The BBC compared her voice to honey, while Grammy Award winning producer Kipper, who has worked with internationally famous Sting and Mary J. Blige, describes her as a natural musical force of exquisite beauty. Young and immensely talented Sumudu Jayatilaka, burst into the spotlight when she sang for Queen Elizabeth at the Millennium countdown as a teenager.
Born in Britain, Sumudu currently lives in London and has recently released her first album ‘Waiting for You’ for which she wrote and composed the music, in addition to playing most of the musical instruments in the recording.
In this email interview with the Sunday Times, she shares her interest in music, discusses her career and reveals her connection with Sri Lanka.
Q: Can you describe how and when you got interested in music and how you got to be a musician?
I was very young when I realised that music was a magical thing for me. It made me feel an emotion and I knew I had a stronger natural connection to music than most. It is the only thing that has ever made any sense to me! The music shop was my sweet shop. My friends would ask for the latest gadget or computer game for Christmas but I was the strange girl who wanted a recorder or a glockenspiel! I learned the piano and soon the violin, guitar, flute, recorder and accordion. I’ve been singing as long as I can remember!
Q: Your website suggests that your music fits in the genre of ‘Country’ (ukcountryradio reference) while Kipper describes your work as having ‘classic folk melodies and themes’. Could you describe which category your music belongs to?
My songs fit into many genres of music from acoustic singer-songwriter to folk and country. I like them having a broad appeal.
Q: Country/classic folk music in Britain isn’t typical, and someone of Sri Lankan heritage being interested in the genres is more so. Can you elaborate on why you chose this genre of music?
People tell me that I’m unusual but to me writing a song in these genres is as natural as writing a pop song or a jazz song. It’s one of the many styles of music I’ve grown up with. When I write a song I don’t think about the genre it belongs to.
Often the song writes itself and it’s the way you choose to arrange it that defines its sound. I’m also a huge Beatles fan, I love film soundtracks, orchestral music and jazz. As a teenager I sang in the National Youth Jazz Orchestra and before that I was in the Scunthorpe Co-op Choir. It’s all part of my musical background and has made me more versatile.
Q: Is writing music and singing something you do as a hobby or is it a career for you?
Music is my career now. I love all facets; the writing, arranging, performing and studio recording. I am always listening and learning.
Q: You’ve performed with many internationally acclaimed artists. Could you describe these experiences?
It was an honour to sing live for the Queen at the Millennium countdown. I look back at that event and really can’t believe it was me that was chosen for that. I was asked to go to London and sing for the conductor Paul Daniel. I had to sight read the piece that was commissioned for the event by composer John Tavener. It was a wonderful experience. I even met the Queen after the event which was a real honour.
Also singing for Burt Bacharach and Hal David at their tribute concert was a truly unforgettable experience. Their songs have stood the test of time and it really was a dream come true to sing with them.
Q: What are your inspirations for the songs you write?
Often a song will come to my mind completely formed and I have to write it immediately otherwise I can’t stop thinking about it and I won’t get any sleep! I’m constantly being influenced and the songs reflect my life experiences.
Q: Which instrument in your favourite?
There are three favourites and for different reasons! The piano gave me the foundation for music. It lays it out perfectly for you and once you learn the piano there are so many instruments that are instantly made easier.
The violin definitely perfects your ear for pitch and tone and as a singer I think it was invaluable. Also from a writing point of view there is nothing more uplifting and inspiring than playing in an orchestra. The guitar because I do most of my writing on the guitar and like the piano, it is both a solo and accompanying instrument.
Q: And do you have a particular song on your album that is your favourite or has special meaning to you? If so can you explain why?
I can’t choose a favourite as I love them all and each time I try I change my mind, but Angel was the first song I wrote for the album and it is my most open lyric. Something happens when I perform it live. I can’t explain it.
Q: Could you explain your connection with Sri Lanka?
My mother and father come from Sri Lanka but I was born in the U.K and we often go to Sri Lanka as I have a lot of family over there. I love Sri Lanka, I think it is the most beautiful adventure-laden place I’ve been to and there is no better food on earth!
Q: Do you have plans to perform in Sri Lanka?
I would love to but there are no immediate plans. Fingers crossed for the future!
Q: Now that you’ve compiled and released your first album, what do you hope to do next in your music career?
I’m going to be doing some festival performances with my band this year and I can’t wait to get out there and play.
Sumudu’s album titled ‘Waiting For You’ is available via www.sumudu.com. |
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