malta – and so she thinks

Introducing… Berne

admin — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 14:22:11 +0000

London based, alt-pop duo Berne release a powerful second single, To The Lions. Consisting of both Maltese born Deborah Borg Brincat and Gianluca Pulvirenti, the pair deliver a moving environmental message. I had a chat to find out more about the band!

What’s the music scene like in Malta? I’ve been 30 odd times for holiday (family from there!).

I think there are many talented and hardworking musicians and producers in Malta which in my opinion merit a lot more support from the media and the government.

I think it would really benefit the music scene if a quota of local music played on radio stations were to be implemented. What a well-deserved platform this would be for local musicians who are made to compete with big budget worldwide stars.

Having said that, I can’t not mention the continuous hard work and dedication of a few key media people whose life mission is to support and promote local artists.

Why did you move to London?

We moved here to further our education in music. Deborah studied performance and Gian studied sound engineering in educational institutions in London. We feel really lucky that as a result of these experience we have found a space for our music to grow and continue to grow into something that excites us.

Your latest tune is about animal rights, and the previous was about migration. Serious stuff. Can music be used to change hearts and minds? Can pop music save the world?

Absolutely! Music is such a beautiful and clever art form. The world would be an incredibly dull place without it which makes it an important part of people’s lives. It brings people together and people power is exactly what is needed to change the world.

Who influences you?

Musically, we are influenced by different artists, although largely within the same genre. I bring my Agnes Obeland Adna influences and Gian brings his Joy Division and Radiohead influences and it morphs into something that we like.

Lyrically, we are inspired by society and the environment. Being the melting pot it is, London has accented the beauty of diversity in the world for us but also brought to light a lot of injustices in society. We’re also extremely environmentally aware. We feel encouraged to question the status quo and often think about the impact our actions have on our planet. Naturally, this makes its way into our songs.

What’s next for the band?

We’ve got so many exciting plans for the year which we can’t wait to share! Over the next few weeks, we will continue to share material around To The Lions. The music video, which we made with MarieClaire Portelli out on Friday 20th March. We also have a few surprises and collaborations in store too! We’re also in the process of finalising our next releases and producing a brand new live show.

People can find out what we’re up to by following us on social media..

Malta Takes London

admin — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 14:32:32 +0000

A little island in the Mediterranean is usually better known for its crystal blue seas, rocky coves, warm weather and tasty cuisine than rocking music and good tunes, but as the next country showcase to hit the capital proves, Malta more than punches above its weight. Malta takes London was created by Maltese musicians for Maltese musicians in 2013, and the inaugural event went with something of a success. September 27th sees six artists and bands head to the Water Rats to celebrate good music and their Maltese roots. Listen below to hear what nosnow/noalps (who will be launching their new EP), Berne, Carrie Haber, Cosmic Erotic, Canvas Wall, Yews, Dana McKeon and Fuzzhoneys have to offer, and make sure you buy your tickets now and head down to the King’s Cross venue on the night to be amazed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tzNxQAj2w4

A movie trip around Malta

admin — Fri, 08 Aug 2014 15:34:00 +0000

Sunny skies, historic buildings, dramatic scenery and the cleanest seas in the Mediterranean (as well as favourable tax rates – the Malta Film Commission offer various incentives to attract overseas film-makers) have seen Malta play host to film makers from all countries and genres over the years. Check out some pretty spots on this tiny island to inspire your next holiday.

Valletta

The island’s capital, UNESCO World Heritage City Valletta is steeped in history. The sun baked walls and steep streets are home to a cosmopolitan vibe and thriving cafe culture. Whether strolling along the waterfront and enjoy views of the Grand Harbour, relaxing in the Upper Barrakka Gardens, avoiding pigeons in Republic Square whilst you refresh with a Kinnie and a pastizz, visiting baroque masterpiece St John’s Co-Cathedral with its ornate frescoes by Caravaggio, exploring Forts St Elmo and St Angelo, or touring the Grandmaster’s Palace, now home to the President’s office and the Houses of Parliament, there is tons to see. You can visit the secret bunker Lascaris War Rooms, used in the Malta Story (1953), where the Second World War defence of Malta and invasion of Silicy were managed. As one of the most strategically important locations in WWII, the citizens of Malta thoroughly deserved their Victoria Cross, as this location will show. Located near the gates is the historic Phoenicia Hotel, which will also appeal to film-lovers, having hosted everyone from Charlton Heston and Oliver Reed to Joaquin Phoenix, Pierce Brosnan and Rachel Weisz.

Filmed here: Captain Phillips, World War Z, Alexander, The Saint, Midnight Express and Malta Story

Mdina

Midina was once the capital of Malta and a settlement of Imperial Rome, taken over by the Turks, Knights of St John, and even the British, This tiny walled city is known as the Silent City and is made up of winding cobbled streets and mesmerizing views thanks to its strategic position on the high ground of the steep Sciberras peninsula. A mix of medieval and baroque architecture, historic buildings include the 18th century Vilhena Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral & Museum, Palazzo de Piri and the Mdina Dungeons are just some of the places to investigate in this captivating setting. Outside the old gates, horse pulled carriage rides in a traditional karrozzin are on offer. If you want to see more of the ‘real’ Maltese, explore Rabat (which means ‘suburb’ and is a strong indication of the Arabic influences upon language and culture), just outside Mdina.

Filmed here: Gladiator, Game of Thrones and The Count of Monte Cristo

Vittoriosa

Known as one of the Three Cities, together with Cospicua and Senglea, Vittoriosa is steeped in history, dating back to prehistoric times. A fortified city on the south, harbour inlets have been in use since Phoenician times, and a home to local people and industry. Redevelopment in recent years has seen the docks and waterfront become filled with culture and cafes, and some of the country’s best local fiestas take place down here. For a dose of prehistoric history (did you know Malta was once wandered by native pygmy elephants and hippos), visit Hagar Qim – an imposing temple built around 3600 BC. Of course, history and religion abounds, and the Church of St Lawrence and Inquisitor’s Palace reveal plenty about this city. If you want to travel scenically, consider a boat trip from Valletta to Vittoriosa in a traditional fishing boat, a dghajsa.

Filmed here: The Da Vinci Code, Swept Away and Gladiator.

Mellieha

Situated in the north west of the island, Mellieha’s sandy long beaches with shallow water make it popular with families, and it’s a more touristy area than some others. However, being less densely populated, it’s also home to many rare and protected species of wildlife, incuding as Malta’s only natural national park, Il-Majjistral Nature and History Park. Again the Order of St John had a significant influence here, and St Agatha’s Tower, built in 1647, can still be seen, as can the Mellieha Air Raid Shelter. Malta has 365 religious places of worship, and the pretty little Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mellieha is another top place to visit. An those with families will love the Popeye Village, which was built as the set of the 1980 film starring Robin Williams. Today the climb over the wooden buildings allows for beautiful views.

Filmed here: Troy and Popeye Village

Malta – the tourist authority's got it wrong

admin — Tue, 31 May 2011 19:17:44 +0000

The best thing for anyone thinking of travelling to Malta to do is to ignore all the guides.
But if you’re still reading this, I can see that you’re not going to do that. So I will at least attempt to guide you to those places that help uncover the real Malta. Visit the main towns and cities – just do it your way.
The Malta Tourism Authority has tried for a long time now to pitch Malta as an alternative to Ibiza, or Magaluf, all sun, sea and (sex), exactly what every 18-30 year old hankers after, surely? Other guides will have you belive that Malta is really just Engalnd, just smaller and sunnier, and possibly stuck in the 70s, with its red phone boxes, chips on every menu and battered Ford Courtinas around every narrow corner.
They’re both wrong. Malta is not any other country, it is very much itself, and rather than following the guide book, submerging yourself in the rich culture is the best way to understand the island.
Civilsations and cultures, eras and epochs have all left their mark upon Malta, and this incredible fusion makes the island a fascinating place to explore history. But rather than visiting The Knights of Malta exhibition, a series of tableaux and cinema screening of a documentary , to really get a feel for the legacy left by the Knights it is essential to wander the quiet streets of Mdina, the 16th century citadel, that today continues to whisper in the streets, the passage ways holding a thousand secrets. Walk from the stone gate in whatever direction your inner compass takes you, gazing at the big brass door knockers, inhaling the smell of caponata as a maltese mother cooks for her brood, and hear the whisperings of the past, the passage ways holding a thousand secrets. With luck you will eventually make your way to the bastions, and see before you the commanding view of Malta. This view reminds you that whilst you are in a very small country, Malta has a lot of claims to fame. You can see the rotunda of Mosta Dome, the third largest unsupported dome in the world, fields stretching out to Dingli Cliffs, where the island of Filfla is located, uninhabited and unvisitable, due to its unique ecological habitat.
The old capital shares its stunning yet subtle architecture with the new capital, Valletta. Whilst sitting under the green umbrellas of Cafe Regina in Republic Sqaure with a coffee is an ideal way to relax and while away a few hours, I would recommend a visit to one of the kiosks (try the second one on the left that you come to when facing the gate) a purchase of Cannoli, light pastry tubes filled with ricotta cheese, pistachios, and dried fruits, and a cool Kinnie, a soft carbonated drink flavoured with bitter herbs that is to all visitors of Malta a bit of Marmite topic – you either love it or hate it, and time out watching the bustling Fountain Square. If the fumes don’t get you, watching the Maltese bustling in and out of City Gate and around Floriana Bus terminus, the honking of the bright ornage buses, each one personalised with icons of the Virgin or Christ, or adorned with scarves pledging allegiance to Roma or Manchester United is a more revealing way to understand the Maltese. People going to work, meeting friends, running errands – this, after all, is life.
The promenade that links the coastal towns of Sliema and St Julians is a joy to walk day or night, the light either coming from fervid rays of sunshine, reflections from the sun dappled sea at sunset, or the effulgent lights that flicker from the fairy light adorned palm trees and restaurants that grace the path. Other guides will tell you that should you find yourself on a hot date and your stomach start rumbling whilst in St Julians head straight to San Guiliano, an Italian restaurant overlooking Spinola Bay, why not grab yourself some pastizz (beautiful hot ricotta filled pastries), or an ice cream from La Gelateria del Buon Gelao Artigianale, and climb down the steps to the benches by the water side. From here you can admire the bougainvillea-clad caf’es and restaurants, gaze at Richard England’s LOVE sculpture and its reflection in the ripples, and watch the fishing boats and djsiahas bobbing on the calm water, before they are taken out again in the morning.