Anyone who is into the art of listening to music and appreciating music would definitely be aware of who the De Lanerolle Brothers are. Esteem was thrilled to have secured an interesting Q&A with the De Lanerolle Brothers taking into consideration their very busy schedule. Anyone who knows these two personally would be aware of the fact that they are so different and yet so alike. The one thing that unifies them both is their shared love for music and also that ethereal art of singing.
Yet as anyone knows nothing in life comes very easily. However, it is practicing patience and investing in the profession of hard work that really helps you become truly great in what you choose to do with life: This really is the legacy of the De Lanerolle Brothers. It is a bold statement that can honestly be seen in their effortless singing and also in their versatility. For instance, anyone who has been part of the audience when the brothers perform would witness how they are able to sing contemporary music, opera, and even some truly classical Sinhala music.
While it would be very interesting and quite easy to give a long and rambling introduction it is not necessary rather let’s hear from the brothers themselves. Without any further ado, let’s look at some of the interesting answers that they had to a few questions we asked them.
1. Can you tell us a bit about your family background and how you both actually got into music?
Rohan: Actually both our parents and their families have been musical. Our Mother was 1st in the island twice under age in piano, and her brother was a good singer who was also an entertainer. So was our mother’s sister who also had a good voice not forgetting our maternal grandmother, too. From our father’s side, I would say that our father has a very good ear and to-date remains our best critic. Our paternal grandfather also had a good bass voice and was always welcomed in church choirs.
2. It is amazing how you guys can sing a wide range of songs and a wide range of genres, but what exactly is your favourite genre?
Ishan: I would say Broadway and Pop would be the standouts.
Rohan: Classical and sacred music would be my pick.
3. I’m sure each of you has a favourite song. Would you like to tell our readers what particular track is your favourite and why?
Ishan: I would say, “I dreamed a dream” from Les Misérables simply because there is so much meaning and emotion when one considers the lyrics.
Rohan: For me every track gives you a different perspective, meaning and emotion, and it’s all about the lyrics and how you bring that out to touch people’s hearts; so unfortunately I am unable to pick one song as a stand out.
4. What are the things that annoy you?
Ishan: When things don’t go as planned, and when each person doesn’t deliver and shirks responsibilities.
Rohan: Time and time again I have said this – it is jealousy and copying. This is a BIG problem in this country in any field let alone singing. People act as if nothing has happened and are not straightforward and have loads of hidden agendas and are two-faced AND wish for your downfall. There are others who just love to copy and cannot be original. An example of this is people who have to copy the exact layout of a publicity material.
5. Aside from music and singing, what are your other hobbies?
Ishan: Teaching children, which gives you immense satisfaction when they perform to people.
Rohan: Annoying everyone. My late maternal grand uncle used to call me “The great annoyer!”
6. What are your future plans?
Ishan: Plans are many; what we are concentrating on right now is to see how we can evolve into different areas.
Rohan: We will keep that a secret, if not people will want to copy that, too.
Inspiration certainly needs to come from somewhere, and for this incredible duo nothing inspires them more than music itself. There are a great many singers and artists who are truly unique, but it would be suffice to say that it is performers like Andrea Bocelli, Luciano Pavarotti, Mario Lanza, and Beniamino Gigli who are the most inspirational for this duo. With the local music industry evolving quite a bit, it needs to be stated that there really is a requirement for unique artistry. The De Lanerolle Brothers definitely are a benchmark for the rest of the music industry; each and every single brand new performance is an absolute sell-out and is also incredibly unique in its presentation and delivery. As Rohan said there will be quite a few future plans, which are sure to be incredible and heartwarming albeit under wraps.
Written by Rohitha Perera