Onstage 2015 Finalists : On The Spot
Kamishka
25 year old Kamishka, currently a student, started singing when he was just 6 years old. It all began when his mom sent him for vocal training. Soon he joined the school choir, eventually leading it, after which he joined the Mary Anne David choir. Kamishka then left for Dubai where he worked as a banker. Here, he kept his dream alive - singing with a Filipino rock band. Kamishka enjoys chess, cricket, and now basketball. He plans on becoming a successful musician, starting his own studio, forming his own band as well as "train youngsters in music".
Describe yourself in three words.
Crazy. Humble. Friendly.
What is the one thing about you that no one knows?
That I'm freaking terrified of clowns!
Who is your favourite artiste/musician of all time?
Bono from U2.
What is the most inspiring song of all time?
With or Without You by U2.
Pet peeve when performing on stage?
When the crowd doesn't react!
Favourite way to unwind?
Drink a lot of water.
On Onstage?
I hope to do my best, make some new friends/get to know a lot of people. To impress the judges, impress the crowd, and I'm excited to share the stage with Puddle of Mudd. It's a dream come true for me because I've been listening to their songs since I was a kid.
Tharini
Currently in her final year at IIT, 20 year old Tharini started off singing in her school choir. Having graduated from school, she joined Achievers, where she was a runner up at "Achievers Idol". "I have a band called Clairvoyant," she quipped. "The band has 3 other girls. We've done gigs at R&R Unplugged and Classic Rock Night". Tharini, who has a soft spot as well as talent for fashion designing also took part in the Chokolaate Mother Daughter Fashion Show last year. She hopes to one day "get a proper job and continue doing music."
Describe yourself in three words?
Hyper. Shy. Fun.
What is the one thing about you that no one knows?
I watch a lot of cooking shows.
Who is your favourite artiste/musician of all time?
Amy Winehouse.
What is the most inspiring song of all time?
Listen by Beyoncé.
Pet peeve when performing on stage?
Waiting for the band to get ready. That awkward silence with the crowd and you.
Favourite way to unwind?
Usually I either have a good book with me or I put on my earphones and I listen to my playlist.
On Onstage?
I'm expecting quite a lot. I'm hoping even if I don't win, hopefully I get some sort of exposure.
Imaad
Imaad, 19, just got done with his A/Ls this year at Royal College and he's "hoping to apply for prefectship". Imaad has been singing from a young age, but adds, almost as an afterthought that he would have preferred to have gone to a mentor to refine his singing. He joined the school choir later, but couldn't stay on. Imaad has been "performing on and off at different places but it wasn't consistent at all. So it was a challenge to balance Onstage and A/Ls. It paid off though," he adds with a grin. Apart from music, Imaad loves sports. "Any kind. Playing or following". He's hoping to go abroad for higher education in the business field, eventually climb the corporate ladder and still do music on the side.
Describe yourself in three words?
Friendly. Shy. Active.
What is the one thing about you that no one knows?
I still have a huge problem of shivering when I'm on stage. My knees literally start to twitch! I've always wondered if it's visible.
Who is your favourite artiste/musician of all time?
It would vary between Sam Smith and Ed Sheeran. But an artist I very much look up to would be Freddie Mercury.
What is the most inspiring song of all time?
Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen.
Pet peeve when performing on stage?
When I get up on stage it's soo nerve wracking that my voice quivers in the first few seconds. That annoys me. Hopefully it won't happen at the finals.
Favourite way to unwind?
Music is honestly what helps me unwind. Music by singers like Ed Sheeran is very soothing.
On Onstage?
Well, when starting off, my goal was to - it wasn't to win. It was to make it through to the finals. That was what I was striving to do. Even the semis, I was so satisfied with the experience... the people I've met... It's been really great. I'm just overjoyed about being able to get through to the finals because it was so competitive and really tight. I just want to give out a good performance. Something I enjoy and the crowd will enjoy.
Nabith
20 year old Nabith, previously a student of St. Peter's, is now following a diploma course at Path Academy. "I started pretty late, actually." He states, about his foray into music. "I was 15 or 16 when I started." When not singing, Nabith enjoys reading and sports. In the future, he hopes to record originals and release his own albums.
Describe yourself in three words?
Random. Introverted. Quiet.
What is the one thing about you that no one knows?
There's nothing like that. I'm an open book.
Who is your favourite artiste/musician of all time?
It's a close battle between Ed Sheeran and John Mayer.
What is the most inspiring song of all time?
There's too many. Can't put my finger on one.
Pet peeve when performing on stage?
If the crowd doesn't engage, that kinda puts me off.
Favourite way to unwind?
Read a book.
On Onstage?
I have actually exceeded expectations by coming into the finals. I mean, when I started I thought I'd just get into the semis and that would be my benchmark and I could try again next year. Looks like I have a pretty good chance of winning also. So I'm very happy. Hopefully I get more opportunities to play my music and get a chance to record a few originals.
Interviewed by Rihaab Mowlana
Photographs by Indraratna Balasuriya
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