{{short description|Sri Lankan actor and musician}} {{Use British English|date=August 2014}} {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2014}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = Alston Koch | image = Alston Koch at 11th IIFA Awards.jpg | caption = Koch delivers a speech at 11th IIFA Awards | image_size = 500px | landscape = yes | alias = | birth_date = | birth_place = Colombo, Sri Lanka(then Ceylon) | origin = | instrument = | genre = Ambient, pop, jazz, blues, folk, trance | occupation = Film Producer, Actor, Singer-songwriter, composer & entrepreneur | years_active = 1975–present | label = | associated_acts = The Sherifs | website = [http://www.alstonkoch.com alstonkoch.com]<br />[https://www.facebook.com/people/Alston-Koch/615206898 Alston Koch Facebook] }}
'''Alston Koch''' is an Australian - Sri Lankan singer-songwriter, film producer, record producer and actor.<ref name="Alston Koch1">{{cite web | title= Alston Koch appointed Sri Lanka tourism envoy | work= The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd. | url= http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/08/12/news03.asp | date= 12 August 2008 | access-date= 18 May 2011 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121019125527/http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/08/12/news03.asp | archive-date= 19 October 2012 | url-status= dead | df= dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="Alston Koch2">{{cite web | title= Alston Koch song debuts at London WTM | work= The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd. | url= http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/11/10/bus03.asp | date= 10 November 2008 | access-date= 18 May 2011 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121019125540/http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/11/10/bus03.asp | archive-date= 19 October 2012 | url-status= dead | df= dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="Alston Koch3">{{cite web | title= 'Priceless ball' – made in Sri Lanka | work= The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd. | url= http://www.dailynews.lk/2004/12/01/index.html | date= 1 December 2004 | access-date= 18 May 2011 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121019125655/http://www.dailynews.lk/2004/12/01/index.html | archive-date= 19 October 2012 | url-status= dead | df= dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="Alston Koch4">{{cite web | title= Lankan cricketers – a big draw in Canberra | work= The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd. | url= https://archives.sundayobserver.lk/2008/02/17/spo03.asp | date= 17 February 2008 | access-date= 18 May 2011 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121016153644/http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2008/02/17/spo03.asp | archive-date= 16 October 2012 | url-status= live | df= dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="Alston Koch5">{{cite web | title= Sri Lankan cricketers play for Hope project | work= The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd. | url= https://archives.sundayobserver.lk/2002/12/29/spo02.html | date= 29 December 2002 | access-date= 18 May 2011 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121016153734/http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2002/12/29/spo02.html | archive-date= 16 October 2012 | url-status= live | df= dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="Alston Koch6">{{cite web | title= Sri Lanka Small Miracle | work= Upali Newspapers Limited. | url= http://www.island.lk/2009/06/28/leisure7.html | date= 28 June 2009 | access-date= 18 May 2011 | archive-date= 22 October 2012 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121022005825/http://www.island.lk/2009/06/28/leisure7.html | url-status= dead }}</ref><ref name="Alston Koch7">{{cite web | title= Egypt's Red Sea Resort becomes a Tourism EarthLung | work= RIVIRA MEDIA CORPORATION LTD. | url= http://www.nation.lk/2008/11/30/busi6.htm | date= 30 November 2008 | access-date= 18 May 2011 | archive-date= 14 October 2013 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131014180128/http://www.nation.lk/2008/11/30/busi6.htm | url-status= dead }}</ref><ref name="Alston Koch8">{{cite web | title= ANew UN World Tourism Organization climate change initiative invites travel industry to 'Live the Deal' | work= Moodie International Limited | url= http://www.moodiereport.com/document.php?c_id=1113&doc_id=22664 | date= 16 December 2009 |access-date=18 May 2011 }}</ref><ref name="Alston Koch9">{{cite web | title= Alston Koch to perform in Cuba | work= Wijeya Newspapers Ltd. | url= http://sundaytimes.lk/090322/Magazine/sundaytimestvtimes_01.html | date= 22 March 2009 |access-date=18 May 2011 }}</ref>
After gaining international success in the late 1970s, he was often described in the Australian media as "Asia's King of Pop" or "Pop King of Asia".<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2012/01/01/asias-king-of-pop-says-asia-can-deliver/ |title=Asia's King of pop says Asia can deliver | the Sunday Leader |access-date=30 November 2017 |archive-date=1 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201030447/http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2012/01/01/asias-king-of-pop-says-asia-can-deliver/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.island.lk/2008/02/28/L2.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=30 November 2017 |archive-date=1 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201031221/http://www.island.lk/2008/02/28/L2.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> He has performed worldwide and achieved success in countries including Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, India and Sri Lanka.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/171008/magazine/alston-koch-in-awesome-anniversary-show-262285.html|title=Alston Koch In awesome Anniversary Show|website=Sundaytimes.lk|access-date=3 August 2023}}</ref>
He received certificates of recognition from the California State Senate and United States Congress for improving the lives of communities in America.<ref name="RCI">{{cite web | title= Reconciliation Initiatives Sri Lanka| work= RECONCILIATION INITIATIVES| url= http://reconciliationinitiatives.wordpress.com/2014/09/24/good-news-from-jayam| date= 24 September 2014 |access-date=24 December 2014 }}</ref>
In October 2025, Koch was appointed Envoy to Australia and the Pacific Region by the Commonwealth Union, representing the organization in promoting regional collaboration, inclusivity, and sustainability under the People's Charter of the Commonwealth.<ref name="CUAppoint">{{cite news |title=Alston Koch appointed Envoy to Australia and the Pacific by Commonwealth Union |url=https://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking-news/Alston-Koch-appointed-envoy-to-Australia-and-the-Pacific-by-Commonwealth-Union/108-321169 |work=Commonwealth Union |date=2 October 2025 |access-date=12 October 2025}}</ref>
==Biography== He migrated to Sydney, Australia, where he was successful in the music industry while recording for RCA/Laser Records and the TV network Channel 9's "Living Sound" recording label.<ref name="ARA"/><ref name="Alston88"/><ref name="MAKA"/><ref name="DFWM"/>
[[File:Sri Lankan Prime Minister's Special Presentation.jpg|thumb|Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe awards Special Presentation to Koch in 2017.]]
In Australia, he formed his band Dark Tan and recorded three international hits on the RCA label. He has performed internationally with Dark Tan, S-witch, and as a solo artist. One notable appearance was during The Stars & Stripes Concert in 1976, performing under the Sydney Harbour Bridge on a floating pontoon for Radio 2SM. Rock Brains Of The Universe and music historian Glenn A. Baker have said that Koch and Dark Tan were the originators of disco music in Australia. Since 1975 Koch has released 21 singles and 4 albums through record labels such as RCA, BMG, EMI and Sony.<ref name="ARA">{{cite web| title= Alston Recognised As 'The World Artist Of The Year'| work= The Sunday Leader| url= http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2014/06/29/alston-recognised-as-the-world-artist-of-the-year| date= 29 June 2014| access-date= 4 May 2015| archive-date= 5 May 2015| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150505003026/http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2014/06/29/alston-recognised-as-the-world-artist-of-the-year| url-status= dead}}</ref><ref name="Alston88">{{cite web | title= Alston| work= NOISE11| url= http://www.noise11.com/vinterviews/alston| date= 17 May 2012|access-date=4 May 2015 }}</ref><ref name="MAKA">{{cite web | title=Meet Alston Koch, Australia's grand pop of techno | work= Herald Sun| url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/celebrity/meet-alston-koch-australias-grand-pop-of-techno/story-e6frf96o-1226366183382| date= 25 May 2012 |access-date=4 May 2015}}</ref><ref name="DFWM">{{cite web | title=Don't Funk With Me| work= JB Hi-Fi|url=https://www.jbhifi.com.au/music/browse/pop/dont-funk-with-me/273568| date= 21 October 2011 |access-date=4 May 2015}}</ref>
In 1986 Koch was selected and commissioned by the Australian Task Force to write, produce and perform the America's Cup album ''The Kookaburra Connection''. Its theme song "Kookaburra" was released as a single and music video broadcast during the race.<ref name="ARA"/><ref name="Alston88"/><ref name="MAKA"/><ref name="DFWM"/>
His first self written major hit, "Disco Lady", earned him his first gold record. The song also won him and Dark Tan the Best New Talent at the 1979 International Disc Jockey Association Awards. In the same year, Dark Tan also won Australia's ''Observer'' newspaper's Best Disco Band award.<ref name="ARA"/><ref name="Alston88"/><ref name="MAKA"/><ref name="DFWM"/>
The ''Daily Mirror'' (Australia) presented them with the Best Disco Band Award in 1978 and the producers of the Channel 10 TV show ''Thank God it's Friday'' presented the band with a gold disc during the performance of "Disco Lady".<ref name="ARA"/><ref name="Alston88"/><ref name="MAKA"/><ref name="DFWM"/>
Koch received his first ARIA accredited award for Melissa's "Read My Lips" (1990).{{Why|date=May 2025}} He also received three gold awards and one platinum award from ARIA and a gold disc from RCA/Laser Records in 1978 for "Disco Lady".
[[File:Alston Koch with British Minister of State Barbara Follett and Adviser to the U.S. President George Allan.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Alston Koch is with British Minister of State Barbara Follett.]]
[[File:State of California Senate's Certificate of Recognition to Alston Koch.JPG|thumb|State of California Senate's Certificate of Recognition to Alston Koch]][[File:Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition to Alston Koch.JPG|thumb|Certificate of Special US Congressional Recognition to Alston Koch]]
Since 2007, he has been the Ambassador for Tourism for Sri Lanka.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.eturbonews.com/4262/alston-koch-appointed-sri-lanka-tourism-ambassador |title=Eturbonews.com |access-date=18 May 2011 |archive-date=17 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120317233344/http://www.eturbonews.com/4262/alston-koch-appointed-sri-lanka-tourism-ambassador |url-status=dead }}</ref> In the same year, Koch wrote and performed an official song for the Sri Lankan cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://top40-charts.com/news.php?nid=37631|title=Australian star Alston Koch storms the charts with the Murali Song|website=Top40-Charts.com|access-date=3 August 2023}}</ref>
[[File:Koch in Mexico.jpg|thumb|left|Koch at the President Miguel Alemán Valdés library just before the launch of his song, ''A Symphony for Change'' to raise awareness of the problems caused by plastic waste in the environment, on the World Environment Day which was celebrated in Mexico City on June 5, 2018.]]
In 2008, Koch wrote a song about climate change for a World Trade Organization presentation in London. The song was also presented by Geoffrey Lipman Chairman of ICTP{{Clarify|reason=What is this?|date=May 2025}} to world leaders at the 'Live the Deal Climate Change' conference in Copenhagen. Koch was the goodwill ambassador for the campaign, and the song was promoted globally by ICTP in their campaign for green growth. Barbara Follett, a UK government minister, described it as a "gift in song to the world suffering due to climate change".{{citation needed|date=October 2020}}
Koch has sung the national anthem at One Day International cricket matches and the Boxing Day Test.<ref name="ARA"/><ref name="Alston88"/><ref name="MAKA"/><ref name="DFWM"/> In 2009, he was appointed to the committee for the 2011 Cricket World Cup tournament staged in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, and was the official goodwill ambassador for the tournament.<ref name="ARA" /><ref name="Alston88" /><ref name="MAKA" /><ref name="DFWM" />
In 2010, he was inducted into the Hard Rock Hotel's Hall of Fame at a ceremony in Pattaya, Thailand, when the album, ''Kookaburra'' was installed on the venue's 'Golden Wall of Memorabilia'.
In April 2012 his latest album ''Don't Funk With Me'', written and produced by Alston & the Sheriffs, debuted at No. 42 on the ARIA Top 50 Albums chart, eventually peaking at No.16. He became the first Australian artist to launch a single at an international cricket final when his song "Soul Sounds" (from ''Don't Funk with Me'') was launched during the Australia vs. Sri Lanka final.<ref name="BGRA">{{cite web | title=Brett Geeves raps on anthem rotation disaster, Bird's likeness to a Pigeon and farewells Greigy| work= Fox Sports|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/cricket/australia/brett-geeves-raps-on-anthem-rotation-disaster-birds-likeness-to-a-pigeon-and-farewells-greigy/story-fn2mcu3x-1226547274898| date= 3 January 2013|access-date=4 May 2015}}</ref><ref name="SISUA">{{cite web| title= Sony international signs up Alston| work= The Sunday Leader| url= http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2012/02/01/sony-international-signs-up-alston| date= 1 February 2012| access-date= 4 May 2015| archive-date= 5 May 2015| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150505003030/http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2012/02/01/sony-international-signs-up-alston| url-status= dead}}</ref><ref name="ARATW">{{cite web|title=Alston Recognised As 'The World Artist Of The Year'|work=The Sunday Leader|url=http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2014/06/29/alston-recognised-as-the-world-artist-of-the-year|date=29 June 2014|access-date=4 May 2015|archive-date=5 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505003026/http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2014/06/29/alston-recognised-as-the-world-artist-of-the-year|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="MAKAG">{{cite web | title=Meet Alston Koch, Australia's grand pop of techno | work= The Daily Telegraph| url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/meet-alston-koch-australias-grand-pop-of-techno/story-e6freuzi-1226366183382| date= 25 May 2012 |access-date=4 May 2015}}</ref><ref name="ALRE">{{cite web| title=ALSTON RETURNS| work=Aus Pop| url=http://www.tourismpartners.org/news/1508638| date=20 March 2012| access-date=4 May 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150504193817/http://www.tourismpartners.org/news/1508638| archive-date=4 May 2015| url-status=dead| df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="NUNWT">{{cite web | title=New UN World Tourism Organization climate change initiative invites travel industry to 'Live the Deal'| work= The Moodie Report|url=http://www.moodiereport.com/document.php?c_id=1178&doc_id=22664| date= 16 December 2009 |access-date=4 May 2015}}</ref><ref name="TIIP">{{cite web | title=IIPT 25th Anniversary at World Travel Market| work= The International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT)|url=http://www.iipt.org/newsletter/2013/november_specialedition.html| date= November 2013 |access-date=4 May 2015}}</ref><ref name="ASAK">{{cite web | title=Australian star Alston Koch storms the charts with the Murali Song| work= Top 40 Charts|url=http://top40-charts.com/news.php?nid=37631| date= 8 January 2008 |access-date=4 May 2015}}</ref>
==Appointment as Envoy to Australia and the Pacific (2025)== In October 2025, Koch was appointed by the Commonwealth Union (CU) as its Envoy to Australia and the Pacific Region. In this role, he represents the CU in advancing the ''People’s Charter of the Commonwealth'', focusing on regional collaboration, inclusivity, and sustainability.<ref name="CUAppoint"/>
Koch also serves as a Consultant to the CU, providing strategic and marketing support to expand its global digital outreach.<ref name="CUAppoint"/>
The appointment was announced by Nirj Deva, President of the CU, and acknowledged by Abdulla Shahid, President of the UN General Assembly.<ref name="CUAppoint"/>
==Discography== ===Singles=== * "Don't Stop it Now" (written by Errol Brown) Koch and Dark Tan, [Living Sound Records](Channel 9) - AUS #100<ref name=aus>{{cite book|last=Kent|first=David|author-link=David Kent (historian)|title=Australian Chart Book 1970–1992|edition=illustrated|publisher=Australian Chart Book|location=St Ives, N.S.W.|year=1993|isbn=0-646-11917-6|page=82}}</ref> * "Kings Of Soul" (Written by Alston Koch & Dark Tan) RCA/Living Sounds (Channel 9 ) * "All the People Sing this Song" (written by Alston Koch and Darktan) [Laser] * "Disco Lady" (written by Alston Koch and Chris Connelly) AUS #70<ref name=aus/> * "Island in the Sun" (Written by Alston Koch) RCA/Laser Records * "Gimme That Banana" [RCA/Cinevox]Europe * "Closer to the Phone" (RCA Records) * "Vanishing Lady" (RCA Records) * "Danny Boy" (RCA/Laser Records) * "20 MILES" (Powderworks/EMI) * "Kookaburra" [EMI] * "Midnite Lady" (Written by Alston Koch /Alan Stirling) (EMI) Laser * "Try Again" [EMI /Titanic) Aust. Mega (Scandinavia) EMI /SONET (U.K) * "Never Felt This Way Before" [BMG/RCA] * "With S-witch: I Want Your Love" [BMG/RCA] U.K * "It's A Shame" (Written By Alston Koch) BMG/RCA Ariola * "Sensual Motion" (Written by Alston Koch ) BMG/RCA Ariola * "MURALI" (Written by Alston Koch & Jarred Wilson) Creative Vibes Records * "Soul Sounds" feat The Sheriffs (Sony) * "Don't Know Why" (Sony)Australia/Pacific & Rightrack Records (U.K) * "Trees Of Babylon" (Sony) Lifestyle
===Albums=== * ''After Darktan'' [RCA] * ''Alston and the Freemantle Doctor'' [EMI] KOOKABURRA * ''Move To The Rhythm'' (Alston Inc) BMG Crescendo (India & South East Asia) * ''Don't Funk With Me'' [SME] Sony
===Honours=== Member of The Grammy Academy (U.S.A)<br /> Member of The Australian Performing Right Association.(APRA)<br /> Ambassador for Climate Change (I.C.T.P)<br /> Ambassador for Sri Lanka Tourism<br /> Member of PPCA (Performing & Publishing Copyright Association of Australia)<br /> Member of AMCOS (Australasian Mechanical Copyright Organization)<br /> Ambassador for FAMILY FILM AWARDS (USA) for Australia<br /> Ambassador for The ARTS FOR PEACE FOUNDATION (U.S.A)<br /> Award for the Global Entertainer of the Year 2018 - Ada Derana Sri Lankan of the Year.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/181028/magazine/alston-koch-picks-up-sri-lankan-of-the-year-2018-317100.html |title=Alston Koch picks up 'Sri Lankan of the Year 2018'|publisher=Sarasaviya |access-date=8 November 2018}}</ref>
==Filmography== *'''Lead Actor''' in the Film ''According to Mathew'' :Alston played the lead role opposite Bollywood star Jacqueline Fernandez.
*'''Executive Producer''' for ''Impact Earth'', a Hollywood movie released worldwide in 2015 for Alta Vista Entertainment *'''Associate Producer''': ''The Road from Elephant Pass'' (2011)
==Gallery== <gallery> File:Alston Koch At Hard Rock Cafe.JPG|Koch is displayed on a banner in front of Hard Rock Cafe. File:Tony Abbott with Alston Koch.JPG|Koch is with Tony Abbott in 2012. File:Platinum Award for Alston Koch.JPG|ARIA's Platinum Award for Alston Koch. File:Alston Koch with Salman Khan and Riteish Deshmukh.jpg|Koch is with Salman Khan and Riteish Deshmukh in Mumbai in 2011. File:Alston Koch and Jacqueline Fernandez.jpg|Koch is with Jacqueline Fernandez in 2017. </gallery>
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== {{Commons category}} * [http://www.cleavagedownunder.com/CDU/Reviews/Entries/2010/11/1_Disco_Lady_-_Dark_Tan_(Alston_Koch).html Dark Tan – Disco Lady (Alston Koch)] * [http://www.ceylontoday.lk/print20170401CT20170630.php?id=20973 Alston Koch felicitated in ‘Highest Capital City in the World’] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170521002308/http://www.ceylontoday.lk/print20170401CT20170630.php?id=20973 |date=21 May 2017 }}
{{Authority control}} {{Sinhala Music|state=collapsed}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Koch, Alston}} Category:1951 births Category:Alumni of Wesley College, Colombo Category:Sri Lankan emigrants to Australia Category:Burgher musicians Category:Living people Category:Musicians from Melbourne