| Artist of the Week - Billy Fernando | ||||
|
|
Born to a musical family namely the Tennyson’s, Billy started his journey in music at a very early age. To the 3rd generation before him, Billy’s father who was a veteran musician, Tennyson Fernando was one of the best known musical instrument manufacturers as well as a performer and teacher of music. He absorbed the music he grew up with and enhanced with his talent and knowledge, achieved a very high standard of musical ability. His musical talents were tried, tested and proven from the very young age of 7. The Growing Years - Billy continued to excel in his music. He also began to nurture a growing interest and talent to Music composition. At the young age of 7, Billy performed as a drummer for his Alma Mater, St Peter’s College. He was a trumpeter, and was then the western band leader subsequently. At the age of 11, Billy performed with the Sri Lanka Philharmonic orchestra as a percussionist. Billy is the youngest musician the orchestra has had to date. Billy’s first experience in a band was with his very own brothers and family, which thereafter performed for most of his school functions and events. He was the Music Director for events organized by many schools while being still a student. Between the ages of 14 and 18, Billy also took part and won various talent contests and competitions, such as; Interschool talent shows, Regional & All Island competitions and many more. The Teen Years - Billy began exploring his musical abilities to his best, and he formed Ezra –‘The pioneers of Gospel Rock’. He then composed and performed many of his original music. He also led Ezra to win the TNL onstage competition in 2002, while winning the award for the Best Musician himself. He also started a commercial rock band ‘Acid-Rain’, which performed at various commercial functions, concerts and consequently became the backup band for popular Sri Lankan duo ‘Bathiya & Santhush’. Billy eventually joined B&S as their official drummer/guitarist/singer and toured with them to numerous countries around the globe. Subsequently in the recent past, he was the Bassist for ‘Mahesh & Friends’ led by Mahesh Denipitiya. Playing Sri Lankan tunes with a touch of fusion. The Present - Billy is currently involved with a Recording Studio as The sound engineer and composer. While producing music albums at the studio, he is also the producer of soundtracks for Radio and TV commercials. Being the son of the well known Tennyson Fernando, he is a Manufacturer of musical instruments by nature. He is Also the Proprietor of Tennyson Guitars. As well as a tutor of guitar and drums at Tennyson School of Music. Achievements : Youngest member of the college Western Band. Youngest member of the college Eastern Choir. Winner of the Junior Inter School Singing Competition at the age of 10. Performed as a Trumpeter for A Brass quartet For Island Music Awards at the age of 11. Youngest member of the Sri Lankan Philharmonic Orchestra (age of 11). Winner of Inter School ‘Jana Kavi’ singing competition at the age of 13. Winner of the ‘Peterite Best Musician of the Year’ award at the age of 14. Leader of the Western and Eastern Bands of St. Peter’s College at the age of 15. Formed Ezra at the age of 16. Performed with the Symphony Orchestra As a Guest Musician at the age of 16. Created Acid-Rain, The commercial Rock band at the age of 16. Joined B&S as their official drummer at the age of 17. Winner – Millennium Star at the age of 18. Proprietor Tennyson Guitars at the age of 18. Began Tennyson School of Music at the age of 19. Ezra – Winners of TNL On-stage at the age of 21. Best Musician – TNL On-stage at the age of 21. Toured A Number of Countries with B&S as Their drummer at the age of 22. Joined MAFF as bassist at the age of 22. Performed together with the members of the A. R. Rahman orchestra at the age of 23. Composed, produced and completed – Yuwathiya album. The ‘Yuwathiya’ Album - Encompassing all his knowledge and experience, Billy has completed his 1st solo album consisting of 10 Sinhalese songs. The songs are a compilation of various music styles and themes, varying from love to war. Most of the Lyrics have been written by Billy himself, while some of it being his very own life experiences. The lyrics are subject to the Hearts of young lovers. A song dedicated to a mothers love, and a song written hoping for peace in our country is also included in this album. Breaking the norm of Hip-Hop and R&B, Billy is introducing music with more intensity and emotion using the magical sounds of his guitar. The album will be released with M-Entertainment and distributed Island-wide in the form of Audio CD’s and Cassettes. Two song videos of the album have been produced & is currently played on TV and radio media. Billy the multi instrumentalist - As you would have experienced today, Billy is one of the unusual musicians, who could play several instruments at a professional standard. As Billy says, “I could get a decent sound from any instrument, if I manage to figure out the scale on it. That’s all I do”. |
| Last Updated ( Saturday, 27 February 2010 13:09 ) |
