Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1237083
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 19 APRIL 2020 5 THIS WEEK MUSIC POPULAR Maltese language alt-rock group 'Djun' recently released a new track 'Ħdejk', featuring guest singer Lara Micallef, and home-recorded across three different locations due to the current self-isolation require- ments. The release was accompanied by an invitation for listeners to record their own version of the track's wist- ful and melodious chorus. The invi- tation has been taken up enthusias- tically by various people, with many of Malta's top artists and singers reinventing the tune in their own style. The various interpretations include an electronica take by Mat- thew James Borg, a humorous spin by Steve Delia 'id-Delli', and a soul- ful reimagining by Claire Tonna. Songwriter Charles Cassar said that he was surprised by the enthusi- asm with which the song was taken up, and that the whole chain post idea had started as something of a lighthearted diversion during these times. Lead singer Justin Galea said that this idea is serving as a way to motivate people into leaving their comfort zone and be creative, whilst giving the local musician commu- nity an opportunity to do a sort of 'check-in' on each other. For more on Djun, visit: https:// www.facebook.com/djunband/ Musicians practice distant togetherness during lockdown system collapse' freelance artists perhaps most espe- cially. But as an artist who appears to wear their indie/DIY badge with pride, do you think you may be better equipped to roll with the punches? What kind of lessons would you wish to impart to other artists who may feel cowed or intimidated by the challeng- es we're currently facing? I'm naturally analytical, so I've been following a lot of threads on the situa- tion. Coming from a DIY background it's no shock to see the system collapse. I think it's important now to continue to build community. The concept of social distancing and living through an inter- face is normalised, but it's still just a tool, it's not everything! In this period to fol- low there will be crazy liquidity of ideas, though borders will exist everywhere and authoritarians will be attempting to gain ground. Creative resistance comes from free thinking and being fearless in explo- ration of ideas, but it's also important to back yourself up with good research. Also as many casual roles in socie- ty are replaced by machine learning AI and robotics, these will have predictable, perfect repetition. Art, craft and music can go further in imagination, fallibility, emotion and humour. What role does Malta and its associat- ed imaginary continue to play in your work? I'm in London, and not sure when I'll be able to make it back. But I still have a small studio set up in Malta waiting in boxes for when I return. I have a clay pot drum that I've been wanting to use in the summer heat aided along with synths to- wards some ambient pieces… Birdtrapper will be released on vinyl and digital platforms on April 24. For more information, visit: www.capitolk.com Top and left: Capitol K (Kristian Craig Robinson) performing at the Ghar San Brinkat Cave, Gharghur on August 3, 2018 as part of the Kinemastik Cave Sessions. Photography by Ali Tollervey • Above: Artwork for 'Birdtrapper', the upcoming mini-album from Capitol K Local band Djun tap into a more benign 'viral' waters by encouraging fans to film themselves singing the chorus to their new track 'Ħdejk' 'Temple' "Humidity, isolation: a warm stone temple built on scrub land; orientation to the sun's cycle. All original intentions and meanings are lost, as are the people who built it." 'Birdtrapper' "The bird trappers' dance; collectors who trap migrating songbirds to be caged for entertainment." 'Scarred Land' "I broke into an abandoned farm that was being bulldozed to make apartment blocks and cut reeds next to the diggers' foundation trenches. The flutes I made from those reeds emitted a screaming of the land. Over two years I've returned to the recordings to make them at peace and use them to keep a focus on the factors that were bringing death where there should be life." 'Morphing Land' "The island attempts to initiate an isolated modernity." 'Brook' "Ideas/ideals of Europe, a proud and bombastic project. A series of man- made lakes in a valley trap the sessional rainfall. A natural ecology forms, then the lakes are dredged, the wildlife is stripped, and they are updated for weekend 4x4 strollers." 'Washouse' "From the courtyard of my studio (which occupies a former goat stable) I can hear from the flat rooftop the endless music of songbirds. This is where my neighbour, the Birdtrapper, houses his prize collection, his washhouse converted into an aviary. I place a highly sensitive microphone and improvise to their music." Birdtrapper: A track by track guide Capitol K guides us through the imagery and narrative of his upcoming instrumental release, inspired by the undercurrents of an island that may or may not be our own