Sonali Suriyagoda Lindsay: A Journey of Music and Heartfelt Melodies

November 1, 2024

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Acclaimed Singer-Songwriter and Versatile Performer Musician

Sonali Lindsay has a musical journey that spans decades from her early beginnings in the vibrant Sri Lankan music scene

In her time touring internationally, she has established a lasting presence in the European music circuit with popular bands & now in the Australian music industry in her country of residence. “From the Heart”, is a EP Album that showcases her passion for creating meaningful and emotionally resonant music, including tracks in English, Sinhala,Tamil.

She is thrilled to announce that her EP Album “From the Heart” and her other Singles are available now on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube, Google Play and other major music distribution platforms. Known for her dynamic versatility in a range of musical genres, Sonali has captivated audiences across Sri Lanka, Europe, and Australia with her powerful live performances and her Original compositions.

Currently performing with her own band “Sonali & The Escape” with Carlton Vernom, Clarence De Silva, Ziba Orooji, Damith Jayatilleke & Nalin De Silva, you can be sure to catch her performances at some of the popular venues in Australia.

A Musical Journey That Crosses Continents

Better known Sonali Suriyagoda back in the day and now going as Sonali Lindsay, she began her musical career in November 1989, a couple of years after leaving school. Her journey started with recording of her original music and later joining the popular Sri Lankan band KINGS. Some of you perhaps would remember her through various Musical Shows such as Variety Fare, Bright & Breezy & Sawasangeetha ITN & Rupavahini.

Performing at the iconic “Little Hut” at Mt. Lavinia Hotel with the KINGS, composed of Chandral Fonseka, Shiran Munasinghe, Arith Rathnabhushana & Aruna Liyanage aka Aruna Lian, Sonali made a lasting impression in the music industry and touched the hearts of many music lovers.

She quickly made a name for herself as a powerful vocalist and skilled performer. This led to a European tour for a couple of years where she and the band thrilled audiences across Germany, Switzerland, and Finland, including performances on the renowned cruise ship Isabella of the Viking Lines.

After returning from Europe, Sonali continued to perform with KINGS at Little Hut before the band disbanded. She then formed a trio called CHAMPAGNE with Chrys Wikramanayake & Nalin Fernando who was later replaced by Ricky Bahar, where they continued performing at top venues in Galadari Hotel and Ramada Renaissance (now Cinnamon Lakeside) in the Lobby circuit & Weddings, Dances & Private Functions.

Her career blossomed further, taking her across Europe once again when she joined the band THE FRIENDS who was based in Germany. THE FRIENDS was an already established band in the European music scene, composed of (Late)Nihar Hameed,(Late)Ushan Gunesekera, Udaya Welikala (current keyboardist of Mist) and Marlon Amerasekera. While performing in nightclubs, gala events, and prestigious venues in Germany, Switzerland and Holland from 1998 – 2001 Sonali was able to captivate many an audience.

During her time with the band KINGS, Sonali performed with the best of Sri Lanka’s famous musicians and also was one of the featured Singers in the group song “Our Land” by legendary band Sunil & the Gypsies.

In 2001, Sonali relocated to Australia, where she took a break from the music industry. She restarted her musical career in 2009 as a freelance artist releasing more originals and later joined CLOUD#9 with Chris Mant, Darrel DeHoon, Carlton Vernom and continued to enrich the music scene as the lead vocalist of the band. Performing regularly at Walawwa The Bungalow Sandown Regency, Wild Harvest Burwood, Dances and various other private events, she has showcased her ability to connect with audiences of all kinds, delivering performances that are soulful and electrifying.

A Versatile Performer with an Unforgettable Voice

Sonali’s musical style is wide-ranging, reflecting her deep experience and passion for music. Throughout her career, she has performed in multiple languages including German, Italian, Spanish at nightclubs, stage shows, concerts, private functions, and hotel venues, blending a mix of jazz, pop, rock, disco, ballads, country, contemporary, and classical standards. She has also lent her voice to numerous commercial Jingles for major brands like Odel, Keells, Baby Cheramy, Portello and Wasana Sampatha.

Her, International collaborations include sharing the stage with British pop band Brotherhood of Man and Johnny Logan, winner of the Eurovision Song Contest. As a backup vocalist, she performed with these iconic artists during their shows in Sri Lanka, showcasing her immense talent alongside world-class musicians.

All this experience has led to her continuing to create new original music.

Original Music That Resonates Across Cultures

Sonali’s recent work focuses on her original music, blending her love for multiple languages and musical styles. Her EP, From the Heart, is a reflection of her creative journey and includes songs that speak to the universality of love, life, and emotional connection. Sonali’s most recent releases include the Sinhala Baila track Lassana As Deka & Oba Mata Dun Adare a fast beat love song and Amma (A special song for her mother), along with earlier releases such as Sanda Athi Ra (Sinhala) and Nilavin Irave (Tamil), Mage Adare, Meh Adare, Mera Pyaar Ye (Hindi). Each track captures her unique ability to convey deep emotion, paired with catchy melodies and thoughtful lyrics.

As Covid happened, it gave her an opportunity in a positive note to expand her creative knowledge in studio recordings with the support and initial guidance from Aruna Lian, learning to use a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) that enabled her to compose, play, record and produce her own music.

She has two new originals awaiting to be released soon. An English song called “Showers Of Light” which is a song about life and hope, giving encouragement to people to believe in themselves and never give up, which was recorded and produced by Sonali and mixed & mastered by an Australian production company LSS Studio Productions.

Also another catchy Sinhala Baila song called “Sarigama”.

Stay tuned for her new releases.

Her music has garnered significant attention on digital platforms, where fans can find her works across iTunes, Spotify, Google Music, YouTube, and many more. Fans were particularly drawn to her English original ‘In Love With You’ which was also featured on a YAMAHA Pro Session (Unplugged) by Anil Balasuriya, which she performs with popular guitarist Primal Liyanage.

Looking Ahead: More Music, More Heart

Sonali remains dedicated to expanding her career while continuing to write and produce new music. Currently based in Melbourne with her husband Michael Lindsay, a migration lawyer, and their children, she balances her family life with a passion for performance. She regularly collaborates with Musicians from various different backgrounds for her performances, ensuring her connection to global music while maintaining a strong presence in the Australian music industry in her community.

Sonali’s ambitions are to touch more hearts through her music and spread messages of love, hope and happiness. Her goal is to continue creating music that resonates with people from all walks of life, delivering timeless performances and heartfelt melodies that leave a lasting impression.

Fans and music enthusiasts are invited to explore Sonali’s latest works, including her album “From the Heart” and her latest Singles, now available on major streaming platforms.

About Sonali Suriyagoda

Born and raised in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Sonali Suriyagoda began her musical training at the age of 10, studying piano through Royal & Trinity College of Music, under the guidance of a private music teacher. After completing her Advanced Level exams at St. Bridget’s Convent, Sonali shifted her focus from pursuing studies of law to following her passion for music, which led her to join some of the most iconic bands in Sri Lanka.

Today, Sonali is recognized for her wide-ranging repertoire, ability to perform in multiple languages and her extensive international experience. Her music continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.

Sonali’s advice to up and coming singers and young creators is to have hope, dream big, be passionate and persuasive about their goals and have focus with dedication in anything they do. Never Give Up! Always Keep Trying…!!!

Listen to Sonali’s music:
From the Heart – EP on Apple Music
Music.lk – Sinhala & Tamil Versions

Be sure to subscribe and follow her on social media