Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/534048
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 28 JUNE 2015 30 This Week At what point did you realise you wanted to pursue a musical path? What were some of the key motivating factors? Song and Music have always been in me. As kids we used to go for walks and sing aloud as we go along. It all came naturally. There were quite a few people who encouraged me to write, from teachers at school, priests, friends and others. How did your 'sound' evolve, and how did you integrate your influences into your work? At first my songs were mostly simple love songs. However this all changed when I heard a song in Maltese, 'Hondoq Ir-Rummien' by George Cassola and it gave me something to aim for. The lyrics are so beautiful and I always include it in my concerts. I was always fond of the lyrics of Bob Dylan and Cat Stevens who, among others who I also appreciated, both wrote songs which had a deep meaning, which inspired me to emulate their style. What are some of the most recurring themes for your music, and why do you think they are so important to you? I like to write about the things that are of concern to everyone: about life, the environment, domestic violence, the beauty of love and its pains too; as well as children's songs. My songs reflect what I feel… and I feel what everyone else feels. How would you say Maltese song writing has evolved over the years? And what stage do you think it's at right now? I believe that the song, written and sung in Maltese, has been progress- ing steadily for the past 30 years. The quality not only of the record- ing and of the artists, but also of the lyrics and overall product has improved considerably. However we fall behind as far as following is concerned. A huge portion of the Maltese public still needs to asso- ciate itself with the Maltese song. Wherever you go abroad, one hears young and old alike singing in their own language. Not so in Malta. We still have radio stations that do not play songs in Maltese. We have radio stations who only dedicate a half-hour program for Maltese songs, but are not on their daily playlist. This needs to change. What do you think of the local musical scene? What would you change about it? I feel that most of the local music scene is dominated by bands which do not use the Maltese language. Their product is of a high quality and there is a lot of very good tal- ent out there. We do have a few very good young local bands and artists who use the Maltese language and I would love to see the number and the following grow. What's next for you? Apart from performing with Corazon Mizzi at her upcoming concert on July 11, I will also be per- forming with other local Maltese artists in Gozo at the end of that same month. Top priority after that is an upcoming project – an album of children's songs. Finally, I would like to 'get the band back together' for a few concerts… Walter Micallef will be performing alongside Corazon at Pjazza Teatru Rjal on July 11 at 20:00. Bookings: www.ticketline.com.mt Ahead of a concert with fellow singer Corazon on July 11, veteran singer-songwriter Walter Micallef speaks to TEODOR RELJIC about the past, present and future of Maltese-language songwriting 'All radio stations should play Maltese songs' Din l-Art Helwa celebrate 50-year anniversary at San Anton DIN l-Art Helwa will be celebrat- ing 50 years working to save her- itage and the environment at a 50th Anniversary Dinner on July 10 at 20:00 in the gardens of the Palace at San Anton. The public can book for a gourmet four- course dinner, with pre-dinner drinks and wine for 50th Anni- versary Night. The commitment and dedica- tion of Din l-Art Helwa volun- teers over the last five decades will also be celebrated as it is through them that heritage sites like the Red Tower and Victory Church have been saved from neglect and abandon for fu- ture generations. The President of Malta Marie Louise Coleiro Preca will also be present, as will the Culture and Justice Minister Owen Bonnici and many guests and representatives of diplomatic missions in Malta. The renowned and enduringly popular violinist George Curmi il-Puse', together with his col- league, the Russian accordionist Yuri will entertain guests with melodic rhythms throughout the evening and the gardens will be illuminated for the occasion. Dress is Lounge Suit or Smart Casual. For more information on the menu and booking conditions write to info@dinlarthelwa.org, call 21220358 or log on to www/ dinlarthelwa.org Walter Micallef (left) will once again be performing with Corazon (right) on July 11 San Anton Palace