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.

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.

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!

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