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| Sunday, 5 October 2003 |
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They performed 'On Stage', the lucky ones or rather the talented bagged the awards... Dilan Jayakody, dark dishevelled hair, conspicuous physique and a voice that won him the award for the 'Best Soloist' on the night many stars were born.. Born to parents who had music running in their veins, Dilan tried his first vocal lessons with Sarath Jayakody, his father at home. "My father was in this band called 'Masquerades' and they used to practice at home. Whenever my father sang, he got me to sing as well and they too thought that I could sing. In my eyes they stood out as great musicians, it was a real motivation to hear them say that I could sing," he says adding that it meant a lot to be accepted by the people who were already in the field at that time. Dilan a 24 year old Josephian who is a management trainee at Ceylinco Packaging says he was in the college choir, "It was good training," he says, "in fact our school came second having competed at the all island singing competition in '91 which was held at Visaka Vidyalaya. I came first in the solo category, having sung 'St. Lucia'," he grins. Silent or rather reserved, Dilan seems to lack the gift of the gab, but is never reluctant to croon on stage. He says that he wanted to take his singing seriously. "I went to Christine Perera for vocal lessons just after the competition and sang in her choir for some time." Dilan says he started strumming his 'plastic' guitar at the age of eight, "I just love the guitar which is probably why I play it so well. My father would play the piano but I really couldn't get the hang of it," he grins adding the fact that he got a real guitar at 13. Taking his time to ponder over the past victories, Dilan says that he took part in the Kandos talent search in '93. "It was sort of a big procedure and it was the SLBC that they checked my voice, although I couldn't win I made it to the finals." Claiming to be a lover of all types of music Dilan says he listens to Latin, jazz, soul, rock 'n roll and alternative. "I used to play stuff like 'Cats in the cradle', well I basically go for the tune of a track, it has to be appealing , it's not the words which is why I'm not into 'U2' music but I love 'Hootie and the Blow fish' and 'Oasis'," he says. Dilan says that he believes in good vocals and music, "I think Hootie and the Blow fish has a brilliant voice and cool music. Brian Mcknite (I'm not too sure about the spelling), Boyz II Men (the '2' has to be in roman numbers), Lenny Kravitz, 'Travis' the band that plays alternative music are great musicians and I love Dave Mathews, the guitarist who's simply awesome," he says. Dilan writes his own songs. "I started it recently and there's quite some progress cause I've written about seven originals," he pauses before adding that he even composes the music, "which is obviously catchy," he says. After what seemed like an eternity, Dilan starts talking about his music. "'Cotton Sun', 'Damned love', 'Shine' are a few songs I've written and I would like to launch a CD." "The local music scene is quite happening," Dilan says diverting his attention to the western music industry. "I personally don't like rock music but some of the songs are brilliant blends of good tunes and voices. The playing is amazing," he says but adds that it's one sided. He points out the fact that the industry hasn't improved as a whole. " Rock is rocking the country but it doesn't mean the other sides have improved as well. I don't mind performing at shows if I get the break to go as the opening act or something," he reveals. Dilan has played Basket Ball in school, university and for clubs. "That was an obsession but I have a habit of putting an end to things I start abruptly. I used to paint but not anymore," he laughs. Music, he says is a passion, "It's something I'd like to do every day of my life. I got deviated cause of my education and certain prejudices that came my way..," And winning 'On stage' was just wonderful, even the semi-finals were unbelievably tough," he says. Dilan who wanted to do something different that night, played the guitar while singing instead of singing with the band. 'The crowd was superb, their support was unbelievable. I mean it's something you only see on TV, the crowd going ga-ga.. but I received it that night," Dilan says. by Umangi de Mel |
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