From Courtrooms to Crescendos: The Extraordinary Odyssey of Sohan & The X’Periments

Presented by CeylonDigest

Some musicians chase fame; others craft it with every note, gesture, and story. Sohan Weerasinghe belongs to the rare breed who have transformed music into a living narrative of culture, heritage, and personal triumph. From the modest halls of early Sri Lanka, where his voice first captivated audiences, to the grand stages of Oman, Australia, Europe, and beyond, Sohan’s journey reads like an odyssey—an intricate tapestry woven with discipline, passion, innovation, and an unwavering love for music.

Leading Sohan & The X’Periments, he has built a band that is not merely a group of performers but a dynamic, evolving ensemble where creativity, camaraderie, and freedom coexist. Blending Western melodies with Sinhala rhythms, timeless classics with daring experiments, and international flair with local soul, Sohan has created performances that transcend mere entertainment. Each note is purposeful; each song is a story; each performance is a celebration of life, identity, and the unifying power of music.

CeylonDigest is proud to present this intimate conversation with a rare musical personality—a visionary who has not only elevated Sri Lankan music to global heights but also preserved its cultural heartbeat. Here, we explore his childhood inspirations, his bold leap from law to music, the formation and legacy of Sohan & The X’Periments, his reflections on heritage, tourism, and the role of music in society, the unwavering support of family, and his wisdom for aspiring musicians. This interview is not merely a chronicle—it is an invitation to journey through decades of creativity, resilience, and artistic brilliance.

Interview

CeylonDigest: What is your earliest memory of music shaping your emotions or imagination?

Sohan Weerasinghe:In those early days we had access only to the SLBC popularly known as  Radio Ceylon so I listned to the English service and was influenced by it

CeylonDigest: Did your family or local culture influence your musical inclination as a child?

Sohan Weerasinghe:Yes I come from a very musical  family and my father used to play the  violion mother played the piano and my sister was a well known singer.

CeylonDigest: Who were the musicians or experiences that first inspired your passion for singing?

Sohan Weerasinghe:Elvis,Engelbert,Tom Jones and Cliff Richard.

CeylonDigest: What attracted you to law as a career while already feeling drawn to music?

Sohan Weerasinghe:initially my ambition was to become a lawyer but then music became  my first choice.

CeylonDigest: Was there a defining moment when you realized music was your true calling?

Sohan Weerasinghe:I realized this only when many people started appreciating my singing

CeylonDigest: How do you reflect on leaving law for music after decades of success?

Sohan Weerasinghe:I practiced only for one year as a lawyer and then I decided that  music was going to be my full time career.

CeylonDigest: How did performing with bands like Moonstones and Gabo & The Breakaways shape your skills?

Sohan Weerasinghe:I learnt my basics by performing with these highly experienced bands at  the time.

CeylonDigest: How did singing both English and Sinhala songs influence your versatility?

Sohan Weerasinghe:I was able to reach audiences all around Srilanka once I started  singing in both languages.

CeylonDigest: What lessons from those early performances helped you lead The X’Periments?

Sohan Weerasinghe: Annesley Malawana was my leader in the MoonStones and Gabo Peiris was the leader of the Breakaways.I copied their management style.

CeylonDigest:  How did you acquire the X’Periments name, and what vision guided the band’s formation?

Sohan Weerasinghe: In 1975 there was a band named X’Periments managed by Marcey Perera ,I took over the band from him and named them Sohan &the X’Periments

CeylonDigest: How do you maintain the band’s identity while allowing members personal freedom?

Sohan Weerasinghe:I try to be as flexible as possible as long as the band members play  for me on our assigned dates.

CeylonDigest: How do you cultivate creativity, discipline, and audience engagement among your musicians?

Sohan Weerasinghe:I try to advice guide and inspire them and encourage them to be  creative & disciplined as far as possible.

CeylonDigest: How do you balance experimentation with the audience’s expectations?

Sohan Weerasinghe:When I am on stage I try my best to “read”the crowd and arrange  my music accordingly.

CeylonDigest: How do you infuse Sri Lankan culture and heritage into your performances abroad?

Sohan Weerasinghe:By trying my best to do original sinhala songs to create nostalgia  amongst Sri lankan audiences.

CeylonDigest: What role does music play in promoting tourism and cross-cultural exchange?

Sohan Weerasinghe:The music industry plays a big role in promoting SriLanka & as a  cultural medium which helps to unite all Srilankans.

CeylonDigest: How do you preserve traditional sounds while embracing global music trends?

Sohan Weerasinghe: By tapping on the experience of a good arranger who has a lot of  creativity in mixing the different sounds.

CeylonDigest: How has your family supported your musical journey across decades?

Sohan Weerasinghe:They have always given me their 100%support and  encouragement.

CeylonDigest: How did you manage long tours and international residencies while staying connected to family?

Sohan Weerasinghe: It is a difficult task how ever this is a problem faced by musicians who regurlarly go on tour.

CeylonDigest: How do personal experiences shape your performances and stage presence?

Sohan Weerasinghe:I learn as I go by watching other performers (I am still learning).

CeylonDigest: Which song or performance holds the most personal meaning for you?

Sohan Weerasinghe:The song “The Way It used To Be” which helped me to win the  all Island talent search organized by the Ceylon Observer.(Observer Talent Search)

CeylonDigest: How have you remained relevant and innovative over decades in music?

Sohan Weerasinghe: By being flexible and evolving with the times& the Trends.

CeylonDigest: What do you consider your most enduring contribution to Sri Lankan music?

Sohan Weerasinghe: By composing original songs like “ADARE” ,”ORUKANDATH  DIRALA” &Sri Lanka We Are One which were well received by the Sri Lankan audiences.

CeylonDigest: What projects, collaborations, or experiments  excite you today?

Sohan Weerasinghe:Anything which is new innovative creative & original  excites me

CeylonDigest: How do you envision the growth of young Sri Lankan musicians globally?

Sohan Weerasinghe: It is very difficult task and so far only Alston Koch,Bhathiya & Santush &Yohani have achieved some measure of success.

CeylonDigest: What advice would you give aspiring musicians aiming for a lasting and meaningful career?

Sohan Weerasinghe: I try my best to encourage them to create original music & try to establish an identity of their own.

CeylonDigest: What legacy do you hope your music leaves for future generations?

Sohan Weerasinghe:I have tried to advice, guide and be flexible as a senior  musician, and tried my best to be a role model for other musicians to follow.

Sohan Weerasinghe is not just a singer, composer, or band leader—he is a storyteller, a cultural ambassador, and a visionary who has elevated Sri Lankan music to global heights. Through The X’Periments, he has shown that artistry thrives at the intersection of tradition and innovation, discipline and passion, individuality and collaboration. Sohan’s life reminds us that music is more than entertainment—it is a bridge across cultures, a celebration of heritage, and a legacy that resonates through time. With every note, every performance, and every mentoring gesture, he ensures that Sri Lanka’s musical soul continues to inspire, enchant, and endure.