Interview: Civilization One: A bed of panties - STALKER MAGAZINE inside out of rock´n´roll

Civilization One: A bed of panties

During the last few years we heard a lot about Chitral “Chity” Somapala, in many different Bands like Avalon, Firewind and Domain where he gave the music a charming touch. With his own band Civilization One he has released one record already, and the second is now in the making. The best time to ask the charming, charismatic singer about his plans, life and future.

Please introduce all band members with all their characteristics, spleens, music backgrounds etc.
OH My GOD!!!
Pierre Emmanuel Pelisson is a solid ground bassist/musician, comes from great thrash/metal influences and locks well with any drummer!
Christian Münzner a very innovative guitarist/musician who comes from a broad range of music influences! Watch out for him in the future!
Björn Daigger A True Metal Hero! Plays very tight and to the point and carries the song through out with passion!
Holger “Holly” Rodammer is a excellent bandguide with blistering double bass and hands!

Where are you from?
I was born in Colombo/Sri Lanka and residing in Germany for almost 22 yrs

What kind of music do you play?
I prefer always that people to judge their opinion of what calibre from our delivery.
So far I would say it´s Melodic Power Metal with a touch of Progressive elements here and there.

Who do you want to reach, or what do you want to achieve with your music?
I prefer to send out an understandable message to reach all people! But too bad that the metal music is no longer on TV/RADIO commercially. But I will continue cos I love what I do.

How did it all begin with Civilization One?
The band started off after my departure from FIREWIND!!! Certain bands got in touch with me and they were not really my thing, also I was thinking to myself, all my life i had to sing/write songs for others + their influences for their benefits. So I decided to get my own band together, somehow even though it`s a tough/competetive music bussiness!
I knew Aldo (Secret Sphere) for some years and I contacted another old friend of mine, Pierre Emmanuel Pelisson(ex: Heavenly), Bassist, and got the thing off the ground. We did our first performance at the ProgPowerUK showcase in England and it was a success!Things changed meanwhile, certain people tend to think differently, and at times it´s ineluctable But THE SHOW MUST GO ON!
Right now I have this monster shredder Christian Münzner (ex: Necrophagist/Majesty), another Metal Freak Bjorn Daigger (R:I:P/Majesty) on guitar and the drummer Holger „Holly“ Rodammer ex: Ancient Ceromony/Hellmasters, who is a excellent time keeper along with my best pal Pierre Emmanuel Pelisson to shine on again after all these calamity.

You will soon release your second Album, can you tell us a little bit about it and let us know why we should by this record?
Right now we are discussing all our ideas to put together a creative/innovative Album!

Who are your musical idols, what are your most important musical influences?
I do listen to all types of music, as I´m a music teacher! I got to have a huge spectrum of repertoire to influence the youth. But I have been influenced by Classic Rock/Disco to Reggae

Who writes the music /lyrics, or are all in the band responsible?
I write all lyrics and melodies, but it all depends who comes along with a riff/idea or whatever! I do write music as well, but I prefer that the whole band to ice the cake.

What do you do if you are not in the band (studying, working)?
Music is a thing I can´t get rid off! I do work at Modern Music School in Trier/Germany as Vocal Coach and a Bass Tutor.

Would you sell your soul to the devil to become famous?
NOOOOO!!! :D Being too famous can really fuck up your mind! I prefer to have a good midrange of success where people appreciate your presentation with the feet on the ground!

What would you pick if you had to choose between sex, drugs and Rock´n´Roll?
Rock ‘n´ Roll!

What is your dream, where does your motivation come from?
My dream is if all these morons could stop WARS all over! Certain leaders are sick motherfuckers!!!

What was the most exciting/the most disappointing moment in your band history?
The most exciting thing is when people approach you to be a part of the band! Being so nice to your face and then behind the back trying to fuck you upside down is a huge disappointment! That´s the world today!

What was the most absurd thing that happened to you?
The last few years only absurd things are happening to me ;-) hahahaha

What happened during your worst live show?
Loosing my Voice and being sick on stage!

If your song is to be used as soundtrack for a panty liners commercial, would you agree?
YES!!!I love panties:o))) I wanna make a bed of panties instead of roses!

Which song are you most proud of, and why?
I´m still proud of the song “Nadee Ganga” I did for the brewery in Sri Lanka with my native language as it´s for almost 10 yrs rotating in Radio/TV in Sri Lanka and here´s the link to check it out http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZdxwS3_xoWY
I sound very unique in it, maybe it´s the language that makes the song beautiful!

What do you think is cool/totally sucks about being a musician?
It´s cool to be a musician when people try to rip off you for money/fool you it totally sucks!

Would you participate in Eurovision or Idols contest?
If I get a chance for Eurovision yes! But not those shit contests!

Which band would you enjoy touring with?
Some of the big named bands I have played on tour are great! But most of these WE WANNA BE ROCKSTAR bands are the worst fuckheads! Hahaha It´s really true!

What do you plan in the near future?
To continue as it should be :D

More Infos about Chity and his Band http://www.somapala.com or http://www.civilization-one.com/
Author: Sandy Mahrer, photos: Civilization One
Date: 2008-03-26

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