This Sri Lankan Guitarist Is Shaking Up Singapore’s Music Scene | Singapore Hour

Key Concepts

• East-meets-West musical fusion
• Singapore as a multicultural hub and home
• Importance of friends and family
• Musical influences: Western (blues, jazz, rock) and Indian classical
• Mantravine: a Singaporean band with a unique sound
• Cultural assimilation and integration

Early Years and Singapore as a Musical Hub

Isuru states that he was surprised by how open Singapore was for his music when he first arrived. His music aims to find a middle ground between Eastern and Western influences, and he believes Singapore offers the perfect mix for this. He moved to Singapore at the age of 10 when his father took a position at Nanyang Technological University (NTU). He developed a love for both biochemistry and music in Singapore.

Education and Career

Isuru pursued his scientific interests, going to Toronto for his BSc and then returning to Singapore for his doctorate in oncology. He simultaneously focused on his music career. Visiting guitar stores provides inspiration, both from the instruments and the people.

Musical Style and Influences

Isuru's musical style is divided into Western and Indian classical influences. The Western side includes blues, jazz, and rock. The Indian classical side is a passion, possibly influenced by his mother. His parents were encouraging of his musical interests.

Importance of Friendship

Isuru emphasizes the importance of his close friends, many of whom he met at United World College of Southeast Asia (UWCSEA) or NTU. He highlights that his friends ground him and remind him of who he is, which keeps him going with his music. He acknowledges Singapore as a multicultural hub where many people come and go, but his friends have made Singapore their home, which has reinforced his own sense of belonging.

Family and Cultural Integration

Isuru met his wife, Chitra, after returning from Toronto. He has a special relationship with Chitra's parents, who have been very kind and warm, especially since his own parents retired to Sri Lanka. He has learned about Gujarati cuisine, culture, and dances from them. He enjoys Gujarati food like thepla (savoury flatbread) and dhokla (steamed savoury cake). Chitra's parents note that Isuru has assimilated well into the Singapore Gujarati community, understanding the food and introducing them to his culture. They mention his comfort and popularity with the older Gujarati women.

Mantravine and the Singaporean Sound

Isuru's band, Mantravine, consists of four musicians. He describes their music as a "Singapore-ish sound" due to their diverse influences, reflecting their experiences of being born or raised in Singapore. Ditha, a member of Mantravine, recalls meeting Isuru at a jam session and being impressed by his slide guitar playing. She joined the band when their guitarist couldn't make it for the Singapore Comedy Festival. Mantravine performs at various venues, including rooftop sessions, aiming to create an inclusive and engaging experience for the audience.

Singapore as Home

Isuru reiterates that his music aims to find the middle ground between East and West, and Singapore provides the perfect mix. He emphasizes that Singapore has become his home, where he has his music, his band, his partner, and his close friends. He wouldn't have it any other way.

Conclusion

Isuru's story highlights the unique blend of cultures and opportunities that Singapore offers, particularly for artists seeking to bridge Eastern and Western influences. His journey underscores the importance of friendship, family, and cultural integration in creating a sense of belonging and enabling artistic expression. Mantravine's "Singapore-ish sound" exemplifies the creative potential that arises from this multicultural environment.