Shifting gears with ‘Downshift’
Pic by Joshua Perera
Downshift started as a band back in 2013 and evolved into a project in 2015. The main reason Downshift evolved into a project was the difficulty in getting a steady lineup. Their main aim is to write, record and release original music with musicians from various disciplines of music contributing towards the creative process and that has become far easier after the concept of a fluid and changing set of musicians and composers came into play. It’s very similar to how international acts such as Florence and the Machine and Nine Inch Nails function.
The most recent release was a cover of the track “Hypnotize” by System of a Down. The track featured the vocals of Lara Modder and Clive Bowles. The response from the listeners was very positive with Lara’s and Clive’s vocals giving it a unique spin on the track.
The project has an upcoming original instrumental titled “Death and Decay”. As the title may give away, it borders more towards the Progressive Metal side of music.
Also they have another original titled “Home” for now which will be released after the Instrumental is released. Home was co–written with Singer/Songwriter Nelaka Fernando and features his vocals.
The upcoming instrumental is a progressive metal track. It features the likes of Yohan Jayasooriya on Drums, Shalinda Halpe from alternative rock band Salvage and Thishan Wijesinghe from Tantrum on Guitars and Shalintha Rodrigo from Cosmogyral on bass.
The track was composed as a collaborative effort and explores many sub genres of Metal such as Progressive Metal, Djent and Thrash. The track has a lot of Electronic Dance Music influences blended into it as well.
Downshift is mainly based around the Progressive Metal and Rock genres but is very fluid due to the various influences of the songwriters. They believe that all genres have something unique and the fusion of genres can yield interesting results. Their plans for the future include releasing an EP consisting of original music. They will be looking to collaborate with more musicians on the remaining tracks for the EP.
“We don’t have an ultimate goal, but an ultimate vision to break down genre based barriers in the local music scene and make inspiring music drawing inspiration from a wide range of influences. There’s plenty of local talentthat we want to collaborate with,” said Joshua Perera the man behind the project Downshift.
You can find Downshift’s music at facebook.com/DownshiftSL