Sunil de Silva:

An internationally recognised percussionist

By A. C. De Silva

An endorser of LP drums and an LP clinician Sunil de Silva never fails to claim, whenever he is interviewed globally, that his musical career was launched when Raj Senewiratne, leader of the successful Sri Lankan group Savage got him down to Singapore as the replacement drummer.

In Sri Lanka in his young days he was an ardent follower of the band Savage and quite naturally he was overjoyed to play with the band. He stayed with Savage for a one year contract and then decided to move over to Australia to seek greener pastures and his decision turned out to be the success story for him.

In Australia he became the recognised and acknowledge percussionist he is today. His love for Cuban and West African rhythms saw him move out as a drummer into the percussion arena.

Sunil said he was influenced by Giovanni Hidalgo, Mamady Keila, Batacumbele and Los Van Van. The names may not mean a thing to a layman but to Sunil they helped him become one of Australia's foremost percussionists.

Today he has recorded studio sessions for many albums, movie soundtracks and has made several TV appearances. He has toured Australia and the world with many Australian bands including INXS, Midnight Oil, James Morrison and Tommy Emmanuel. From the American scene he has toured with leading lights - John Denver, Jermaine Jackson and Peter Allen. He has also appeared on television shows with John Denver, Bryan Ferry and Jose Feliciano.

It's a dream for most singers and musicians to get an opportunity to perform at Las Vegas and the Sri Lankan born Sunil de Silva had the opportunity to do so when he performed for three months at the Luxor Theatre in Las Vegas. "While in Vegas I got the opportunity to get to know fellow LP artiste Ron Powell. Ron's the best showman percussionist I've ever seen," said Sunil.

Accolades

Sunil de Silva has received numerous accolades which include Best Latin Percussionist, Skin Full Awards Recognising Excellence in Australian Drumming, Best Studio Percussionist - Music Week Awards, Best Jazz Percussionist - Music Week Awards.

In his quest to guide young musicians to become skilled percussionists he teaches the young at Billy Hyde's Music Store in Sydney. If he is not touring, Sunil de Silva sits in with the Rebecca Johnson Band in Sydney, with Doug Williams' new band LR Mix as well as with the Coogie Brothers.

Unfortunately Sri Lankan audiences haven't enjoyed Sunil's artistry in full flight. There was one occasion when he took centre stage at the "Largely Latin Show," an open air concert at the BMICH more than 10 years ago.

The other occasion was when he conducted a workshop for drummers on a flying visit to Sri Lanka to see his mother.

But on both these occasions due to time restrictions, the detailed artistry of Sunil's, like when he performed for Renee Geyer, Marcia Hines, Prince, Paul McCartney, Tears for Fears or Bob Marley,was not seen.

However, all Sri Lankans - musicians and lovers of music - are proud of the fact the Sunil de Silva has not only created a niche for himself in the Latin world but also made known to the international music scene that there is a wealth of talent in Sri Lanka that needs to be recognised.

The magazine Drummer interviewed Sunil de Silva recently and we publish excerpts by courtesy from that interview.

Q: Hi Sunil what have you been up to lately, gig wise?

A: At present lots of sessions. I've been working with Doug Williams, Jenny Morris and Steve Edmonds. Heaps of cinema and TV commercials too, some soundtrack work and jingles for McDonalds, Bacardi and Sanitarium. Just enough.

Q: What kind of equipment do you take on these gigs?

A: For sessions I've got to be prepared. So, I take everything. It's all Latin Percussion brand stuff, congas, timbales, bongos, chimes, talking drums, cuica and hand percussion, plus whatever else the producer wants. For live gigs I take my LP congas, timbales and hand percussion. I have only a small car! I use LP gear, Zildjian cymbals, Pearl drums, Vic Firth sticks and Evan heads.

Preparations

Q: What kind of preparations do you do before playing?

A: No particular warm-ups, but the big part is getting to the gig, setting up before everyone turns up, making sure all is working the way it needs to. Then relax and chill out. I do a bit of warm up on the table, to get my hands going and then enjoy the gig.

Q: What would be your biggest highlight and conversely, what is your personal 'gig from hell" story?

A: My fondest memory is by far INXS. They're the best in terms of professionalism of the band, the crew and the touring conditions. Played some great shows in front of huge crowds. That was lots of fun. Alternatively my worst gig was playing drums to a sequenced track, which I hadn't heard until the sound check, had no click at all - with a brand new band!!

The first gig was the last gig for everyone.

Q: Of the musicians you play with on a regular basis, which have special requirements of you?

A: Steve Edmonds wants a lot of percussion solos, Doug Williams looks for the Groove and Feel to be more predominant!. Just examples of my colour.

Q: What tips would you give a young drummer on his first gig, regarding setting up and breaking down equipment?

A: First buy equipment to the best of your budget and then cases for all of it. Insurance is important. Respect your equipment. Get to your gig early. Set up and tune up. Rushing is a big no, no! Stress affects your gig, so relax and take your time. I've worked with a couple of guys who didn't have it together. Sad really.

Q: What would be the most valuable advice you would give a young musician to deal with this business.

A: Be professional. Be patient, listen and learn from the best players. Listen to all styles of music. Be the best you can be and enjoy every gig.

Music should be a joy to play.