Kompanne Vidiye – last recorded song by Desmond De Silva – The Creative Process By Phyllis VH De Silva
In May 2019 Des & I were in Canberra to perform at a Concert organised by the band Friends. We stayed with Des’s cousin, wife, and family. On arrival, we unpacked, and Des went straight to a practice session.
At Des’s request, I always went along to these sessions, and I did enjoy them very much since it was an opportunity for me to observe Des at work.
He always took time to encourage the musicians, co artists, backup singers, and anyone performing a duet or two and who might be nervous to perform with him. He always made sure everyone was at ease amateur or professional, junior or senior. He knew how to get the best out of them, and they were happy to put in the work until Des was happy.
Practice sessions usually ended up with dinner and drinks, and this time was no different.
It was whilst everyone enjoying a pre-dinner drink that we were introduced to Tharinda Gunawardena. Among a variety of topics on discussion, an interview styled introduction to the upcoming concert was decided which took place the next day. Once this was over and everyone sat around socialising, Tharinda mentioned he was working on a song that he would like Des to record. Des agreed and left it to Tharinda to get in touch when the song was ready to be voiced.
And then Covid hit the world, and everything took a back seat.
In mid 2021, when global covid restrictions were slowly being relaxed, Tharinda called Des and discussed the song. He said he had been collaborating with Darshana Wickramatunga on the music composition and that it was near the finished stage. He mentioned that the song had been written specially with Des in mind, and Des requested that the lyrics and basic track be sent to him so that he could familiarise himself with the lyrics and tune and be prepared to record.
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Approximately 3 months later, Des received the lyrics and track. He was so excited, and I could tell there was something special about it from his facial reactions.
We were at the breakfast table where we usually sat for a while chatting and checking emails, msgs etc. He turned to me and said” Honey listen to this song… I really like the lyrics and the tune… it’s got a lovely beat & rhythm … let me translate the lyrics to you as you listen”. He then proceeded to play the demo track on his phone, and as he translated the lyrics to me,I had to agree … the tune WAS catchy, and I loved what the lyrics were conveying
Des then called Tharinda and told him that he was excited to learn the song and put in the practice till he got it perfect and to his liking before the proposed recording.
Every morning after breakfast, I watched as Des put his headphones on and put in at least an hour of practice. I watched and listened as he relentlessly went over any and every part that was not sounding just right to HIS ear. He was a perfectionist at all times but more, especially when it came to his music. Throughout the day, I would catch him humming or singing a phrase that challenged him. His professionalism and dedication to his craft were admirable
Regular phone conversations with Tharinda followed, checking on a phrase and / or updating his progress in preparation for the recording.
December 2021 arrived, and the date of the recording was set for 16th December. December 8th night, we responded to a phone call and rushed to his brother Milroy’s house. Sadly, Milroy was unable to be revived and passed away that night. We were in shock. We got home in the early hours of the morning and tried to get some rest. I saw how upset my husband was.. he loved his brother dearly and was devastated. I couldn’t get him to eat or drink or sleep. He was not himself for days.
However, the true professional that he was, he didn’t request for the recording to be rescheduled. He was aware that the studio in Sydney was heavily booked and that Tharinda & Dulsiri Watawala were scheduled to travel from Canberra for the recording.
Setting aside his grief, we went to the recording. I watched as yet again he relentlessly pushed himself till he was completely satisfied. Not once did he mention his brother’s passing or let his grief show through. He truly loved the song, and he was determined to get in the zone and give it his all. Truly, inspiring to watch.
We were not to know that this would be his final recording.
I was sitting by his side when he received the call from Tharinda that the song was ready for release. His excitement at this news is indescribable and a memory I treasure.
But, a few days later, on the eve of the song release, he left us.
Here is his recording:
Early this year, I received a phone call from Mariazelle telling me that she had been invited by Tharinda to record the sequel to KOMPANYAVEEDIYA. And the idea of changing the lyrics to a female version of the song. Mariazelle called to ask me how I felt about it and whether I had any reservations. I had no hesitation in saying that I knew that Des would love her to go ahead with it.
Des always guided Mariazelle and loved her harmonies, and found her voice suited his on many duets. I knew without doubt that Mariazelle would have been his choice for the song. Mariazelle kept in constant touch with me as she prepared for the recording and updated me every step of the way. I know Mariazelle has a high regard for Des. He was her mentor, and she valued his advice. Throughout the process, Mariazelle gave Des credit whenever the opportunity arose. After the release of her version, Mariazelle has been interviewed many times on TV and print, and she has always mentioned Des with love & respect. Here is Mariazelle’s version of the song:
