DeliriumMT Unveils New Line-Up and Teases Fresh Material
DeliriumMT has announced a significant line-up change, introduced the new front-man while promising "big changes and heavier riffs."
In a statement shared on February 17, the band confirmed the departure of Cezar and Maria, expressing gratitude for their contributions. "We would like to firstly thank both Cezar and Maria for their contribution towards DeliriumMT, and we wish them the best of luck on their future endeavors," the band said.
The announcement also revealed that Noel Zarb, the band’s long-time guitarist, will now be taking on vocal duties as well. "Finally, let's all give a shout-out to our new frontman... Noel Zarb," the band wrote. "From heavy riffs to intricate solos and harsh vocals, he elevates and completes our sound with his technique and driven passion."
Zarb, alongside drummer Karen Micallef and bassist Aidan Falzon, continues to drive the band forward, hinting at upcoming releases and urging fans to "stay tuned" for fresh material.
Earth Garden 2025 Announces Full Line-Up with Basement Jaxx and Fun Lovin’ Criminals
Malta’s beloved alternative festival, Earth Garden, has unveiled its full 2025 lineup, promising its biggest edition yet. Set to take place from June 5-8, 2025, at the Picnic Area in Ta’ Qali, the festival marks its 18th edition with a stellar roster of international and local talent.
Among the headliners are Basement Jaxx, the renowned English electronic music duo consisting of Felix Buxton and Simon Ratcliffe. Best known for hits such as "Red Alert", "Rendez-Vu", "Romeo", and "Where's Your Head At", the duo first made waves in the underground house scene in the mid-1990s before achieving global success. They have won multiple BRIT Awards for Best Dance Act and are set to bring an electrifying DJ set to Earth Garden’s main stage.
Also joining the lineup are Fun Lovin’ Criminals, the American rap-rock band known for their fusion of hip-hop, jazz, and blues influences. Hailing from New York City, the band rose to fame in the late 1990s with tracks like "Scooby Snacks", which features samples from Quentin Tarantino films, and "Love Unlimited". Their music often reflects urban life with a mix of gritty storytelling and satirical humor, earning them a dedicated following across Europe.
While early bird tickets have already sold out, festival organizers assure fans that Tier 1 weekend tickets are still available. "We’re beyond excited to welcome these incredible artists to Earth Garden this June for EG25’s 18th edition!" the festival team announced.
Tickets can be purchased at www.earthgarden.com.mt/tickets, with more details on the lineup and festival experience expected in the coming months.
Sandro Zerafa Announces Upcoming Double Album Release
Maltese jazz guitarist and composer Sandro Zerafa has announced the upcoming release of two new albums, Limestone and Mostly Slow Tunes, set to be available as a double CD. The albums will be released on March 28 under PJU Records, with the first single dropping on February 28.
Zerafa shared the news on February 11 via his Facebook page, expressing excitement for the project. "I am happy to announce the imminent release of two albums—Limestone and Mostly Slow Tunes," he wrote.
Limestone is a quartet album featuring Noé Huchard (piano), Yoni Zelnik (bass), and Francesco Ciniglio (drums), comprising eight original compositions recorded by Julien Bassères at Studio de Meudon. The album’s cover photo was taken by Joe Smith.
Meanwhile, Mostly Slow Tunes is a solo guitar album, recorded at Studio Prado by Pierre Dachery and Viktor Gourarier, with cover photography by Carreau Jean-François and graphic design by Oliver Degabriele.
Zerafa, who is based in Paris, is a graduate of the University of Malta and the Lyon Conservatory. A La Défense Jazz Contest award winner, he is also a founding member of the Parisian jazz musicians' collective and record label Paris Jazz Underground. Over the years, he has released four award-winning albums as a bandleader and collaborated on 20 albums as a sideman.
Fans can look forward to the first single on February 28, with the full release following in March.
Festivals Malta Launches Fifth Edition of Mużika Mużika
The fifth edition of Mużika Mużika has officially been launched by Festivals Malta, with the festival set to take place between March 27 and 29, 2025, at the MFCC in Ta’ Qali.
First reintroduced in 2021 under the management of Festivals Malta, Mużika Mużika has since grown in popularity, attracting both local artists and audiences. Speaking about the upcoming edition, Minister for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government, Owen Bonnici, highlighted the extensive preparations underway to ensure a high-caliber festival. "The festival was met with a positive response, which led to an increase in popularity both with the artists taking part, as well as with its numerous audiences," he stated.
Festivals Malta Chairman, Aaron Zahra, expressed his enthusiasm for the festival’s continued success. "Next March, we will celebrate five successful years of Mużika Mużika; five years of Maltese music of the highest quality. A festival that the Maltese people have been waiting for," he said. He added that the event has not only preserved the Maltese song but has also elevated its importance.
Festivals Malta CEO, Frans Agius, described the festival as one of the biggest in the organization’s portfolio, involving around 150 technicians and professionals working both on stage and behind the scenes. "Our audiences have several aspects to look forward to for this fifth edition. We will have several surprises and an extraordinary stage as expected of this festival," he said, expressing pride in the festival’s achievements.
This year’s competition will feature sixteen finalists, with a new voting system being introduced. Mużika Mużika Chairman, Ray Bugeja, explained that voting on Thursday evening will be exclusive to the live audience at the MFCC, who will cast their votes via a dedicated app. "These votes will be collected to be counted with the rest of Saturday’s votes. In this way, we are encouraging our audiences to come to the MFCC to be part of this experience," he stated.
Artistic Director Paul Abela reflected on the festival’s legacy, noting that many songs performed over the years have left a lasting mark on Malta’s musical history. "Year after year, we have original songs of the highest quality interpreted by high-caliber artists," he said. He also emphasized the significance of the live orchestra, which will once again play a central role in the festival’s performances.
Mużika Mużika will be broadcast live on TVM and will take place at the MFCC Ta’ Qali. Tickets are now available for purchase, and the public is encouraged to follow the festival’s social media pages and website (www.muzikamuzika.mt) for updates.
The festival is organized by Festivals Malta, with the support of the Ministry for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government, and sponsorship from Carisma, Virtu Ferries, Gozo Highspeed, and Waterfront Hotel.
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