Indulging in his love for story telling
View(s):Soul Singer Sheaam Deen speaks to Duvindi Illankoon about his latest release ‘Afterglow’ Sheaam Deen has the sort of voice that will stop you in your tracks. His smooth, soulful vocals could be sampled when he releases his single ‘Afterglow’ this month. A ballad about the troubles of love and overcoming them, ‘Afterglow’ is also just in time for February’s loved-up vibe.
Sheaam.Pix by Mangala Weerasekara
The RnB soul singer made headlines earlier this year when his collaboration with Vy for ‘The Real 2013 Wrapup’ scored favour with the internet, including recommendations on sites like Upworthy. With ‘Afterglow’ he makes a lone stand; the single will set the stage for his London EP release in Spring with international label Schizofrenics Records. In Sri Lanka, the track is produced by QUBE Studios.
It’s a long way to have come for a boy who grew up in Kirulapone, studied for a degree in finance and started singing with his school choir. Sheaam’s first touch with real fame came when he toed the waters of TNL Onstage 2007; “nothing came of it,” he laughs. “But I learnt a great deal about show business.” In 2009, he took part once more, this time drawing strength from numbers. The band he formed with a couple of his friends-Five Minutes Apart-would go on to emerge champions at the finals. Five Minutes Apart was a largely progressive metal band and Sheaam is bemused at his musical progression over the last few years; today he’s a more laid back and soulful crooner with great stage presence.
In December 2012 he was invited by Dr. Harsha Subasinghe of CodeGen International to set up his own studio, and just a few months later Sheaam set up camp in CodeGen’s premises at Braybrooke Place. His studio is a reflection of his style; an understated, elegant and warm space, the studio provides the perfect foil for his writing and producing.
Sheaam counts himself lucky as he knows not every artist is afforded the opportunity to have their own recording space. That’s why in the midst of all this, he has embraced with gusto his role as producer to other aspiring young musicians. He works closely with a number of upcoming young artists (the JJ Twins have just recorded their album ‘Dream’ with him) and says the buzz of discovering fresh talent is like no other. He regularly collaborates-for example with Vy for the 2013 Wrapup-and also makes covers for his YouTube channel. The singer actually first rose to fame with his cover of David Guetta’s Titanium, which hit the number one spot on Beat 100. “The musicians I work with know they can walk in anytime and I’ll have time for them,” he says. “Sometimes we’ll just sit in the studio and do nothing but talk all day. Helps me get a better understanding of who they are and where they’re coming from.”
It was in here that Yes FM Home Grown’s most requested track ‘Rebekah’, a song written by his manager and seasoned lyricist Raymond Fry of Midas King Productions International, was rehearsed and recorded. It was Raymond who put Sheaam through to Niki Clarke of Schizofrenics Records, a label responsible for the music of artists like Leona Lewis and Tinchy Stryder.
Sri Lanka, for its part, will exclusively hear the smoother pop version of Afterglow which will only be available for purchase in the country. The singer loves his ballads-“I love telling a story with my music. Ballads have this intensity and depth that allows me to tell a story and take it slow.” Listen to Sheaam indulging this love for storytelling with ‘Afterglow’, available at select Keells Super outlets, Choco Luv, Crown Hair & Beauty, The Commons, Capello Salons, The Nail Bar and Vonell clothing.