Wowing audiences

Having been invited to perform at the South Asian Band Festival (February 20-22), organised by Seher, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, India and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Soul Sounds, directed by Soundarie David, just returned after representing Sri Lanka and “wowing” yet another international audience! Speaking to Soundarie and her group, we find out more about their novel experience.

Q: What were your initial reservations about going and how did you overcome them?

A: Soul Sounds at a band festival? I asked the organisers the very same question as to why they had chosen us for a festival of this nature. They say it was a conscious decision to include us, as this would highlight the variety in the music. Now having performed, I understand their reasoning. I think it was a great honour for Soul Sounds to have been invited to perform.

Initially when I checked out the other ‘bands’ performing from the SAARC countries, I realised that they were mainly rock bands, so Soul Sounds being essentially a classically trained choir made me wonder whether this was the correct arena for our performance. However, as it was a smaller group that was invited, I accepted the challenge. As a group, we just adjusted our minds to the performance, and chose our repertoire accordingly, adding our own unique touch to it! For instance, we rehearsed numbers like “Breakaway” and “Wind of Change” and adopted them to a rock choral setting. The audience loved it, and we were able to experience yet another genre of music, which was great!

Q: What made the experience unique?

A: The setting was absolutely breath taking! The whole festival was against the backdrop of the Purana Quila (Old Fort) and the organisers had paid a lot of attention to the setting, lighting, and the ambiance of the place, which added so much more to the performance. We also got to share the stage with some of the greatest artists in the region! We met band members from Bhutan, Afghanistan and India and again we saw that music cut through our many differences! We also stayed at a place where all the other bands were staying so, it was also nice to talk and exchange ideas.

I’d like to thank the organisers for their continued faith in us and for giving us this amazing opportunity. The Sri Lankan High Commissioner too was present at the event, and as always gave us his utmost support!

Q: In retrospect, what plans for Soul Sounds now?

A: Something we definitely discussed on this trip was the fact that Soul Sounds would very soon be doing their own original compositions. We were actually asked whether our music was original by media personal prior to our performance. So this will certainly be on the cards. Future plans would of course include our tour of France in April, and to accept all challenges that God throws our way in the future!

Q: How would you describe your experience of this festival, girls?

A: “Well, initially we were all a bit overwhelmed and rather unsure of how the audience would react to our music, as all the performers (except for Soul Sounds) were ‘bands’ and not choirs! Clearly we realised that we would be Very different, but that was exactly what the organizers said they wanted; an act that would be different to the rest! So we built up our confidence and decided that there was a good reason for us getting this opportunity and it was up to us to make the most of it,” said Nilanga Jayawickreme, a founder member of Soul Sounds.

”I was extremely humbled and grateful for having been given the opportunity to be one of six girls from Soul Sounds selected to perform at the South Asian Band Festival in New Delhi, India. It was an amazing experience to be with the girls and sing at this event that was aimed at harmony and cultural exchange between the SAARC countries. Music breaks all barriers and cuts thru to the heart and that was exactly what I witnessed there. I’m truly thankful for the opportunity,” said new comer Aanjanee Jayasooriya.

Q: As an accompanist of the choir how did you view this experience?

A: “The experience was great! The audience response to the songs we performed was terrific! The organizers too, were extremely complimentary on our performance. The total contrast in our selection of music and accompaniment in relation to that performed by the other bands although huge, was greatly appreciated by the crowd. I must compliment the girls on a really great performance,” said the choir’s drummer, Christopher Prins. “For me, it was quite a memorable experience, and I am very thankful to Soundarie and Soul Sounds for having invited me to accompany them.”