Playing experimental or unconventional music in Malta
I am asked often about the possibilities of playing live in Malta. The below, with links, should be helpful.
Are there opportunities to play experimental music – such as ambient, drone, noise, etc – in a live settings or to show sound art work?
Simply put, it might be possible if your expectations are low. If you’re looking to play live while on holiday, to twist some knobs and have your skin crackle audibly in the midday sun (incidentally, it could make a good sound art project) – this would probably be fairly doable.
If you’re expecting a paid flight, hotel accommodation and a generous fee, it is very unlikely. Not only is Malta a tiny island nation at the Southern limits of the European Union, but it has less than half a million inhabitants and, despite a thriving scene for its size, it is still limited in its appreciation of this kind of music/art.
You’ll make friends, you’ll swim, you’ll visit one of the more unusual places in Europe – but you won’t make money.
Which organisations/venues do I contact?
Together with like-minded friends I founded Arsha Our. That is a good place to start. Other than them, I’d suggest Electronic Music Malta and Kinemastik (also good for things related to film, even experimental film). You can also just email me (below).
Together, these organisations hosted people as varied as Aaron Dilloway, Demdike Stare, Lucas Abela / Justice Yeldham (did you know he’s of Maltese descent?), Luke Vibert, Dopplereffekt, Basic House (Opal Tapes), Bernhard Gal, TG Gondard, Roadside Picnic, Yuri Landman, etc.
There aren’t many venues. We play in cellars, abandoned holiday complexes, institutional art spaces, pubs, living rooms and anywhere they’ll let us play.
Other info?
The article I wrote for The Wire magazine is a good place to pick out a few names and ideas.
Gugar is a good hang out to speak to people and pick up flyers from. Surprisingly, there is a record shop selling relatively obscure music and books, Solo Vinyl. Also check out Sunset Records.
If you forgot your XLR cables, Olimpus Music is the biggest music shop on the island.
Other than Airmalta, Ryanair have a lot of flights to Malta. Several other low-cost or major airlines fly to Malta.
If you’re looking for a place to stay, you can stay here. It is a humble but comfortable house which can sleep four persons. It is less than five minutes away from the sea on foot, right in the centre of the capital city Valletta.
Other than being sunny, Malta is windy. To check for currents, strong wind or jellyfish check out Which Beach.
Other questions…
Ask me. I’m friendly – on a good day.