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| Sunday, 6 April 2003 |
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vrom B&S to Ashanthi and Ranidu, duos vary. They are the latest fad and the all time favourite artistes in the industry. `2-TogetheR' are the latest members in the collection of duos. Thushara Kuruwitage on key boards and vocals, Riza Deen on vocals, together the two have earned quite a considerable name among the crowd. "T for Thushara and R for Riza, we formed the band in April 1998 and have played together ever since," Riza says. Claiming to have great expectations `2-TogetheR' say their path to success has been the past years during which they gained immense knowledge and courage to forge ahead in the industry. Riza started singing back in 1993, "Ravi Karunanayake, my brother's singing partner and he was the one who encouraged me to sing. He was under the impression that if my brother could sing, I could too," he chuckles. "I joined a band called `Lazer' in which Thushara was playing. A few months stay in the band inspired us to form our own," reveals Riza. Having worked for a blue chip company Riza says nothing else in the world can offer a person what music has to offer. "Music's life to me," he says adding the fact that he quit a "hi-fi" job to concentrate more on music. "I had to choose. It was difficult to do both. Music gives me something that is simpler but it's great entertainment." He doesn't seem to have any room for repentance in his heart. Speaking about his partner, Thushara, Riza says that he has been a musician from younger days. "He's been a fulltime musician," he says. Riza says he's into slow jams and ballads, "It's soothing, I've always liked the smooth flow." He says he's not much into rock. The past experience with bands like Zodiac, Simple, Serenade, Lazer and Zeal-s has been a great blessing as the two have even performed abroad. "We played in Male, Cyprus and Jordan. We have got an offer to play in Korea which hasn't been confirmed yet". The two perform at Tangerine Beach Hotel on Mondays, Royal Oceanic Hotel on Wednesdays, Ritz Casino Club in Colombo on Thursdays on a regular basis. "We also do gigs with the Three Coins Company Ltd, `beer promotions, theme night performances' at different venues. The two hope to celebrate their fifth anniversary in the industry launching a few originals. Thushara has already been in the limelight with the release of his first sinhala original `Jeewithe' which is apparently a hit in one of the programmes telecasted on Swarnawahini. "This is the first time we are playing in Colombo. So far, people have been responding well to our music which is a blend of everything," Riza says. They claim to be able to cater to any type of audience as their talent is not limited to western music. "With the capability we are in much demand for private parties and weddings. Speaking about the growing young band line-up, he says that the industry has a future since many young musicians are being born every day. "It's bliss to see the rock scene in Sri Lanka growing, people are broad-minded now," he states. "Contemporary youth have the backing they need. Parents are more supportive. My family didn't like it much when I opted to do music. But my mother and friends have always been there," he says. On the contrary, Thushara has always been supported by his family. "He has his own studio and is into recording too." The two say they are interested in cricket but never get a chance to play. "We work in the night and sleep in the morning," he says. Riza and Thushara thank the management of Unilever Ceylon Ltd for their huge support and encouragement and many others in the industry for backing them up whenever they needed it. "We are looking for a female vocalist," Riza says teaming up with a girl is their future hope. Quite confident about their talent and having procured a place in the industry, Riza says they are doing quite well and look forward to do better in the future. |
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