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| Sunday, 24 November 2002 |
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Unpredictable? "No, no, no, say... mischievous !" The smiles on those young and spritely faces are certainly so. "Giving something new to the audience all the time." That's how they see themselves. A combination of innocent mischief and a range of styles help them to "always have a good time (with the music) before offering it to the audience." An honest, and perhaps the best way of providing true entertainment making "every performance a memorable experience." Named paradoxically though, for "that's what some in the music industry caused and what they have made us to be." A phoenix rising from the ashes of pain and suffering 'Damage' has risen to the task of mending and glowing the hearts of music lovers till late into the nights. Still in its infancy, formed "on 8th June, 2001 to be exact", 'Damage' comprises Ashantha Perera leading on key boards/vocals, Oshan Sampath on drums, Inshi Deen on bass guitar/vocals, Chaminda Dantila on lead guitar/vocals and Shehan Perera the lead vocalist on guitar. It is the "same line up that we had six years ago, as 'Image'", except for the appearance of "Prageeth, (who) has gone off to complete higher studies, but still very much with the band", say the group. And what about the music they make? It is "basically pop", says Inshi. "We are the only existing pop band playing current chart music and different styles", adds Shehan. And, they have a bit of "everything else" also on offer, something that "all can enjoy." For where they gig, the Deli Mart and Echelon Pub - though mostly frequented by "young crowds around 18-30, include lot of little groups and family units as well." So, they play "pop, rock, reggae, oldies, sometimes touchy music straight from our hearts and do not restrict to a specific style" where their regular fans are concerned. Perhaps that's why they are invited to play at many a concert as well. However, "the target audience is the 18 to 35 group and the aim is to play at a night club", explains Ashantha. And the day that their dreams come true will dawn "very soon. May be first week of December itself. We are to play regularly at a popular night club. Although, we might have to disappoint some of our fans" he adds. The group, inspired by the performance and recognition of Mirage in the United Arab Emirates, strive to offer "classy music" to their audience. "Night life in Colombo has a dearth of good music. Many bands have lost focus, and gone in to copy music". Well, what does Damage focus on, originals? Not exactly so. Though they are working on a few club songs and dance songs, it seems to be hard to play originals. "The audience will have some evolving to do, for Sri Lankan bands to play originals." And at present, pop is the locus. And what do they think of the Sri Lankan music scene? Everybody gets excited about the question. "It has come a long way, even from what it was five six years ago and it is a totally different scene now. There are opportunities for live bands at various places. Lots of good bands and good music being played", the trend seems to be positive. And what is Damage's stand in the music scene? "We stand at our place" says Inshi with a twinkle in his eye. "We are different from others" Shehan chips in. Perhaps a good way to find out their stand in the current music scenario, what do they think of the Golden Clef? "It is good that it is revived. It is the only official competition for western bands and musicians in Sri Lanka. It is good for bands to get appreciated and recognised. The competition spurs the musicians to become better." by Vimukthi Fernando |
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