TNL Onstage 2015 Finalists: "BANDS"
Amuthu
Amuthu is made up of an interesting blend of individuals from “all over the place” - from rugby players to artists. All below the age of 25, Pramodya, Chanaka, Chaturanga, Ishanka and Sumith spend their time between studying, work and music. The bandmates share a love of rugby, whilst also pursuing their varied interests that include “drawing, painting and fashion”. Amuthu hope to “reach the international level as a band”, while individually, they hope to find success as a fashion designer, artist, businessman and a drummer.
Describe band members in 3 words :
We are amuthu.
One thing about the band that no one knows :
Probably that we are all self taught. And that we also play baila.
Favourite artiste/musician of all time :
Pramodya - Bon Jovi
Chanaka (Jima) - Cooper (drummer)
Chaturanga - Flash
Ishanka - Bon Jovi
Sumith - Nickelback
Most inspiring / favourite song :
Pramodya - “Miringuwa Parada” by Chitral Somapala
Chanaka (Jima) - “Too close to love you” by Alex Clare
Chaturanga - “Anastasia” by Slash
Ishanka - “Gold on the ceiling” by The Black Keys
Sumith - “Lovely boy” by The Black Keys
On the band name :
We were artists, rugby players etc so no one knew we could sing. My (Pramodya) sister was looking for a band to play at an event and we volunteered. At around the same time, a friend called and we told her that we had formed a group and were performing at a Wedding show at the BMICH, and that we were looking for a band name. After asking us if we could even sing, she said “you’ll are soo amuthui men” So the name stuck.
Pet peeve when performing on stage :
When the monitors don't work properly.
Favourite way to unwind :
Sleep!
On TNL Onstage :
We are from Kandy so we have a good fan base there. We want to cover Colombo, and we hope Onstage will help make that happen.
Chain
Formed by Shane, Crescent, Venura and Rakitha, Chain is an old school heavy/progressive metal band. Possibly the only similarities shared by the band members is their love for music and the fact that they have all played in bands at some point. Otherwise, they all have varied interests ranging from reading to movies to hiking, camping, games and writing.
Describe band members in 3 words :
This is such a tough question!!! Don’t think 3 words is anywhere near enough!
Favourite artiste/musician of all time :
Crescent - Tool
Shane - Dream Theatre
Venura - Pink Floyd
Rakitha - Alice in Chains
Most inspiring / favourite song :
Crescent - “Right in two” by Tool
Shane - “The river dragon” by Nevermore
Venura - “Comfortably numb” by Pink Floyd
Rakitha - “Rainmaker” by Iron Maiden
On the band name :
It's not the literal meaning of the word "chain". It means we are linked together like links of a chain! Also without a chain one cannot ride a band, so that's the basic gist of it.
Pet peeve when performing on stage :
One thing we hate is when the guitar can never be heard outside.
Favourite way to unwind :
We all love hiking and camping.
On TNL Onstage :
Onstage was the platform for us to come out as a band. The opportunities it presents is great. Coming out as a new band, we get underground gigs maybe, but not commercial gigs where lots of people come and where we can share our music. But through Onstage, we get to present our music to a whole new crowd and play what we actually love.
Cosmogyral
Cosmogyral was formed by Minesh, Denham, Christopher and Shalintha from their time at St. Joseph’s College. The members come from varying musical backgrounds, with some having started as early as 8 while others got more involved in their teens. Not including the band’s drummer, the rest of the members were active in the school choir, and have performed at interact events. The band enthusiastically professed that they all shared interests in “food and chilling”, while their future plans involved “higher studies”, and that they definitely “want to stick as a group”.
Describe band members in 3 words :
Talented. Crazy. Kiddish.
One thing about the band that no one knows :
That song choice is our biggest problem cuz we listen to too much music, and we literally switch it up in the very last minute.
Favourite artiste/musician of all time :
Minesh - Paolo Nutini & James Bay
Denham - May Kearney & John Mayer
Christopher - Coldplay
Shalintha - Michael Bublé, Ray Lamontagne & Norah Jones
Most inspiring/favourite song :
Minesh - “Big bad world” by Kodaline
Denham - “Wasted love” by Matt McAndrew
Christopher - “Heave” by Los Lonely Boys
Shalintha - “Move together” by James Bay
On the band name :
"Cosmogyral" means traveling around the universe. And how it came about - it was suggested by a friend of ours and it just stuck.
Pet peeve when performing on stage :
Nerves and a bad crowd.
Favourite way to unwind :
Chilled out jams. Random ones.
On TNL Onstage :
Definitely to make a name for ourselves and stand out. We just want to be different.
Against Gravity
Sanjiv, Gayan, Joel, Sithara and Veeshma make up “Against Gravity”. Consisting of 19-24 year olds, the bandmates, aside from their music, are either busy with work or education, with one member having recently completed his piloting. While they have all learnt music before, the band was born after the guys met at a big match, their collective love of music bringing them together. “Music is what keeps us going,” they enthused. Apart from music, they share the love of playing cricket, watching ‘The Walking Dead’ and gaming. Their future plans all revolve around the band. “We want to progress. Stick together. Irrespective of winning or not.”
Describe band members in 3 words :
Hardworking. Energetic. Family.
One thing about the band that no one knows :
Ready to face anything.
Favourite artiste/ musician of all time :
Veeshma - Papa Roach, Ramones, Green Day etc
Sithara - Bon Jovi, Ed Sheeran
Gayan - Nothing as such
Sanjiv - Papa Roach, Northlane, Deftones
Joel - Papa Roach, Linkin Park
Most inspirational / favourite song :
Veeshma - “Lifeline” by Papa Roach
Sithara - “Saturday night” by Bon Jovi
Gayan - “You're not alone” by Of mice and men
Sanjiv - “Quantum flux” by Northlane
Joel - “Numb” by Linkin Park
On the band name :
It was initially our lead guitarist Sanjiv's idea to come up with this name. We were looking for a name that would express who we are from the name itself. And anyway, Sanjiv had this name "Against Gravity" at the back of his mind.
Pet peeve when performing on stage :
When the cable doesn't work and when there are problems with the guitars.
Favourite way to unwind :
Random jamming session.
On TNL Onstage :
We've already experienced so much. Music is our passion, and obviously, we are hoping to win. But it's not about the money. It's about the experience.
Interviewed by Rihaab Mowlana
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