Over the recent festive period we saw a number of live events, with music ranging from indie rock to techno to pop, and a lot of the genres in between. But what of the underground genres, the ones that were not represented over the holidays (or even throughout the year), the genres that people have barely even heard of? The newly formed Frontline Events hope to answer these questions.
“The idea behind Frontline Events is to introduce local talent that no one hears about. In Malta we have so much unknown talent and it would be a shame for people to remain unaware of it,” says Neil Fenech. Neil, along with Sean Rogers, formed Frontline Events to offer alternatives to some of the oversaturated scenes in Malta.
“A lot of people go for only one type of music, one scene. I do not believe that that makes for a healthy music scene. I would love for people to hear the sounds, come to the event, experience the music, and see first-hand what it is all about. Once they see the energy we create on the dancefloor, they’ll get it,” he says.
The debut event, Shutdown, stays true to the group’s philosophy. Featuring an eclectic line-up that caters for grime, techno, hip-hop, rap, dubstep, and trap fans – and don’t worry if you don’t know some of those genres, that’s the point – Neil and company are here to get the musical education started.
Don’t worry if you don’t know some of those genres, that’s the point
“This kind of line-up, with such a mixture of genres, is rare in Malta, if it happens at all. The even is planned to be like a small festival,” Neil says. Having played abroad in music festivals like Outlook, Neil is hoping to bring the essence of openness and acceptance to Malta’s musical shores.
“I’ve experienced festivals abroad and I’ve yet to see that kind of vibe in Malta. Here, people go to parties to be seen, to hook up with someone… This party is all about the music. If you love music, if you feel music, then you will understand what we are doing at this party.” He laughs, and continues: “And if you don’t enjoy it, fair enough, but at least you would have tasted it!”
The line-up, in fact, is a pick and mix from the fringe scenes of music in Malta. Featuring Sempliċiment Tat-Triq, Digby, Soul Movement, Supre, Depth, Sean Rickett, Stygian, and Why Axis (who will also be providing visuals), it is clear that Shutdown may very well shut down The Warehouse.
Neil’s faith in the artists and Maltese people is strong. “The event is for people with an interest in the underground scene, and who are ready to be introduced to new types of music they might have never heard before. It’s all about different styles of music, different talent, exposing different genres... and, more than anything, it’s about love of music.”
Frontline Events Presents: Shutdown takes place on Saturday at The Warehouse, Żurrieq.
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