Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1101649
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 7 APRIL 2019 5 THIS WEEK MUSIC had been playing for a long time before we got together so it was very inspiring, motivating and uplifting to be able to share our musical knowledge and abilities with one another and make mu- sic together as a duo. What can audiences expect from this concert? As the title suggests, our con- cert 'Music from the Heart of Europe' will take the audience on a journey of Romantic music for flute and piano, written by composers from across Europe. Even though we chose reper- toire from within one period, the music captures a variety of nuances and contrast in char- acter, spirit, colours and ambi- ences. The audience will be pre- sented with a feast of European music exploring lighthearted and invigorating tunes, roman- tic heartfelt harmonies, and flourishing virtuosity. As musicians, we have a re- sponsibility to keep the tradi- tion of music alive; traditions are important in keeping and building strong relationships in a community, bringing people together… and what better way to do this than through heartily romantic music? The pieces we'll be playing are very accessible and easy to listen to. The music does not pose too big a challenge on the listener and offers an instant connection with the audience through its many diverse emo- tional intentions. Our challenge as musicians is to communicate all these subtle intentions ef- fectively, telling a story through the medium of sound which is incomparable to many other means of expression. Hope- fully these musical intentions will have the desired effect on the audience, offering them an uplifting experience that feeds their soul. What do you make of the local musical scene? What would you change about it? The musical scene in Malta has seen a drastic change and has developed hugely over the last few years. It's been great to see these beautiful and prestig- ious spaces in a number of pal- aces and churches being open for the public to enjoy and used as spaces and venues for con- certs. It has also been very good to see so many music festivals being founded and successfully maintained coming back on a yearly basis, bringing many highly acclaimed musicians and beautiful live music to the local scene. Malta in itself has so much talent to offer and it's amazing to see an evolution in the cul- tural activities not only in the classical music scene but also in other fields with a variety of artistic shows being organised and made available to the Mal- tese audience. This movement is also vital for local artists and budding musicians offering more op- portunities to both the latter to be exposed to live perfor- mances of artistic excellence and perhaps even have inspir- ing opportunities for them- selves to be involved in some concerts alongside great art- ists. To answer the second question, Malta's musical scene has come a long way and is heading in the right direc- tion; it is establishing a thriv- ing musical scene that rightly so deserves to put this island on the map! What's next for you? We will continue to actively perform this programme in dif- ferent venues in the UK and be- yond. We will also be recording an album with Hedone Records in a few months' time, contain- ing pieces from the programme we'll be playing in Malta. We are keen on developing our versatility as a duo and apart from learning new pieces in the near future, we will also possibly look into expanding to bigger chamber group/s for various future projects we have in the pipeline. 'Music from the Heart of Eu- rope' will be taking place at the Malta Society of Arts, Valletta on April 13 at 6pm. Bookings: https://www.eventbrite. co.uk/o/18473078662 "No matter how well you play, the discipline of daily practice is an essential part of a musician's life" How would you describe your musical journey up to this point, and what were some of the most important lessons you've learned along the way? It's been pretty wild, and long may it reign. I've played so many beautiful places, and Malta is up there with the best. I'm very ex- cited to come back and swim and see some of my beautiful friends. The most important lesson I've learnt is to never apologise, never explain. It's a very British thing to always apologise, but I guess I realised I have noth- ing to apologise for. I make the music I want to make and I am happy with that. What was it like to get started as a musician in Scotland? Is the scene inviting to young, up-and-coming musicians, and how did it help define your sound and approach, if at all? We have a real groovy music scene in Scot- land: Glasgow in particular. There are so many wonderfully talented musicians here. It's always nurturing new talents, and there are places to play for all abilities. We are very lucky. I have a very loving relationship with Scotland and while I don't know how much it has shaped me, it's definitely taught me a thing or two. You've self-released a lot of your music, and used the Pledge Music platform to help release your debut EP. What do you make of this approach to music, and do you think it places added pressure or offers more opportunity in the long run to young musicians, when compared to more traditional/conventional industry models? I think it's great, but very hard. It's a lot to keep on top of, but so many beautiful people pledged to support my music, so I am very grateful for that. No one really gets much money from record labels anymore, so I guess we have to adapt. Whatever will be, will be and the music will be made one way or another. Are you looking forward to performing in Malta? What kind of vibe are you expecting from Rock the South, and what can Maltese punters expect from you in turn? I honestly cannot wait. I need it! I need the sun and the sea and the groovy groovy tunes. I've heard a lot of good stories about previ- ous editions of Rock the South, so I can't wait to make some more. It's actually going to be my birthday on the last day of the festival so things could get pretty wild… at least, that's what I'm hoping. Bring yer dancing shoes! What's next for you? I have a new record which is actually get- ting pressed as we speak and a film that I'll be putting out alongside it. It's gonna be a real exciting year, I think. All I can hope for is to play some more beautiful places and get into the studio to start working on my album. What a dream, what a treat! Emme Woods will be performing at Rock the South, Zion, Marsascala on April 13. Rock the South runs from April 12 to 14. For ticket info and a full programme for the event, log on to: https://rockthesouthmalta. com/ No apologies TEODOR RELJIC speaks to Scottish singer- songwriter Emme Woods ahead of her performance at this year's edition of Rock the South, taking place for the eighth time running at Zion, Marsascala Emme Woods: "It's a very British thing to always apologise, but I guess I realised I have nothing to apologise for"