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| Sunday, 5 June 2005 |
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Magazine |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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My kind of...... Singing
Dilshan Algama is an old boy of St. Joseph's College and works as a Corporate Account Manager at Mobitel. He has always been a good singer, but just how good and how interested he is in singing, he reveals through the following questions. What gave you the incentive to get into music, specifically singing: Music is in the family and I started singingin the church choir and the college choir, when I was nine years old. When I was 17 years old I became the 1st runner-up in the all island talent contest conducted by Kandos. I had my two piece band and that's how I started my career. We were popular among our peers in schools. But my professional career started when I was 21 with a band called Vibes, where I was the lead vocalist. At the very first TNL Onstage Competition for Western bands in Sri Lanka, we came into the final six. Though we didn't win, we got a lot of exposure. We played at parties, functions, dances, even at the Rock Cafe. Then I joined up with my good friend and veteran musician Aubrey Weinman where I sang for his 2nd band Quest. We played at leading hotels and pubs. Then in 2004 I started my own band with the help of Aubrey Weinman called 'Best'. It's a four piece band and we concentrate mainly on singing. We currently play at 'Colombo Plaza.' What do you like to sing? My favourite singer is Brian Adams. I always like to sing songs which have a good meaning and touch people's hearts. I mainly like love songs and ballads, but I'd sing anything because when you're in the music trade you have to. What is it that you like most about singing? There is something emotional about it. You get a lot of satisfaction by entertaining with good singing. That's what I like. Also I try not to imitate the original artiste, but I try to give the listener the same feeling for example I've probably sung. If tomorrow never comes more than the original artiste because everyday I have at least one request (he laughs). What are your most memorable moments? When I got into the finals of 'Kandos Talent Search' when I was 17 and being 30 leading a band playing at a leading hotel. Also when Aubrey Weiman asked me to join him. Apart from the influence, what about the support you got? My father supported me and never complained (he laughs here) and the church I go to, the Gonawala Baptist Church, always encouraged us. What advice would you give up and coming young musicians? Music is a passion. It's an art. You can't just follow it, you've got to be a lover of music. Work hard towards your goal, on your music, then you can be what you want to be. Where do you want to go next? I've always wanted to go to Australia. I like the country and the crowd there. Also being a young singer I hope to write my own songs and put out a CD. That's my aim. Well...the nine-year-old who sang in the church choir has sure come a very long way. Dilini Algama |
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