|
|
|
| Sunday, 19 February 2006 |
 |
|
 |
Magazine |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
Creative Music out? "Creativity in music has not gained any ground,unlike advertising which has immeasurable creative scope ..." from the mouth of versatile musician Ranga Dasanayake. If this is so what of creative music in Sri Lanka ? by Chamitha Kuruppu A career started as an assistant 'sound' boy, today he boasts of being one of the busiest sound engineer's in town. During his short tenure 32-year-old Ranga Dasanayake has earned a name in the field of advertising and music industry.
A product of Isipathana College Colombo, Ranga had his first lessons in music when he was a mere toddler. Following the footsteps of his father, veteran musician late Sarath Dasanayake, Ranga devoted his youth to enhance his knowledge about music. However, disappointed by the type of music his father was involved with, especially the lack of recognition his father received, Ranga decided to strive for his desire to become a sound engineer. In 1992, he flew to United States to pursue higher education in Sound Engineering. In 1999, a well moulded Ranga Dasanayake returns to the country and set up a well-equipped modern recording studio. Establishing a totally different music era, distinct from what his father was involved with, Ranga begins a new chapter in the field of music in Sri Lanka. Having worked with many emerging stars like Bhathiya and Santhush, Iraj and Ranidu, Ranga has also composed music for over 2000 commercials. He feels that advertising is much more interesting than song composing. "It's challenging. Advertising involves working with different products, different moods and designing special sound effects. It's a challenge," chuckles Ranga. According to him, the country's advertising industry has come of age during the past few years. The use of new technology and novel concepts has enabled Sri Lanka's advertising sector to compete on par with international standards, where as the music industry is concerned not much of a change has taken place. "I get a couple of new bands every week requesting for song compositions. Unfortunately most of them have been refused by me. There is no talent in them," stresses Ranga. He adds that many emerging musicians remain in their position thanks to the new technology. "But none of them will survive in the long run,". However, he points out that the opportunities to be creative and experimental are greater in advertising than in the music industry. "My father has made an immense contribution towards Sri Lanka's music industry, but his work is not appreciated even after his death. I am disappointed about the music industry," emphasises this youth. Ranga has bagged many awards for his contribution in the field of advertising which includes best Radio Commercial 2002/2003 and Best TV Commercial and Best Campaign Year of the Year at the prestigious SLIM Awards. "Working on theatre productions is something I enjoy very much," says Ranga. He has worked on three threate products Lion King, Phantom of the Opera and Romeo and Juliet. " Although its time consuming working on theatre productions is an interesting job," he adds. Hit Factory, a recording studio started by minimal facilities today boasts of being one of the best well equipped modern recording studio's in town. With a desire to complete his Masters in Sound Engineering Ranga also dreams of setting up a Sound Engineering School in Sri Lanka with the expertise from United States. "This has been my dream for the last four years, and I think the time has come to make it a realise," stresses Ranga. "When ever time permits I love to go hiking and relax from this busy lifestyle nothing makes me feel good like a enjoyable hiking trip,"chuckles Ranga. Pic by Kavindra Perera |
|
| News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
| Politics | Produced by Lake House |
