Interview with Ruwanga Samath

Sri Lankan born producer/composer, Ruwanga Samath is making noise in the LA music scene with his Bird Call Productions & a no-boundaries attitude.  I caught up with him for a few minutes of Q & A along his busy pathway to Global Domination. Read on to find out what keeps The Bird Call motivated & how food may very well be the answer to World Peace….

Five Quick Stats

Best makeout song ever written?
Robi Draco Rosa - Dancing in the rain

Moshpit or The Dancefloor?
I prefer the dancefloor… I went to a Slayer concert when I was in high school and got my introduction to moshpits.

Tshirt & Jeans or Make Mine Armani?
Tshirt & Jeans all day

NYC or LA Baby?
LA, even though NYC is great.
Take Out or Dinner at Mom’s place?  

Hahaha. Easiest question of all time. Mom’s food all day, every day. Like my good friend Greg Cahn always says “Renuka’s food can end wars” 

Having founded Bird Call Productions in 2003, you’ve been producing/mixing  since the age of 18.  When did you know MUSIC was the life for you? 

 My mom was an artist in my country, my uncle was a famous musician and my dad had a huge record/ cassette collection… So I grew up around music all of my life. Like my grandpa always says “Life is too short for you not to do what you love”.
 
You’ve worked with music from chart toppers such as Kesha, Beyonce, Britney Spears, Kelly Rowland & more.  What motivates you to get involved with a new project such as the latest with Maxwell D & Cahn & Yang?
 It has to inspire me on some level to commit. Either the artist or the music has to move me in some way for me to get involved. That’s exactly what happened with Maxwell D and Cahn and Yang. Now we’ve made good music together and more importantly, they’ve become some of my closest friends.

Your production of “Make it to the Sun” was donated to Barack Obama’s Presidential campaign.  How did it feel to put your musical & lyrical voice into such a monumental part of American history? 
The presidential campaign was a prime example of the power that our generation, especially the creative community, can have on different issues. I strongly believe that we should take up more responsibility and try to do our best to make a difference.

 
What should everyone know about your beautiful home country Sri Lanka?  And do you visit there often?

New York Times once named it the most desirable place to visit. It’s a beautiful country. I try to visit as much as I can. I’m probably going to go visit this December.

Crossing musical lines from hip-hop, R&B, pop, rock, reggae, dance hall & more, do you have a favorite genre? 

It varies depending on my mood, but I must say coming from Sri Lanka, I’m a huge reggae fan. I grew up listening to Bob Marley, Peter Tosh etc. 

You are known for innovative music & a unique style of production.  What inspires your originality & freedom to take chances?

Music is a journey for me and I try to explore as much as I can. Being surrounded by incredible talent is always inspiring. Especially working along side Ozzy Doniz has helped me grow as a producer. 

Successful music compositions for TV, Movie Soundtracks, Video Games, there seems to be no limits at The Bird Call.   How is 2010 treating you so far? 
2010 has been a very interesting year for me and my whole team. I think I’ve matured and learned alot as a producer, composer and also as a person within the past 6 months. I’m very excited for the rest of the year.

To find out the latest happening with RU visit :
http://www.myspace.com/thebirdcall

All the Best to you RU & Thanks!!
BIRDEE