Tharaka has been around the music scene ever since he was introduced to the wonderful world of rock music at the age of 12. I have had the pleasure of witnessing him create magic on the drums with Tantrum and my all time favourite Stigmata. This year, Tharaka celebrates 11 years as a drummer and he decided to share his story with us on this week’s Local Scene.

Photo credit: Aki Peiris Photography

Tell me how you started?

Well I started to play drums when I was sixteen, and before that I used to play drums at my father’s studio on and off, but not regularly.

What drew you towards the drums?

Initially I was a pianist and that was my father’s dream, because his dream was for me to become a classical musician, but for certain reasons I couldn’t continue it. I had the ability to play drums, but I never had a chance to do it frequently. Somehow I got a drum set in 2002 and from then I started to be more serious in playing drums.

What made you want to join a band?

My dream was to become a good drummer for a rock band. Therefore I joined a band.

What are the bands you have played for?

Well there were many, my first band was Stone Broke, but I couldn’t perform a live concert. Then I started a band called Litmus for TNL Onstage 2003 (we became semi finalists). After playing for Litmus I joined another band called Taunt (semi finalists at TNL Onstage in 2004). After Taunt I joined a band called Whirlwind. I played for Whirlwind until 2005 and in 2006 I joinedTtantrum, and while playing for Tantrum I got an opportunity to perform with Stigmata in 2008. I also had practice sessions for bands like Funeral in Heaven and Nemesis.

How is your study routine in drums?

Well I haven’t done any professional studies in drumming, but I’m looking forward to doing one very soon. For any lessons I’m always browsing the Internet, as it’s pretty much easier for me with my daily schedule.

Photo credit: Jovan De Mello Photography

You have been with Tantrum forever, which normally is not the case with many drummers in Sri Lanka.

A very good question. Well I played for more than two bands while playing for Tantrum. It is, since it’s unable to survive playing English music in Sri Lanka, and musicians are much more concerned about finding jobs to earn money, therefore you can see lineup changes every two to three years or even every year. I'm still playing for Tantrum, as I joined Tantrum when I was having a full time job, and we do have a very good understanding with each musician, there's less politics so I had no reason to leave the band.

What concerts have you played that you always remember as very good?

I have performed over a hundred concerts locally and internationally. Yes FM All Stars finale, and all the international concerts and album launches were some of the best concerts which I have played in so far.

Photo credit: Jovan De Mello Photography

What are the challenges you face being a musician in Sri Lanka?

Most of the musicians are starting their own bands to play commercial music in clubs and pubs to survive, and in simple to earn money. In Sri Lanka it is a big challenge to do full time music and survive, especially playing heavy metal. Therefore the biggest challenge that I have faced so far is playing heavy metal for almost eleven years.  Although it’s a challenge, but it is what I love to do and I like to do.

What styles of music do you prefer to listen to?

Classical music (opera, waltz), funk, blues, jazz, reggae, baila, metal, almost everything.

What styles of music do you prefer to play?

Funk and jazz and bit of metal.

What are your tips to improve more speed on the drum kit?

Playing speed is not essential, and playing with a feel and right technique is important. However to develop speed my recommendation would be to practice some of the main rudiments on a practice pad every day.

Where do you see the music scene in Sri Lanka in 10 years?

Someone should start something for rock music scene in Ceylon especially for heavy metal, as after ten years there’ll only be commercial bands without a single rock band.

By Reihan Stephen