Music
Helter skelter runs riot!
by Nilma Dole
The moment I saw the band Helter
Skelter, I tell you I certainly wasn’t looking everywhere like they were
lost but sudden flashes of recognition of some of the band mates made me
take a step back. First there was the Land or Band of No Return, who
like the title suggests, they didn’t return. Then there was hype to Love
them Dead.
Eventually, a Tragic Moon appeared and then it disappeared and that
was the end of the dudes. This time around, I’m quite fascinated with
the new look and image with Helter Skelter (HeSk). What are these guys
trying to pull off? “We were in bands before but this time around, when
we jammed to an ACDC song, the chemistry was right and we knew it would
work” said the lead vocalist Steffen, who spoke while sporting his
shades.
He introduced me to Riyal who man-handles the bass guitar, Joseph the
drummer dude, Shamin and Bire. “Now the guitar work shifts between Bire
and Shamin where one would be a rhythm and another lead guitarist but
it’s a working collaboration when it comes to dishing the right sound”
explained Steffen, who can’t help but notice a couple of chicks
fluttering by.
Then of course, the usually punctual Birenda G. walks in breezily.
Known for his hair-raising image and his differently painted faces, Bad
Boy Bire has actually matured. “I have these image transformations and I
guess it reflects character and the fact that the band tends to evolve
because of its members” he said. The band HeSk are into good ole rock n’
roll but not mainstream.
“We like lots of feel in our music and we have the ability to change
the mood of our music that is evident in our version of the song
‘Zombie’ by Cranberries”, said Steffen, who apparently didn’t want to do
it at first. Today, many rockers in the city have it on their iPod and
music players, obviously loving it. “We certainly don’t want to
complicate our music and we jam the way we want” noted Steffen. It’s not
about HeSk playing cover songs but they have a goal to finish at least 9
original songs by 2010 November.
Also, they do have this thing of warming up before they practise by
harmonising Acapella with ‘Tonight’s gonna be a good night’ which is
definitely worth publishing in this column.
Their soon-to-be-released song ‘Son of a Gun’ looks appealing with
its rancid but honest lyrics. “I just write the song and we all get
together and work on it. I ask the guys to chip in with their comments
and we rock the house down!” exclaimed Bire.
HeSk jams in Nedimala at Dynamix Sounds which is coincidently their
favourite hangout. “We appreciate the fact that the studio owners keep
the place for us when we suddenly pop in so we thank them” said HeSk.
As for day jobs, Bire works for a leading garment conglomerate that
specialises in women’s underwear, Shamin is studying something that is
supposed make him intelligent, Steffen is a radio DJ who wants to seek
greener pastures and Riyal works in advertising. After they keep their
full-time caps aside, these guys sure know how to strut their stuff.
“We hope for a positive future because ‘if the Gods of Rock n’ Roll
will, then we will. We hope the local music industry gives the chance
for talented bands to get the recognition they deserve” highlighted HeSk.
Specially for groovers
by Mahes Perera
Hello young groovers wherever
you are here’s good news for you!
The Dollar Boys of KNH fame are re-creating Ibiza just for you to
welcome the New Year 2010 into your lives. DJs Kapila, Naushad and
Harith together with the slick mixer Laura Brown who will be jetted down
from London, are pulling out all stops to stage an unforgettable evening
on the New Year’s Eve at the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton Colombo.
In this glorious musical venture the DJs are assisted by the “R&B”
and “Perfect Beat Entertainers” and all arrangements are with you the
groover in mind. Spokesman for KNH, Harith was ecstatic about the whole
evening.
We were the first to remix CDs in Sri Lanka and we were the first
trio in Sri Lanka to produce an original song and release it with a
video. The Dollar Bay was a huge success wherever or whenever we gave
the song a spin and that is why we put our heads together and decided to
name this event “New Year’s Eve Dollar Party.”
The music that you guys will spin and mix on that day will be heat
vibes. Can you clue us in?
“Together with DJ Laura and also DJ Nalin we have selected special
electro music which is currently very popular, Retro, Hip Hop, R&B and
House and Baila. This is the first time that KNH decided to move into
the Ballroom for the traditional end of year festivities and it’s going
to be a party like no other. For further details re entrance etc.
groovers are advised to check with R&B and Perfect Beat Entertainers who
have planned a load of surprises up their sleeves.
What’s the low down on Laura Brown?
“She is a popular DJ in London and is also a music producer creating
White Label productions for the underground disco world and is fortunate
to work at Ibiza annually. This year we are having her here and she is
looking forward to mixing grooves to our dancers.”
The trio KNH who had their halcyon days at the legendary Blue
Elephant creating a unique style that was a must in every reveller’s
night agenda, are now sitting comfortably on the recognised rung of
“natural entertainers” and ‘mix masters’ behind the consoles, displaying
the new DJ culture they created in Sri Lanka which today has reaped in
overwhelming success for themselves. |
