‘I just write how I feel and I bend the rules’
Suresh as seen in an illustration by Madhri Samaranayake
Suresh de Silva claims he has always been a writer. He has held creative writing positions at multiple advertising agencies and – probably more importantly – been the lyricist of Sri Lanka’s best known and loved heavy metal band, Stigmata, for 18 years.“I started writing at 11 (years old), and now at 34 I’m finally going public,” he shrugs, somewhat amused at himself.
He says it’s the timing. His first book, titled ‘From Chaos to Catharsis’ is a collection of poetry, prose, rants and in-betweens written mostly in 2016 and 2017. Up until now, the day jobs and the band (and the ever-growing band of stray dogs and cats roaming around his home, too, undoubtedly) took up most of his 24-hours. “It’s a huge commitment to sit down and put everything together,” he explains. “You have to get consistent and constant feedback, compile it all, get the cover done…”
Then there’s the scrutiny. Suresh is the lead singer of Stigmata, Sri Lanka’s ground-breaking rock band with a global following. He also played the role of Judas in the Workshop Players’ rendition of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar in 2013. Suresh is easily recognized in Colombo’s musician-artsy circles, and his foray into more definitely literary arenas than lyric-writing, he says, has caused some talk.
“We live in a world where everyone is trying to be politically correct or a hero.” Not Suresh. “Sri Lanka has so many elitist factions that sometimes, you are not given a chance or accepted [as an artist] until you win some award or prove yourself in some other way,” he says, with not a little of his characteristic angst. “There are so many writers, artists, designers and musicians out there who are very talented, but shrouded by this stuff.” Suresh has been told that he should stick to singing and writing lyrics. But of course, he is not taking that. “Not everyone has to be as eloquent as Byron or Donne or Yates,” he points out. “I don’t stick to rhyme patterns and schema. I just write how I feel, and I bend the rules.”
Suresh’s writing for Stigmata is almost dominated by an existential concern for Christ, and the protagonist’s struggle with a very Christian salvation. The characters in these writings are most often angels and demons portrayed in ambiguous, questioning lights. Vivid yet classical imagery distances the tale, from the teller, and the hearer. The rhythmic lines, the thickly woven music and the band’s enigmatic stage presence are what draw the audience in.
In the right place: Suresh de Silva. Pic by Indika Handuwala
The poetry, on the other hand, is very explicit, and rhythmically composed of broader brushstrokes to the pencilled lines of his lyrics. Here also are angels and demons, but there are many more human beings – many more ‘he’s, ‘she’s and ‘you’s drawn in relation to the writer. Immediately, the poetry is more approachable. Some pieces are intensely private. It is understandable, then, that at times, he drifts in to verbal puke. It is, after all, meant to be catharsis. But it is bearable, and utterly forgivable because of the “colossal wit” about which he writes and with which he writes for the most part: quick lines, sharp wit, subtle rhymes and beautifully paced rhythms.The only line Suresh draws for himself is “poor grammar and bad language”.
Over the years, the almost-published-author has shared his work with friends and literati whom he admires. He is overwhelmed by the feedback he has received, and is publishing now and not any other time because he is confident about his work, and the fact that it resonates with those whom he esteems.
A lot of the work that made the cut to print is from 2016 and 2017. “You always feel that the latter stuff you write is better than the first stuff you write,” he explains. “It’s the same for me with Stigmata. I consider myself an improving writer, singer, actor, performer, lyricist, ad guy, whatever. I aspire to be better next year than the last.”He feels he is in the right place at the right time, and he has the right writing.
‘From Chaos to Catharsis’ is a collection of just over thirty poems, aphorisms, rants, “some prosey-type stuff and one long short story.” Suresh will print 300 copies of the book which features a poignant cover art by Madhri Samaranayake. These will be available for a special price at the launch on August 4, starting 7 p.m. at the Barefoot Gallery on Galle Road. There is also a plan to make the publication available online, but the logistics of that venture are still being considered.
“I want people to start reading books again,” he explains. “Digital is convenient, but nothing beats the smell and feel of a book.” But also, a physical product as a “purging”. “This is different to performing. That is therapy, this is also therapy, just a different kind of therapy.” The catharsis.
“Creativity, you can’t just switch it on and off,” Suresh says. “You need the proper setting, mood, temperament, circumstances to be able to write smoothly.” To finally achieve the work, of releasing an album, of publishing a book, takes commitment. Suresh has achieved the first, and is on his way to making the second mark. Next, is a novel that he is already working on, amid his plans with Stigmata.
| The Launch | |
| The launch of Suresh de Silva’s debut collection of writings, titled ‘From Chaos to Catharsis’ will take place at the Barefoot Gallery on Galle Road, at 7pm, on August 4. Among the stellar cast of readers are Rev. Marc Bilimoria, Warden of S. Thomas’ College, Colombo, Jerome de Silva, Michelle Herft, Shanuki de Alwis and Shehan Karunatilleke. Entrance is free.
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