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.

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For many, a night in Paceville is just a blur

Love it, hate it, wait eagerly to go there weekends, or wince at the thought of it, we all have a reaction to Paceville (pronounced ‘parch-i-ville’) Routinely billed as the heart of Malta’s nightlife, it’s either the place to be seen, or a place to avoid, depending largely on your age and taste in night life. It has everything from clubs to a casino, and an atmosphere ranging from tacky to cool.

Want to know why people go to Paceville? We give you the raw, (almost) unedited viewpoints of people in the know. Here, the 15 – 25 year olds give their verdict. Older ages in future articles. Note: to 16-25s, Paceville is “PV’ (text lingo).

Robyn (18)
1. Fun to meet friends
2. Out of habit
3. Convenient, because everything is close together
4. Like listening to music
5. To meet new people, but hate that there are so many people (editor’s. note: last point may contradict the earlier one).

C.P (16)
1. When I go there, I get a later (parental) curfew.
2. I love ‘Remedy’ (bar with live music)

J.Lo (16) goes to PV to:
1. Listen to the music he likes
2. Socialise with different people
3. To drink
4. To smoke…(editor’s note: …not sure what though).

Charlie (21) says people go to PV to:
1. Get wasted
2. Meet the same people over and over again. No interesting conversations take place there.. just useless, drunken chat.
3. Pull anything of the opposite sex
4. Because ‘there is nothing better to do’.
5. The weekend shows up and people simply feel like clubbing. There are still many who love the place because of that.

(Afterthought): It’s still very cheap to go out (especially if you’re a girl). There are no entrance fees to many of the clubs. It’s drawing ever younger people in: 14 year-olds go there supposedly accompanying their elder siblings.. and end up getting wasted themselves. By the time you get to 21, you’ve done it all and want to move on. Also, if you’ve done any serious travel yourself, you know that there is life beyond Paceville.

What and where is Paceville?

It’s a compact, urban peninsula between St George’s Bay and Spinola Bay and facing the inland residential area of Swieqi. It also has a large number of five-star hotels on its fringes. The St George’s Bay (newly-made) beach is considered Paceville’s local beach. Paceville life centres on Dragonara Road, Wilga Street, St. Georges Road and St. Rita Steps where clubs, bars, restaurants, snack outlets, discos and more spill out into paved streets. It isn’t that attractive a place by day, but at night, it’s like Malta’s mini version of London’s Soho, Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus – loud, brash and in your face.

Facilities: police are present; taxi ranks in main square; Wembley’s, a well-known taxi & mini-bus firm, is just five minutes walk from central Paceville. Minibus services to most outlying towns and villages operate till the early hours. Taxi sharing also possible.

How to get there:

Buses 62, 64, 66, 67, 68, 662, 667 and 671 all pass very frequently through St. Julian’s (stops on main road on fringes of Paceville) from 5.30 till 11.00pm.

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OK, so the dark nights are beckoning, but don’t put those sunglasses away yet. Because you’ll need them next Saturday, 24 October for that unique clubbing concept, Sunglasses at Night, this time at Gianpula (mainroom).

Following the response to the last Sunglasses at Night, organisers Fabric have opted for a bigger venue to make sure, as they put it, “nobody is disappointed”. And with the improved line-up, with the likes of Duncan F, Ziggy, Alvin Gee, and Sub Sonic, there’s every chance you won’t be. But, it’s popular and, on past form, is prone to sell-out. So be forewarned.

A bit of history about Fabric, for those not in the know: Fabric has been delivering events ranging from weekly nights to one-off events both in and outside Paceville. Its lastest innovation, the Sunglasses at Night concept, was born in March 2009 at Poxxbar and packed the newly-opened Marrakech in early July.

Tickets:

10 euro from:

Chilli – The Plaza, Sliema
Chilli – Baystreet
Ryan’s Pub – St. Julians
KSU – On Campus

Or phone: 99479121 or 99459184
Dress Code – Strictly sunglasses!
Doors Open: 22.00.

‘WIN TICKETS’ COMPETITION

in association with Malta Inside Out
The first five to answer this question correctly will each receive a complimentary ticket to the forthcoming Sunglasses at Night event:

Q: When and where is Sunglasses at Night 3 going to be held?

How to Enter: email contact@maltainsideout.com with your answer, giving us your full name and mobile contact number. Winners will be contacted by Fabric directly.

Further Information, on the event or competition, from:
email info@fabricpromo.com
website: www.fabricpromo.com
See also, Fabric on Facebook

For a taster, see:

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A clan of loud rugby lads chant “Freddie Portelli! Freddie Portelli! Morru ’l hemm” while chugging down their beers. The rest of us watch bemused as we wait for what’s promising to be a night of raw musical talent in Malta. And there’s no sign of the iconic Freddie Portelli either.

It all happened last Wednesday at Hacienda, in Baystreet, Paceville. A night called “Lucinda presents”, where Lucinda herself never turned up, organised to showcase three up-and-coming Maltese bands.

The night kicked off with Ninu & Amber. Ninu walks on stage casually swinging a guitar and shy little Amber trots behind him for their first ever public performance. As soon as the first song kicked off, we realised that Amber can really belt out a tune from her petite little frame. Despite some minor technical hiccups, the band deliver a crowd-pleasing set of contemporary indie-alternative covers. Five Years’ Time by Noah & the Whale and New Romantic by Laura Marling were my personal favourites, each given an original twist by Amber’s signature voice and Ninu’s guitar. Amber’s broken voice is very reminiscent of front line acts such as Florence & the Machine, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Bat for Lashes. All this was very pleasantly welcomed by the crowd, if slightly overshadowed with cheers from an enthusiastic group of 50-somethings, probably composed of Ninu & Amber’s relatives and their entourages. All in all, two thumbs up considering it was their first, and what promises not to be their last, performance.

Next up were Vinnie Vintage, a band that simply oozes character. 4 lovable boys, brought together since school sharing one common love: making music. With a loyal fan base and a few successful performances behind them, Vinnie Vintage delivered what the crowd came for. Playing originals such as Cool Shoes, Barmen are Detectives and Sea to the Salt, the Vinnie Vintage came to what seemed an abrupt end, leaving the crowd baying for encores. The Vinnies came back with a wonderfully energetic performance of White Stripes’ Fell in Love with a Girl.

The final act of the night was Dolls for Idols. Already on the scene for a few months, I had heard a lot about this band, but never made it to their gigs. Looking around I see they already have a loyal fan base. Four lanky Jim Morrison lookalikes trudge onto the stage. Within a few minutes they are shouting for another microphone. That’s when I knew these guys have attitude. Within seconds of the first tune, I’ve joined the moshing crowd at the front – these guys rock! Playing originals such as Billy Bangs and Through the city at night, their set came to end, giving my legs a well-deserved, brief, rest, before handing the baton over to The Wizard for an amazing DJ set featuring a cross over between alternative, electronic and nu-rave hits to leave us all dancing till our legs could dance no more.

So forget America’s Got Talent and its various spin offs: last Wednesday was definitely Malta’s Got Talent’s turn. As yet undiscovered by record labels and unknown to most marketing people, these three acts definitely have what it takes to be up there. Remember – you read about them first here!

Follow Vinnie Vintage and Dolls for Idols on MySpace.

Photo: Chris Farrugia

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Markus Schultz - all set for Creamfields, 15 August.

Markus Schulz has built himself a stellar reputation as one of the global leaders in production as well as a world renowned DJ. His own label, Coldharbour Recordings has delivered over 60 A-list releases within three years. Originally from Germany, Markus moved to the USA aged 13 and quickly become engrossed in the break-dancing scene of the time. He’s currently listed at number 8 in the prestigious DJ Mag Top 100 DJ poll 2008 – a position no doubt set to rise.

Markus brings his unique brand of progressive and melodic trance to Malta when he headlines Creamfields on the 15 August. In this exclusive interview with Malta InsideOut, we get some insights into the man behind one of the hottest DJs in town:

What was your favourite record as a child?

The first record I ever bought was Zapp – “More Bounce To The Ounce”, believe it or not that was one of my favourite songs and I convinced my father to buy it for me.

Your music is described as dark, melodic, dance music. How would you describe it?

I would agree with the dark and melodic part – it’s a good way to describe it. I’ve always been more into those kind of melodies as opposed to the big over the top superstar riffs, and I think that’s why I’ve gotten so much attention. I’m kind of the anti-trance, trance guy!

You’re a veritable globe-trotter. Have you visited Malta before? Tell us two things you know about the island.

I’ve been to Malta before and I had a great time, I really look forward to playing there as I don’t think many people remember the last time I was there! Good friends of mine come from there and they are always telling me how much of an amazing place it is!

When do you know that a gig is going really well? What’s the perfect vibe?

I know a gig is going really well when I see more and more people hanging around the DJ booth. People seem to want to be around the decks when the party is going off.

When did you find out you were afraid of heights? What else scares you?

I’ve always been afraid of heights ever since I can remember. It’s always been a problem for me not being able to enjoy things that other people do like roller coasters. In fact I never used to fly on airplanes till I started DJ’ing and started being booked in different places – it was quite a thing for me to overcome! Snakes and rats are the other things that scare me.

What’s the upside and downside of travelling the world? And how do you slow down?

Having to deal with airlines and tourist travelers who slow everything down. It’s one of those things you have to deal with, when I travel I just try and shut myself off mentally and get into a zone where I am focusing on music or the gig I am heading to.

Who do you admire?

Musically or overall? Wow always a tough question… Barack Obama, Nelson Mandella? I can’t pick!

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

I do – I think that the fact that festivals like Creamfields are coming there is a great start and if it is successful you will see a lot more things happening on the island. It’s a beautiful place to go to and there are lots of great fans there – it’s really a case of putting it all together. That’s going to be the key to making the island a regular desitnation.

Beer, wine or fruit juice?

Definitely not beer, I don’t like it. Wine on planes and fruit juice in the mornings. Other than that, water all the other times.

What should we have asked you?

You should have asked me what I am working on at the moment! I am working on my next artist album which I am very excited about – there are some great things down already. When I am making an album I make about 20 tracks and then pick the best 13 to be feature on the album. At the moment 7 are finished, so I may start testing them out in my gigs soon!

Marcus Schulz is on the Main Stage at Creamfields at midnight on 15th August. For more information, check out the Creamfields website.

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Les Petits Pilous guide you through the night on 18 July at Tattingers

Following the success of their first edition of the ‘A Night With’ series, Malta music event organisers Squadron are hosting a second edition at Tattingers, Rabat, on 18 July. Guests include new kids on the block, French duo Les Petits Pilous.

Les Petits Pilous was formed by cousins Jean-Pat & Pacey. Although only having kicked off their career recently, the duo is already considered to be one of the brightest talents and the biggest artists on Boys Noize Records following their dance-floor hits “Wake Up” and “Housi”. Les Petits Pilous are the true example of the nu-rave/electro style that’s dominating clubs right now. Playing at some of the best electronic music festivals in the world alongside names such as 2 Many DJs, Justice, Tiga, Boys Noize, and D.I.M.,they are now way up in the charts of techno and electro.

The event will also feature local acts including a warm up by Mathematikal (live show), Junior B, Bjan Jensen, Alex Thomson, and Dale.

More info:
Squadron at: www.squadronmalta.com
Les Petits Pilous on myspace

Tickets can be bought from Squadron’s usual runners and outlets: Dr. Juice, Exit, Fact, Fused, The Hatch and Royal Impact or contact info@squadronmalta.com

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Laugh Out Loud, the Stand-up Comedy Show is back in town!

The 10th edition of the Laugh Out Loud Productions’ Stand-up Comedy Show is back again, bringing you three top comedians from the London and Ireland comedy circuit. To celebrate their 5th year anniversary, LOL Productions are proud to present Terry Alderton, Keith Farnan and Paul Sinha who all boast internationally-acclaimed, sell-out tours around the globe. They will be performing live in Malta on the 22-23 May, 2009 at the Dolmen Resort Hotel. The XFM Stand-up Comedy Show promises an unforgettable night out, with the very best of stand-up comedy guaranteed to make your jaw ache and your ribs sore!

Terry Alderton: For the second time in Malta, this outstanding comic (and ex-Southend goalkeeper!) hurtles us through an ad-libbed riot of exuberant, loose-limbed physical comedy; full of extraordinary caricatures and stunningly acute impressions. With a fearless onstage presence, unshakeable confidence and a streetwise hyperactive delivery, Terry always leaves his audience exhilarated and exhausted with laughter. Peek inside the Technicolor mind of one of Britain’s finest comic talents and find him desperately doing battle with all the strange and hilariously unpredictable demons that have decided to set up home there. Terry is a popular choice in the world of comedy, and regularly treads the boards all over the globe, performing along-side some of comedies biggest international stars. Recently working with Joan Rivers and Eddie Izzard, who proclaimed him a ‘very funny comic’ with a ‘fantastic comedy mind’, but someone who really ought to seek some sort of professional help.

Keith Farnan: For the past few years, Keith Farnan has toured internationally as a comedian, working in some of the best comedy clubs around the world, including the Comedy Store in London, the Laughter Lounge in Dublin and the Latter Club in Oslo. Keith Farnan has performed across the world, from the Boston International Comedy Festival, to the “Best of the Irish” shows at the Edinburgh Festival and on to solo shows in Norway and Denmark. “…If Eddie Izzard had been Irish, he’d surely have turned out a lot like Keith Farnan.”-The Scotsman “Seriously Funny” – Time Out

Paul Sinha: Sinha is a qualified GP and international stand-up comic of many years repute, having performed in all major comedy clubs in the UK, as well as China, Auckland, Singapore, the Middle East, South Africa, Netherlands and Germany. An if.comedy nominee at the 2006 Edinburgh Festival and also a Chortle Award Best Headliner nominee in 2009, Paul’s witty and intelligent brand of comedy is much in demand around the world; on stage, radio and television. “This is what a good stand-up should be. Hilariously funny, passionate and articulate” Chortle “Superb comic writing” Times “Superlative… irresistible… jokes come thick and fast” Telegraph

For more information about the event please visit www.laughoutloud.com.mt or call hotline 9942 5265. Tickets may be purchased at the door.
Price: €20.00 inc. vat
Time: 20:30 / Doors open 19:30
Venue: Oracle Conference Centre, Dolmen Resort Hotel, Qawra

Note: The ticket price does NOT include food or drinks, seating for the event will be on a first come first served basis and this event is strictly for an Over 18 audience. When collecting tickets from outlets, please pay in cash or by cheque.

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