Music is not what I do. It’s who I am…. | Sunday Observer

Music is not what I do. It’s who I am….

20 May, 2018

All musicians, whether they play instruments or sing, are unique in their own way. Their career paths are often different, as are their education and training. But there are qualities they all share, such as talent, a commitment to work hard, and a willingness to accept the bad with the good. That is what makes them professional. That is what makes them succeed. And that is what makes them musicians!

Music puts everything you wish you could say into words and melody. Music takes the moments you’ll never forget and make them permanent.

Young Voice caught up with Aaron Pathinather at the Sooriya Village down Skelton Road, Colombo where he spends long hours practising and rehearsing for an upcoming concert titled ‘The Different Voices 2’ presented by the students of Ishan de Lanerolle.

What I found most exceptional about Aaron was the sheer breadth of his interests and how multi talented he is. Aaron is exceptionally involved in music. He not only enjoys churning out sounds from his piano, keyboard, guitar and cajon, but is also working on composing original songs. Academically, he is interested in music production and is looking forward to qualifying in his interests overseas.

Q: Aaron, could you please introduce yourself to our readers in your own words.

I am an innovative person. Being the only child, my parents are extremely protective and caring. As an animal lover I take pride in having 4 dogs and a cat. I enjoy singing because it makes me feel top of the world. Being a product of The British School in Colombo, I joined the school choir and my interest to singing started from there. It is an awesome school which recognises its students as unique individuals and helps them develop their talents. While at school, I took part in most of the school’s activities.

I played football and was the goal keeper for the school’s football team. I also trained to compere under popular media personality, Mr. Faizal Bongso. Shortly after leaving school my mum enrolled me in the Senior group to be trained under the famous legend, Ishan de Lanerolle. I am ever so thankful to uncle Ishan for all the hard work and training he gave me. It’s after training with uncle Ishan for some time that I was successful in getting entrance to a well-recognized institution overseas.

Q: Tell us something about your voice training lessons overseas.

Back there, I am doing a Western Vocals Program which is a certified course affiliated with the London College of Music (LCM) University of West London-UK.“The wide and extensive musical repertoire brings out the best in each student as they learn sight-reading, aural awareness and music appreciation in every session.

Vocal exercises, performance techniques, and dramatic styles enhance their communication and musical expression. This course covers Pop Vocals and Musical Theater. Pop Vocals provides a structured approach which enables students to master techniques progressively and learn the skills which are necessary for this genre of singing and to develop capabilities both as a performer and as an informed listener. Musical Theater provides a structured approach that enables students to progressively master the understanding, knowledge, and skills necessary for effective communication and performance fosters learning through vocal and dramatic performance techniques and encourages a love of the literary and musical aspects of the genre.

Q: You have been training under Ishan de Lanerolle. Do you think every musician needs professional training even if they’ve got the talent to sing?

The choice of a voice trainer is not only one of the most crucial decisions a singer faces, but often one of the most baffling. Any young artiste who has earnestly undertaken this task recognises the struggle. Becoming a successful professional singer is a lot like being a gardener. Yes, it is possible to grow a blooming flower without fertiliser, but the chances of long-term life and maximum healthy growth go way up when you use fertilizer. The same is true with your level of success as a singer trained under a professional.

Q: Who is your biggest support in following your passion?

My biggest support in my singing career are my parents and my aunt and of course uncle Ishan who has been an inspiration in my journey. Without the support of each of them I wouldn’t be here.

You are here rehearsing and practising for an upcoming concert titled ‘The Different Voices 2’ presented by the students of Ishan de Lanerolle. How excited are you about this event?

Yes, I’m over the moon to be here once again and I’m looking forward to debuting my first song at the ‘The Different Voices 2.’ I was privileged to be a part of it last year too. ‘The Different Voices’ is a wonderful talent show with loads of fun, amazing experience and great exposure”.I wouldn’t want to miss any of uncle Ishan’s concerts. I would come down for it where ever I am, just like I did this time. I miss his classes very much. I am away for a purpose and when I am done with my course overseas I will be joining him again.

Q: Aaron, how would you describe yourself as a musician?

Well, I have a taste for a variety of music and I love experimenting with all types of music, but I prefer jazz or RnB as my go to music. Since, I play the piano and the guitar and compose my own songs I prefer acoustic versions. I just can’t sit there if I see a piano or a guitar anywhere; I would find the urge to go play it.

Q: What is your favourite genre of  music?

I don’t really have a favourite type of music. If a song comes out on the radio and it catches my attention, I download it off iTunes and save it on my phone. Eventually these songs of different genres become my favourites.

Q: What inspired you to start songwriting?

I took inspiration from Ed Sheeran mainly because of the way he composes his songs. And the message he delivers with his songs.

Q: Do you think of yourself more as a songwriter or a singer?

Well, I wouldn’t choose between the two. It would be correct if I say that I would consider myself as a singer and a song writer.

Q: Who are your favourite singers/songwriters and why?

The likes of Ed Sheeran, Shawn Mendes, James Arthur and many more, always seem to amaze me by the way they compose their songs and the message they deliver through it.

Q: How would you describe your musical image?

I am unique as every person is. For me, my image is, how I look at myself in the mirror. I just want to be me.

Q:  The songwriting call has whispered in your ears now, and you’ve decided to answer it...what do you have to say about it?

Songwriting is a noble calling that requires more than talent and perseverance. It requires courage. If you are willing to face yourself and honestly reveal in your songs what you’ve seen in that unveiling of yourself, then you have a chance of writing songs that will outlive you.

Q: Do you feel that you chose your ‘passion,’ or did it choose you?

It’s probably the latter I suppose. I never really intended to play the piano, my parents pushed me into learning music. But I am grateful I chose to stick with it.

Q: Can you recall your earliest musical memory?

My earliest music memories are probably my music lessons at the age of 5. Music has always been most important to me. I learned to play the piano when I was 5 years old. But when I was barely 3 ½ I thumped on those notes and sang my nursery rhymes as if I was playing it correctly. I would even sing those rhymes in front of a toy microphone as if I’ve bagged a Grammy. When I seriously started music lessons my parents would drive me to my music teacher where I would happily play the piano and enjoy my lesson until I’m asked to take out my manuscript book. I hated the theory part.

Q: You play the guitar; did you take guitar lessons a well?

Yes, as I was doing pretty good with the piano, Dad wanted me to learn the guitar as well. He could play the guitar and believed that I should know to play an instrument that is easily portable. So, I followed his advice and I’m happy I did.

Q: What has been the best experience for you so far in your musical ride?

That’s a tough question. Amazing things happen all the time. One of my most memorable moments was singing a duet and playing the piano at last year’s concert ‘The Different Voices’ and also singing Dance with me tonight… with the entire cast of the show and that’s something I’ll never forget.

Q: What advice would you give to someone just getting started on their musical path? Or even to someone young who is thinking of becoming a musician one day?

It’s not about what you must do… It’s about who you must become. To me, the most important rule is to stay focused on what you are doing and be true to yourself. Don’t let people sway you. YOU are the only person that matters when it comes to your music. To all the young ones out there... go for it!

Q: “Your image is basically an extension of your music.” How would you describe this phrase?

That’s interesting. Either we tell our story, or our story tells us.

Q: Other than singing what are your other interests?

I am planning to start up my own clothing line which is still a working process. On the flip side, I am also considering shelfing a handmade chocolate collection.”

Q: Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers about yourself or your music?

To all wonderful readers out there, the road to your goals isn’t going to be a straight road, but a rutty road filled with ups and downs. But if you have a goal you’ll always find a way to achieve it. This relates to everyone. To all young and upcoming musicians or anyone who’s aspiring to achieve big things, this is a quote that I follow ‘be who you want to be, and not what others want you to be’. Always believe that anything’s possible. -SP

Pix: Shan Rupassara

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