Malta mourns young guitarist
The death of artist and musician Andrew Schembri sent shockwaves through Malta's artistic community. Schembri, who passed away at the age of 29, was widely recognized as the guitarist of the influential local band Brikkuni and as one half of the artistic duo Late Interactive, renowned for their intricate light installations. Just ten days prior to his untimely demise, Schembri had performed alongside popular Ukrainian gypsy-punk band Gogol Bordello as part of Brikkuni.
Schembri's creative contributions extended beyond his musical endeavors. His innovative lighting designs for various local concerts, including Brikkuni's album launch in 2017, and his prominent installations showcased at events like Science in the City, garnered praise and acclaim. As the youngest of three brothers, Schembri's life was tragically cut short in an unexpected incident in St Paul's Bay, which the police have determined to be non-suspicious.
In the wake of this devastating loss, Schembri's older brother David expressed the family's profound shock and described Andrew as a kind, intelligent, and passionate individual who radiated a playful spirit in all his pursuits. Beneath his joyful exterior, Andrew possessed a deep sense of justice and a longing for meaning and truth. He was not only a beloved son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend but also a source of inspiration and love for those around him.
Numerous artists who had the privilege of collaborating with Schembri shared their experiences, emphasizing his warmth, creativity, and exceptional ability to think outside the conventional boundaries. They regarded him as a brilliant artist of great integrity and sensitivity. Florinda Camilleri, a dancer and artist who recently worked with Schembri on a performance titled "Moving in Lines," described him as someone who brightened the world with his unique intelligence, wisdom, boundless imagination, and unwavering kindness, care, and love. Schembri was regarded as a precious gem within Malta's performing arts scene and an extraordinary human being, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and resonate within the artistic community.
Brikkuni frontman Mario Vella penned an open letter to Schembri saying “much will be said about your youthful exuberance, your sharp wit, boundless creativity, amazing knack of thinking out of the box and above all, your moral soundness, integrity and sensitivity. Barely a week ago we were holding each other tight professing our pure and untainted brotherly love to each other.
"Nothing will erase or diminish the memory of that incredible smile you'd flash every time I felt compelled to point out your ethereal nature. How many times did I tell you? 'Andrew, you're so beyond any mathematical equation and wordly drudgery that sometimes I wonder whether you belong amongst us here on Earth at all'.
"If only I'd known Andrew. If only I'd known.
"I love you brother. I love you my friend. I love you trusty bandmate. You made me want to be a better man. I promise I will do my darndest to be the best version of myself that I can possibly be. Your beautiful legacy shall always be honoured.”
Deepest condolences to family and friends from all at Melodija.eu
Krishna releases Domination 4
In a short press release Kewn Records announce, on the last day of June that Krishna has released their live performance at this year's edition of Rock The South on bandcamp. This live performance is made up of two tracks 'Decimation' and 'Despondent', both performed on Sunday 7th May, and is called Domination4 (Live from Rock The South 2023). It can be heard and purchased here.
Kewn press release reads: "Recorded at this years’ edition of Rock The South Festival, Krishna present their 4th Live album - Domination4. Featuring ‘Despondent’, released earlier this year via Kewn Records, as well as the new track ‘Decimation’.
‘Decimation’ is about the destruction of New York City in the final chapter of the original Watchmen comic (A Stronger Loving World) The original riff was conceived by Alan and elaborated on by the band during improvisations at rehearsals, after some heavy down tuning and effects layers on guitars as well of course!"
Ghanja Tal-Poplu finalists 2023
The finalists' order for this year’s "L-Għanja tal-Poplu" song competition were announced during the morning of 30th June.
In a statement by the organising committee it was announced that out of the 142 songs that competed this year the best 16 were selected. The order in which the finalist songs will be presented was determined by a draw during the participants' presentation and it goes in the following order:
The 47th edition of "L-Għanja tal-Poplu" will take place on Saturday, August 5th at 8:45 PM in Pjazza Teatru Rjal, accompanied by the Malta Concert Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Paul Abela.
Special guest for this year’s edition is Merga, who will interpret two songs from the 60s and 70s with orchestral arrangements by Maestro Joe Brown. The festival will be presented by the couple Joseph Galea and Antonella Galea Loffreda.
"L-Għanja tal-Poplu" is organized in collaboration with Pjazza Teatru Rjal and the Maltese Council for the Arts.
Farsons Beer Festival full Line-ups announced
During the last week of June organisers of the Farsons Beer Festival announced the full line-ups for this years edition taking place between the 27th July and 5th august at the picnic area in Ta' Qali. more info can be found here.
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