It is summer time and music will fill the island. The talent across Malta will be on display in small bars, amazing locations and festivals.
Malta has a rich musical history from the traditional Għana of telling stories through a folk genre, via notable achievements in Eurovision to today’s pop, metal and electronica scene, there is something to please everyone.
Local musicians can frequently be overshadowed in the media, by the overseas talent that comes to perform. But for me, there is a steady stream of talented local Maltese artists that are a joy to discover, provide the perfect entertainment in incredible settings and give me new music to follow.
During the colder months musicians are often producing and releasing new music, including tuning up their show at smaller concerts and venues until the summer party atmosphere takes over the island.
Bands I fell in love with and remain my favourites include Red Electric, Airport Impressions and The Crowns. But there are so many from which to choose which would satisfy most tastes, from well known stars of the local music industry, such as Ira Losco and other emerging talent which is showcased through Malta’s Got Talent and X Factor Malta.
As well as the club scene, Malta’s musicians can be enjoyed at outdoor festivals, in small bars or in the piazza of village streets.
Great Music, breathtaking locations
Enjoy the music and sample the Maltese wine and food at the Marsovin Wine festival held in Hastings Gardens in July or August. Be amongst the vibrant crowd and find a quiet spot to overlook the battlements of Valletta watching the lights of the villages and towns come to life across the island as the darkness of the night takes hold.
Photo: Marsovin Wine and Music Festival, Sean Richardson
Hondoq by Night features artists in a stunning location in Gozo where you can enjoy the music in the picturesque bay on a warm July night.
The Isle of MTV event held on the historic Granaries of Floriana provides the opportunity to experience Malta’s musicians as support to international headline acts, during July in Malta Music Week. International artists that have performed include Lady Gaga, One Republic and Jason Derulo.
The summer Farson’s Beer festival pumps out the music, drinks and entertainment in Ta’ Qali over three nights.
In June, L’Imnarja, the Festival of Light, Summer Folk Festival showcases the Għana talent in Buskkett Gardens, a favoured hunting location of the Knights, while sampling rabbit amongst other traditional Maltese dishes.
The Malta musical scene has something for everyone and hosts an international jazz festival set against the Grand Harbour.
Of course, being an island, there are an untold number of venues by the water, where the rich talent of local musicians can be enjoyed on warm summer nights.
Find a new favourite
Malta gives you the new opportunity to make new memories. It could be a new favourite musician, playing music in a stunning location, partying in a crowd or accompanying the food and drink that lingers in the senses.
Until I get the opportunity to again visit the island, I can continue to stream my favourite Maltese performers imagining I am listening in one of the amazing settings.
For a sample of my playlist that I listen to when writing my novel, The Maltese Web, head over to this brief article.
