Alston Koch, an Australian of Sri Lankan origin, has achieved remarkable success in the entertainment sector as a singer-songwriter, film producer, record producer, and actor. Widely recognized as the King of Pop in Asia, Koch embarked on his journey to global prominence in the late 1970s. His impact extends across continents, with notable accomplishments in Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, India, and Sri Lanka.
Koch’s significant influence in the entertainment industry is widely acknowledged. He was honored with the Certificate of Recognition from the State of California Senate and also received the Certificate of Special US Congressional Recognition for his valuable contributions to American communities. After relocating to Sydney, Australia, Koch found great success in the music sector, recording for RCA/Laser Records and the renowned Australian TV Network Channel 9’s label, Living Sound.
Koch established his musical group Dark Tan in Australia, garnering worldwide success under the RCA record label. They toured extensively, including a notable performance at the 1976 ‘Stars & Stripes Concert’. Recognized music historian Glenn A Baker acknowledged Koch and Dark Tan as the trailblazers of disco music in Australia. Throughout his career, Koch has released a total of 21 singles and four albums through esteemed labels such as RCA, BMG, EMI, and Sony.
Koch achieved significant success with his debut hit single, Disco Lady, which not only received a gold record but also garnered recognition at the 1979 International Disc Jockey Association Awards as the Best New Talent. Additionally, Dark Tan was honored with the esteemed Best Disco Band award by Australia’s Observer newspaper. Koch’s impact on music and culture extended beyond his initial triumph, as evidenced by his contributions to projects like the America’s Cup album, The Kookaburra Connection, and his longstanding role as Sri Lanka’s Tourism Ambassador since 2007.
Koch’s impact goes beyond the realm of music. He has garnered worldwide recognition for his songs that tackle pressing global concerns such as climate change. His commitment to promoting awareness about environmental issues was showcased during his performance of A Symphony for Change in Mexico City on World Environment Day 2018.
His recognition from The Honorable Milton Dick, Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives, during a private event in Brisbane, aligns with the visit of former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison to Sri Lanka, highlighting Koch’s lasting influence and ties to both countries.
With a career spanning decades, Koch remains a significant figure in the entertainment industry, continuing to inspire and entertain audiences worldwide.
Mr. Koch introduced his song on climate change at the World Tourism Network Summit in Bali last year.
