Guitarist Kersten Graham will be experiencing Rockestra as guest guitarist for the first time. He shares his excitement at being part of the annual charity event and news about his other musical projects with The Sunday Times.
Kersten GrahamHow did you get into music?
I need to thank my parents for showing me this amazing world of music. I remember from a very young age, I was exposed to three genres – pop, classic and hard rock. My father used to listen to these Beatles, Bee Gees, Rod Steward, and so forth, while thanks to my mum I listened to bands such as Aerosmith, Guns N’ Roses, Queen... I love all the instruments, but it was the sound of the guitar that got me. So, as the story goes, my parents blessed me with a classical guitar at the age of seven, but after about three weeks of lessons, I quit. I actually thank God I did. Later on, listening to the electric guitar of Guns ‘N roses, Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton convinced me into getting an electric guitar and experiment with it.
How do you describe your style?
I am mainly a session musician, so I can easily say I play a lot of different styles. My own personal style is akin to that of my first single, titled Close to Home. I usually try to push in an element of bluesy licks into a somewhat, fresher sound. The style has evolved a lot through the years, and you really need to challenge yourself into still keeping the real essence of your music while reaching out to different crowds and producing fresh sounds. This reality is something that drives me to compose music. Not everyone will like it; some will hate it. But if I touch just one person, that means that the song served well.
How did your decision to take part in Rockestra auditions come about?
Long before I was even gigging frequently, it was a dream of mine to play on that gigantic stage, pleasing that amazing crowd. It’s a concert with a noble aim; that of helping those in need. And you get to do that while rocking out with this massive orchestra. Which musician doesn’t dream of being part of such a production? I had a small taste of it back in 2014, where I played as an opening act as part of the band Nova.
This spurred me to dream of being on the big stage with an electric guitar one day. I continued learning and working hard and, since I’m a bit addicted to some social media platforms, I saw that Rockestra were auditioning for guitarists! It was my chance to make my dream become reality and to take it to the next level. And I was one of the three who made it.
If I touch just one person, that means that the song served well
How do you balance your life considering you also work full-time?
Life is a beautiful journey, that’s all I can say. I wish that one day, I will reach a state where I can depend fully on music, but not for now. Keeping my feet to the ground, I think it’s safe to say that if you really work hard for it you can achieve anything you set your mind to. It’s just a matter of keeping note of the different priorities in your life and the order you need to place them, at the right time. When I am at work, I focus on work, so that when I’m out, I can relax by attending rehearsals, meetings, gigs, or practice at home. Even when I’m tired and sleepy, it remains the most amazing thing I love in my life. Of course, nothing worth having comes without a sacrifice.
What is the biggest satisfaction you get from your music?
Seeing people dancing, enjoying the music you play and the show you produce… it is the best feeling in the world. To be able to communicate to other people, without words, just with music, is something that still amazes me every day. Hearing your songs on the radio and seeing people sharing your song, is something spectacular. It gives me the will to keep on writing, experimenting and reaching out to the people who might feel some type of emotion, through my music.
What’s next for you?
Gearing up for Rockestra, with tons of other big projects coming up. Am currently finishing another single, which will soon be released. I also will be taking part in the Malta Police Band Concert on September 29. I am also preparing to be a session musician/guest in The Busker’s debut album launch – and on top of them, a couple of surprises. 2017, is looking very promising.
Rockestra takes place on September 10 at 7pm at the Malta Fairs and Conferences Centre, Ta’ Qali. Tickets are available online.
www.showshappening.com