ChoKoLAATe Magazine had the pleasure of sitting down with an upcoming young musician, Tristen Gunesekera!

This is what he had to say –

1. When did you first start showing an interest in music? 

Looking at old pictures… I have always had a guitar in my hand. I’ve never noticed it, but I really started showing an interest in music at the age of 12. From that time on I have been researching online and practising every opportunity I get to better myself and now it has truly become my passion.

2. What is your ultimate goal regarding music? 

My goal is to convey my love and style of music to the world; I want to be one of the top artists and play in sold out stadiums. I would also like to have the ability to inspire others, to prompt anyone who has the passion to go for their dreams, no matter what.

3. Who are your biggest supporters?

 I am thankful to God for blessing me with the love and talent for music and the opportunity to share it with people. My biggest supporters are my parents, my grandparents and my siblings. They have funded my recordings, music videos, performances and given me opportunities that most would not have received. I am so grateful for the support they have given me and all those times they supported me when I had my performances. I owe it all to them. I must also thank my sister for practicing each and every original of mine, every single day in order to perfect them. I feel so blessed to have the support of my close family and friends who are always behind me and who encourage me to continue on this path.

4. If you got an opportunity to perform with a musician, local or international, who would you choose? 

There are many artists that I would love to play with but at the top of my list is Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day. He is the root of inspiration for all my music talent. It would be my dream to play with him.

5. What is the inspiration for your newest song? 

My new song is based on a phrase used so frequently, “I’ve Been There”.  It’s that one phrase said if your friend or loved one experiences something in their life that they are worried about and you have faced it before, you simply say “I’ve Been There”. It’s to show assurance that they shouldn’t worry, you have been through it as well.  Through this song, I would like to send out a message to anyone who is currently going through a bad patch, that it is not going to last forever and that the silver lining is close by.  Have faith and everything will be ok!

ChoKoLAATe Magazine would like to wish you all the best for your future plans, Tristen!