Alston Koch, a Sri Lanka-born Australian, has made significant strides in the entertainment industry as a singer-songwriter, film producer, record producer, and actor. Often hailed as “Asia’s King of Pop,” Koch’s journey to international success began in the late 1970s. His influence spans continents, with notable achievements in Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, India, and Sri Lanka.
Koch’s impact in the entertainment world is well-recognized. He received the State of California Senate’s Certificate of Recognition and the Certificate of Special US Congressional Recognition for his contributions to American communities. Migrating to Sydney, Australia, Koch thrived in the music industry, recording for RCA/Laser Records and the Australian TV Network Channel 9’s “Living Sound” label.
In Australia, Koch formed his band Dark Tan, achieving international hits on the RCA label. They performed globally, with standout appearances such as the ‘Stars & Stripes Concert’ in 1976. Renowned music historian Glenn A Baker credited Koch and Dark Tan as the pioneers of disco music in Australia. Over his career, Koch has released 21 singles and four albums through labels like RCA, BMG, EMI, and Sony.
Koch’s first major hit, “Disco Lady,” earned him a gold record and numerous awards, including ‘Best New Talent’ at the 1979 International Disc Jockey Association Awards. Dark Tan also won Australia’s Observer newspaper’s ‘Best Disco Band’ award. Koch’s contributions to music and culture continued with his involvement in projects like the America’s Cup album, The Kookaburra Connection, and his role as Sri Lanka’s Tourism Ambassador since 2007.
Koch’s influence extends beyond music. He has written songs addressing global issues like climate change, receiving international acclaim. His dedication to raising awareness about environmental issues was highlighted when he performed “A Symphony for Change” in Mexico City on World Environment Day 2018.
Most recently, Koch was honored by The Hon. Milton Dick, Speaker of the House of Representatives in Australia, at a private function in Brisbane. This recognition coincided with the former PM of Australia, Scott Morrison’s visit to Sri Lanka, underscoring Koch’s enduring impact and connection to both Australia and Sri Lanka.
With a career spanning decades, Koch remains a significant figure in the entertainment industry, continuing to inspire and entertain audiences worldwide.
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