Bands accompanied by beer, bangers and burgers

Jazz and beer ends this weekend, and bands and beer starts next as the Farsons Great Beer Festival comes round again. Now in its 30th year, it’s a mid summer institution. Whether you’re a music lover, a beer lover, or just in search some cool night air with the family in tow (and families do go in droves; expect lots of buggies!), the Beer Festival is the place to be from Friday 23 – Sunday 1 August at Ta’ Qali national park.

In fact, event organisers in Malta it seems need do no more than find an open air space, add a beer stall or two and a few fast-food stands (some surprisingly tasty though or perhaps the beer adds to appetite) and people turn up. Not all who go to the Malta Jazz Festival are jazz aficionados; a lot just go to meet old friends and chat along to some background music. Not all who go to the Farsons Great Beer Festival are interested in all the music on offer though it has such a diversity of music you can cherry pick a night to suit. Since it’s billed as ‘Malta’s largest outdoor music festival’, we’ll concentrate on the bands.

The line-up is local and spans almost all tastes with something of interest to most generations. The programme takes place on a main stage and a rock stage with three bands / artists a night on each. Music varies from a Johnny Cash tribute night to Ira Losco and Thea Garrett and over on the rock stage from Scream Daisy, Chasing Pandora to Fakawi and the Rifffs. Fakawi on the last night has become an institution in itself with its theatrical, not just musical performance that is always a big crowd puller.

Info:
The festival opens from 8pm onwards each night. Ta’ Qali car park offers free parking.
Public Transport: Bus Numbers 80, 81 and 84. Last bus back to Valletta from Ta’ Qali is 10.30 so not much use. Farsons told us they put in a request for an extension to the hours of these route buses, but the reply was that since so few people used the late night service in previous years, the buses don’t think it’s worthwhile running later.

Farsons Great Beer Festival on Facebook
Official Beer Festival site

Photo: Chris Farrugia

Share this

For a cool seat at the Malta Jazz Festival, cruise with the Hera

This is our second piece about boats in as many days, but with Malta sweltering right now, all thoughts turn to water. Having been stuck in the 1pm rush hour from Valletta today, with my son singing ‘Mad Dogs and Englishmen Go out in the Midday Sun’ behind me, I can tell you I was pleased to get this cool news when I got home and checked mail…

Malta Jazz Festival Cruises
I can think of fewer better ways to spend a sultry July night in Malta than listening to some world-class jazz with a cool breeze from sea enveloping me. If that appeals to you too, then listen up, because booking’s just opened for a places on a Turkish Gulet, the Hera, which is running Malta Jazz Festival (15,16,17 July) evening cruises of Grand Harbour with a buffet included.

Those veteran Jazz Festival goers among us will have seen the boats anchor up each year for one of the most memorable seats in town. The Hera is a sponsor of the festival, so has its rightful place among the craft that are bound to jostle along the wharf near us landlubbers and the stage. Even if you’re not on board, the yachts bobbing nearby make the setting uniquely Malta Jazz.

Booking Details
Tickets are €50. The package includes a 45-minute cruise of Grand Harbour taking in the sunset, and a cold buffet and welcome drink.

Departure from Sliema Ferries opposite Burger King/ Nazzarenu Church.

Time 8.00pm – 11.30pm
Price €50 per night
Transport included.

For further details, e-mail:
info@heracruises.com or call +356 21330583/ 21347483

To book, call 79445448

Share this

Rarer in the wild these days. A Maltese rabbit that had better watch out. It's a tradition to eat it on the feast of L'Imnajra.

The public holiday known as ‘L’Imnajra’ that falls on 29 June, has to be one of Malta’s most obscure in origin and defies neat description. In the religious calendar, the day marks the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, but this Maltese celebration, which starts on the night of 28 June and carries on all the next day into evening, is probably less to do with religion and more about rural life, country past-times and folk music.

It’s a bit of a medley really. It’s also associated with one place only in Malta, as people flock to celebrate it in Buskett Gardens that lie between Rabat and Dingli. It’s a family affair with people taking picnics and tents to spend a night out under the small pines which make up Malta’s largest stretch of woodland, planted by the Knights as a hunting grounds.

The feast has roots dating back well before the time of the Knights in Malta. ‘L’Imnajra’ is the Maltese corruption of the Italian word ‘Luminara’ meaning festival of light. The feast’s celebrations were once marked by bonfires lit in Mdina and Rabat, so folklore has it.

What to Expect
The night is characterised by general merry-making and its sociable atmosphere, with people bringing along instruments and making music. Local folk and ethnic-inspired bands usually turn up to play and set the scene. Families have BBQs and picnics and kids romp around. Traditionally, people take rabbit (Fenek) stew to eat. It’s a Maltese national dish and there’s even a Maltese word for ‘going out to eat rabbit’ – Fenkata! Some families and groups of friends make a complete summer night of L’Imarja and camp out.

The following day sees more organised rural pursuits: there is an agricultural show, which gets larger each year (seems to be a trend in Malta recently) as well as traditional bare-back horse and donkey races on Saqqajja Hill below Mdina. So expect some traffic chaos and roads blocked around that area.

Visitor Value
If you want to see some real Malta, then this could be worth a visit. It’s not the sheer exuberance of a village feast, as it’s more a summer folklore and farming affair. But it does have a certain appeal and charm. You will need to bus it there (Bus 81 from Valletta seems the best bet). Take some food and drink, get stuck in, and go with the flow. This is an impromptu affair in some ways, where people make their own fun.

Photo: John Haslam

Share this

Richard Bona, one man, one guitar, one great voice on one magical evening at Malta Jazz

“I always try to find the perfect balance between artists who are big crowd-pullers and others who are more challenging to the ear. It is also my role to expose the Maltese audiences to what’s happening on the jazz scene today. The jazz festival is not just a social event where people gather to drink beer – it is a wonderful opportunity to discover new artists who are creating new exciting music,” says Sandro Zerafa, Malta Jazz’s Artistic Director, and a professional jazz musician himself.

Sandro took over the role for last year’s festival and has had the job of reviving it musically and bringing it back to its jazz roots and its favoured venue of Ta’ Liesse, below Valletta alongside Grand Harbour. Its success last year once again as a pure Jazz festival shows that the Islands can cater to a jazz-inclined crowd.

That said, contrast is the keyword at Malta Jazz 2010 (15,16,17 July), the 20th edition of the festival. This year’s line-up offers a panorama of the contemporary jazz scene, with all its diversity, from u-jazz to fusion, from vocal jazz to world music. Once more, Malta Jazz Festival features the cream of today’s jazz scene, presenting a star-studded line-up and offering a palette of artists catering for both the layman and the seasoned jazz enthusiast.

The Programme
This year’s edition highlights include rising star bass-player and vocalist Esperanza Spalding (clip below) and nu-jazz act The Bad Plus. Esperanza’s own brand of fusion has been headlining jazz festivals around the globe for the past few years and the Malta Jazz Festival this year is proud to present her unique blend of groove, vocal and post-bop jazz. The Bad Plus is one of the most original and influential jazz outfits to have emerged in recent years – a postmodern power jazz trio, notorious for their quirky renditions of Nirvana, Pink Floyd, Black Sabbath, David Bowie and Aphex Twin.

The 2010 edition places a particular emphasis on fusion music, with the inclusion of guitar hero Grammy award nominee Mike Stern, (featuring two other familiar names with the Maltese jazz crowd – Randy Brecker and Dave Weckl) and Cameroonian singer/songwriter/virtuoso bass player Richard Bona, a past collaborator of Pat Metheny and the late Joe Zawinul.

Cutting-edge jazz, featuring New York’s finest, is represented by Ari Hoenig, one of the most happening musicians in New Yorkʼs club scene today. The 2010 edition of the Malta Jazz Festival features also two of the most important drummers in the contemporary jazz world – Bill Stewart and Greg Hutchinson, who will be playing with one of the festival’s headliners, saxophone player Joshua Redman.

The local jazz scene will be be represented by Francesca Galea, an up-and-coming vocal talent who will be accompanied by Brazilian pianist Leonardo Montana, and drummer Charles Gatt, the jazz festivalʼs creator, who will be leading his own quartet with Malta’s own Joe Debono on piano, and two familiar names from the Parisian jazz scene – Amy Gamlen on saxophone and Matteo Bortone on bass.

Tickets
Already on sale – at Euros 30 for the three nights, they’re a real steal.

More info
See: Malta Jazz Festival Official Blog for comment and latest.
Also, Malta Jazz Festival site
Malta Jazz on Twitter

And finally, to celebrate 20 Years of Malta Jazz
To mark the festival’s 20th anniversary a commemorative book featuring photography by Pierre Stafrace, Darrin Zammit Lupi, Joe Smith and Patrick Fenech will be published. Details to come.

Share this

Malta is THE insider clubbing destination

We’re not (thankfully) Ayia Napa, nor Ibiza (yet). Malta’s club scene has exploded in the last decade, but it hasn’t the tarnished, hackneyed nor ‘been there, done that’ feel to it. It’s still fresh, young and bit more insider and exclusive than the scene on offer at resorts like those above. And that’s not just our view; the Guardian UK took a shine to Malta’s take on the Med clubbing scene here.

It’s certainly on the circuit though, and the crème de la crème of DJ names know Malta well, with many of them having been back several times. We’ve featured on MIO names like Gaslamp Killer and Markus Schultz who’ve been over recently.

The difference between Malta and the Ayia Napa’s of this world is that the local crowd, the islanders, made the scene in the first place, for themselves first and foremost. Most Med resorts’ clubbing was created to sate the tourist appetites. But in Malta, clubbing has a big home market which means it well, feels a more real, more honestly appreciated and year-round affair than just a summer jamboree.

Malta also has its own cult DJs who are making waves, and have been a long time now. We’ve spoken to DJ Toby on this site, and there’s a host of others, including Miss Roberta, DJ Ruby, DJ Mag and more…

When it comes to venues, the ones below for Malta Music Week have doors open all summer…look to at individual bars in Malta’s main nightlife area, Paceville (St Julian’s) for regular and one-off sets. Our What’s On events pages will keep updated with the latest.

Malta Music Week NOW!

But, summer is clubbing’s season, let’s face it, and in Malta that means open air (so long as permits are granted to an hour that suits clubbers). Summer 2010 sees things kick off with the fourth edition of Malta Music Week (25 – 30 June), featuring Isle of MTV, Creamfields, G7 nights at Gianpula as well as Ministry of Sound. Isle of MTV last year was right up there with the best festival in Europe, and headlined by Lady GaGa and the Black Eyed Peas. Here’s the week’s programme ending with Isle of MTV….

Programme

FRIDAY 25 JUNE
G7 FRIDAYS – GIANPULA
FEATURING SPECIAL GUEST INNA & MALTA’S TOP LOCAL DJS TONY TONY, PIERRE CORDINA, JJOY

Definitely Malta’s largest and most famous outdoor clubbing venue. Fridays at Gianpula is the highlight of Malta’ summer clubbing season. With 3 different dance floors, Gianpula definitely offers the biggest dance floor hits and the finest and latest dance cuts for a pure typical Mediterranean hot summer night out.
Doors Open: 11.00pm – 4.00am
Entrance: €6.00 at the door
www.g7events.com
www.gianpula.com

SATURDAY 26 JUNE
MINISTRY OF SOUND FESTIVAL 2010 – GIANPULA
FEATURING DJS: CALVIN HARRIS, DASH BERLIN, MARK NIGHT, KATE LOUISE SMITH, GUY J, JOHANNES HEIL & OKAIN

The Ministry of Sound Festival 2010 has gathered together a series of the most heightened music genre to highlight the tastes of each and every one of you.Gianpula will be divided into four main areas, in which each area will boost one another with glistening individuality, style and gleaming state of the art performances.
Doors Open: 8.00pm – 4.00am
Entrance: €25.00
www.g7events.com
www.clubbersevent.com

SATURDAY 26 JUNE
GROTTA, GOZO CLUB NIGHT
FEATURING TOP INTERNATIONAL GUEST AND LOCAL DJS PIERRE CORDINA, TONY TONY, JJOY

Regarded as many as one of the most beautiful open air clubs in the Mediterranean, with its dramatic backdrop of Xlendi Valley and its history of great parties, La Grotta is by far the clubbing sensation of the Maltese Islands. With its amazing cave and wicked atmosphere, this venue is a must for anyone visiting the island of Gozo… and definitely not to be missed during the Malta Music Week.
Doors Open: 10.00pm – 4.00am
Entrance: €10.00
www.g7events.com
www.lagrottaleisure.com

SUNDAY 27 JUNE
THE MALTA MUSIC WEEK LIVE CONCERT – BUGIBBA
FEATURING TOP LOCAL BANDS AND DJS

The Bugibba square will be transformed into a live musical arena with an array of Malta’s best musical talent performing live on the night. Fire jugglers and other street attractions will also be performing.
From: 9.00pm – 12.00am
Entrance: FREE
www.g7events.com

MONDAY 28 JUNE
CREAMFIELDS MALTA 2010 – TA’ QALI
FEATURING DJS: ERIC PRYDZ, FERRY CORSTEN, PETE TONG, DUBFIRE, DAVE CLARKE, NIC FANCIULLI, DAVIDE SQUILLACE

Creamfields will be back in Malta this summer on the 28th of June (eve of a Public holiday) as part of the Malta Music Week 2010. Cream UK shall be delivering the Biggest and Best dance festival line up ever to be staged in Malta, securing a whole host of exclusive and fresh performances from the best of the best that dance music has to offer in the respective genres covering Trance, House, Progressive, Tech-house and Techno.
From: 6.00pm – 4.00am
Entrance: E35 – E40
www.g7events.com
www.creammalta.com

TUESDAY 29 JUNE
LIVE MUSIC AT PACEVILLE
FEATURING TOP LOCAL BANDS AND DJS

Paceville will be given a different theme by having live music from some of Malta’s most established bands and upcoming music talent. Set in the heart of Malta’s nightlife location.
From: 9.00pm – 12.00am
Entrance: FREE
www.g7events.com

ISLE OF MTV MALTA SPECIAL
30 JUNE
Time: 7:00pm. Address: Granaries (Fosos), Floriana.

MTV in collaboration with the Malta Tourism Authority is rocking the island once again with the now regular, and much anticipated (4th) Edition of Isle of MTV Malta Special. The free open air event has become one the high points of the European summer gig music circuit, and now draws crowds to the islands from overseas. This year sees: Kid Rock, Scissor Sisters and Kelis among the big names. Audience should number around 50,000!

All details on the Isle of MTV Malta website.

Share this

We're loving it! Heavy Metal Band Loathe.

There is one sentiment that all Maltese metal fans are used to: surprise. Most people wouldn’t expect Malta, the island of sand, sea, sun and history, to have any metal bands at all. This is as far from the truth as you can get. The fact is, not only is there a strong metal scene locally, it is also one of very high caliber.

Maltese people far removed from the scene express similar feelings when hearing of the hard-working underground bands locally. But perhaps this makes sense, given that the metal scene is, by its very nature, seldom accessible to outsiders, this for myriad reasons, among which is the elitist nature of the music. In layman’s terms, ‘you have to be in it to get it’.

Being a metal fan and/or musician in Malta has both pros and cons. Truth be told, I racked my brain to find the positives, but then, given the advent of the internet and the open communication it brought about, the cons have also dwindled.

The size of the island, and therefore of the population, is both a pro and a con. It is very easy to reach our equivalent of stardom, but after that there is no way the financial success of the band can be nurtured solely on local Euros, simply owing to the limited size of the audience. Even before the ‘days of ease’ of the Internet, Maltese bands were reaching out to Europe and the USA, and the cream of the crop enjoyed considerable success abroad. Suffice it to mention Beheaded and Forsaken, arguably Malta’s biggest metal exports, both of whom have signed deals with prestigious labels and have gathered followings as far as Texas and Japan.

A good friend of mine from the UK confessed on interview that in his view “Maltese metal bands are at least 50% better than their UK counterparts”. Although this is only one man’s opinion, it is an informed one, given that he and his band SLAB played in Malta in April 2009, with a few bands handpicked for their consistency and hard work.

Any ambitious band of any style should not be satisfied with catering to the Maltese alone. Even the largest of audiences here is child’s play compared to abroad, so if the point of playing is to showcase one’s music to as many listeners as possible, abroad we must go. This is a headache to most bands, as there is no support of any kind for bands with touring commitments, especially bands of the metal strain.

This brings me neatly to the issue of acceptance within a culture that is reputed to be close minded at best and primitive if we are to be crude. Although metal bands are not persecuted as others elsewhere are (check out Acrassicauda from Iraq and be thankful for our freedoms), they are hindered from achieving all they can by the lack of venues that accept metal bands, the absence of any financial support from anyone (in Sweden the regional governments pay rent for bands’ practice spaces, Belgian bands have their flights reimbursed if they prove to have played at least one gig in a foreign country) and the lack of belief in them, demonstrated by our post-colonial attitude of treating two-bit cover bands from the UK as gods among mere mortals and granting them headline spots in big events, while Maltese bands provide the ‘special guests’ segment, and are normally not even paid for their effort.

Furthermore, apart from a few notable deviants such as this site, Toni Sant’s MMI podcast and Michael Bugeja’s Sunday Times column, metal bands are largely ignored by all segments of the media, or relegated to the ‘special interest’ segments, which are the equivalent of a hamster on water skis.

This is not to say it all doom and gloom. I for one firmly believe in the talents and hard work of some Maltese bands (I won’t say all bands), in particular those with not only the technical nous in a musical sense, but also with the good sense and creativity to turn adversity around and into their favour. As I once read, “Artists don’t have to suffer. Clueless no-talent dumb-f..ks who call themselves artists have to suffer!”

Mark Debono is an online marketing minion and plays bass for Loathe, a newly-signed metal band. Mark has toured the UK extensively with Loathe and was interviewed by the UK’s largest rock and metal radio, Kerrang, while on tour In November 2009. For more on Loathe, check the website, join them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.

Share this

St John's Cathedral: soon carols will rise to its ceilings

Music is in the air. Or will be soon. So far, I’ve not heard too much of the canned stuff blaring out from loud speakers in town centres, but I am sure it’s on its way. My local town usually regales me with Slade’s Merry Christmas Everybody and Band Aid’s Do They Know it’s Christmas? ad nauseam in the week running up to the 25th. But, to experience what Christmas music should be about, go to one of the many carol concerts or festive musical events coming up. Some, like the St John’s Cathedral one, require tickets, so aren’t spur of the moment affairs. Others are more casual, like the lunchtime concerts you can just drop in to. Here’s a pick of the bunch of more classical Christmas music to enjoy…

Carol Concerts, Christmas Masses & Festive Music

Gukulari Ensemble, Lunchtime Christmas Concert, 15 December, 13.30,
Palazzo Castellania, Merchants’ Street, Valletta
The Gukulari Ensemble has established itself as a group firmly dedicated to the revival of Maltese music and traditional Maltese Instruments. The group performs the music of both upper-class Maltese society as well as that of the humbler folk on a combination of flutes, harp, drum, castanets, and Maltese instruments. For more information, see www.musicallegacy.com.
Concert: free, but with collection for the Community Chest Fund.

St George’s Square Xmas Events, Valletta
There is a whole calendar of events taking place open air in the square throughout December (16, 18,19, 20, 21, 22 and 24 December). It’s the time for brass bands and pips and stripes: the Malta Police Band Xmas concert is 21st & 24th; and the Malta Armed Forces Xmas Concert is on the 22nd. Stirring stuff!

Ceremony of Carols at St John’s Co-Cathedral, Valletta
17 December, 19.30 – 22.30
A Ceremony of Carols is The Amadeus Chamber Choir’s 19th edition of ‘A Prelude to Christmas’. It comprises a selection of traditional Christmas carols, featuring compositions by Benjamin Britten which the 30-strong choir sing to the accompaniment of a chamber orchestra. All proceeds will be in aid of Puttinu Cares.
Entrance: Invitations may be acquired against a donation of €5 per person.
Invitations available at: Lotto Office Kiosk, Valletta (opposite BOV in Republic Street) – mob. 7920 0118
Marlow’s Stationery, Triq il-Qasam Swieqi – mob. 9989 0931, tel. 2137 1210, or
Email: theamadeuschoir@gmail.com

A Christmas Celebration, St Paul’s Cathedral, Mdina Cathedral, Mdina.
18 December, 19.30 – 21.00.
The St Monica Choir will be teaming with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra once again for a concert that’s billed as ‘a perfect introduction to the festive season’. The event will be held under the patronage of H.E. Dr George Abela and Mrs Abela to raise funds for the Community Chest Fund. Conductor: Michael Laus. Hard to find a contact number for this one, but try Mdina Local Council for details.

Christmas in Valletta, 19, 21 & 22 December
09.30 – 11.00 Children’s Traditional Maltese Music Corner each day – hands on experience and performance for children with various artistes. Meeting place the Church of St Barbara.
19th only: 13.30 – 15.00 Gospel Singing with the EnKor Choir at St James Church.
21st only: 18.30 Annual Christmas Concert by the Malta Police Force Big Band at St George’s Square.
22nd only: 18.00 Christmas Concert by the Band of the Armed Forces of Malta at St George’s Square.
Contact: Malta Council for Culture and the Arts

Carol Concerts & Christmas Mass: St Paul’s Pro-Cathedral (Anglican), Valletta, and other Anglican churches in Malta.
Various concerts and services in the run-up to Christmas. For details, see: www.anglicanmalta.org
11 December: Arlene Barlow’s Christmas Concert 19.30 pm
16 December: Ecumenical Carol Service – Fontana Parish Church Gozo
20 December: Nine Lessons & Carols – Pro Cathedral, Valletta 18.00
21 December: Nine Lessons & Carols – Holy Trinity Church, Sliema 18.30
23 December: Eucharist, Lessons and Carols – Seminary Gozo 11.00
24 December: Midnight Mass – St Paul’s Pro-Cathedral 23.30
24 December: Midnight Mass – Holy Trinity 23.30
Christmas Day Service – Holy Trinity 10.00
Christmas Day Service – St Paul’s Pro-Cathedral 11.00

Carmelite Priory, Mdina
The priory’s regular programme of Wednesday and Sunday lunchtime chamber concerts extends to include extra concerts in the run-up to Christmas. See the priory website for the lunchtime concerts. For full info, download the Carmelite Priory Concert Programme. The two main concerts are one organised with Mdina Local Council, Friday 18th at 7.30pm (as above); and the New Choral Singers’ concert on the priory’s open day, Sunday 20th December, which promises a wonderful programme of Christmas choral music.

St Catherine’s Church, Valletta
Thursday 17th December @ 12.30pm
A Medieval to Baroque Christmas
A chance to enjoy an hour’s respite from the Christmas shopping or the office at this lunchtime concert, repeated at 11.00 Sunday 20th.
Performers: Pauline Longo – soprano; Alex Vella Gregory – piano
Details: St James’ Cavalier. See also our earlier article for a flavour of these concerts.

…and on Sunday 27th December @ 11.00am
Christmas with the Consort
Programme includes: Pachelbel – Canon in D; Corelli – Conceto Grosso No 8 Fatto per la Notte di Natale
Performers: St. James Consort

Vocal & Harp Reciptal, St Barbara Church, Valletta
23 December, 11.00

Musico-Literary Evening, St Francis Church, Valletta
28 December, 20.00
A musico-literary evening with the Schola Cantorum Jubilate, a youth choir that sings for liturgical services at the Church of St Francis, Republic Street, Valletta.

New Year’s Concert, National Philharmonic Orchestra, Mediterranean Conference Centre
3 January, 2010
For details, email: info@maltaculture.com info@maltaculture.com

Photo: Albert Edelman

Share this

Cappella Sanctae Catherinae: a new choir and old music reviving a gem of a baroque chapel

I’d been meaning to go to a concert at St. Catherine of Italy Church for a while.   I was coerced today by my seven year-old, who’d been to a concert a couple of Sundays ago and loved it.

You have to visit a church like St Catherine’s to get a sense of Valletta’s baroque splendour.  Even among the scaffolding of a full-scale restoration project, there is much to feast your eyes on:  the elegant semi-circular windows, the  portico and the dome characteristic of the Italian architect Romano Carapecchia, responsible for the reconstruction of the church in 1713-14.

Cappella Sanctae Catherinae, Malta’s first all-male voice choir, chose their name because two of their number, Fabio Billi and Giuseppe Agulli, are actually restorers at the church.  For their first outing, coinciding with Malta’s Republic Day, the nine-men choir chose pieces from Palestrina and Asola. There’s something quite magical about the timbre of the male voice singing cappella music in the intimate space of St Catherine’s. There were moments, during the concert, when you could close your eyes and easily lose yourself in the intricate mesh of altos, tenors, baritones and basses.

If you want to have a taste of what Cappella Sanctae Catherinae sound like, see below. This is definitely a choir to watch out for, irrespective of whether you’re a lover of classical music or are just interested in exploring new genres of music. The lunchtime concerts at St Catherine’s continue to offer much to savour. By paying your €5 donation, you’ll be supporting the arts in all senses – those who volunteer the music, and the restoration of St Catherine’s. Fabio, Giuseppe and their colleagues have another solid year of painstaking restoration to go. After which, you’ll be able to feast your eyes upwards to what is apparently a unique style of cupola fresco by Mattia Preti and school.

Cappella Sanctae Catherinae from Malta Inside Out on Vimeo.

Share this

Carrie Haber: all dressed up and going places

The first time I saw Carrie Haber play live was in Merchant Street, during Notte Bianca in 2008. I was just gobsmacked by the energy, the mastery of the piano and the range of that voice. Fast forward to this year and Carrie is now based in London, living her dream, doing what she was born to do. We caught up with her as she prepares for Teatru Unplugged at the Manoel Theatre, Valletta on 27, 28 & 29 November.

When did you know you were musical?
Before I even started playing the piano I had dreams of becoming a ballerina. I used to dance all the time in my living room. This was before I’d even begun going to school. I also remember singing at every birthday party I went to. So I was rather young when people noticed my musicality. And I only realised how special that was when they started to tell me – otherwise I thought everyone could sing!

When did you start to play the piano?
Well, at around age four, my mum gave me a choice. I could either go to my grandmother for piano lessons, or I could go for ballet lessons. It didn’t even take me a second to decide. I wanted ballet lessons! So of course, my mum sent me to piano lessons haha. And I don’t regret it one bit – although I cry every time I watch a ballet. I always wish it were me dancing on that stage.

Who are your mentors in life?
My mum and my grandmother have been mentors for much of my life. They started me off and they influence every move I make. However, lately I’ve also had the help of the wonderful Tony Moore in London who advises me and encourages me constantly. I also have a vocal mentor, and that’s my amazing teacher Line Hilton!

What music did you listen to as a child?
Mainly whatever was on the radio and lots and lots of classical piano music – I never really paid much attention to the radio charts until I was around 11. And by that time I had already started writing my own music. I remember the first CDs I’d ever bought were The Corrs and Hanson. I was so excited to have it! It was their use of harmonies that I found really inspiring. I also loved the fact that they were brothers and sisters. In fact I was hoping my brothers would take up an instrument so that we could form our own band. I had it all planned. Andrew, my youngest brother, would play the drums and Steven, the middle of the 3, would play guitar and sing harmonies. It would have been perfect! Alas that never came to pass.

Who are your major influences in music now?
Well there are quite a few. I tend to look for vocal texture and versatility in the artists I listen to. That’s why I am into Tori Amos, the Dresden Dolls, Gwen Stefani, Goldfrapp, Radiohead, Jeff Buckley, Imogen Heap, Elisa and Regina Spektor just to name a few.

Do you get bugged when people say you’re Malta’s answer to Tori Amos?
Not at all! I understand that people need to make that association in order to relate to my music. And I am honoured to be compared to an artist I hold in such high esteem. Having said that I know my music to be different to hers in many ways, for example, her piano accompaniments tend to be more jazz oriented, whereas mine are more classical. Also, our song structures are very different. In fact, the only thing that makes such a comparison valid is the fact that I tend to use my higher register in a classical way making the texture of our voices sound rather similar. But that’s valid enough for me

How difficult is it to get up and leave the island to follow your dreams in the UK? How did you do it?
Well it would be a lie to say that it is easy. But I have also been very lucky to have help. Tony Moore had been encouraging me for months to go to London for a week here and there and perform at his venues. So I finally took up his offer. I went once for a week, and then again a couple of months later. I then went for a whole month. By then I had decided that I needed to move to London. A month later I had moved! I acted on instinct and even though it was scary, I know that I made the right decision.

I kept asking myself this question: How would I feel in 5 years time knowing that I didn’t take this chance? If I was ok with it, then I would have stayed in Malta. But I wasn’t ok with it. I would have felt guilty and empty knowing that I missed out on an opportunity like that. My life would have been incomplete. And that’s not to say that there weren’t sacrifices to be made, but by comparison, those sacrifices were worth making.

Who are the people who helped you on your journey to where you are now?
There have been many people that eventually led me to this point in my journey. Starting from my mum to my grandmother, my old school friends who’d come to my house every week to listen to some new songs together with my brothers and my dad, Andie Coppini with whom I had my very first studio experience, OzzyLino who believed in me and introduced me to Tom Nash, who in turn introduced me to David Vella and Line Hilton, various musicians and ex-boyfriends along the way and finally Tony Moore. It’s a chain. One person leads to another. But every single person is important in my musical development.

Tell me about your first gig in the UK. Your best one. Your strangest one. Your latest one. The one you’re looking forward to, most.
My first UK gig was very interesting actually. I arrived at Luton Airport and Tony Moore picked me up. He had been invited to perform on a TV programme which was being filmed in Birmingham so I went with him. Once there, the host invited me to perform on the programme too and so my first performance in London was on SKY tv! Straight after that Tony had an interview to give, so again I followed and guess who was being interviewed? None other than Duran Duran! We then drove straight to the next venue in London where I changed in the girls’ toilet for the first of many gigs at the Regal Room. It was an amazing journey already and I had barely been in London 24 hours!

My best gig however is hard to choose. There are a number of them. There was the fundraising event which was held at The Bedford in London in which I was one of many acts including The Feeling. Newton Faulkner was in the audience too! Then there was that time I performed at a school in Copenhagen for around 600 kids! That was awesome! And of course there’s the performance I gave in LA which I enjoyed thoroughly and which lead to many good things.

My strangest and latest gig go hand in hand. Last Monday I performed for an hour to an online audience. There was no one in the room apart from two friends because it was 3pm in the afternoon and everyone was at work. The event was called SOS Rainforest Second Life Concert, supported by Prince Charles. So I was basically performing to a camera which linked to a laptop making it possible for people all around the world to watch! So I had another laptop on the grand piano I was playing and my online audience would send me messages throughout the set. It was strange but pretty awesome!

The next gig which I’m really looking forward to has to be Teatru Unplugged which is being held at the Manoel Theatre in Malta on the 27/28/29 of November!

What’s your favourite place in Malta?
In terms of music venues I’d definitely say the Manoel Theatre. But my favourite hide out is Legligin which is a little wine bar on the street parallel to the Manoel. The owner is so nice and his food is to die for!!

What advice would you give others aspiring to make a career out of music?
I can only speak from my own experience. If your heart isn’t in it, then don’t bother. But if you can’t imagine your life without music, then give it your all! If you love music but it’s not a priority, hold on to it and use it as a therapy to let out your emotions. It’s an excellent release!

The video for ‘Me Oh My’ is a definite departure from your other material. Where was it filmed? Who was involved?
Yes in fact coming to London has allowed me to really express myself. My performance has become a lot bolder and much more theatrical. So “Me Oh My” being such an expressive song was the perfect choice for my first music video. I wanted to let people know that they can no longer expect the obvious from me.
The video was filmed in my grandparents’ hall. The piano is in fact my grandmother’s. Nick Morales and Keith Falzon both filmed and edited the video. Kirsten Holland did my make up, with the help of a friend of mine, Lisa Schembri. HairFactory was kind enough to sponsor me and Sara Falzon volunteered to come and take some pictures as we were filming. My brother Andrew was also on set helping with the music. And what’s more, I was also sponsored by Amrita (foot care and wellness centre) where I got a lovely massage before the shoot. All in all we were a great team!!

What are you working on, right now?
I am writing a lot of songs these days. I’ve been asked to co-write someone’s album here in London. And I am also co-writing with a teenage girl who I believe has enormous potential. On top of that I’ve co-written for Maltese singer Brooke and I am also working on my own material. I will be living out of a suitcase in December since I am flying from London, to Malta at least 3 times and once to Copenhagen in between. I have also been making cards and small drawings which are associated with my musical style. And underneath all of that I am also giving performance workshops in London, voice lessons in London and Malta, and piano lessons in London. Who said being a musician is easy?!

What should we have asked you?
Where can we buy your EP? – go to www.indiestore.com or come to Teatru Unplugged on the 27/28/29 of November where I will be selling hard copies for just a fiver. Meanwhile, if you want to know what the EP sounds like go have a listen on www.myspace.com/carrieonsinging and check out the music video!

Share this

Man of many talents. Drummer, producer, DJ all wrapped up in one.

I first got to know Toby when he played drums in my brother’s metal band. Fast forward some eleven years, and Toby is now a DJ, artist and producer. I caught up with him to talk about the journey he’s made.

What was your favourite record as a child?

I was always surrounded by music. My Dad used to constantly play vinyl records on his LP player – The Police, Mike Oldfield, Alan Parsons, Hot Chocolate and Boney M. The two songs which really take me back in time whenever I hear them are Mike Oldfield’s ‘Moonlight Shadow’ and Kate Bush’s ‘Running up that Hill’. I guess I took the emotion of Mike, Kate and Alan and mixed them with beats ‘n bass lines from Boney M and Hot Chocolate!

How did you get into dance music?

I played in bands from a really early age. I tried all instruments – bass, lead guitar, keyboards and vocals – but the one I stuck to longest was drums. I love the feeling of lightness after a great drumming session, you really get to bash out all your daily problems. I still do to this day, though some problems take more of a bashing than others. Although I used to play with rock bands, I was always listening to chillout and electronica – a daily dose of Enigma, Mike Oldfield, Alan Parsons and Tangerine Dream. Trust me, you had to, after playing four hours of Metallica covers! Then I started getting into a lot of ambient and Goah Trance and attending Dance and Electronic Events. After that there was no turning back!

Do you consider yourself a musician or a DJ? What’s the difference, in the creative process?

I guess I am both. There is a huge difference between a DJ and a musician. Although it takes great skill to become a good DJ, there is no comparison with being able to play an instrument well. When you are playing, you are creating something that is totally yours; when you are DJing, you are manipulating songs that have already been created by someone else. Unless they are your own work, in which case it’s a very different story. There is nothing quite like playing the instruments to create your own production and then spinning that same track in a club at night!

What’s been the highlight of your career till now?

Signing my publishing deal with EMI UK is right up there, as is watching a Remix I produced climb its way to number 9 in the UK Club charts. Quite a great feeling, but performing to over 10,000 people at festivals is just as satisfying. Nothing really beats performing my own productions with guest artists I have worked with, to 2,500 friends and fans at my ‘Toby live in Concert’ gigs!

Who do you admire?

My parents for lovingly staying together all these years, through thick and thin, and putting up with three boys and me and my mishaps. In music, it’s every artist, musician or DJ who manages to remain level-headed irrespective of success – I just cannot stand arrogance. I admire people who can give selflessly, without expecting something in return.

What’s your idea of a perfect day?

Morning: working in the studio producing for upcoming talent. Afternoon: a dive in Comino’s Santa Marija caves. Evening: Dinner by the sea in Gozo followed by clubbing anywhere to Trance and Electronica.

Do you think a small island like Malta can become a feature on the global dance calendar?

Definitely. We already have a beautiful location and top artists, bands and DJs hitting our shores. We just need to get smarter at marketing the island in in the right way, lengthening the closure time for clubs, events and outdoor festivals (or removing it altogether). Places such as Ibiza and Aia Napa have already shown how the model can work, spinning an entirely new tourism sector in the process.

Beer, wine or fruit juice?

Morning – juice, beer in the afternoon and wine in the evening. Having said that, if there was more of the afternoon and evening going on, it will probably be rounds of morning all day!

What are you working on at the moment?

I am currently creating and producing songs for some really great talents! I love helping people work their way up from the very start. I’ve got around fourteen productions in the pipe line – both local and foreign, upcoming and established artists. I’m also putting together my next ‘Toby Live in Concert’

You always seem to collaborate with vocalists. And you still have your own unique sound.

I am always looking for new sounds, to stay updated with the freshest noise out there. I’m constantly looking for new vocalists, so my style does tend to vary from time to time. It’s all about experimentation. I’d get bored if I were always to produce the same genre. Producing for other people means I get to create all types of music, from classical to R’nB, house, trance and all styles of electronica, to recording rock bands and creating scores and soundtracks for movies and documentaries.

What should we have asked you?

How do you feel about the BMA Nomination you have just received for your song with Niki Gravino ‘Cover your eyes’? It’s always a great feeling to be nominated and appreciated for the work you do. I produced the song and the video was filmed in Germany by acclaimed director Wolfgang Raach, featuring world-renowned stunt man Mike Moller. Can I put in a plug? People can vote for the song by sending an sms with the text ‘TOBY’ to 5061 5302 by the 7th December.

More on Toby on MySpace, YouTube, his website and Facebook. Toby’s latest Album ‘DIGI KINDA LIFE’ available at all Exotique and D’Amato Record shops & www.di-ve.com.

Picture: David P Attard

Share this