One of the images that has been cropping up a lot on my Facebook wall these past few weeks is an illustration of a (headless) man – and a big man at that – with prominent bulging belly and a random arrangement of words tattooed all over his naked upper body. His jeans are thankfully held firmly in place by means of a belt that is proudly decorated with the eight-pointed Maltese cross on its buckle.
Bands that do not conform to the general perception of what pop music sounds like tend not to be given enough exposure
If you’re still wondering what all this has to do with music, then you obviously haven’t yet received word of the Lissen music festival that JG Promotions are staging on Friday and Saturday night in Corradino.
The above-mentioned illustration is, in fact, the poster for said event; the words randomly tattooed on the man’s body being simply the event details, including the line-up (which has now been expanded) that will be entertaining the crowds next weekend.
The idea to stage such a festival had long been buzzing inside the head of one Justin Galea – a young musician and singer who is also the man behind JG Promotions.
“Yes, it has been a dream of mine for quite some time,” Galea says. “Having been part of various festivals and events as a performer, I think I was bitten by the bug to do my own thing,” he laughs. To some extent, he also gained adequate experience and more importantly, contacts – all of which have been essential in putting Lissen together.
What is particularly special about this festival is that it isn’t just a showcase of Maltese talent, but in its larger part at least, the songs performed will actually be sung in the Maltese language.
“Like most people I like to listen to music in other languages. However, I am also particularly fond of songs sung in Maltese,” he explains. “So it was very important for me that the festival would have the Maltese language as its main focus.”
His passion for Maltese music, or to be more precise, mużika bil-Malti, is something reflected in his own musical activity. Galea is, in fact, a familiar face on the folk circuit, particularly the L-Għanja tal-Poplu festival.
As a member of folk-punk collective Plato’s Dream Machine, he’s also known in the local alternative scene. His vocal talent, however, extends further and he’s also performed at a number of other events, including Strummin’ Home, Rockestra and Voices.
For Lissen, however, he’s sought the support of like-minded souls, bands and artists that share his passion in keeping the Maltese language alive through their music. It’s all quite clear really, but Galea proceeds to sum up his reason for staging Lissen anyway.
“I felt that there are a lot of music festivals featuring music in other languages, so why not stage one that would focus on our mother tongue?”
Indeed, why not, but in light of similar events such as the recent Għanja fuq il-Barakka or the annual L-Għanja tal-Poplu, for example, what makes Lissen so different?
“First of all, it’s important to say that I totally support other festivals that promote songs sung in Maltese,” he quickly points out. Not that anyone would have doubted him, as his ongoing involvement in these very events certainly proves his words.
“However, there seems to be something missing when it comes to the sound of the underground.”
Now one might question whether the likes of Brikkuni or indeed Plato’s Dream Machine could actually be called underground, but I suspect Galea is referring to those bands that, for some reason or other, do not enjoy the same amount of radio airplay in Malta as do other bands that choose to sing in English.
“The thing is, bands that do not conform to the general perception of what pop music sounds like tend not to be given enough exposure or opportunities here,” he contends, adding that their music is just as important as any other band’s.
“They’re also part of Malta’s culture and population and their songs reflect outlooks and experiences of life here that are relevant. Their voice needs to be heard too.”
In any case, a glimpse at the rest of the line-up, namely notorious hip-hop duo Sempliċiment tat-Triq, singer-songwriter Vince Fabri, left-field duo Particle Blue, maverick artist Danjeli, Każin Ska (whose modern take on traditional band marches are not to be missed), and newcomers Brodu – who will be playing their debut gig at Lissen – certainly pushes his point home.
In fact, while it can be safely said that Brikkuni and Plato’s Dream Machine already enjoy a certain degree of popularity at large, the other artists on the line-up, bar perhaps new arrivals Brodu, have pretty much what is best defined as a cult following.
However, with Sempliċiment tat-Triq’s latest You Tube clip currently having over 7,300 views and Danjeli’s last album clocking a significant number of downloads, this may well change in the long run. The story with Particle Blue is a bit unclear, as this duo only seems to reconvene occasionally, albeit with much anticipation from their fans every time they do get together to play live. There is Vince Fabri – the most veteran of the lot – a singer songwriter whose work stretches back decades.
“Most people will recognise Vince from his Xarabank residency,” Galea says. “Or maybe because of the songs he wrote for the 1980s satirical show Aħn’aħna Jew M’aħniex. But he has written so much music over the years that just doesn’t get heard by enough people.”
This statement doesn’t apply just to Fabri actually, but also to most of the bands on the line-up. Lissen may not be the first event to try and bring such music to the masses, and yes, there’s still a long way to go. But it certainly is another step in the right direction.
Lissen will be held at the Senglea Athletic pitch in the Corradino Industrial Zone on Friday and Saturday. Doors open at 8pm. Tickets cost either €10 per night or €15 for both nights. For more information look up Lissen – Festival ta’ Mużika bil-Malti on Facebook or call 7931 1999.