Eurovision 2016 – Malta

Ira Losco is the kind of artist who gets noticed the minute she walks into a room. Whether on stage, TV or in a recording studio she captivates you. Losco’s magnetic charisma, undoubtedly elevates her presence in her pop genre of music.

Ever since her memorable and confident performance, which was the closet ever Malta came to winning the Eurovision Song Contest with her second place, at just 12 points away from the title, Ira Losco has stolen the hearts of the country she was born and raised in and thereafter started to build on her fan base across Europe.

Performing in 15 different countries around the world, with over 20 music awards under her belt, Ira Losco has been Malta’s leading female artist for the last decade, making her one of the most recognizable faces in her home territory.“ She’s the biggest pop artist of Malta…. The opening track – The Way It’s Meant To Be “ from her new album is a clear indication that she is finally making music on her own terms.” The Times

Her stage presence, musical relevance and charisma have earned her attention all over the globe, mesmerizing those who come into contact with her. During a rehearsal with an all-star Italian line up including Claudio Baglioni and an impressed Gianni Morandi who had never met her before was heard saying, “ Who is this girl with such a big and distinct voice?” The island of Malta has produced great voices throughout the years such as Oreste Kirkop (Tenor), Mark Storace (Krokus front man), the recent Joseph Calleja (Tenor) as well as emerging child prodigy singers.

The late Lucio Dalla has likened her to Italian super star Gianna Nannini and following her electrifying performance at The Isle of MTV Malta Special, Enrique Iglesias went out of his way to congratulate her on her show, while MTV Network Europe commented “ She‘s a true artist …the whole deal”

Ira Losco has released 4 number 1 albums (including unplugged/remix editions), a string of chart topping singles and has won every conceivable award from ‘Image Icon’  ‘Best Artist’, ‘Best Album’ as well as the Prestigious Medal for her outstanding national and international achievement presented by the President of Malta.

She has performed in various countries, in front of audiences ranging from 1,000 to 80,000, played alongside renowned international acts such as Elton John, Katie Melua, Maroon 5, Akon, Mel C, Ronan Keating, Bob Geldof, Tokio Hotel, Gigi D`Alessio, Claudio Baglioni, Max Gazze, Sohne Mannheims, Silbermond, Duran Duran, Enrique Iglesias and many more. Her songs have also been covered by a number of artists. Kelly Clarkson’s international Hit –‘Don’t waste my time ‘- was created around Ira Losco’s past release – ‘Uh Oh’ through a publishing agreement.

She is also active in promoting anti-bullying and has recently been made reading ambassador. She also forms part of the ‘Celebrity For Kids’ project. Ira Losco is also a speaker for Self-Empowerment and Self-Worth, having voluntarily visited more than 30 schools, giving talks and performing for students, also high-lighting the importance of women’s valid and precious contribution to society.

Ira Losco is also part of the animal awareness against Animals in Circuses and has also featured in nation wide TV Spots against animal cruelty.

She has been an avid supporter of the YMCA (an organization caring for the homeless) ever since her fronting her first alternative band TIARA, at the young age of 16. She earned the respect of fellow humanitarian Bob Geldof when invited to his home in London prior to a concert they were both headlining.” I haven’t seen a girl perform with such energy in ages “ Bob Geldof

She is also a firm believer in LGBT Rights and has been praised for her fearless comments during hot debates in her country regarding this issue. She continues to support the ‘Malta Gay Rights Movement’ till this very day.

Her list of innovative projects, include her ‘Unmasked’ unplugged album, a 90 min running DVD entitled ‘Living It’ capturing various highlights and concerts in her career and a Photographic Journal by award wining UK photographer Allen Venables” which is a 400 page book featuring the stunning artist.

“I look around me, savour what there is around, but then I pretty much chart my own course. I’m always thinking, “Ok that’s done, now I’m going to do this” she declares.

Ira continues to travel the world to perform her music. In recent years she has also participated in charity concerts attracting thousands of people.  Her most recent one was for Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in Germany at the Berlin Olympic Stadium, before his sudden passing.

Ira Losco’s latest body of work “The Fire” is her best selling album to date. Her 4^th studio album topped the I Tunes Malta charts for 11 consecutive weeks, followed by Adele and Coldplay. “The Fire” is also being featured internationally and gaining some very valid reviews. “The Fire” promises to continue Ira’s ascendant journey through authentic pop gems.” Carlos Carlvalho

Her fist single “What I’d Give” was the perfect summer hit for 2012, with its reggae pop sound, scooping up an award for ‘Best Single’ and ‘Best Video’ and earning Ira yet another ‘Best Artist’ award whilst “The Person I Am” became the first hit to enter the Top 30 charts and maintain the number 1 spot for 6 consecutive weeks.

The release of her third music video and single “Me Luv u Long Time” is already proving to be yet another hit. Reaching the number 1 spot after just 3 weeks of its release and holding the number 1 spot once again. Referring to the track “Me Luv U Long Time Wiwibloggs UK had this to say, ”This could be a big UK hit”

“Writing this album was like a release. There was so much I wanted to say and experiment with. I had no inhibitions and I wanted to bare my soul without setting any parameters. Many a time artists find themselves constrained through a genre because their music is pigeon-holed” – Ira Losco

Staying steadfastly true to herself paid off both critically and commercially for the Maltese born artist.“Ira seems less interested in slotting into categories and more keen on just following her own groove “ Teodor Reljic

 

ESC+Plus: Can you tell us about you, your musical career and important achievements?

I’m a singer songwriter from Malta . My music career started just a few years before I represented Malta in The Eurovision where I came 2nd in 2002 with 12 points away from the title. I haven’t stopped much since then, releasing around 10 publications including 4 studio albums , 3 of which have won best album at the music awards alongside other awards, 2 remix albums , an unplugged album , a full length DVD which was also in the cinemas for 6 weeks and as a 400 page book. I’ve performed over 125 shows outside of Malta as well numerous significant shows in my own country, and had the pleasure to perform alongside various artists such as Elton John, Maroon 5, Akon, Bob Geldoff, Duran Duran, Enrique Iglesias , Katie Melua and many more . Also had numerous collaborations with various international artists . The most recent being with X factor USA finalist David Correy in collaboration with Coca Cola for the World Cup anthem song . One of my singles ‘UH OH’ from my 2nd album was also partially used in Kelly Clarkson’s HIT song ‘Don’t waste your time’.

E+: What impelled you to take part in “Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2016”?

Various things. Since I represented Malta in Eurovision and got a 2nd placing I was asked several times to return . My answer was consistently ‘never say never’ 3 years ago I released my previous album ‘THE FIRE’ which was ‘pop’ in genre . It was very well received both in terms of reviews as well as ITunes charts where it retained it’s 10 position since it’s release in 2013 and enjoyed a number 1 spot in the MALTA iTunes for several weeks . This was very encouraging for me . 2-3 years ago I was asked to co-host Malta’s selection for Eurovision with Gianluca . I must admit I really felt the warmth of the audience and that’s when I started to re-consider this . Last year I also reached out to my fans on my fan page and also asked for their feedback with regards to my possible return to Eurovision. These last 3-4 years I have noticed a shift from Kitsch songs to proper Pop songs with the likes of Loreen . Since my genre is pop music and my album is due for 2016 I felt this was the right time to return.

E+: How did you feel when you knew you had qualified for the semi-final? Did you expect it?

Needless to say I was very happy but I am not one to jump with joy mainly because I take nothing for granted. It’s still a long road ahead and equally do not expect anything in return . My only expectation is the one I impose on myself . To be the best version of myself I possibly can and give my utmost best.

E+: What it would mean for you to represent Malta? Can you tell us about your songs?

it is expected for an artist / entertainer to deliver the goods after people would have spent money on a concert ticket or voted for the artist in some awards or contest .The pressure adds up because it is a competition unfortunately and someone has to win and someone has to lose. This part I am not fond of but truthfully it’s not that different to how the music industry operates. You release an album and hope for the best and the one which has the best songs takes the number 1 spot. I guess the pressure comes from public perception cause ultimately music is about unity and I see Eurovision more as a celebration of different countries who come together for this yearly event . it would of course mean all the above , excitement and more . I actually have 2 songs in the semi finals . ‘Chameleon’ is a mix of both electronic and organic sounding. It starts off dark and moody which then opens up in the chorus and further opens up when the dance beat kicks in . There’s a lot of peaks and drops in the song which would work very well for a TV show imo . We also have a 7/4 time signature in the middle section which hints the end catchy melody but it’s not a giveaway. This is done beautifully through an orchestral string arrangement alongside a small touch of middle eastern influence . Most pop songs are normally in 4/4 rhythm and occasionally 3/4 or 6/8 so it was interesting to have this time signature part in .’That’s why I Love you’ is a power ballad with a good feeling . I love the good feeling it has In the chorus . it’s also very anthemic imo and brings out the feeling of a band performing it live . So they are 2 different songs with 2 different visions. Unfortunately 1 song is allowed to pass to the final and depending on the highest number of votes that song will pass .

E+: What is the story behind the lyrics?

‘Chameleon’ is about one of human’s best attributes . Our species has survived so much throughout the years also managed to evolve because we are very capable of adapting . Sometimes we forget this and limit ourselves because accepting change can be scary at times . So I’m using the chameleon to bring across this symbolic attribute alongside being there for others, hope and feeling invincible. The other song is purely based on the strongest feeling of all – Love. In fact it’s called That’s why I Love you or ‘Twily’ as we like to call it . I think the title is self-explanatory 😉

E+: Why do you think one of your songs has to be selected for Stockholm? What are your strengths to reach the top in the competition?

To be honest this is a hard question for me to answer for obvious reasons. I think my strengths might possibly be experience I’ve gained throughout my career , not being a new comer to the EV stage and I am proud to say I have a very professional team who know how the industry works. I am a very determined person but well grounded . I also see myself as pragmatic so I don’t exclude anything . People tell me I am very unpredictable and I guess they’re also right. If I had to win there would still be 4 months to go so anything can happen and change including the song. But first I have to get to the final as the only thing certain is that I am in the semi final with 2 songs.

E+: How are you preparing your performance for “MESC 2016”? Can you reveal us anything about the staging?

The preparation is no different to how I would prepare for my concert. The difference is that instead of 2 hours I have 3 mins per song. Also this year the stage might be smaller as it’s not being done in the same venue so I still need to see what can be done . I also believe just as music videos , the strength is understanding your foreground, your middle ground ( if any ) and your background and how they compliment each other without being an overkill . Less is more sometimes . It all depends on the stage set design. It can determine a lot of things.

E+: Do you usually watch Eurovision? What are your favourite songs of the history of the competition?

I must admit I have watched it more recently than in previous years . I saw Loreen in the Swedish finals and I knew she was the winner before seeing the other contestants. Her performance and song were flawless . Same thing with last year’s winning song , Heroes, which was visually the right marriage with the song and the charismatic artist. Same thing in the previous year , Conchita had the perfect story and a fantastic voice to match that story . It could have easily been worthy of a James Bond soundtrack .

E+: If you could choose a Eurovision former participant to sing with, who would it be?

Any of the above would be welcomed collaborations and a pleasure. Respect to all 3.

E+: Besides Eurovision, what are your plans for this year?

Releasing 2 more singles and videos as well as the album unless I feel I’m still missing something in the album . I am currently working on my 5th studio album due for release in 2016 which will also include a track featuring Destiny who won the Junior Eurovision 2015. I absolutely love her. I also have another unusual surprise lined up .

E+: Finally, can you send a message for our readers and Eurovision fans?

Absolutely! I am thrilled and excited to be back on the Eurovision stage. It is of course always an honour to represent my country and if I had to win the Malta final this would be my 2nd time . However I have to confess, this would not be the only honour I would carry. Globalization is under attack, minorities are still under attack in some countries such as LGBT rights ,same thing applies to bullying which has taken a turn to the worse with cyber bullying as well as women in power who are still very small in numbers . These are issues which I strongly believe in , I have fought for in my country and will continue to fight for and the fact that I would be part of a global event which proudly shows off how different countries and cultures can come together regardless of country of origin, culture, language , sex and diverse beliefs is a victory in this own right and an honour to be part of. You will always have a special place in my heart and I will do my best not to let you down.

E+: Thanks for your time and good luck!

AHH
AHH

I’ve been fading into grey
Trying to be someone
Trying to please someone

I’ve been painting bitter blue
Always hitting walls
Always trying to break the fall

I’m not perfect
But I’m A ok
Chasing off the clouds
I lock the blues away
I lock the pain away

I can’t get enough of your love
I can’t get you out of my heart
I can’t get enough of your love
’Cause i-i-i-I

Feel like I can walk on water
On water, On water
And now i’m gonna walk on
water, On water, On water
Feels like I can walk on water

I’ve been trying hard to hear
what my heart wants to say
Letting it lead the way

I’m not perfect
But I’m A ok
Chasing off the clouds
I lock the blues away
I lock the pain away

I can’t get enough of your love
I can’t get you out of my heart
I can’t get enough of your love
’Cause i-i-i-I

Feel like I can walk on water
On water , On water
And now i’m gonna walk on

Ooh ooh ooh
All I wanna do is
Ooh ooh ooh
Keep walking on water
Ooh ooh ooh
All I wanna do is
Walk on water

Ooh

I can’t get enough of your love
’Cause i- i-i-I

Feel like I can walk on water
On water, On water
And now i’m gonna walk on
water On water on water
Feel like I can walk on water

Marcher Sur l’Eau

Je me suis perdue
En essayant d’être quelqu’un
En essayant de plaire à quelqu’un

Je me suis drappée d’amertume
Me heurtant toujours dans des murs
Essayant sans cesse d’arrêter la chute

Je ne suis pas parfaite
Mais je vais bien
Chassant les nuages
J’ai enfermé au loin le blues
J’ai enfermé au loin la peine

Je ne peux me passer de ton amour
Je ne peux te chasser de mon cœur
Je ne peux me passer de ton amour
Car je…e-e-e

Me sens capable de marcher sur l’eau
Sur l’eau, sur l’eau
Et maintenant, je vais marcher
Sur l’eau, sur l’eau, sur l’eau
Je me sens capable de marcher sur l’eau

J’essaye vraiment d’écouter
Ce que mon cœur veut dire
Me montrer le chemin

Je ne suis pas parfaite
Mais je vais bien
Chassant les nuages
J’ai enfermé au loin le blues
J’ai enfermé au loin la peine

Je ne peux me passer de ton amour
Je ne peux te chasser de mon cœur
Je ne peux me passer de ton amour
Car je…e-e-e

Me sens capable de marcher sur l’eau
Sur l’eau, sur l’eau
Et maintenant, je vais marcher

Tout ce que je veux c’est
Continuer de marcher sur l’eau
Tout ce que je veux c’est
Marcher sur l’eau

Je ne peux me passer de ton amour
Car je…e-e-e

Me sens capable de marcher sur l’eau
Sur l’eau, sur l’eau
Et maintenant, je vais marcher
Sur l’eau, sur l’eau, sur l’eau
Je me sens capable de marcher sur l’eau