? 

This title is a very important one to me because I've wanted to get recognized through an award from TNL so I'm happy and honoured to be recognized as the runner up. 

What’s next? 

Next step is to make some originals and continue to make homemade cover songs for YouTube. I'm currently taking a sound and music technology course at Music Oven. I plan to get into the music industry as well.