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| Sunday, 4 May 2003 |
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Creators unplugged Vibes with a difference by Umangi de Mel Boy, are we a blessed country or what? From guys who rock to the root, rap to the core and fuse to the ultimate elation of crowds, the limelight's on a bunch of guys who create vibes using `pots', `flutes' and twice the amount of instruments an average band uses. "Initially the band was called `Creators'. Myself and two others (Ramesh and Harsha) performed at Feroz's play `Animal Farm' together with Kreb's Cycle and Ranjana Amaradeva, last year. It was Feroz who changed `Creators' to `Kreators'," says Roshan, leader of `Kreators Unplugged' adding that they didn't mind the change at all. With a whole new touch that's partly oriental yet dished out in a western fashion. `Kreators Unplugged' an enhanced version of `Kreators' now comprise Roshan on flute and vocals, Sajith on lead vocals, Shane on lead guitar and Ashane on rhythm guitar. Roshan says the original `Creators' started four years back, "Whatever the case is, the initial crew will perform at gigs, recordings and play for people who love fusion music." `Kreators Unplugged' is all about fusion music, the guys say. "Seniors like Ravi Bandu Vidyapathirana, Krishna, Harsha Makalanda and Neson Thiagarajan assist us a lot," says Roshan. The Royal talent search had been the gateway to their success. "We were really good and the judges were at a loss. Not being able to decide, they wanted us to perform as guest artistes." `Kreators' glow when they say that there wasn't anybody who could compete with their stuff. "It was the instruments that did the trick. No vocalists performed but we expressed our music through the instruments," Roshan says adding that singing is not hard if one can play well. He says that Sri Lanka has a wealth of singers but lacks good instrumentalists. `Kreators Unplugged' have a claim to originality with their recently released songs. "`Meaning of my love' is a rock song that is written and composed by me. It's the first vocal original and we released it in February 2003. The other two called `Premi' and `Storm of love' were released in March," he says. `Premi' has been written by Lakmal Variyapperuma who is a drama director but `Storm of love' has solely been the fruits of Roshan's efforts. According to the guys, two more songs are yet to be released one of which actually talks about the band. "It's called `Thieves in black'. And that song is a bonus track on a CD that will be launched by a group from Holland called `Clear out'," they say. Having staged a brilliant performance at the `Animal farm', `Kreators Unplugged' are all set and ready to introduce music with a difference. The brainchild of its leader, the group is known to be competent instrumentalists in town. "But some think we are a rock band. We want them to know what we are doing is poles apart from that of what a rock band does. We play rock music when we feature a rock band," he points out adding that he wants those who have labelled them as a rock band to see them play fusion music. "We do rock songs with a flute and a pot," grins Roshan saying that they do things in a different style. According to him, people who enjoy western music are limited as they are trapped in a frame which they are reluctant to step out of. "Their taste is limited. It's challenging but we're determined to forge ahead," says Roshan. He feels that people should always think out of the norms, especially in a country like Sri Lanka where talent is abundant, youngsters should try to think different and be innovative in whatever they do. "Lots of young musicians are smitten by the latest fad, `rock'. They eat, drink and sleep rock, I mean it's great but rock has become their sole interest in music which is very sad," he says adding that there are much more avenues of music that will definitely take them right to the top. "Rock is not the be all and the end all of western music. It's reggae, jazz, pop and myriad other styles. A musician should be open minded." Roshan says he's given up his career for music and solely concentrating on his passion. "But we have started something on our own called, `Kreators Production' and we are quite busy with that at the moment," he says grinning widely. |
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