Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/553115
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 9 AUGUST 2015 30 This Week Smells like street spirit How did you first get together, and what were your early mu- sical goals? Denise, Leona, Janelle and Julia got together after being involved in an English litera- ture project, where they were required to adapt a poem to music. After this project, they decided to continue a band. Following a line-up change, Cheyenne joined the band on bass guitar. At first, the band was a way how the members got to know each other as friends. Eventually, it turned into a more serious affair; especially after releasing their debut sin- gle Indecisive. Like many contemporary bands, your sound appears to be characterised by an '80s influence. What attracts you to this sound, and how do you strive to put a new spin on it? Each member is influenced by music from various eras. The '80s inspire us the most due to it being the decade during which alternative rock flourished, with pioneers such as R.E.M, The Smiths, Joy Division and Sioux- sie and the Banshees. We are also influenced by the eclectic '80s fashion. Furthermore, the increase in usage of the synth, is also a key influence for our band, since the synth features heavily in our music. However we aspire to put a modern twist on the '80s sound in order to create something which is more innovative and current. How has your sound evolved over the years? While embracing our roots, each member is now influenced by a wider range of musical gen- res, which has helped to evolve our sound. Our individual in- fluences range from jazz to hip- hop. Also, with regards to lyr- ics, they are now more socially aware. Lyrics explore themes such as the modern obsession on technology and data protec- tion, human vulnerability un- der pressure, time's reign over the modern man; themes of how society wants everyone to conform to its norms and how different people from different sections of society are engulfed in sheer loneliness. The usage of Maltese language in our songs, and encouragement of Maltese poetry, contribute to our style. With regards to the music, international alternative artists such as Chet Faker, MØ and Grimes, amongst others, have also inspired us to experiment more. In addition, we have also experimented with our voices, which feature heavily in our new songs. What would you say are some of your most significant achievements so far? With regards to commercial success – being nominated for the 2012 MMAs and winning a BMA during the same year, as well as having our debut single's music video appearing on Cold- play's website. With regards to personal success – being one of the few all-female bands in Malta, having five members who all sing. What do you make of the local music scene, and what would you change about it? The Maltese music scene is flourishing, and many Maltese artists are now experimenting with different sounds. Moreo- ver, the fact that some artists chose to write songs in Maltese is also a plus. Unfortunately, a change in mentality is needed since even during local festi- vals, there is more support for tribute bands than original, pan-Maltese artists, who put their blood, sweat and tears in their work. What can you tell us about your upcoming EP? How would you say it consolidates your sound so far, and what can fans expect from it? Our EP includes five original tracks, including two songs in Maltese. While containing some songs whose sound has a wider appeal, there are also some experimental songs for a niche audience, which creates a good sound palate. Sponsors include Malta Arts Fund, Malta Society of Arts and Parascan- dolo, as well as some other art- ists we have worked with, such as the poet Beverly Agius, who kindly agreed to let us adapt her poem Kull Lejla to a song. The EP launch will include a sensory experience for the au- dience, as well as the contribu- tion of other artists in order to create an inventive experience for the audience. We are trying to create an artistic experience, rather than simply setting up a performance of the EP's songs. The event will incorporate art- ists from different forms of art, such as photography and paint- ings, as well as poetry. Cryptic Street will be launch- ing their EP at Palazzo De La Salle, Valletta on August 21. Doors open at 21:00. For more information, look for 'Cryptic Street' on Facebook and Insta- gram Ahead of the launch of their first EP, TEODOR RELJIC speaks to local band Cryptic Street about the evolution of their style, and what we can expect from their new release Cryptic Street: "A change in mentality is needed when it comes to local music festivals" Four fists, Could you tell us a little bit about 'Position of Opposition (Hands Down)'? What's the concept behind it, and how did you set about constructing the physical piece? 'Position of Opposition (Hands Down)' is a relatively simple work constituted of the juxtaposition of two different identifiable items: the table and the fist (two pairs). The sym- metrical nature of the piece suggested the notion of a mir- roring, reacting or acting in an opposing manner. The title of the work is self-referential, mainly focusing on the objects placed on the surface and their relation towards each other. Fists are represented through a traditional medium for sculp- ture, which is bronze and the ta- ble is made out of wood, of the kind that could be found within a household. The two pairs of fists here could relate to several ideas; an immediate association I make is that of 'bronze fists' to 'brass knuckles' which relates to con- flict and possibly violence, it may also reference the pugilistic arts and two opponents/competi- tors. Ironically this interpreta- tion could be ridiculed/toppled as the two pairs could both be initiating a game supposedly aimed at infantile participants with the goal of guessing where the concealed object is. These are just two of the possible and opposing interpretations; one might or might not oversee that the two pairs of hands are sepa- rated from the rest of the body although this is not intended to draw any particular focus. Why did you choose Pjazza Re- gina in particular? What kind of dynamic would you say that square has, and how does your piece fit (or not fit) into it? The square appears to be a natural habitat for temporary/ permanent tables and since the work makes use of what we understand as being a table, it somehow made sense to enter- tain the idea of having it here. It will occupy a small part of the corridor in front of the Queen Victoria statue, which is an in- teresting elongated feature or empty space created by the sur- On August 31, and as part of the Valletta International Visual Arts Festival (VIVA), artist Aaron Bezzina will be showcasing the installation 'Position of Opposition (Hands Down)'. He speaks to TEODOR RELJIC about the implications of this otherwise simple installation, which will be placed at Pjazza Regina in Valletta Aaron Bezzina