Dean Muscat to release debut EP 'Lazarene' -press release

Local singer-songwriter Dean Muscat to release his debut EP LAZARENE on May 16, 2025.

The five-track EP features original, lyric-driven songs that draw from personal experiences, Maltese and Mediterranean themes, and a strong sense of storytelling, all woven together through Americana,folk, and rock influences.

The full track listing includes: Darkness, My Muse Is Gone, Heart of the Med, Her Odyssey, and Night’s End.

Produced by Jimmy Bartolo at Ultralow HQ, the EP is largely performed by the pair, with mixing by UKengineer Dan Cox (Laura Marling, Pete Doherty).

Speaking about the EP, Dean says:

“I’ve worked in music for many years, mostly behind the scenes, writing and producing for others. But a few years ago, I hit pause on all of it and I almost stepped away from music completely. That’s why the title LAZARENE felt right. It’s about bringing that part of me back to life."

“The writing process took its time. I spent hours fine-tuning the lyrics, trying to get them to say exactly what I meant. But once the songs were ready, the recording came together fairly quickly, especially with Jimmy, who just got what I was trying to achieve and was instrumental in bringing the arrangements to life."

“These songs are personal, some drawn from things I’ve lived through, others shaped by how I see life in Malta and around me today. I see them as little musical stories. I hope people connect with them,and maybe even find a bit of their own story in there too.”

The EP artwork, created by Maltese illustrator Ed Dingli, weaves together the mythological and Maltese themes found in the songs. It draws inspiration from the legend of Calypso’s Cave —believed by some to be in Gozo — where Odysseus was held, longing for home. The imagery reflects the emotional thread of LAZARENE, of finding your way back to yourself after being lost.

To mark the release, Dean will host a special acoustic launch gig at Offbeat Bar in Valletta on May 16. He will be joined by Jimmy, performing a selection of original songs and closing the evening with a full performance of the EP, sharing reflections and stories behind the songs.

LAZARENE will be available for purchase on Bandcamp and streaming on all major platforms from May 16.

Follow Dean MuscatFB: facebook.com/dsmuscatmusicBandcamp: deanmuscat.bandcamp.comContact: dsmuscat@gmail.com