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< Back Freddie Portellli Singer Freddie Portelli was born on May 5, 1944, in St. Paul's Bay, Malta. He received his early education at St. Paul’s Bay Primary School and later attended the Technical Institute, where he earned the City & Guilds of the London Institute Standard. Throughout his career, Freddie primarily worked as a draughtsman. Portelli's musical career began over 40 years ago as a member and chief songwriter of the group, The Malta Bums. The group toured America, Canada, and Germany for five months, and upon returning to Malta in 1966, Freddie wrote the iconic song "Viva Malta" followed by "Mur Hallini". His recordings have been released internationally, including in Australia, Canada, America, and England. Freddie also led the legendary band "Black Train", which produced several hit records. Apart from his musical accomplishments, Freddie was an accomplished water polo player. He played for his hometown’s Sirens water polo team as well as Neptunes and Valletta, winning the premier championship with Neptunes in 1964. He also played with Malta's national team, securing the International Independence Tournament cup the same year. Freddie's musical journey began with encouragement from his father to learn the guitar. His first lessons were with Carmelo Muscat, a close family friend. By the age of 13, Freddie was playing in various bands. In the early sixties, he formed The Malta Bums, sharing his musical expertise with the group members. The band underwent several lineup changes, eventually solidifying its members and gaining significant popularity. Initially reluctant to participate in song contests, Freddie and The Bums decided to enter one, reaching the finals despite being the least equipped band. This experience was a turning point in Freddie’s career. In 1973, Freddie founded The Black Train after leaving The Malta Bums. The band quickly became Malta's top local band, performing regularly at prominent venues and receiving international invitations. However, the demanding schedule led Freddie to temporarily put his career on hold. In 2001, Freddie made a successful solo comeback, spurred by encouragement from Martin Schembri and KTA Records. His return led to the release of the double album "Ghall Dejjem", which included a new recording of "Viva Malta" and broke national sales records. Freddie participated in the Malta Eurovision Song Contest three times in the mid-90s and continued to release numerous singles and albums, writing approximately 400 songs over his career. He performed internationally, including notable concerts and television appearances. Freddie married Carmen Darmanin on December 5, 1972, and they have two daughters, Claudette and Yvette. Claudette is a specialist in clinical psychology, while Yvette pursued a career in television and radio before relocating to Italy. Freddie was honored with the Medal for Service to the Republic in 2016 by the President of Malta and received several other accolades, including the golden medal and the Ġieħ San Pawl il-Baħar for his contributions to Maltese music and culture. Reflecting on his life, Freddie expressed contentment with his achievements, from musical success to his career as a draughtsman and water polo player. His legacy continues to inspire many in Malta and beyond. Discography Date Title Type Listen 2020 Nina Single 2019 Il-Kbir Għadu Ġej Single 2017 Viva Malta: Freddie Portelli's Greatest Hits Album 2017 Ma Kellekx Tort Single 2016 Inkanta bil-Malti Album 2015 Hospice Movement CD Album Album 2015 Blue Sea Bay Album 2014 Ġej il-Maltemp Album 2014 Il-Kbir Għadu Ġej Album 2003 Give Me a Song Album 2001 Għal Dejjem Single 2001 Għall Dejjem Album 2001 Reaching Out Album 1997 Summer Again Single 1996 There’s a Song Single 1994 Don’t Be Gone Away Single 1970 Se Jkolli Nemmen Single 1969 Ħallini Single 1966 Viva Malta Single 1966 Mur Ħallini Single Member of : Follow the artist

< Back Chanelle Fenech Singer Chanelle Fenech is a 17 year-old, upcoming artist. She’s participated and performed in a good number of events. Her main one being Malta’s Got Talent. She participated on the first season of MGT as a solo act and made it through to the judge’s cuts but then was given the opportunity to re-participate on the second season of MGT with a choir, La Voix Harmonies. Together they got awarded Valentina Rossi’s golden buzzer and allowed them to make it all the way to the live-show and further on to the final. Now she’s broadening her horizon with songwriting and different genres which will lead her to becoming an established artist. She believes that by releasing FEELS she’s getting closer towards this main goal. Discography Date Title Type Listen 2023 FEELS Single Member of : Follow the artist

< Back Oliver Perez Drummer Discography Date Title Type Listen Member of : Mur.Doc 104 Follow the artist

< Back Luciano Borg Drummer Discography Date Title Type Listen Member of : Rogue Follow the artist

< Back Dean Montanaro Bass Dean Montanaro, born in 1994 in Malta, is a highly versatile electric and upright bass player currently based in Rotterdam. His musical journey commenced at the age of 10, when he delved into the world of electric bass, later immersing himself in jazz and improvisational music. Throughout his formative years, Dean honed his craft by engaging in creative collaborations with trios and exploring collective composition in various dynamic setups. In 2017, he made a pivotal move to the Netherlands to pursue his passion for music further. Dean's dedication and talent culminated in his graduation with honors from the bachelor's program at Codarts Rotterdam in 2021, followed by the completion of a master's degree in jazz electric bass at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam in 2023, achieving an exceptional final score of 9.5 out of 10. During his educational journey, Dean had the privilege of studying under the tutelage of esteemed bassists such as Gary Willis, Stefan Lievestro, Mario Rossy, and Glen Gaddum, as well as receiving guidance in composition and arranging from notable mentors including Amit Gur, Oscar van Dillen, and Reinier Baas. Dean's diverse musical projects showcase his innovative approach to music. From the jazz sextet Antares Flare, blending afro-beat and electro-psychedelic influences, to his own project, Mipa & the Best Language Ever, featuring a unique fusion of musical and literary elements, Dean's artistry knows no bounds. His contributions to the international music scene extend far and wide, with performances spanning 13 countries across Europe and beyond. Dean is also an active participant in the Medinea Network, collaborating with fellow musicians under the direction of Fabrizio Cassol. In addition to his prolific performance career, Dean is deeply engaged in studio work, teaching both electric and double bass privately, and contributing his talents to various event bands and projects. Dean's remarkable journey is punctuated by a string of prestigious awards and grants, including the Malta Arts Scholarship, Malta Music Award nomination, Stipendium Vrienden van Codarts, Endeavour Scholarship, Amarte Fonds, and Sena Production Fund. These accolades underscore his unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in the world of music. Albums/EPs Cuckoo Island - The Ranch (2015) Eargonauts (2019) INDA (2019) Blue Tangerine (Klarthe, 2019) Skizzi Għas-Sette Giugno - Dominic Galea (2019) Muddy Water - Aseo Trio (2021) BRiMBA (2021) Antares Flare (Wicked Wax, 2022) The Berlin Sessions - Daan Sanders (2022) Live EP - Antares Flare (Wicked Wax, 2023) Awards & Grants Malta Arts Scholarship (2017-2021) Malta Arts Fund w/ Blue Tangerine (2018) Malta Music Award Nomination: Best Album w/ Blue Tangerine (2020) Stipendium Vrienden van Codarts (2021) Makersloket Droom en Daad (2021) Endeavour Scholarship (2021-2023) Amarte Fonds w/ Antares Flare (2022) Sena Production Fund w/ Su Nichel (2023) Discography Date Title Type Listen Member of : Follow the artist

< Back Jon Vella Zarb Vocals, Bass Babanov Photography Discography Date Title Type Listen Member of : Mirage Follow the artist

< Back Aaron Barbara Guitarist Discography Date Title Type Listen Member of : Ever Obscure Follow the artist

< Back Tristan Tanti Vocals, Guitars Modern Tribe Photography Discography Date Title Type Listen Member of : Carnivorous Horde Follow the artist

< Back Alexander James Bass melodija.eu © Discography Date Title Type Listen Member of : Damaged & Co. Follow the artist

Loathe unknown < Back Band Members David "Beast" Fenech Vocals David "Beast" Fenech Karl Cachia Guitars Karl Cachia Mark Debono Bass Mark Debono Kurt Pace Guitars Kurt Pace Discography Date Title Type Listen 2003 Abort/Retry/Fail EP 2005 Up Close and Personal EP 2007 Darkest Night of the Soul EP 2010 Despondent by Design Album 2013 Wolves in the Fold Single 2013 Lambs to the Slaughter Single Buy the band's merch Follow the band Previous Band Next Band

< Back Adam Bonello Guitars Discography Date Title Type Listen Member of : Checkmate Follow the artist

BNI - Batteries Not Included facebook.com/BatteriesNotIncludedMaltaPunks < Back Batteries Not Included have been around since 1993 or so. The band started off after Miguel and Malcolm came across a live version of Sham 69’s ‘If the Kids are United’, and decided to cover it, being impressed by the rawness and energy of the song’s style. From then on, driven solely by a strong drive for creating fun, fast and loud music that could be said to be closer to a crossbreed between old-school and more recent Punk Rock than anything else, the band has been going steady, playing countless gigs while also fitting in some D.I.Y. tours in the U.K. and Germany, and a couple of shows in France and Luxembourg. B.N.I.’s music reflects a certain angst that is peculiarly Maltese, and has a lyrical content that is not too serious, nor politically oriented. On the other hand, the band has tried to tackle (in its own way) the reality of everyday situations. The well-organised but wild gigs at ‘Dempsey’s Bar’, and the opening of ‘The Edge’ rock bar in Buġibba helped them (and a large number of other bands) gain further energy, which they let loose in the recording of their first album titled ‘Native Tongue / Ilsien Pajjiżi’ (1999). Apart from the release of that album, and the release of a demo cassette titled ‘Unsolved’ (1994), the band’s main achievement was one small innovation which is still gaining ground in the musical interests of today’s Maltese Punk bands: Punk Rock with Maltese lyrics. Apart from the re-release of the ‘Native Tongue / Ilsien Pajjiżi’ album on Malta-based Reciprocal Records, B.N.I. released a second album by the title of ‘Force Majeur’, in which they still put a strong emphasis on their crossover style Punk while fusing it with various Ska and Reggae elements. Recorded during April ’04 at Temple Studios and released 4 months later, this album gives off something of a more centred and honed style of Punk. B.N.I.’s tireless efforts in the Maltese scene resulted in their third album, aptly named ‘On and On…’, which sports the rawness and energy of their first album mixed with the more polished songwriting style of ‘Force Majeur’. Recorded during June ‘06 at Temple Studios, ‘On and On…’ is as loud as it gets, with Reggae and Ska still plainly leaving their influence on the band. This third album was released on 1st December 2006. Since its release, Steve ‘Lombardo’ Attard is the band’s new, hard-hitting drummer. In late 2022, B.N.I. released their 4th album: titled ‘Exponential Self-Destruction’, this latest release is nothing less than a statement confirming that the band doesn't intend to slow down nor calm down any time soon. Recorded at Hell Next Door studio by Steve ‘Lombardo’, this is a damn loud and fast one. 30 years on, still gigging often in Malta and, occasionally, abroad, B.N.I. aim at being around and playing loud shows until their fingers fall off, or, more realistically, until they lose their minds to old age. We'll see which comes first... Band Members Miguel Debattista Vocals, Guitars Miguel Debattista Steve Lombardo Drums Steve Lombardo Malcolm Dalli Vocals, Bass Malcolm Dalli Discography Date Title Type Listen 1996 Unsolved Demo 1998 Ilsien Pajjizi/ Native Tongue Album 2004 Force Majeur Album 2006 On and On … Album 2022 Exponential Self-Destruction Album Buy the band's merch Follow the band Previous Band Next Band

Kayati < Back Kayati is a sister singer-songwriter duo (Fatima and Mabs) with a Maltese/Arabic background that has been making music together for years and has honed its craft to create a unique blend of contemporary pop and soulful ballads. Their music is mostly inspired by their personal experiences, which others can resonate with and take you to different moments in life. Band Members Mabrouka EL Kayati Singer Mabrouka EL Kayati Fatima EL Kayati Singer Fatima EL Kayati Discography Date Title Type Listen Buy the band's merch Follow the band Previous Band Next Band

< Back Miguel Debattista Vocals, Guitars Discography Date Title Type Listen Member of : BNI - Batteries Not Included Follow the artist

< Back Dorottya Richter Violin, Viola da Gamba facebook.com Discography Date Title Type Listen Member of : Void of Chaos Follow the artist

Our Story The idea of Melodija came into our mind through a life experience followed by a brief moment of realization. One of our founders once attended a gig and genuinely enjoyed the performance of the bands there. She tried to purchase the merch of her favorite bands through their website and social media only to learn that most of them needed a digital presence. This led her to realize how hard it must be for local bands and artists to grow without a platform to promote their work. While so many local musicians struggle to establish their name and earn appraisal through years and years of hard work, there are hardly any platforms to empower their talent. That’s when the concept of building a digital space as Melodija.eu originated. Our Vision Founded by a group of like-minded music enthusiasts, Priscilla, James and Noel, Melodija.eu is the digital hub for anything related to music. We are an online community that provides local music artists a platform to unleash their creative potential and showcase their talent to the world. We aim to support and uplift local bands and musicians and make them feel their voices are being heard. Through putting efforts into building a solid digital space, we envision a future where local bands and artists of Malta emerge and gain recognition. We strive to create a platform where you can effortlessly discover old and new musical bands, learn about different artists, view performances and events, stay updated with the latest news and releases, find recording studios and rehearsal garages, shop musical instruments and bands’merch, and much more. We are on our way to creating a surreal world of music that you can’t help falling in love with. Thus, we want to become the go-to digital space for music lovers, known for empowering local music and talent. Meet the Team Noel's journey in the music industry began in the early '90s, marking the start of a decades-long career driven by a passion for rock and dedication to Malta's music scene. Starting as a co-presenter on the "Rock Café Rock Show" at One Radio from 1991 to 1993, he laid the foundation for his multifaceted career. As the resident DJ at Harlequin Rock Club in Paceville from 1992 to 1994, Noel became a pivotal figure in Malta's vibrant nightlife, setting the stage for his future endeavors. In 2009, Noel expanded his influence by founding Sensible Noise distro and co-founding Prog The Islands, initiatives aimed at promoting Maltese talent and progressive rock. He managed and advised bands such as Twenty-Six Other-Worlds, Sepia, and Colourblind, offering his seasoned insights to guide their musical journeys. His passion for radio broadcasting was reignited with "Rock Moods" on One Radio, showcasing local music talent since 2009. Noel's contributions to the Maltese music industry are extensive. He organized charity events like Rock For Haiti and celebrated milestones with the Mirage comeback and the X-Tend 35th Anniversary Show. His work in event organization and music journalism, including judging at the Malta Music Awards and contributing to the Malta Doom Metal Festival, has left a lasting impact on the industry. In 2021, Noel joined Melodija.eu as an Advisor, Administrator, and Content Contributor. In this role, he engages with artists to feature their bios and merchandise, writes press releases, and updates the community on the latest Maltese music news. Noel's efforts at Melodija bridge the gap between artists and audiences, ensuring the preservation and celebration of Malta's rich musical heritage. Through his dedication and passion, Noel has played a pivotal role in nurturing and promoting Malta's local music scene, making it more accessible and vibrant for all involved. His journey through the Maltese music industry is a testament to his enduring commitment and the significant impact he continues to make. Priscilla's musical journey began in childhood, serenaded by the radio and notably shaped by Noel, a family friend. He introduced her to iconic bands like Metallica and Iron Maiden, sparking a passion for music that would define her future. Attending local gigs and festivals, often with Noel and his wife, Priscilla was immersed in the Maltese music scene's talent and energy, inspiring the foundation of Melodija. Melodija's inception was fueled by a moment at a 2021 festival when Priscilla sought a band T-shirt, only to find limited online presence for Maltese artists. This realization drove her to create a digital space to showcase and make local music more accessible. With Noel's industry connections and James's strategic insights, the trio turned the concept into a reality, overcoming challenges to engage artists and the community. Priscilla's role at Melodija is multifaceted, focusing on keeping the platform dynamic and engaging. She oversees website maintenance, content updates including events, merch, and artist profiles, and manages social media to promote local talent. Behind the scenes, she analyzes traffic and coordinates with artists to enrich the user experience. Her vision for Melodija is to establish it as the ultimate hub for the Maltese music community, offering everything from band member recruitment to resources like instrument shops and music teachers. Priscilla aims to enhance accessibility and support within the music scene, embodying her passion and commitment to Maltese music. From the beginning, James showed a strong talent for business and a deep love for music, especially Maltese Rock & Metal. His work in the music industry is characterised by thoughtful planning and a strong dedication to supporting local artists. As the manager of bands like Frenzy Mono and Nomad Son, James has been key in helping gain international recognition. His passion for music is also shown by his frequent attendance at concerts and festivals in Malta, (before he had children ) where he deeply engaged with the local music scene. This direct experience gave James a thorough understanding of the music scene's needs and desires, driving his efforts to help it grow. Besides managing bands, James has been important in organising events and has been a central member of the Malta Doom Metal committee. James's work with Melodija started when Priscilla introduced her initial idea. Seeing the potential in her concept for a website for Maltese artists, James quickly helped broaden the project. He was crucial in adding the events calendar feature to Melodija, which has become very popular among users for finding music events in Malta. As a pivotal figure in shaping Melodija, James continues to lend his strategic insights and business savvy to the platform. His forward-thinking has not only enhanced Melodija's features but also ensured its sustainability and relevance in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. James's contributions are a testament to his belief in the power of innovation and strategy to foster a vibrant music community. Today, James is still a major force at Melodija, always looking for ways to enhance and grow the platform. His goal for Melodija is to make it a comprehensive centre that not only highlights Maltese artists but also acts as a guide for the local music industry. Reach out to us Get In Touch. We would love to hear from you. Email us on info@melodija.eu

< Back Karen Micallef Drums Matea Blazhevska Karen or ''Grinder'' started playing drums at the age of 6 years old, and eventually debuted her first live performance at the age of 16 during her father's band 'X-Vandals' album launch for ''Exhume the Truth". She has performed in various local events and festivals since, such as "Rock the South" and Farsons Beerfest. She is highly inspired by Ringo Starr, Dave Lombardo and Neil Peart among many other greats and to name some band influences include: The Beatles, Slayer, Judas Priest, Kiss, Metallica and more. Karen has been a part of Delirium as of 2017, having been one of the founding members of Delirium. Discography Date Title Type Listen Member of : Delirium MT Follow the artist

< Back Gabriel Azzopardi Guitars Discography Date Title Type Listen Member of : Explicit Follow the artist

The 2023 Melodija Golden Disc Award We're thrilled to announce the first edition of The 2023 Melodija Golden Disc Awards , celebrating the vibrant diversity of local music. As Melodija continues to grow since its inception, we're proud to honor artists across six dynamic categories: Alternative, Electronic, Metal, Jazz/Blues/World, Rock/Punk, and Pop/Reggae/Rap. Join us in recognizing and applauding the creativity and passion that these genres represent. Get ready to vote for your favorites and help us crown the inaugural winners! The Winners will be announced on Sunday 21st January 2024

< Back Mark Tonna Singer Mark Tonna is a Maltese singer, songwriter, and composer whose musical journey began in the small town of Żurrieq, where he was born on March 13, 1963. His love for music sparked early—at just eleven years old, he formed a school choir and guitar group to perform during mass, laying the foundation for a lifelong artistic career. In the years that followed, Mark explored various musical styles, performing in pop and rock bands—often alongside his brother Claudio—before stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist in 1993. His voice and stage presence quickly gained attention in both the local and international music scenes. Mark's debut album Before My Eyes was released in 1996, featuring twelve tracks, nine of which he personally wrote and composed. That same year, he debuted his first original musical Jisimni Katarina, inspired by the life of St. Catherine. He followed it up with Mill-Jasar Għall-Qawmien, a second musical centered around the passion of Christ, for which he wrote both music and lyrics. Throughout his career, Mark has been a consistent presence in Malta's major music festivals. He participated in Kanzunetta għall-Ewropa, the Malta International Song Festival, L-Għanja tal-Poplu—which he won in 1996 with the song Allerġija Għall-Bnedmin—and Konkors Kanżunetta Indipendenza, where he claimed first place in 2000 with Waħdek Ma Tkun Qatt. Mark's talent also carried him beyond Malta’s shores. He represented the country at the Discovery Festival in Bulgaria in 1998, winning the Best International Artistic Performance award. His international performances have taken him to Tunisia, Italy, Dubai, the UK, Turkey, the USA, Canada, and Australia—where he toured with fellow Maltese artist Debbie Scerri, performing for Maltese communities abroad. A versatile performer, Mark has also starred in a variety of local and international musicals, including Ali Baba, It-Tfajla tal-Palazz, Ir-Rebbieħ, and Ħidmietna—a 2013 production commemorating the 70th anniversary of the General Workers Union. For four consecutive years, he was nominated for Best Male Singer at the Malta Music Awards, a testament to his enduring impact on the Maltese music scene. Whether as a vocalist, composer, or lyricist, Mark Tonna has remained a passionate and prolific figure in Maltese music—bringing heartfelt stories to life through song and stage. Discography Date Title Type Listen 2024 Fil-Ħoss tar-Riħ (feat. Mark Tonna) Single 2024 Il-Poeta ta Ftit Kliem Single 2023 Rebbieħ fuq il-Ħażen (feat. Mark Tonna) Single 2007 Dak Kien Zmien Single 1998 L-Aqwa Ta' Mark Tonna Album 1997 Walk With Me Single 1996 Before My Eyes Album Member of : Follow the artist