Murandu on making and producing music
The Sri Lankan music scene is much more diverse than one would imagine. Yes, the ever-popular baila is something we will always hold close to our hearts, but local musicians play with a variety of styles, and not always for the Sri Lankan market either.
One such Sri Lankan musician with a global mindset is Rehan Amaratunga, or to use his professional name, Murandu. Murandu has, as he puts it, “a passion for creating sonic spaces and hitting people in the feels”.
Experimenting over the years to develop and hone that ever-sought after “signature style”, after exploring multiple genres, Murandu came to realise he didn’t have one. And that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. Working with music, Murandu found that what set him apart was bold steps in sound palettes and unique mixing techniques. With his own tracks, “Aylo” (Curious Case of Bass) and “Oh Colombo” topping local charts for several consecutive weeks at number one, Murandu is now focussed on taste-making in the local scene and producing epic collaborations with all kinds of talent.
As a music producer, Murandu collaborates with musicians looking to develop their own unique sounds, for whatever, working with them and drawing inspiration from their artistry, build a sound that emotionally impacts listeners and draws them into an unfolding story, composing songs and lyrics that can translate any idea to the medium of sound.
Brunch caught up with Murandu (or Rehan) for a taste of what makes this musician tick.
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Rehan Amaratunga[/caption]
What got you into music?
I've been a geek since I was very young, continuously trying to figure out what next to impress my friends and family with.
I always enjoyed listening to music but my production journey started 13 years ago when I downloaded a digital audio workstation software called FL Studio. The rest is history with my music on SoundCloud and now all major streaming platforms.
Are you a full-time musician? Tell us more about what kind of music you make?
Yes. I am a full-time music producer. As a music producer and beatmaker, I like to consider my software as my instrument. I've always had phases of love for specific genres of music, stemming from EDM (electronic dance music) and classic funk to RnB (rhythm and blues)/trap/neo-soul which are now my mainstays.
Your music is very unusual for a Sri Lankan artist. What gap in the Sri Lankan market are you looking to fill?
I’m not looking to fill any gaps in the Sri Lankan market. The artists I work with and I look at creating new markets here, but we also use the power of the internet to spread some love globally.
Do you make your own original music?
I've never made a cover. Only my own music.
What did you get up to during the lockdown?
Lockdown was a very interesting few months for me, though it wasn't very different in regards to being locked up in the house all the time. There was a lot of music-making! But mostly experimenting and learning. As a one-man show, I had to hone my ears to mixing techniques and mastering.
Who are your personal musical greats?
The Robots, Deadmau5, J Dilla, to name a few.
What would you say to other aspiring musicians in your field?
The only cost of your dreams is a whole lotta effort.
YouTube: Murandu Music
Instagram: @murandumusic
Rehan Amaratunga[/caption]
What got you into music?
I've been a geek since I was very young, continuously trying to figure out what next to impress my friends and family with.
I always enjoyed listening to music but my production journey started 13 years ago when I downloaded a digital audio workstation software called FL Studio. The rest is history with my music on SoundCloud and now all major streaming platforms.
Are you a full-time musician? Tell us more about what kind of music you make?
Yes. I am a full-time music producer. As a music producer and beatmaker, I like to consider my software as my instrument. I've always had phases of love for specific genres of music, stemming from EDM (electronic dance music) and classic funk to RnB (rhythm and blues)/trap/neo-soul which are now my mainstays.
Your music is very unusual for a Sri Lankan artist. What gap in the Sri Lankan market are you looking to fill?
I’m not looking to fill any gaps in the Sri Lankan market. The artists I work with and I look at creating new markets here, but we also use the power of the internet to spread some love globally.
Do you make your own original music?
I've never made a cover. Only my own music.
What did you get up to during the lockdown?
Lockdown was a very interesting few months for me, though it wasn't very different in regards to being locked up in the house all the time. There was a lot of music-making! But mostly experimenting and learning. As a one-man show, I had to hone my ears to mixing techniques and mastering.
Who are your personal musical greats?
The Robots, Deadmau5, J Dilla, to name a few.
What would you say to other aspiring musicians in your field?
The only cost of your dreams is a whole lotta effort.
YouTube: Murandu Music
Instagram: @murandumusic