When a band compares the question of what its genre is with the uncomfortable situation of wearing tight underwear, it is expected that its members would be a rather bizarre, droll and altogether balmy bunch.
Considering Cynosure’s self-explanatory name- the centre of attention- the five members- Shehan Michael, Javin Thomas, Shezri Junaid, Ahamed Nuski and Aavon Fernando are flattered by the suggestion of their eccentricity. Recalling a joke made by a family member on their love for the limelight, they flipped through a thesaurus in search for the perfect name. “We all had a bit of an ego,” says Shezri, the band’s lead vocalist. “We love the attention and so we went ahead with it.”
 |
| Pix by Ruvin De Silva |
Roughly five years since then, Cynosure eagerly anticipates the release of its next original single- ‘Sunny Side Up’. Having joined hands with ‘Run for Their Lives’- a charity run which will raise funds for cancer victims, ‘Sunny Side Up’- produced by Shamin de Silva- will be the theme song of the fundraiser, promoting the cause and hopefully inspiring listeners with Cynosure’s characteristic happy go lucky outlook on life. “No, it has absolutely nothing to do with how to cook your eggs,” chortles Shezri. “It speaks of the good things in life which should be appreciated and valued even in the face of challenge.” “We’re really excited about having the opportunity to sing for a cause, and hopefully the walk will generate the funds required to make a difference,” adds Javin, the drummer.
The group’s first video will also be released to coincide with the event, “so finally, people will be able to see the pretty faces behind the music!”
Starting off as a typical high school band, things soon started getting serious for Cynosure who started participating in popular concerts and competitions, twice making it to the finals of TNL Onstage.
“So far we have covered and been inspired by bands ranging from The Killers, Maroon 5 and Coldplay to even musicians like Adele and Duffy. This broad range of genres challenges us to become more creative with our work,” they agree.
The members of the current line-up flatly refuse to identify themselves simply with the role they play in the band. They baldly state that Shehan, the lead guitarist has anger management issues; Javin the drummer is an Indian terrorist and drama queen; Shezri is a Taliban terrorist and attention seeker; Aavon is the in-house ‘Mr. Freeze’- “you know, the guy who tells the jokes and finishes, and you are still wondering what the punch line is;” and as for Nuski the guitarist, they like to think he would say ‘Oh my God, will this be in the papers, because I didn’t tell my Mom I play for a band.”
Describing the process of writing and composing a new song as something of an orgy where everyone gets involved, the group agrees that the inspiration for songs comes from several sources, but most often from their own experiences and those of their friends. “Each song is completely different from the other, which is why we struggle to identify ourselves with one genre,” comments Javin. There are different emotions played out- some upbeat, some reflective; but what the songs have in common is the fact that we put a lot of ourselves into them.”
“Performing in itself is mortifying,” says Shezri, describing the nerves and tension at play minutes before a performance, especially if there are more females in the audience. “But strangely enough, those nerves are the exact reason we play for. Because once you’re past the nervousness there comes the feeling of knowing that you’re producing good music and people are actually grooving to it, that feeling is what every band plays for.”
A typical Cynosure practice session is, unsurprisingly, full of the quirks proudly proclaimed and upheld by the group. Only about 60% of our practice is productive,” laughs Javin. “The rest of the time comprises verbal blows, cat fights, name calling, racist jokes- the sort of stuff that happens in a sorority- but those are the things we will enjoy remembering.” Shezri adds, “What keeps us together (apart from our immaculate figures and high cheekbones!) is the fact that we enjoy each others’ company. We try not to be too intense and we never discuss anything to do with the band when we’re just hanging out or socializing because that kills the fun.
We know each other very well; and we are aware of what each person is motivated by and their limits. And when we perform, what the audience sees is who we are- a bunch of guys who like hanging out together and making music.”
Keep in touch with Cynosure by visiting the group’s Facebook page-
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cynosure/ 142573475815311. |
E-mail
