Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/429113
33 THIS WEEK GRIPPING GAMES PG 41 maltatoday, SUNDAY, 7 DECEMBER 2014 JAUNTY JAKARTA PG 40 CHARMING CHOCOLATE PGS 42, 43 How did it feel to be selected for this exhibition? It was a great honour to be se- lected for such a prestigious exhi- bition. The invitation came out of the blue. The Spanish designer Manuel Fernandez who is the di- rector and founder of Fashion Art Institute viewed my website and chose me to represent Malta. I was one of 28 artists each repre- senting the 28 EU countries. Was it challenging to channel your creativity from traditional illustration to fashion design this time? Yes, it certainly was. The ac- tual dress design was done by the Fashion Art Institute. It was in- spired by our traditional ghonel- la, though obviously given a mod- ern twist. When I received the canvas suit I must say it was quite daunting to say the least. When painting on canvas or paper I am free to discard it and start again if it doesn't go well and I don't like how it's turning out. In this case, I had this dress in front of me – a blank canvas in 3D, a one off – each country's dress design was different. I couldn't afford to make any mistakes. I also felt the responsibility of representing Malta among the other EU coun- tries. After much thought and many rough sketches and visual brainstorming, I decided to be myself and approach the design in my own unique way. How did you represent Malta in the final design? Our brief was to be the connec- tion between our country and the EU, its values and how being a part of the EU affects us. We were given absolute freedom as artists. I decided to focus on our youth, our future and how joining the EU has been so beneficial to them through the opportunities it offers in education, work ex- perience and the interaction be- tween other Europeans. All this helps to broaden their minds and outlook. On the back of the dress I de- picted a group of children stand- ing on our little island. Towering above them is a Maltese cityscape that is closing in on itself, keeping them in, restricted. On the front I showed the change that took place after join- ing the EU. There is an opening up of the cityscape, we are given the opportunity to venture out and experience a wider reality. To exchange ideas and work with others. Although this was pos- sible before, we were very limited and opportunities were not avail- able to all. What led you to represent Malta in the way that you did? Two things. Being a children's book illustrator as well as a painter I have an affinity towards anything to do with children so I decided to focus on that aspect of how Malta, and especially our youth, has benefitted from being part of the European Union. The second aspect I wished to com- municate, and one I feel strongly about, is the situation regarding migrants and asylum seekers. On one sleeve are sailing boats and people enjoying our beautiful sea. We are a popular tourist destina- tion and we welcome our guests with open arms. In strong contrast, on the oth- er sleeve are the migrants and asylum seekers who risk a very dangerous journey across the Mediterranean Sea in a desperate attempt to escape wars and pros- ecution. A tragic reality that of- ten ends in death, and something that needs to be addressed by all the European Union and not just the border countries. The exhibition will remain on display at the Parlamentarium in Brussels until May 2015, after which it will be visiting all EU countries. For more information log on to www.marisaattard.com and fashionartinstitute.org How has your sound evolved over the years, and how would you say the new album reflects this? Our sound has definitely trans- formed since we first appeared on the scene. The first record- ing experience in Temple Studios worked wonders for our song- writing, and overall approach to music. We also underwent a few line-up changes, which inevitably influenced our musical evolution too. We are now moving towards a heavier, rawer sound. Our new album, Feathers and Stones is a culmination of our work over the past couple of years. We're proud of the final product: of its dynamic and its composi- tion. And we're confident that the listeners will love it as much as we do. What is your songwriting process usually like? Generally one of us will start jamming their heart out be- tween playlist songs and we'll automatically start finding riffs in a very natural and easy way to accompany him. Our formula keeps on getting better the more we play together. What kind of dynamic do you guys have as a band: both in terms of musical influences and inclinations, as well as personalities? What do you think makes you gel as a group? Although we have some dif- ferent tastes in music we all have to heart punk, alterna- tive and grunge as common denominators. This helps us to understand each other better, and improves our sound. What's very important is the chemistry between us as friends, as human beings, as brothers from other mothers. We do have the occasional spat, mind you – but I'd like to think that these arguments and heated discussions only bring us closer together in the long run. How would you describe the local musical scene, and how would you say you fit into it? The local music scene on one hand is getting richer in the underground and alternative scene, though more and more conformist in the mainstream sphere. Sadly the Maltese, in general, prefer cover bands… which is very sad, since a lot of local talent has only been on the rise these past couple of years. We think that we have our own agenda and approach as a band in the local scene, however, we trust that we are surrounded by great musicians and friends in the scene who are a great influ- ence and of help to us. What are some of the main challenges the local musical scene faces? Local bands invest a lot of time and money and they sacrifice other commitments to practice in their practice rooms, however, live performances do not have much attendance, even if the en- trance is free of charge. Bands are investing a lot of money, with not much coming back in. We hope that the story will change for the younger generation. Otherwise, the scene runs the risk of becom- ing extinct. What advice would you give to aspiring musicians in Malta? Keep on playing and practicing! Never conform to popular stand- ards. Do what you do loving best no matter what. Feathers & Stones will be launched on December 12 at Razzett l-Ahmar, Mosta. Doors open at 21:00. For more informa- tion and a free song download log on to: www.forstringsinn.com Malta's story in textile 'Unless things change, local music will become extinct' Local artist Marisa Attard is currently representing Malta at the Fashion Art EU exhibition at the Parlamentarium in Brussels. She speaks to TEODOR RELJIC about her contribution to this EU-wide showcase of art and fashion, and how she transferred her skills as an illustrator into another medium to tell a visual story of Malta's youth, and their future Despite the enduring challenges local musicians face, For Strings Inn front man Herman Spiteri is confident that their new album, Feathers & Stones, will find an enthusiastic audience, he tells TEODOR RELJIC Marisa Attard: "I decided to focus on our youth, our future and how joining the EU has been so beneficial to them through the opportunities it offers" For Strings Inn will launch their new album on November 12