The Band:

HEAT not only consists of a group of individuals that have rightfully worked hard to earn their professional working carriers and respective musical talents but, it consists of some fun loving and down to earth guys and gal.  Talk to them, and you will begin to understand their fun loving nature.  The members of HEAT are never forgetful to crack a joke or two between themselves at any given time, whether performing or practicing or just hanging out.  When stress and hardships casts its shadow, you will, without a doubt, see unity, laughter, and high spirits blooming like a shinning star on the faces of all the members. 

The unique factor that distinguishes HEAT from other bands is the existence of its diversified group of members.  The members of HEAT derive and descend from very different ethnic, religious, social back and professional backgrounds to form unity and respect among themselves and to negate and break the barriers of those unfortunate beliefs that; “differences in ethnicity, religion, and social status can never unite”.  It is through this diversity, that the members of HEAT have assisted and continue to assist the Sri Lankan community, musically and non-musically, every opportunity that befalls their path.  In turn they are thankful to their wives, husbands, children, brothers, sisters, family members, friends and community for their support because without such, HEAT would not be in existence this day.  They are proud to play as musicians and brothers and sisters of the same band and, are exceptionally proud to be Sri Lankan and be afforded the opportunity to “assist, entertain and spread peace & harmony” within their communities through the universal language of “music”.

The History and Formation:

The formation of HEAT took place towards the end of 2005, when its lead vocalist, Shariz Ajward (“Mr. SMS Messenger”) and bassist, Shiran Anthony, (“Mr. Cool”), after retiring from their then respective bands, teamed together to form their own musical band.  Both members began searching for musicians of diversified Sri Lankan descent because the band they wanted to establish was to be a band that could vocalize and perform music in Sinhalese, English, Tamil, and Hindi.  Though it was not an easy task, eventually, Shariz and Shiran organized the bands first practice session with the newly founded members.  Originally, the members of HEAT consisted of Shariz Ajward (vocals & percussions), Shiran Anthony (vocals & bass), Eshan Fernando (vocals & drums), Shashi Thalayasingham, “Mr. Perfectionist” (vocals & keyboards), Shehan Jayah (vocals & guitar) and Dimuth Amaratunge “The OK dude” (vocals & guitar).  The band launched its first public appearance in April of 2006 at the Sri Lankan New Year celebrations held at Woodley Park, in Van Nuys, California.  Their performance was impeccable and thereafter, the name HEAT began to ascend to outrank all other Sri Lankan bands that existed within the Sri Lankan communities living in the United States.

Sometime during the middle of 2006, guitarist Shehan Jayah (presently guitarist for Rhythm Company) was forced to take a leave of absence from the band.  His retirement from the band was replaced by Shukri Ahamed, another talented Sri Lankan musician.  After playing with HEAT for about six months, Shukri, due to personal reasons, was forced to resign as HEAT’S guitarist.  Shortly thereafter, Janaka Jayasena was recruited by HEAT.  Janaka continued to play with HEAT up until October of 2007.  Dhammika Jayasinghe (presently bassist for Rhythm Company), on a part-time basis assisted HEAT as its ultimate Sound Engineer.

In January of 2007, HEAT launched its much anticipated “new look”.  The members of HEAT had always wanted to create a unique band that consisted of a diversified bunch of individuals.  It was only through this “new look” HEAT chartered into territory that welcomed and promoted diversification.  After Eshan Fernando (presently playing drums for Rhythm Company), HEAT’S then drummer, resigned, the members of HEAT made arrangement to launch into their “new look”.  They immediately recruited three additional talents to boost their level of music and diversification.   The “entertaining” Roshan Seresinhe became HEAT’S new drummer while the “Gorgeous” Janika Sutherland, became HEAT’S sensational female lead vocalist and percussionist.  Ajantha Perera became HEAT’S fulltime Sound Engineer & Effects handler.  These three new additions, gave HEAT the “new look” and diversification that the members quenched for in order to lay foundation to become the unique band that it is today.

Towards the end of 2007, Rukshan Perera¸ a.k.a. “Handsome Guy”, joined hands with HEAT to play lead guitar and to boost the band’s vocal presence.  This gave HEAT the supreme fuel and the much anticipated look and performance any band would quench for.

Helping the community:

The “new look” gave HEAT the tools to dive itself into a variety of avenues.  In addition to being part-time musicians, the members of HEAT actively disbursed and continue to disburse their time voluntarily to help the Sri Lankan community that exists in the US.  To date, they have played and continue to play for fund raisers conducted by community members free of charge and actively continue to volunteer their time to community events.  The most unique feature that distinguishes HEAT from any other band is each of the members’ descent from diversified professional work careers.  It is through this diversification that the members of HEAT continue to assist the Sri Lankan community.  As demonstrated by this webpage, the members of HEAT continue to assist the community by helping individuals with Finance and Business issues; Legal and Immigration issues; Insurance and Real Estate issues; and a variety of other issues that befalls their path.  It is their way of giving back to the community that once assisted them to achieve their current status.

The Band today:

From their very first performance in the April of 2006, HEAT has ascended to become the No. 1 Sri Lankan entertaining band.  It has backed famous artists such as Corrine, Rukshan Perera, Natasha Rathnayaka. Sohan Weerasinghe, and continues to perform at various Sri Lankan dinner dances, concerts, parties, benefit and community events.  It is not the money that is earned through performing that runs HEAT.  Instead, it is each of the members’ love for music and the satisfaction that they receive by helping fellow individuals that gives fuel to HEAT.

Rukshan Perera, a name we all know well, has become an important role to HEAT’S many musical performances.  The members of HEAT are blessed to have Rukshan accompanying them as their lead guitarist and vocalist.  He is fluent in harmony styles and his presence adds spice and boost to HEAT’S many musical performances.

The members of HEAT, who are all well balanced vocalists and musicians, can sing and perform various styles of music in English, Sinhala, Tamil, and Hindi.  Be it Rock & Roll, Rhythm & Blues, Baila, Bhangara, or just straight simple songs, HEAT can play it all.  The band is well equipped with a lineup of professional sound systems and musical instruments that can cater to any event.  The band has two rehearsal studios, one in Glendale, California and the other in Buena Park, California. 

So, if you are looking for a band that has it all, HEAT is the “only band for every occasion”.  A dedicative, fun loving, energetic team of diversified individuals who come together with one goal in their mind: “to assist, entertain, and spread peace & harmony through the universal language of music”.