Outbound

OutBound is a Maltese alternative rock band known for their raw energy, heartfelt songwriting, and dynamic live performances. Formed in November 2022 after an impromptu gig at Wild Honey Bar in Valletta, the original lineup featured Steve Galea (guitar), Catherine Gatt (vocals), Louie Farrugia (drums), and Mikhail Farrugia (bass). What began as a spontaneous performance quickly evolved into a full-fledged band driven by a shared passion for music.

Drawing inspiration from iconic rock acts such as Red Hot Chili Peppers, Arctic Monkeys, The Police, The Killers, and U2, OutBound carved a space for themselves on the local scene. Gigging extensively across Malta and Gozo at renowned venues like Exiles, La Bottega, Zion Reggae Bar, Crossroads Spinola, Front Gozo, Thirsty Barber, and the Corinthia Hotel, the band steadily built a loyal fanbase through high-energy sets and a growing social media presence.

The band found its creative sanctuary in "Nannu Mike's" basement in St. Julian’s, which became their main rehearsal space and songwriting hub. It was in this cozy, underground setting that they wrote their first original song, Nothing Comes Easy—a title that would later echo the band’s own journey through artistic and personal challenges.

Following a busy summer of performances and songwriting in 2023, the band faced internal creative differences, leading to a temporary split in late 2024. A rejected recording offer and diverging artistic directions caused the pause—but not for long.

In February 2024, OutBound reformed with a refreshed lineup: Steve Galea (guitar), Catherine Gatt (vocals), Louie Farrugia (drums), and newcomer Matthew Drago on bass. This second chapter marked a turning point, as the band teamed up with producer Chris Gatt to begin recording their long-awaited original material, with band members also stepping in as co-producers.

Their debut single Nothing Comes Easy was sent to the U.S. for mixing and mastering by two heavyweights in the industry—Grammy-winning mixing engineer Matt Wallace (Maroon 5 – Songs About Jane), who praised the song's "muscular and melodic, powerful sound," and mastering legend Dave Collins (Soundgarden – Superunknown). The result is a track that captures OutBound’s essence: gritty, emotional, and relentlessly determined.

Released on March 19, 2025, Nothing Comes Easy is a powerful anthem of perseverance and passion—a musical reflection of the band’s commitment to staying authentic and resilient. The song’s message encourages listeners to pursue their dreams despite setbacks, a sentiment born directly from the band’s lived experience.

OutBound is currently back in the studio working on new material and preparing for more collaborations with Wallace, Collins, and Chris Gatt. With their debut single setting the tone, the band is poised to take their sound to even greater heights.