NEW KID IN TOWN

Channa Bandara Wijekoon

Lean, tall and dark Dasun Madushan is all set for the interview. Despite his budding young age, he is specific in his speech, time-bound in his actions and portrays a sense of maturity of a professional.

He seems to have all the attributes to be a 'super star' by appearance and also some concealed qualities which are yet to uncover, which distinguish him from the other new breed of superstars. Dasun has been a winner since very young age. "In the contest, I have attracted the viewers from the very inception; especially the girls. Hence I was ahead of other contestants when it came to text messages," says Dasun with the smile which mesmerized thousands of thousands damsels, let alone women in this country. "Yet, I had to prove a point. I wanted to tell them all at the grand finale, that I am not merely a rock-singer but a singer who is comfortable with various genres of singing styles. This is the very reason I sang Dr Victor Ratnayake's song 'Thani Wennata Mage Lowe'," he added.

A product of Moratuwa Prince of Wales College, Dasun has been engaging in stage acting in school and has studied music as a subject for his ordinary level examination. He has won a district level award for 'folk-singing' at school level. Wijebandara Welithuduwa and Tissa Gunewardena have been his mentors.

Limelight

"My brother Kasun participated in the Sirasa Super Star contest and persuaded me to try my luck. I must also mention the veteran Sunil Perera's name (Gypsies band fame) with gratitude. He told us how we should progress towards the limelight and more importantly how to maintain that position, Dasun says.

He also commends the young musicians Ranga Dassanayake and Malik Perera for the training and guidance provided by them in workshops. Dasun's idol is young singer and musician Shihan Mihiranga. Thus he benchmarks with the standards set by the latter in the sphere. Indrachapa Liyanage's singing style has enticed Dasun to a great extent.

He does not fancy the emerging trend of recording evergreen old songs with new voices. "Let those songs remain as they are. We as newcomers must do originals with lasting quality.

However in this process, we must benchmark with newest global trends without confining to North Indian Classical music," he stresses. "My style is Rock and Western. Therefore I will stick to these music genres in my creations and carefully try to have a blend with folk music in future to create a style of my own," he added.

Ethical competition

Unlike in olden days, the competition is tough now and we must be aware of this fact. Thus we must make sure we deliver some stuff with quality in a very ethical manner when we have the opportunity, he says. He has been sporting the letter "D" on his T shirts worn in the contest from the inception and it has been his idea to do so. "I thought that will distinguish me from others", says the lad already showing signs of his sense for marketing. Victor Ratnayake started sporting thick 'side-burns' and long hair when he started the 'SA' concert in his youth.

Dasun is determined to position himself as a singer and a musician in future rather than ending up as a TV presenter which has been the destiny of many 'super stars'. However, he says he may have a hand in presenting TV programs on and off which gives an opportunity to interact with his fans on one-to-one basis.

Dasun's views towards visuals being made for songs too are interesting. "We are compelled to go for 'music-videos' since singers of the modern world are already seriously into it. However we must always stick to the basics. In a song, the lyrics, melody and most importantly 'singing' comes first and then the music video. The video should enhance the 'feel' of the song," he says.

Many channels

He does not fancy making songs to cater to the need of 'ringing tones'. He is of the view that ringing tones are fast losing its magic. He invites people to listen to various genres of music and songs in the world with an open mind. Dasun who is also a base-guitar player, believes in innovation.

Dasun Madushan expressed his gratitude towards the Principal of Prince of Wales College, Sampath Weragoda, his teachers; Chamila Namali, Tissa Gunawardena, Wijebandara Welithuduwa and Susara Dinal of Sirasa and all the people in Sirasa TV who have helped him.

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