SEX: Giving New Life to Rock and Roll in Sri Lanka

This week we feature a band that has achieved quite a lot in a short period of time. SEX, shortened form for Symphony Experimental X-Rays were runners up at TNL Onstage 2013 and have already released singles which have made it to the top of the local charts. The boys are as insane as insane can get. Check out their story.

Tell me how the band formed?

Well the band was formed in 2012 to take part in Tantalize 2012 of which we ended up as winners. Though all of us were playing in other bands before we knew each other since we are from the same school as well and had played together in a band in one way or another. We clicked so well during practices and even the feedback we got from our fans were immense, so we knew that this was the start of something good!

How did you guys come up with the name?

Well it just popped into our head..dirty minds.

Who are your influences?

There's a lot. But I would say Deep Purple, White Snake, Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin would be the most prominent out of all of them.

How often do you guys practice?

As often as we can since all of us are working as musicians on a full time basis.

What is the biggest obstacle you guys face in getting your music out there?

Well as you know rock and roll in Sri Lanka especially the type we play has a very niche market, so it's very difficult to get it on media for the mainstream audience, and being English musicians it’s even harder. Though there are more ways to get our music out there than before (social media etc), it's very difficult get through to a mass market.

How has being a part of TNL Onstage helped you?

It has helped us a lot to grow as performers. We got a lot of experience and met a lot of new musicians and friends through TNL Onstage.

What do you think of the younger generation's taste in music?

Not that great. J.Music is ever evolving. So whatever our opinion might be we respect that.  

Any originals from you guys?

Well we have a few originals out there and few are under construction.. I think rock machine would be the one we are quite known for.

Who makes the melodies?

Well it’s a collective process. Everyone chips in… there's a part of everyone in a song we make.. there is some kind of input from all aspects.

Craziest guy in the lot?

There's no one guy as I know…in our band the 'chain is rolling' 24/7.

What is the most insanest thing you guys have done as a band?

Have so many and most of it cannot be printed on media. Sit down for a chat with us off the record and you’ll get to know a lot of things.

Interviewed by Reihan Stephen