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| Sunday, 30 March 2003 |
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by Umangi de Mel
Chic evening, glamorous clothes and two consecutive awards.. 'Promising Band of the Year' as well as the 'Most Popular Band of the Year'. Having walked up on stage twice the same night, the band that plays music catering to a varied audience, claims to be in the pinnacle of contentment with their performance. `Damage' comprises Ashantha, Shehan, Oshan, Inshi, Dantila and Sherry..the group says it's good to know that they are winners. "We've always done the kind of music we like to do. But the awards have changed certain things, they have placed us on top and the crowd' expectations have risen. It's not easy but we'll have to adjust and do better," says Ashantha, the group leader, with a serious look about him. Speaking about receiving the awards amidst almost the entire western music industry in Sri Lanka, the guys say that they are very pleased to know that, musicians especially who have been there for years, have actually accepted their music. "Sri Lankan talent is immense where you get to hear different types of music now. And it feels wonderful to have been selected among the rest and that recognition, means a lot. Being acknowledged by the pioneers of local talent feels great," the guys beam from ear to ear. `Damage' claim that they are not being arrogant when they say it doesn't matter what others have to say. "What matters to us is the fact that we are winners and most of all being chosen to be what we are today by senior musicians of Sri Lanka. In fact the awards were by musicians for the musicians." They don't seem to mind the myriad of speculations pronounced by others. They are proud to have a line of very sincere fans. "It's nice to know that our fans are really faithful. We've been getting many phone calls from well wishers as well as people who didn't like the idea of us winning. Actually a lot of people disagree with the fact that we won twice but hey, it was the judges who thought we deserved the awards and we have absolutely nothing to do with it," Ashantha says. Did they expect to win? Replying honestly they say that they really did expect to be placed among the stars that night. Hopes whispered in their ears, say Damage. "Among us, we were hoping to get something. And we thought it would be wonderful if we could win the award for the most promising band." For the band that has been in existence for the past one and a half years, they think it's only fair to have such expectations. "So as an upcoming band, we kept our fingers crossed and hoped for the best," says Ashantha. We had a slight feeling we'd get it. It was a hope more than an expectation," adds Shehan. As anxious as a newly wedded bride, the guys have been on pins after the nominations were aired. That alone was an awesome feeling and we waited eagerly for them to announce our names as the winners," he explains the painful, much awaited few minutes that made them famous all over again. "We were thrilled and overwhelmed after they did announce us as the winners," Shehan reveals. The awards have taken them there, ensuring the public about their flair and giving them reassurance about their place among hundred other stars. Did they celebrate? "We did. We went all the way to Wennappuwa to see Dantila, our guitarist who resides there." Dantila had unfortunately met with an accident which kept him back from attending the ceremony. "He couldn't make it to the awards. It was 6.30 am by the time we reached his place and we've been celebrating right along," Ashantha says. The guys seem to enjoy the attention and being invited places ever since they won. `Damage' say that they are quite concerned about crowd expectations. "The awards have given us a boost pushing us to do better or rather the best." They are aware of the fact that people will be watching them, especially after grabbing two awards. Regarding it as an inspiration rather than a botheration, Damage seem determined to improve themselves as much as they could. "For which we have to have extra rehearsal days," jokes Ashantha but adds that they practise every week, gigs or no gigs.
There are certain bids in life that will definitely be rewarded," he says. "It's good money too, to be honest. It's essential that we practise twice a week. Nevertheless, we try to compromise whenever we have a situation in hand, giving enough breathing space to attend to personal affairs and emergencies." What's winning to them? "Winning is a positive sign," they say. According to them it's the spring of a successful future. The guys say that they caught a glimpse of a prolific tomorrow in the field where fame and money are most uncertain. "The secret is having the guys together which is the most difficult part of leading a band," he says pointing out the secret behind most successful bands is a good feeling." Commenting on the awards night, Ashantha says that some of the items were pretty good. "Geoffrey and Co. were a real hit. And most of all, for a Sri Lankan show, the time management was excellent," they say. According to the guys, the competition should have been island wide. "It was solely based in Colombo. There are very good musicians out side the city, who deserve some exposure." Nevertheless, `Damage' say that Golden Clef has injected a lot of oomph to the industry. "It's a good boost and offers recognition," says Shehan. They say that the industry's like a gamble where senior musicians are reluctant to see a lot of youngsters coming to the scene. "Still, getting an award within a short period, felt really good. In fact, there are bands who have played a lifetime sans any recognition," Ashantha points out. They see knowledge as an essential tool to survive in any thing. "It's knowledge that lead us. We never tried imitating others but have always done it our way. Those who are awarded will do better while those who aren't will have to improve and strive hard to do better. You should never give up." |
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"Inshi is the only one who is working. Others are full time
musicians except for me," says Shehan who is a final year law student
at Law College. He says that he was to do the final exams last year but
skipped the turn as he was busy singing with the group. "But it's
paid off," he grins. Ashantha says being in the field is like a
business. "It's more like a `do or die' situation where one has to
make many sacrifices to survive in the trade. "It's actually my duty
to make `Damage' a rock-solid band.
