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| Sunday, 27 July 2003 |
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Age is no barrier, somebody said, and hell, it's true. They are quite young yet vigourous, they talk about bitter bitter life and write cold cold tunes and they are sixteen. Sri Lanka's youngest rock band, five young cool school going guys working hard to achieve success. 'Roots of Paranoia' includes Dexter on drums, Shayon on lead guitar, Shehan on bass, Nigel on rhythm guitar and Roshan on vocals. The five have apparently decided to celebrate their sweet sixteen in a not so sweet manner as they say that their music is wrapped around stinging reality. "We play punk, alternative and heavy stuff. Since all of us are Christians, we try to play a bit of gospel as well," they say. Singing about death as well as the second coming of Christ, the five however seem to be having a ball of a time. "We also talk about the two extremes of rapture and suffering in life, seen through the eyes of young guys," they say obviously trying to understand what real rapture and suffering that life has to offer is all about. Having started the outfit in February 2003, `Roots of Paranoia', claims to have played at several occasions during the first few months. "Our first performance with an audience was at the BMICH in April this year at an Interact conference. We didn't have a proper drummer and rhythm guitarist back then," he continues, "Once during practise, Dexter appeared and was good with the drums. Nigel joined us about a month ago." Talking about crowd support, they say that the BMICH show was like a gateway to the preliminary stages of fame. Having played with known groups like Independent Square on the same stage, the guys are happy that people who were leaving actually made their way back to the hall just to hear them play. "We were the last to play and couldn't expect much crowd support but they actually stuck around and started head banging which was really cool," they grin. Second appearance on stage, they say was at the 'YFC' (Youth For Christ) programme at Kirillapone. "We will be working on some gospel music after our O/Ls. Plus we are planning a fund-raiser as well, since we need a bit of financial aid to release our CD 'All In the Eyes' which might be released in April 2004," they say looking hopeful. Although they look anything but hardcore rockers, the five who resemble a set of elves from a Shakespearean play, have already scribbled their thoughts and feelings in nine originals. 'Within me', 'It's for you', 'Shivers', 'Dark System', 'Spears', 'Can't Stay', 'Rapture', 'Prayer by a slave' and 'Life's ending' which is an instrumental with a little bit of lyrics," Roshan says making a mental list and adds, "We get most of the composing done during practice sessions and then concentrate on lyrics." 'Roots of Paranoia' believes the one thing at a time theory and says that they finish one song before starting on another. "That way, you know that it's properly done. We try to express ourselves through our music. You may not be able to say certain things but you definitely can sing it. We want to reach out to the public through our music," they sound very earnest. Like most of the other bands, they grumble about not having a proper place to practice or record. "We used to practise at this house in Rajagiriya but unfortunately the neighbours thought we were too loud which is why we had to put an end to our practice session there," amused looks are exchanged and Roshan adds that their studies don't clash with their music. "We'll be playing on August 26, at the Rock Company meeting which will be held at The Old Wesley College Sports Club," they reveal. Speaking about the amount of local bands that keeps growing by the day, `Roots of Paranoia' says it's a real something that they play original music. "I think all the bands should try and play original stuff. Whatever said and done we are like one big family in the industry helping each other, and unity is definitely a good thing," Roshan says. They say that there's nothing like original music which is actually a production of one's thoughts and feelings. The five talk highly of the senior bands that have helped them to come up. "Stigmata, Litmus, Cold Fusion and The Fallen were really supportive and especially the Rock Company which is a great boost to all the up and coming bands. They promote original music which people haven't heard before. Ajith Perera and the committee is like the best thing that happened to the rock segment of the industry," they say. Not forgetting the fact that they do a bit of covers as well, the guys say that they play music of 'System Of a Down', 'Nirvana', 'Iron Maiden', 'Metallica', 'Blink 182' and 'Sound 41'. Nevertheless they say that it's nice when there's variation of original music without having to listen to stale covers. "We've got to thank our parents for backing us up in very many ways. They don't mind the fact that we play hard rock music so long as we do our studies well," they say. The guys comment on the lack of facilities in the industry," Talent is ample but lack of financial aid and places to practice discourage the young musicians." They talk about their fans who supported them during the few times they made an appearance on stage. "It's nothing big to be in a band. You've got to remember that you are just another human being and playing in a rock band doesn't make any difference. Good interaction with the crowd counts a lot. We are very friendly with the audience cause we want to give them our best," they say. Taking a minute to explain how the five get along, they say that they are like brothers. "Except for the fact that we have different parents," they crack. Thanking God for blessing them with the gift of music and sowing the right path, 'Roots of Paranoia' make a statement, "Music, that's our life." by Umangi de Mel |
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