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Living the dream: SANKHAB on writing a song for legendary RnB singer Andrea Martin

17 May 2021

[caption id="attachment_136677" align="alignright" width="262"] "Sometimes, God has bigger and better plans for you. How else does a guy from Sri Lanka get the opportunity to write a song for someone who has been the voice behind such great artists like Rihanna, Beyonce, Leona Lewis, En Vogue, and Toni Braxton?" Sankha Bopearacchci aka. SANKHAB[/caption] In life, and especially in uncertain times like these, it is important to celebrate not just our own personal wins, but also the wins of those around us. One Sri Lankan who has recently had a big win is singer-songwriter Sankha Bopearacchci aka. SANKHAB. He is one of the few musicians in the Asian region who is working with Jay Z’s record label, Roc Nation and is also being mentored  by legendary RnB singer-songwriter Andrea Martin, whose discography boasts global musical greats like Rihanna, Pink, Beyonce, and Leona Lewis, to name a (very small) few. SANKHAB has been singing and writing songs for over a decade, starting out in 2007 by writing the hit single Chandrayan Pidu for the Sri Lankan band Daddy. He has since gone on to write and compose music for Voice Print, The Slipping Chairs, Infinity, and Doctor, to name a few. Starting his international career in 2016, now he is one of the few musicians in the Asian region to be working with artists signed to international labels like Roc Nation, Universal, and Warner Music. As songwriters, many can only dream of having their songs picked up by famous artists and produced for global release. SANKHAB has had this dream come true; he is currently working on a single, Shut Up and Kiss Me, that is to be performed and released worldwide by international songwriter and musical powerhouse Andrea Martin. Sri Lankans making it on the global stage is always a pleasure to see, in whatever field. It shows that we as Sri Lankans do have what it takes to make our mark in the world. Brunch caught up with SANKHAB to learn more about Shut Up and Kiss Me and about Sankha himself. Following are excerpts of the interview.   What got you into music? I grew up in a very passionate and dedicated family with two elder sisters. My parents were very passionate about us and we grew up with 100% support to follow our dreams. So anything we ended up doing, we put a lot of effort and dedication because we had very good role models. I would write poems very badly, and when I was about eight years old, I got into music because my family is very musical. I was a very average drummer, but then I would sing at different family functions and get attention for it, and I quite liked the attention, so I continued doing it. I learnt guitar so that I can write songs when I was just about 16, and I’m still doing the same thing today, except now I get paid for it.   What kind of musician are you? I used to play in a few rock bands because I loved the energy that came with. I really like performing and I can be a bit theatrical. So my music always has a slight edge to it. Queen and Bon Jovi are my inspiration when I perform my music. But when I write songs, I’m very technical. I analyse a certain genre until I understand the mechanics of it and know that I can make something. It’s how it has always been. It’s very useful because I can capture the flavour of any genre. It’s an amazing gift.   [caption id="attachment_136678" align="alignleft" width="228"] Andrea Martin[/caption] To you, as a songwriter, what’s the most challenging as well as most favourite part of composing a song? My favourite thing about songwriting is that it’s just so free. Inspiration is everywhere; the notes are just there, free to take for anyone. Even the words are abundant. You can basically do anything. It’s very powerful because it’s free. The hardest part about songwriting would be letting go of a song that you created – it’s like holding your child in your arms and having to let go.    You’ve been in local music since 2007 and international music since 2016. Tell us more about how you went international. My good friend Ravin Peiris, who is one of the executive producers of Shut Up and Kiss Me, heard me performing my songs on the radio and wanted me to record some with him. We put a few songs together and my friend IAMDJRD, who is the track’s other executive producer, manages Andrea Martin. He heard Shut Up and Kiss Me and he liked it, so he showed it to Andrea Martin. She called me up and said let’s work on the song.   You’re working on a single with legendary RnB singer-songwriter Andrea Martin. Tell us more about that? It is surreal. You always think you will have to work your way up the ranks to work with the greats and pay your dues before you ever get to make a mark. But sometimes, God has bigger and better plans for you. How else does a guy from Sri Lanka get the opportunity to write a song for someone who has been the voice behind such great artists like Rihanna, Beyonce, Leona Lewis, En Vogue, and Toni Braxton? She even wrote A Little Party Never Killed Nobody from the movie The Great Gatsby! What a trip! [caption id="attachment_136679" align="alignright" width="223"] IAMDJRD[/caption] Being able to release a single worldwide with a famous artist is every up-and-coming musician’s dream. How are you feeling about it? I’m feeling great. I get to release the song independently. That is a huge blessing because I get to keep full creative control. Plus, I get the credit for writing the song and producing the song. I can’t really explain how huge this is.   What advice would you give to other aspiring musicians looking to make it internationally? Don’t hold on to one song. It’s free, keep writing, keep creating. The industry is a battleground; your talents are your arsenal and your musical catalogue is your ammunition. Make sure you are locked and loaded. Aim to be rich and not famous. Too many people are waiting to prey on you if all you want to be is famous. Lastly, network!

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Discover Kapruka, the leading online shopping platform in Sri Lanka, where you can conveniently send Gifts and Flowers to your loved ones for any event. Explore a wide range of popular Shopping Categories on Kapruka, including Toys, Groceries, Electronics, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Automobile, Mother and Baby Products, Clothing, and Fashion. Additionally, Kapruka offers unique online services like Money Remittance, Astrology, Medicine Delivery, and access to over 700 Top Brands. Also If you’re interested in selling with Kapruka, Partner Central by Kapruka is the best solution to start with. Moreover, through Kapruka Global Shop, you can also enjoy the convenience of purchasing products from renowned platforms like Amazon and eBay and have them delivered to Sri Lanka.Send love straight to their heart this Valentine's with our thoughtful gifts!


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