Andrew ready to groove in Colombo
The last time Andrew de Silva was in Sri Lanka he was half the size he is now and on holiday. Still, his childhood memories are of what a great trip he had. He’s hoping to update those memories and make new ones with his family when he returns to Colombo this month to perform for local fans. Those who’ve followed his progress since he won the grand prize in the T.V competition Australia’s Got Talent in 2012 already know what to expect – a great voice, covers of contemporary pop icons like Bruno Mars and John Mayer as well as a slew of original hits.
‘Let’s Groove’: Andrew performs on stage
“I’m so excited to finally be making my way to Sri Lanka with my band,” Andrew told the Mirror Magazine, explaining that his band is keen to see the country as well. In 2013, Andrew released the single ‘Miracles.’ It fit right in with the inspirational music the singer has become known for with deeply personal, heartfelt lyrics about what it takes to triumph. The song which opens on the line ‘When I was young, I was a dreamer’ is true to the kind of child Andrew was. In the accompanying video, a young boy is seen overcoming bullying and rejection. All he has going for him is the fierce love and support of his mother, but in the end it’s enough.
Andrew co-wrote the track with his longtime friend Dennis Dowlut and the process went smoothly though it was the first time they had written together. Andrew and Dennis both wanted to make the most of the chance and to write a song that really meant something. As someone who has struggled all his life with a stutter, Andrew was also reaching out to kids who felt different.
In the wake of the Australia’s Got Talent win, Andrew has been making the most of a second chance that he never expected to have. A one time member of the popular band CDB, Andrew tasted fame when their cover of ‘Let’s Groove’ went Platinum and a subsequent album ‘Glide with Me’ generated 4 hit singles.When Andrew was diagnosed with cancer at age 23, however, he was forced to resign from the band. It’s why Australia’s Got Talent means so much to him – it marks a return to a world and a career he loves.
“On a very personal level it’s given me confidence and shown me how important it is to step out of your comfort zone and try something different,” says Andrew. “I’ve had some great gigs after the show, like opening for Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men but I’ve also had great opportunities to be involved in charity events as well. It’s also given me a chance to say something with my music as I did with my last single here in Australia.” Andrew says he is now at work on another singe and is in talks with Sony to finalise the release date of his upcoming album. “I’ve been collaborating with some great writers as well so stay tuned for some amazing stuff,” he promises.
In Sri Lanka, Andrew will be joined by his wife and kids as well as his parents. A particularly special addition to the tour will be a father-son concert with Conrad de Silva who along with his band The Jetliners is already well known in Sri Lanka.
Managing Director of Wizard Entertainment, David Colin-Thomé expects Andrew to be warmly welcomed. “Andrew’s Sri Lankan heritage, his musical roots stemming from his famous father, Conrad who was one of the pioneers of the 60’s and 70’s local musical generation, meant that there was a lot of interest in Andrew in our neck of the woods,” adds David. Giving audiences an idea of what to expect, he says the performances will include a wide selection of popular covers ranging from Steve Wonder, Michael Jackson and Marvin Gaye, to Bruno Mars, Justin Timberlake and John Mayer. “It is a song-list that will appeal to many generations,” says David.
Andrew de Silva will be playing at The Stables, Park Street Mews on September 27 and Jetwing Lighthouse, Galle on September 28 for which tickets are priced at Rs 3,000. The venue shifts to Musaeus College Auditorium on October 3 for Conrad & Andrew de Silva in concert. Tickets range from Rs 6,000 to Rs 1,500.
On October 4 Andrew will play a beach show at Jetwing Blue with tickets priced at Rs. 2000. Watch out for early bird discount offers and opportunities to win tickets on www.facebook.com/WizardLK and
www.wizard.lk.
Hilton Colombo is the host hotel.
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