Arts
‘We don’t perform, we entertain’
When the De Lanerolle Brothers first took the stage, it surprisingly wasn’t to sing. The siblings – Rohan and Ishan are known for their rich harmonies and showmanship which audiences get to witness at their yearly concerts. But before their melodious performances and their name, now a brand in its own right, they were a pair of siblings who shared a musical chemistry as strong as their familial bond. “I was still in my blue shorts,” remembers Ishan of the first time he and his brother performed together on stage back in 1993 when he was still in the primary. Playing the violin for a school show at their alma mater- S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, the then youngster was accompanied by Rohan on the piano. Ishan would later perform at Rohan’s concerts as a guest artiste, setting the scene for a musical partnership that would cement their name in the music scene.This September will see “Keeping It Real”, the Brothers’ new show. A step away from the dinner shows they are known for hosting , “Keeping it Real” is one of their newer projects, in tune with their constant desire to experiment and diversify their brand of music. Backed by a live band, their current venture had its first airing last year where a packed audience at the BMICH got to see them perform backed by a nine–piece live band. Encouraged by its success, the two are ready to take things up a notch. “This year the band is bigger” they say – with 13 musicians making up “DLB squared”- their backing band. The show is directed by Shobi Perera, who has worked with the Brothers for years and produced around 200 tracks for them .
“Any artiste would prefer to perform to live music” they both agree, which also lends an added oomph to a performance. The secret to a good show is to “keep the audience on their toes”, Rohan says. While it takes a good voice to obviously make a good singer they refuse to limit their image to just that. “We’re not just singers,” they say. It’s why audiences look forward to their wry jokes between songs and their easy charm and sincerity that add so much to their comfortable stage image.
The De Lanerolle Brothers: Rohan and Ishan
The success of a show also depends a lot on the set list for the night, they explain. “It’s 60% of what the audiences want to hear and 40% of our repertoire.” They can’t seem to shake off fan favourites “Release me” and “Spanish Eyes” which manage to find their way even into their Christmas shows, they laugh.
When he first began performing, Rohan along with Ishan was heavily influenced by church music, thanks to the training they received from their school choir. Rohan would also cultivate a passion for classical music which he played rather loud at home and inadvertently influenced Ishan, the latter says.
Ishan on the other hand loves Broadway music. While Rohan handles the programmes for their concerts “we have many healthy debates” adds Ishan. Although classical and Broadway are close to their hearts “an artiste can’t always perform what he likes” explains Rohan. Their goal as artistes is not to educate their audiences, be it with regard to classical music, etc. but rather to entertain them, a mistake they feel many artistes make. It’s why their style of performing classical music is constantly evolving and draws in unusually big crowds. “You need to try out different presentations.”
Although this is the seventh year of performing as a duo, Rohan isn’t shy to admit that he still feels nervous before every show. It’s the same for Ishan but for a different reason. “I know he will handle the show,” Ishan says, with Ishan coordinating everything behind the scenes while Rohan takes care of the performance part of their work. “There are times I don’t even remember which song we’re going to sing next,” Ishan admits, amidst being stage manager, marketing manager and a variety of other roles when organizing a concert. But when they breeze on to the stage smiling, harmonies in sync, it’s difficult to believe that most of their songs are ad-libbed and often different from what they have rehearsed.
The two attribute it to their close bond and mutual trust and respect. “It’s what makes a good partnership,” they add, extending this rapport to their band and the reason for their long standing fan base. “You especially shouldn’t take your audience for granted.” It’s why they’ve launched a new delivery service for ticket buyers, with purchases over Rs. 3000 receiving free delivery. The new option has even found tickets being delivered as far as Negombo and Galle. “It’s nice to know we’ve made an impression on someone,” they smile humbly.
“Keeping it Real” will be held on September 7 at 7.30 p.m. at the Main Hall- BMICH. Tickets (Available — Rs. 1, 500 and Rs. 1000) can be purchased by calling 0777996991.