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| Sunday, 10 November 2002 |
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"Well many names came to our minds but this was the name that impressed and now we have stuck to it," says Anil Balasuriya, leader of the free sounding local band with geometrical inclinations. Independent Square consists of five members, OP and Malinda on guitar, Sunil on bass and backing vocals, Anil on vocals and Niroshan on drums. "Actually we've been playing for some time now. OP has been writing lyrics for more than four years. In fact, all of us have been writing lyrics for the last six years and 90 per cent of our songs are originals," says Anil. The group released an album named `Bring back the sun', two years back. Funded t independently the album was a hit and sold out all the 600 copies that were made. The group is now hoping to come out with a new album, titled `Five and a half' at the end of this month with a grand launch party. Independent Square are quite clear when they say that they don't want to categorise their music. "All our influences are predominantly rock, but we can afford to have a bit of ethnic and celtic music as well," says Anil. When did group kick off as a band? "Actually me and a guy called Shehan started writing lyrics way back in 1992. And we've had many line-ups. But if you are really looking at 'Independent Square', we started in '99," says Anil explaining, "The group performed at TNL on stage in '99 and for some reason we won. That was the inspiration for us to continue." Where do they play? "Actually we have been concentrating on our album and took a break from playing at fixed venues. We played at Barefoot Gallery to add a different kind of atmosphere," says Anil adding that they love playing at unconventional places. Who do they play for? "Anyone who's into rock and roll," they state. "Actually music plays a major role in our lives. We all started young. We get a teen crowd who are 12 and above. We also get a lot of expats as well. Actually the response is quite good," says Anil. The band strives to stay away from cliche topics and are often seen tackling a few subjects that are not touched by anyone. How's the crowd? Before we took a break, we had many regulars. Actually that happens when you do gigs. But now I've noticed that it's a different crowd," says Anil. How do they see the Sri Lankan music scene? "Well, I see that the misconception people had about a bunch of guys with long hair and earrings who played loud music, is no more. This is quite an accomplishment for the music industry." The group agree that the modern day audiences are aware of good music and appreciate bands that play meaningful music be it Rock, alternate Jazz or Pop. Bands playing music have come a long way because of this awareness and inspiration for quality music. How do they fare with the rest of the local bands? "If you are doing music at a professional level, there needs to be a lot of bands around. I think that's the best way to improve playing music, it actually motivates you," says Anil. He believes there is room for all the bands in Sri Lanka. "And the good thing about local bands is that they are dedicated. They care about their craft. So, the more that comes out, the better it is," he adds. The members claim that when they started, there were a lot of people who looked down on them since they stuck to originals. However, they insist that originality in music should be appreciated and say thatappreciating foreign bands playing abroad does not mean that good music cannot be made here. "Sri Lanka has ample talent and know-how to make good music," they said, pointing out that music is the food of the gods and good music is the food of an appreciative audience. Continues Anil... "You should try to be original in your own approach. 'Cos the rewards in the long run will be numerous". Are they affected by the competition that is around them? "There is healthy competition. And I think you need to have it if bands are to improve," acknowledges Anil, but claims that Independent Sqaure stand in a different plane in comparison to other bands. The group don't think they are better or worse than the others. "Like any other band we give them a piece of ourselves, but we take one step further by playing originals and that's saying a lot," says Anil, being candid enough to point out that the perception is in the mind of the public. Future plans? "We are hoping to launch a couple of videos on TV, and might do a small gig in India early next year, actually it's more a hope," they say. "Sri Lanka has marketable music, but it's really sad 'cos, we lack infrastructure to develop the stuff," adds Anil. What do they think about the Golden Clef Awards? "I've enjoyed watching it on TV. It's good motivation for the musicians. One might think that it's not the Grammy's. But you might feel special as a musician. It's good exposure for a band," they say. by Umangi de Mel |
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| Produced by Lake House |
Musical
vibes and picking a name for a band are two different things. The group
(quite rightly) wanted a name that was quite out of the ordinary and not
in the normal run of the mill type. They finally settled on `Independent
Square' as their ultimate choice.
