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| Sunday, 23 March 2003 |
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Wild celebrations :
Band of the Year
Golden Clef Awards 2002
by Umangi de Mel Acrystal award, mind boggling choices, curious audience and a glamorous night...the Golden Clef Awards were held and many battles won. The guessing game came to an end when finally those who deserved to be winners walked away with pride and glory.
So what is it like winning an award that night, guys? "It's always good to win, in fact this is the second time we've won for the year," says Derek Wickramanayake, leader Wildfire. He talks about Wildfire winning the Levi's rock festival in February, which was judged by four Indian judges. The guys grumble about being nominated in the wrong category. "We should have been nominated for the `best rock/alternative band of the year', however, getting the `band of the year' award is fair enough. Actually we've obtained the ability to please three types of audience," Derek says adding that they play all three rock/dance and club music and are actually able to have a massive crowd from all three categories. Derek explains that being nominated alone was a surprise and ultimately getting the award was totally unexpected. "Although I thought we would get the award for `popular band', getting what we got is nice because I know that I'm recognised for something I've done," he beams saying that he could probably use it for his promotions..(and adds that he's not joking). Speaking about their trip to India to perform at the rock contest after winning the Levi's rock festival that was held in Sri Lanka in February, Derek says he simply can't forget the fact that they missed the flight. But finally made it to New Delhi at 3.30 am, after being held up in Colombo till midnight. "We only slept for three hours as we were supposed to go for the sound check." According to them, the sound check had been a real boost, "Having started the whole thing with a bad omen, the last thing we expected was the overwhelming response we got from the crowd who had gathered." Thus Wildfire were a happy bunch that day to see the crowd dancing and cheering for them. "It was definitely a good start," Derek grins. He says that India has a wealth of talented rock bands that are of international standards. "After watching Indian bands like 'Zero', 'Pentagon', 'Strange brew' and 'Friday the 13th', the band that won the award, I've learnt so much. I know what we should play when we go for an international competition," Derek states that he'll be taking something from Sri Lanka to prove local talent, "and that will be `Shri rock' (one of their own creations), it's a matter of building the crowd and get them going." Wildfire say that the public definition of music is totally wrong. "Music to them is a set of nice lyrics and dancing. They like to stick to it and put a border line there evading any changes. If I'm improvising, they think I'm practising. People don't understand change." The guys say that public interpretation of 'rock' music is 'loud' and 'noisy' but Derek thinks being loud as a band is excitement. He says that excitement can't be whispered or muttered but has to be heard and felt. "What we are giving has to be felt by the crowd." He talks about the exhilarating cheer they received from the audience at the Golden Clef awards. "Wildfire, wildfire.. they'd shout eh?" he asks trying to hide a 'pleased-to-the-bone' kind of grin. "We knew that a lot of people out there still liked Wildfire, an obvious reason we work hard to please our crowd," he states. At the same time, CJ commenting on the show says that it was no true representation of the country's talent that is happening at the moment and adds that it was not fair by the Hip hop, R&B, jazz and Blues that weren't even nominated. "But it was the kind of show I would have enjoyed 20 years back. However, it's fantastic that Golden Clef is held but we hope to get involved next time and contribute to do a better show," CJ also points out that real musicians don't apply but they are recognised for their talent and given the credit. What is `winning' to them? "Well, winning honestly is a real something. If you know you deserve it, that's a great feeling. But winning something against your conscience or rather winning when you don't deserve, is shameful," he says. Derek states that winning the award hasn't changed anything for them and adds that they were never complacent about getting an audience. "We were playing covers while we were in India just to find out that they have a massive market for originals," Derek says that they have been experimenting since and that they played their own creation called `Shri rock' in India. Derek says that the Indians were ga-ga over the tune and would chant `We want shri rock'. A proud Derek says that it's their responsibility to bring up local talent which is why they keep creating their own sounds, "We are a versatile band that play all types of music from blues, jazz, country, rock to many other stuff. Actually there's a chance if you create your own music and not stick to just one kind," says Derek who has a history in music. Celebrations after winning? "Actually we were to play at Clancy's that night. Had to cut down on our celebrations," says Derek. At the same time Derek makes a few comments on the show. "It could have been better with more categories and more varied entertainment. Music is not just one style, it's many styles."
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| Produced by Lake House |
To nobody's amazement, Wildfire, the guys with the claim to flame, won
the coveted trophy for the `band of the year'. They are popular, effective
and sought after playing rock solid music, fusion to covers, Derek, CJ,
Shafi and Nilantha produce an instant melody at the ever so happening
`Cascades'.
