TNL Onstage, Sri Lanka’s biggest platform for promising local musical talent is back, bigger and better for its 15th season. From it relatively humble beginnings in 1999, Onstage has gone on to make a mark as a springboard that has catapulted winners and contestants from varied genres to stardom - with the likes of Independence Square and Stigmata, who have gone on to find fame.

Over the course of a few months, the soloists and bands will undergo a series of workshops and one-on-one coaching sessions aided by two consultant artistes. As the finals draw closer, the sessions are expected to be a lot more intensive, as more established musicians are brought in to guide and help instruct the contestants. The participants will also receive instructions from sound engineers regarding proper set-up and conducting sound checks.

Onstage has continued to enjoy unprecedented success among both musicians and audiences over the years, and the faithful crowds that turn up year after year to support the event are a testament to it. Daily Mirror Life spoke to a few past winners and participants about their experiences at TNL Onstage and its impact on their musical careers. Here’s what they had to say:

Nikhil d’Almeida – Winner, Solo Category TNL Onstage 2014

“Being a part of TNL Onstage 2014 was the best thing that could happen to me when it came to music. Winning was a bonus. The competition itself was an amazing experience and since then it's been a great few months too! I've learned a lot and had some very valuable time on stage alongside brilliant musicians in our industry. To all the participants this year I wish you the best of luck! Its going to be an event to remember.”

Eshantha Perera, Constellation – Winner, Band Category TNL Onstage 2014

“Participating at TNL Onstage was always a childhood dream for the guys in the band - for me it was nerve-wrecking, drumming and singing for the first time ever. The win itself was overwhelming for us. At the final, cleaning up all the main awards (Best Band, Best Original, Best Musician) was the icing on the cake. The real prize was having so much positive feedback from so many people. Throughout the season, we felt that everything was conducted in the most professional way possible. TNL were the best hosts, organized everything to a letter and kept us on the timeline and kept everything tight. There are talent competitions and then there’s TNL Onstage. It has a legacy like no other within this island, and winning it guarantees you an unforgettable legacy.

Sheranga Perera – Winner, Solo Category TNL Onstage 2006

“Music has always been a big part of my life. 2006 was a significant year for me and my music career. That year I competed for TNL Onstage and I won the solo category. TNL Onstage gave me an unforgettable musical experience and exposure that gave me tons of insights to understand, perceive & look inward to the musician I wanted to be. Passionate and determined to reach higher and develop my talent, I went on to do my Degree in Music. Saying that I have to add that its not been a bed of roses, I’ve made sacrifices, compromises, given it my 200% at every instance, when my back was against the wall. It is my pleasure to be the consultant artiste for vocalists this Onstage season and I am certain that the participants are going to get an intense, professional training and insight to nurturing and taking their talent to new heights just as I did many years ago. Well done TNL Onstage, for continuing to provide an amazing platform for passionate musicians to uncover their potential. Its going to be an exceptional & outstanding season no doubt!"

CC – Winner, Solo Category TNL Onstage 2007

“TNL Onstage 2007 was my Launchpad into the world of secular music. It was, at the time, an unprecedented experience for me. I had to push my limits not only as a singer, but a performer, to come out on top. I met people as passionate as I was about music, adversaries who had my respect and only made me better. I specifically remember Daddy, the designated backing band being amazingly helpful. Onstage motivated me to complete my original “Follow You Home” which I later went on to record with my band Salvage. It’s been the first major milestone of my musical journey and I will always remain thankful for the platform it made available for me as a musician to connect to an amazing audience, and network with others in the industry.”

Dave Roberts

Dave Roberts (second from left)

Onstage was a good experience for me because it gave me exposure in the Sri Lankan music scene. As I was born in Oman nobody knew who I was, but with my Onstage stint I made some good friends and it helps in the long run. Currently I am in a band called 'The Soul' with Khazim Miskin, Nisal Jayasinghe, Nisala Perera and Uvindu Perera.  We are busy making some of our own music at the moment so it is an interesting time. Soon we will record and release, but for the timebeing try to catch us live.

Applications are currently open until the 26th of June. Log on to www.tnlonstage.com for further details.

By Rihaab Mowlana