THE ROAD TO EUROVISION

The Votes Are In And The

BUSKER WILL

Be Flying

THE

Flag For Malta At The 2023 Eurovision

SONG CONTEST. WE CAUGHT UP WITH THE BAND AS THEY PREPARED FOR THE SEMI-FINALS.

The chance to perform on-stage to a TV audience of millions is an opportunity not to be taken lightly, and one that The Busker intends to take full advantage of as they enter the final stages of this contest. “We believe that the Malta Eurovision Song Contest is the biggest platform for music in Malta. Given that it attracts so many viewers, we see it as an amazing opportunity to promote our song. We have been able to reach a new demographic, both locally and internationally, which is very exciting for us showcasing our art to a wider audience. We are excited to enjoy this unique experience representing Malta, and for any future opportunities that might come out of this.”

The song they hope will win votes from the jury and televoters is ‘Dance (Our Own Party)’ a song about escaping social anxiety and large crowds and feeling comfortable in small groups of people. A sentiment that many will relate to after the pandemic, and with the lyrics layered over drums and strong saxophone riffs, it’s a track The Busker hope will get people dancing across Europe too.

On-stage, Dav.Jr, Jean-Paul Borg, and Sean Meachen present themselves as a three-piece line-up of vocals, drums, and sax, although there's more going on behind the scenes, in collaboration with producers, to create ‘The Busker’ sound. “In the studio, we do play other instruments like synth, guitar, and bass and add sound design. The production plays an important part in the songwriting process, as it helps us enhance our ideas and the vision of the song.”

“Working on this song was the most organic and spontaneous thing that happened to me recently. I simply wanted to work on it because I loved what I heard and because they’re super nice people.”

Micimago, post-production, Dance (Our Own Party).

While audiences are already connecting to the track in the hundreds of thousands via streaming and social media, for the band the process is more than just writing and submitting a track; it's everything that goes along with that. “We have always tried to be as involved as possible, not only in the music we produce but also anything that goes hand-in-hand with promoting and showcasing it; be it the music video, staging for concerts, costumes or design. We know our brand, and where we want to take it, so we love giving creative input into anything we do.”

They’ve been tight-lipped about what you can expect to see onstage in Liverpool for the Eurovision Finals, but they are looking forward to spending any time off experiencing all the city has to offer - and for one of them it will be a return visit. “Jean-Paul has been to Liverpool three times as he is a super Beatles fan. He also went to watch Bruno Mars and Noel Gallagher live in concert at the Echo Arena. In our time off we will most probably be roaming around the city, visiting museums, and spending time in local bars. Surely, we would love to organise a busking session in the streets of Liverpool such as Matthew Street.”

Taking the Eurovision celebration of music onto the streets sounds like a fitting way to represent Malta in Liverpool, so if you are lucky enough to be there, keep your eyes and ears open for the band, as they continue on a “super unpredictable year”.

We all wish The Busker the very best of luck in the Eurovision Song Contest Finals, and end by asking them to reflect on what’s next for the band, and their experiences in the contest so far.

“We will likely continue working on new music, hopefully performing in new places, and seeing where life takes us from there. For now, however, our energy is fully focused on delivering a great show in Liverpool, working hard, and hoping to make Malta and Gozo proud of their decision in trusting us to represent them. As an experience, we have been blessed with the opportunity to fully express ourselves artistically. The delivery of the show is coming from one vision, which is more than we could have imagined. We are honestly so honoured and blessed to be able to take it onto a global stage, and we wish you get to follow our journey as if it is your own. Thank you.”

THE BAND'S VISIT

VENUE:

Teatru Manoel, Valletta

DATE:

6th - 14th May 2023

ONLINE: www.teatrumanoel.mt

The award-winning, quietly powerful musical The Band’s Visit tells the story of an Egyptian police band that goes to Israel to perform a concert but ends up in the wrong town after a miscommunication at the bus station. The provincial locals take in the lost Arab musicians for the night - impacting all their lives forever. The Band’s Visit features a top Maltese cast and is produced by Revamp MT, with direction by Dorothy Bezzina and musical direction by Edward Mifsud.

Utopia

VENUE:

Teatru Manoel, Valletta

DATE:

26th - 28th May 2023

ONLINE: www.teatrumanoel.mt

Utopia is the result of a collaboration between Emanuel Gat and the ŻfinMalta company dancers, a celebration of their uniqueness, virtuosity, engagement, fearlessness, sense of responsibility and humanity. In a stream of choreographic consciousness, Utopia charts the personal journeys of ten individuals looking for connection and examining the role of the performer as an onstage, live creator.

London Design Biennale

VENUE: Somerset House, London

DATE:

1st - 25th June 2023

ONLINE:

Facebook: Londondesignbiennale

Instagram: @londondesignbiennale

London Design Biennale is a global exhibition with over 40 exhibitors showcasing their design, confronting global challenges and inspiring audiences with thoughtprovoking and interactive installations. The Malta installation is titled “Urban Fabric’ and is by Matthew Joseph Casha, Trevor Borg, Luke Azzopardi and Alessia Deguara.