we are
akustika
contents what we are
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who we are
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how many? akustika in numbers
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what people say testimonials from our audience
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how to find us
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This documented is published by Akustika. All right reserved. Design by Jean Claude Vancell. Photography by Noelle Cardona and Lorleen Farrugia. Akustika is a Symphonik project, under the auspice of the Young Christian Workers Malta (ŻĦN).
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what we are the akustika project
Akustika is an ongoing project organised by the ŻĦN section, Symphonik. The project, founded 6 years ago in 2005, aims to bring forth musicians who play different musical genres together to merge styles and rediscover music acoustically. By doing this, the musicians interpret well-known songs in their own original way, and write new material together as a band. Simultaneously, the audience is exposed to music in its raw form, rediscovering songs (verging from rock to dance music) in an acoustic way in a relaxed atmosphere.
Symphonik
The Symphonik Section within the Young Christian Workers (Malta) is a group of young people wanting to express and develop their musical talent whilst working for a good cause. Symphonik members are aware of the musical talent present in young people, and of the possible benefits that can be reaped if this talent is expressed. Young people also have a lot of potential in promoting social justice. Merging these two realities together, the members of Symphonik identify what social justice messages to promote through the section’s projects - mainly musical projects - to bring about change.
Żgħażagħ Ħaddiema Nsara
ŻĦN Malta is a part of an international movement founded by Joseph Cardijn for young people. It is run by the young people themselves, who act to achieve a life of freedom that better suits their true worth and human dignity. ŻĦN acknowledges how it is these young people who are living their reality and so they have the means to bring change for themselves and their friends. By leading, serving, representing and educating others, young people bring about this change through enquiring, reflecting and acting upon their realities.
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who we are
we make akustika happen Throughout the years, Akustika has been host to 15 different musicians.
Malcolm Bonnici
Sean Borg
Chris Ciantar
Janice Debattista
Malvin Debono
Martina Falzon
Mario Farrugia
Matthew Fenech
Justin Galea
Carlo Muscat
Antonio Olivari
Jean Claude Vancell
Luke Vella Clark
Isabel Zammit
Christine Zerafa
Our current line-up consists of eight musicians, all coming from different walks of life, and who enjoy various kinds of music. 4
who we are Malcolm Bonnici guitarist
Age: 31 Occupation: University Faculty Officer Favourite band: Pink Floyd
Malcolm was interested in music since he was very young. He started studying music as a thirteen year old, having spent most of his free time listening to his father’s old LPs and tapes which might explain his fondness for the oldies. He is passionate about playing live music and has always been active in organising and playing in musical events. He has participated in most editions of Strummin’ Home and all editions of Akustika and is also active in other musical projects.
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who we are Sean Borg violinist
Age: 20 Occupation: Student/Musician Favourite band: The Honey Trees
From an early age Sean showed interest and love for music following his mother to rehearsals whenever he could. At the age of six he started his studies in music and after completing several music exams, he decided it was time to put all he learnt to practical use. He began working as a freelance musician for artists such as Thea Garrett, Marilyn Mifsud, Dana McKeon, Raquela, Miriam Christine Borg, Dorothy Bezzina, and Christabelle. In 2010 he was chosen as one of the singers in the TV programme Sfida. He has taken part in several events such as Teatru Unplugged and Notte Bianca as well as various lunch time concerts held throughout the year. Recently he has also joined Animae Gospel Choir as a singer.
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who we are Chris Ciantar bassist
Age: 20 Occupation: Student Favourite band: The Killers
Chris loved music for as long as he can remember. At the age of ten, he started studying guitar for only a short period. His musical tastes changed direction as he started to enjoy modern progressive music such as trance and then went on to listen to other styles such as jazz and funk. It was only at the age of seventeen that he got hold to a bass guitar which a friend had left at his house and immediately fell in love with the instrument. He has been learning music ever since and joined up and coming band The Crowns recently.
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who we are Janice Debattista vocalist
Age: 26 Occupation: Teacher Favourite band: Morcheeba
Janice was fond of music since time immemorial. She recalls performing in front of the mirror, singing out loud to all the songs she heard on TV. She loves all sorts of music but alternative, indie and trip-hop are what tickle her fancy and is very much into anything that involves acoustic guitars and intricate vocal harmonies. Her passion for music led her to many things, but the one she is most proud of is her being part of the band SALT, which won Best Band in the 2008 BMAs.
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who we are Martina Falzon pianist
Age: 23 Occupation: Doctor Favourite band: Michael Buble, Adele, U2
Martina, was actually meant to play the violin! At age four, she was sent to start violin lessons, but opted to start playing the piano instead. She studied this instrument with determination until she completed her piano certification. She was greatly influenced by music her father listened to and played on his guitar. At the age of fifteen, having had enough of classical piano, she attended a few jazz lessons, and started playing with a few bands, discovering the leisure and ease of playing along to other styles of music. She finds music both a means of relaxation and also a distraction from her daily job... because music can be too tempting...
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who we are Jean Claude Vancell vocalist
Age: 23 Occupation: Graphic Designer Favourite band: Coldplay, OneRepubic
Twenty three year old Jean Claude Vancell initially started singing to give a voice to his music. His first lyrics drove him to start composing tunes on his guitar. His ambition to perform urged him to take part in the 2008 Malta Song For Europe. After that, Jean Claude embarked on releasing radio singles which led to award nominations in 2009 as Best Newcomer at the BMAs, and Best Male Artist in the MMAs.
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who we are Luke Vella Clark percussionist
Age: 24 Occupation: Corporate Administrator Favourite band: U2
Although Luke is actually a drummer, Luke plays all sorts of percussive instruments during the Akustika concerts. He first showed an interest in playing drums as a four year old with an apt fondness to “play� on chairs and tables while listening to music. Luke started learning to play drums formally around a year ago. Before that he used to play by what he learnt through experience. Luke is currently the drummer for new-coming band The Crowns.
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who we are Isabel Zammit vocalist
Age: 25 Occupation: Teacher Favourite band: Beatles
Isabel has loved music for as long as she can remember. At the age of six she started to take piano lessons, while at the age of sixteen she learned how to play guitar. She deems herself lucky to have talented friends who share the same passion for music and live performances as she has. She thanks ŝČN for the numerous singing and guitar playing opportunities she got in concerts such as Strummin’ Home and Akustika concerts. She has been with Akustika since the very first concert in 2005.
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how many? akustika in numbers
2 6 15 15 17 18 140 1300 1500
the number of music videos produced by Akustika
the number of concerts performed to date
the number of musicians who were part or still take part in the Akustika project
the number of original songs performed by Akustika
the number of countries our music has reached thanks to the internet
the number of acoustic instruments used in the concerts
the number of songs covered by the band
the amount in Euros donated to charities across Europe from the profits made from the last concert
the number of people who have been part of our audience at St James Cavalier 13
what people say testimonials from our audience Robert Cassar (Malta)
commenting through facebook about Akustika 5 “Akustika is a project that exemplifies talent and passion for music.. The room comes alive and vibrant with the songs.. The annual concert has become a constant in my calendar yet bring always fresh fond memories of quality music..”
Kristjan Hjortaas (Norway)
commenting through facebook about Akustika 6 “My father and I came all the way from Norway to hear your band, which we now don’t regret! Thanks for a great show!“
Janice Ellul (Malta)
commenting through facebook about Akustika 5 “Truly amazing performace. Prosit guys, you never cease to amaze me :) P.S. - Loved all the originals!!!”
Neli Angelova (Bulgaria)
commenting through facebook about Akustika 6 “Great concert with awesome mood :)”
Mariella Agius (Malta)
commenting through facebook about Akustika 6 “What a great concert!! You were all so good...keep up the good work! First time I attended and definitely look forward to next year’s :)”
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how to find us our contact information
More information about Akustika can be found on the Symphonik website:
http://symphonik.zhnmalta.org Email us on:
akustikamalta@gmail.com
Listen to our music on our
page
http://akustika.bandcamp.com ..or find us on a social networking site of your choice:
Akustika
@akustikamalta
Akustikaonline
Alternatively, contact our PR guy!
Jean Claude Vancell
M: +356 79 066 056 E: jcvancell@gmail.com
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