Sri Lankan Record Producer Working with International Music Icons

Romesh Dodangoda isn’t your typical record producer. Based in Wales, UK, he specialises in Pop, Rock and Metal, and has produced music for globally celebrated ensembles including Bullet for My Valentine, Bring Me the Horizon and Motorhead. In 2019, Bring Me the Horizon’s album ‘Amo’, which was produced by Romesh Dodangoda, even got nominated for the ‘Best Rock Album’ at the prestigious Grammy Awards!

To learn more about this remarkable Sri Lankan record producer and mixer, we decided to have a conversation with the man himself!

1. How did your journey as a music producer start?

I think it started when I started learning to play the guitar. I was always obsessed with learning how to get different sounds from the guitar. That eventually got me really interested in how songs were put together and how sound is recorded creatively. As a guitarist, I had some software that allowed me to record myself playing, and naturally, I then started making songs. After a while, once I had learned a fair bit, I started recording friends of mine to practise my recording techniques, and that’s where I realised that this would be something I’d like to do in life.

2. How would you describe your creative process?

It varies depending on what song I’m working on, who the artist is, and how they like to work. There are a lot of different situations. Part of my job as a Producer is to adapt to how the artist feels comfortable working. If I am mixing a song, I will often imagine in my head exactly how I want it to sound, and then the process of mixing is me trying to get the sound in my head to come out of the speakers.

3. How do you find inspiration for the work you do?

The music is what inspires me. When I get a great song to work on, that’s exciting in itself and makes me focus on how I can get the most out of the song and all the parts in it. Once you start unlocking the potential in a song, it’s really exciting to hear it unfold. Listening to new music is also inspiring. I like hearing productions that sonically excite me, and that helps me push myself as a Producer/Mixer to challenge myself.

4. What is the experience like to work with global icons such as Bring Me the Horizon, Motorhead and Funeral for a Friend?

I am very lucky and grateful to be able to work with some wonderful artists! It’s always a great feeling to work with a band you like, and I’ve had some very enjoyable sessions with them all!

5. What is the most unforgettable project you’ve done?

There are so many that have been a pleasure to work on. I would say that going out to America to record the album ‘Amo’ with Bring Me the Horizon was a great experience. We had an awesome studio in California, amazing weather and a great band that was a pleasure to be part of – and I have some great memories from that session.

6. What was it like to hear about the Grammy nomination?

I was absolutely thrilled to hear that ‘Amo’ was nominated for a Grammy. It has always been a dream to have anything I’ve worked on be recognised on such a prestigious scale like the Grammys. So yes, that was definitely a box ticked! I got to go to the ceremony as well, which was something I never expected I would get to do, so that was an unforgettable experience for me.

7. Over the years of your career, what do you consider as the biggest challenge you have faced?

I think the challenge is just staying refreshed when you are working on a lot of projects. I tend to balance my life and work quite well these days, so I can really enjoy what I do without feeling drained. I think that’s important. No matter how much you love your job, it’s important not to overdo it.

8. In your point of view, what makes a great song?

Great vocals, a great melody, and a great chorus! Everyone connects with the vocals at the end of the day, so that has to be great. A song can sonically sound average, but none of that matters if the vocals are great. It’s all about the song!

9. What is one piece of advice you could give aspiring music producers in Sri Lanka?

Always make sure everything you put out is to the highest level it can be. You never know who will hear it and what door it could open up for you, so always try and put out the best work you can do.

10. How can people follow your work?

People can follow my work on my website, or my social media handles, @longwaveromesh. If not, you can get updated by visiting www.control-room.net.

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