Rock is for all times
by Sureshni Pilapitiya
Music is like the wide ocean. It has no end, for it goes on and on.
There's so much to learn, and so much to explore. And presumably, Rock
is only a small part of that wide ocean. In the music field we get
genres such as classical music, gospel music, rock and roll and pop
music . Therefore, Rock music is another genre of music which keeps up
with the beat, and people have different opinions about it.
Sadly, in Sri Lanka,we don't get much recognition for Rock here,
While it's quite different in other countries. Of course, we get a
separate crowd of Rock fans but still, to Sri Lankan people, Rock is
something which sounds new and unfamiliar.
 Being a die hard Rock fan myself, I never miss a single Rock show. I
have seen how those who appreciate Rock music gather in to have a bit of
fun and also an unforgettable experience worthwhile and enjoyable. It's
a good thing that the younger people are much more open minded and know
how to have a good time, unless they do not take mean advantage of it.
Intolerable
In Sri Lanka, especially the older generation thinks that Rock is
something intolerable, too loud, (of course there's soft rock, isn't
there?) and just a piece of gibberish which has no melody (according to
their opinion) tune whatsoever, and it's all about screaming and yelling
their heads off, but it's definitely something more than that. It may
not sound so appalling as it seems, because Rock too, has a vast area
where there is so much to learn about.
Rock music is a way of conveying some kind of a message to the
society, not only about love,( because that seems to be the most common
and hacked theme for ages now) but also about war and peace, social
traits,values and also human weaknesses. In general, it might be defined
in many ways, but again, Rock is not so bad as it seems.
Another fact is that those who criticise Rock music do not know that
the pioneers of Rock were stalwarts of yesteryear such as the Beatles,
Rolling Stones, Chuck Berry, Pink Floyd,Jimmi Hendrix, and even the king
of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. It was Rock and Roll which later on
developed to the stage of modern Rock, and Rock has been a genre of
music for all times ,ever since.
Controversial
It is said that the first Rock song of the world is known to be Bill
Haley's " Rock around the clock" but still it has not been confirmed,
because there are a few others who follow. However,they inspired the
modern day all Rock artistes to follow their path and develop the genre
to a better standard, and as a result, Rock stalwarts such as Jon Bon
Jovi, Bruce Springsteen,Van Halen,and Billy Idol to name a few, and also
other Rock groups emerged, to top the charts with their controversial
and fascinating music.
Rock music alone is divided into many sub-genres,such as Soft Rock,
Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Punk,Thrash Metal and Death Metal. Each group or
an artiste has a genre of it's or his own. Research had been
conducted,books have been written based on Rock music. It's just not a
piece of metal,it's something worthwhile.
As far as Sri Lankan Rock music is concerned, we had several talented
bands such as Stigmata,Wild Fire and Thriloka, but unfortunately they
could not survive in the Industry for long.They would have done a
splendid job to take Sri Lankan Rock music to the International level,
it may have been according to various reasons that some decided to go
solo, And some split. Even the less recognition for Rock music in Sri
Lanka would have been a fact.I love Stigmata's Andura and it has been a
favourite of mine ever since I heard the instrumental (it's more of an
Instrumental ) and there are many others such as Kasun Kalhara and
Indrachapa Liyanage, who try to increase the Rock loving fan base by
using various techniques and different melodies.
Talent
 Right now it's the Sri Lankan Rock Legend Chitral "Chity" Somapala
who has taken Sri Lankan Rock music to the international level so
far.Having talent which is incomparable and amazing, he manages to keep
the beat going on with his classic hits such as Nadee Ganga Tharanaye
and Miringuwa Parada The 2012 London Olympic theme song, 2011 Cricket
World cup song," and'' believing the dream".We have to be grateful to
him for doing Sri Lanka proud and also bringing honour to our country.
Though we may have been globally recognised, there's this concept of
not being appreciated in your own country whatever you might do. The
artistes go in search of better areas. People have different opinions
about it,so anybody can agree or disagree.In fact,this system should be
changed. Rock too,should be given a proper place in Sri Lanka because
it's another interesting genre of music and people should not describe
it merely as something disagreeable and irritating.
Rock is not only for boys, girls Rock too! A few female Rock artistes
have made their contribution to the industry Joan Jett and the Black
hearts, Janice Joplin, Pink and even all female Rock bands such as the
Moonglows and non-blondes.
Rock is one part of the global music scene which is recognised for
its typical features. And likewise, Sri Lanka's Rock also should get its
appreciation more than what it gets at present, because there are many
budding and upcoming young and talented Rock artistes who need to be
given a helping hand and also need to be recognised for what they're
doing.Rock is for all times.
Rock is not just about music, it's a passion. |
