Inspired by the tremendous following of live concerts held in Sri Lanka and the overwhelming talent in the country a newly formed production company is giving wings to local talent.
Rockapalooza Productions, organisers of Rockapalooza – a series of concerts for established and up and coming artistes to play side by side is creating the much needed backdrop for young performers to gain more exposure
Rockapalooza which is scheduled to take place once every two months, will kick off its first event for the year, next weekend.
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| Magic Vinyl |
The production company behind the organising of these uniquely themed concerts was the brain child of Anil Balasuriya, who also happens to be the front man of band Magic Vinyl.
The band will also take centre stage as the headlining act of the evening and comprises Anil Balasuriya on vocals, Alan Outscoon on Rhythm guitar/backing vocals, Sam Weerawardene on lead guitar, Isuru Passan on bass and Maria soyza on drums /backing vocals.
Talking about the inspiration behind the whole concept of the shows, Anil explains that having been in radio for close to eleven years following his dream was quite a challenge.
“About a year and a half ago, I decided it was time to pursue this on a more permanent level,” he said. “Having been in radio for close to eleven years, it wasn’t the easiest thing to leave behind and start my own production company, but it was something I felt very strongly about and I’ve always believed that if you want something badly enough you have to go for it no matter how difficult it seems.”
He also adds that what’s most encouraging about organising Rockapalooza is the overwhelmed support the fans have shown bands at the events. Six months on and Rockapalooza Productions have successfully set up their own video production company and have already been commissioned to produce a number of documentaries and content for local television.
The company aims to produce music videos for local bands so that artistes would have a visual medium of promoting their music. Eventually they hope to set up a record label for local bands as well.
Band line up for Rockapalooza
Nuke the System
The band comprises brothers Shamin and Ruvin de Silva along with Shivane Wickramasinghe and Niren Neydroff. They’re influenced by bands such as A Perfect Circle, Radiohead and Muse.
Helter Skelter
Having made their public debut at last year’s TNL Onstage competition the band is working on their own music. This band plays a mix of Rock and Roll and Hard Rock. Helter Skelter is Steffen on Vocals, Shameen and Birendra on Guitars, Riyal on Bass and Joseph on Drums.
Radio Factory
The band is a hip hop and R&B outfit.The members blend their own infectious mix of Hip and R'n'B deriving inspirations from Sri Lankan and foreign cultures. They have currently recorded two singles in the studio and will be releasing them this year.
Gravity
The band was last year’s TNL Onstage 2009 finalists and comprise Saajid, Ruchi and Shane on vocals, lead guitar and rhythm guitar respectively.
Point Blank
The band labels their music as Alternative Rock and comprises Nathan Imboden on lead vocals, Jason Gregory - backing vocals / lead guitar, Fahami Halaldeen on Rhythm Guitar, Murad Jayah on bass and Muaz Hassim on Drums.
Stopwatch Theory
This will be their first gig at Rockapalooza. They play a mix of Alternative and Classic Rock.
M.O.T (Mistress of Tranquility)
Of the new and up and coming Metal bands, they made it to the semi finals of TNL Onstage 2009. The band currently has three originals.
Rockapalooza is set to kick
off at 9.00 p.m on February 26 at Clancy's. Tickets will be available at the gate. Official TV station is ETV and print media partner is the Sunday Times. |
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