Trackage Scheme
European Commission Collaboration with Earth Garden Results in COVID-19 Silver Lining
For music lovers across Malta and beyond, June means one thing only – it’s time for EarthGarden Festival. Four days of the best musicians, bands, DJs and performers that Malta...
Janelle Borg
Uncovering the Maltese electronica artists making waves in London, Brighton and Berlin
Danjeli, Jim Hickey and Anna Belle have a couple of things in common; they're Maltese musicians who found a home away from Malta, and they all have a passion for...
Janelle Borg
Petit Massif on getting your music out of your bedroom
Petit Massif is Craig Hitchings and Eifey Hinchy. The self-described "DIY, Bedroom Pop & Synthwave" duo are currently creating music out of their bedroom in Gozo. It's safe to say...
Janelle Borg
COVID-19 and Malta’s music events industry: What’s the verdict?
While Malta is experiencing parallel universes that feature ease of restrictions and the second wave of COVID-19, a lot of people have been asking: what is going to happen to...
Janelle Borg
Premiere: NO YES NO’s debut single “Stocktake”
It's New Music Friday! Today's tune arrives by way of Malta, the UK and the worldwide web. It's none other than the new band NO YES NO, Francesca Mercieca's (Fuzzhoneys)...
Nicole Parnis
Frankie Goes To Seoul – The Makings Behind The Masterpiece
What do you get when you cross a hymn-like ode to a secluded beach in Mġarr with the bright lights of Seoul? Something that looks a lot like filmmaker Franco...
Janelle Borg
Alex Alden: The music pilgrim is back with a soul-stirring track
[caption id="attachment_15121" align="aligncenter" width="870"] Alex Alden by Marija Grech[/caption] Alex Alden burst onto Malta's mainstream music scene thanks to a judging role on a certain televised singing competition. However, the...
Nicole Parnis
The Year of the WiFi Woodstock – Reinventing Music Festivals For 2020
"Let's try and be creative and let's get ready, because once this is over we get to experience some amazing events. Now we know what we've lost." - Nick Morales,...
Janelle Borg
MarieClaire Portelli: What it takes to become a music video director
It's safe to say that MarieClaire Portelli forms part of a new generation of Maltese interdisciplinary artists who are not afraid of dipping their toes in various art forms. While...
Nicole Parnis
Galaxy Girl – JOON’s ‘E.T’ is Out of This World
If you haven’t heard it yet, open a Youtube tab and have a listen to JOON - 'E.T.'. Maltese singer and producer Yasmin Kuymizakis, the artist formerly known as YEWS...
Nicole Parnis
Night Fever – 3 Events Planners Discuss the Changing Face of Alternative Partying in Malta
Another post-Covid 19 weekend has come and gone, (with St Patrick’s Day and a Bank Holiday just happening to fall within that week- ouch), and for a lot of us,...
Janelle Borg
How artists in Malta are dealing with self-isolation amid the coronavirus pandemic
At this point, it's common knowledge that Covid-19 has caused havoc: a lot of artists and freelancers working in already precarious industries have lost jobs and opportunities, and the touring...
Janelle Borg
Rock the South returns with a banging line-up for its 9th edition!
It's safe to say that Rock The South has become an integral part of the local, alternative music scene. Along the years, local and foreign acts have participated in a...
Janelle Borg
Kill The Action defy gravity with their sophomore album
Kill The Action's sophomore album 'Anti-Gravity' is a mixture of uncompromising electronic sounds and rock sensibilities. It's safe to say that anyone interested in innovative music and the evolution of...
Janelle Borg
Maltese electro-funk duo Mathematikal are back with a bang!
The self-described 'House/Funk/Electro' duo Mathematikal are back with a bang! They've just released their album 'MMKL', and here at Trackage Scheme HQ, we're massive fans already. I caught up with...
Janelle Borg
Singer-songwriter Claire Tonna pushes herself more than ever in 2020
Photographer: Kim Sammut Claire Tonna's music definitely strikes an emotional chord with anyone who listens to it. After winning a prestigious songwriting competition in Italy, Tonna is gearing up to...
Janelle Borg
The Spotlight Series: Trudy Kerr
Here in Malta, Trudy Kerr's voice is synonymous with the world of radio. Ms Kerr has been championing Maltese and Malta-based artists since day one. This is why we decided...
Nicole Parnis
That’s A Wrap! Nicole Parnis’ Top 10 Tracks of the Past Decade by Maltese Artists
Cor blimey, the tennies have been good to us! It’s been a phenomenal decade for Maltese music, if you look past a Eurovision flop or ten. We’ve come along in...
Janelle Borg
London-based, Maltese singer-songwriter Federica on her budding music career
Federica Giallombardo is one of Malta's brightest musical exports. Trackage Scheme caught up with the singer-songwriter/guitarist in London, her current base, to discuss her life's passion: music. Growing up, who...
Janelle Borg
Pudini tal-Milied 2019: Not one, but two Pudini happening this year!
If you're still in need of some Xmas cheer, you're in luck! The legendary alternative party Pudina is happening tomorrow. You'll also be glad to discover that this year there's...
Janelle Borg
Dana McKeon: Malta’s very own beatboxing champion’s illustrious career
Dana McKeon is mostly known for her earth-shattering beatboxing skills. However, the Maltese, London-based artist is also a proficient songwriter and vocalist who's making waves in the London scene. In...
Janelle Borg
The Violent Violets: Exploring strong emotions in their new album ‘Jade’
Local post-punk band The Violent Violets are launching their compelling album 'Jade' on the 14th of December (tomorrow). Trackage Scheme caught up with drummer Samuel Xiberras ahead of their much-anticipated...
Janelle Borg
Swedish electronic duo Carbon Based Lifeforms performing in Malta this weekend
Thanks to local promotions company Frekwenzi, the Swedish duo Carbon Based Lifeforms will be gracing the islands with their presence and their music. Trackage Scheme caught up with Frekwenzi ahead...
Janelle Borg
KNTRL on embracing change, analogue synths and Electro-Clash
No one can dispute the fact that Clint Spiteri, a.k.a KNTRL, has one of the most distinctive sounds in Malta's electronic music sphere. The analogue aficionado has been slowly but...
Janelle Borg
Maltese punk band BILA are touring the U.S
Maltese punk band BILA is currently touring the U.S. with American post-rock band Staghorn. Back in 2015, BILA released their first E.P., "L*BA", with the Venetian record label "Youth Of...
Janelle Borg
I Am Willow: The Malta-born, London-based artist’s spellbinding music and career
Having been invited to perform in front of legends such as Annie Lennox and Sting, I Am Willow is undoubtedly one of Malta's best exports when it comes to international...
Janelle Borg
Noah Fabri mixes their singer-songwriter roots with the pulse of Malta’s underground scene
Photographers: Leo Chircop (left) and Nicholas Bonello (right) In an age where singer-songwriters in Malta are opting for the glitz and glamour of reality TV shows to get their talent...
Janelle Borg
Berne reflect upon diversity and politics in their evocative new single
Berne are a London-based alt-pop duo with Maltese roots. The project was initially a brainchild of singer-songwriter Deborah Borg Brincat. However, Berne have recently arisen as a duo after guitarist...
Janelle Borg
Sound artist Yews returns with two enchanting singles
Photographer: Heba Ahmed (left) Yews is one of Malta's top sound artists. She's constantly pushing the envelope when it comes to electronic and ambient music and is one of the...
Nicole Parnis
Bark Bark Disco – ‘Cockblock’ is the Synth-Pop Anthem We Never Knew We Needed
What do you get when you cross 'Loveshack' by the B52s, 'The Model' by Kraftwerk, and Ian Schranz’s special blend of fun-loving humour? Something that sounds a lot like 'Cockblock',...
Janelle Borg
Spotlight Series: Junior B
Junior B needs no introduction. The man revolutionised the local electronic music scene. Despite a tonne of obstacles along the way, Junior B is still a prominent contributor to this...
Janelle Borg
The Spotlight Series: Noel Mifsud
The Spotlight Series continues with Noel Mifsud. Noel is an avid supporter of the local rock and metal scene. He's always willing to give local musicians a much-needed leg up...
Janelle Borg
Lighthouse: Young, Maltese & Rock ‘n’ Roll
Lighthouse are one of Malta's youngest rock groups. Inspired by legends such as Led Zeppelin, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Guns n Roses, these five youngsters are determined to cement...
Nicole Parnis
Do Quit the Day Job – Talking Cross-Country Craziness with ĠENN
Remember the Spice Girls? You had Sporty, Baby, Posh, Scary and what was the last one? Oh yeah, Ginger. I was six years old when I watched the music video...
Janelle Borg
Sajf Lajf Festival 2019: The alternative, DIY Festival straight outta Sliema!
Sajf Lajf Festival 2019 is the alternative, DIY festival that's rocking the islands this coming Saturday at Cloudberry Club, Sliema. Featuring a diverse line-up that incorporates acts from across the alternative spectrum,...
Janelle Borg
Kill the Action’s latest single ‘Anti-Gravity’
Kill The Action are a band made up of four local musicians who are not afraid to stand out from the crowd and experiment their heart out. Their music is...
Nicole Parnis
MILFMAFIA – ‘Sin Syndrome’ is a Modern Berlin Soundtrack
In all honesty, it took me a while to get round to listening to Milfmafia’s album, Sin Syndrome. Sometimes workloads get in the way and I knew this wasn’t about...
Janelle Borg
The ASEO Quintet – Live in Malta!
If you feel like you need an evening full of jazz, wine and groovy rhythms, you're in luck! This Saturday, Storeroom is presenting The ASEO Quintet - a Rotterdam-based jazz...
Janelle Borg
Rock for Richmond 2019: An alternative festival with a noble cause
The highly-anticipated mini-festival Rock For Richmond is back...and every alt-music fan in Malta is super excited! This mini music festival was created with the sole aim of raising funds for...
Nicole Parnis
The Velts – ‘Breastfeed’ Is a Horror Punk Hit
Our favourite indie boys are back with a banging music video to remind us just how good their debut album ‘Alphabet’ really is. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-bx5hqc1r0[/embed] Franco Rizzo injects the due darkness...
Janelle Borg
Eddie Fresco – Fresh tunes, solo move & new grooves
Eddie Fresco burst onto the local scene as part of 215Collective. With a signature look and a rapping style that is rapidly garnering a lot of attention, Eddie Fresco's musical...
Janelle Borg
The Malta Craft Beer Festival 2019 is just around the corner!
The 2019 edition of the Malta Craft Beer Festival is just around the corner. Prep yourself for a three-day festival (30th August - 1st September) brimming with beer, music, and...
Janelle Borg
The Spotlight Series: Tonio Pace
Our Spotlight Series continues with Tonio Pace. Tonio is another local pioneer, whose undying passion for the local and international alternative music scene is manifested through his radio programmes. Trackage...
Janelle Borg
American industrial metal legends Combichrist to perform in Malta
Spearheaded by Rene Farrugia and Sabrina Chircop, Hades Events is proudly hosting American aggrotech-industrial metal band for the first time in Malta. Trackage Scheme caught up with Rene - 1/2...
Janelle Borg
REA’s Rapping: Music as a vehicle for social change
Rachelle Deguara (also knows as REA), is a young Maltese rapper whose passion for activism resonates in her art. Trackage Scheme talked with Rachelle about how socio-political issues and bureaucracy...
Janelle Borg
Beesqueeze: Discussing the duo’s new track ‘Lost At Sea’
One of Malta's favourite alternative duos, Beesqueeze, have released their latest single 'Lost at Sea'. Trackage Scheme caught up with one of the Chrises - Kriz Haze - to discuss...
Janelle Borg
The Spotlight Series: Mike Bugeja
Mike Bugeja is synonymous with Malta's alternative music scene. Mike has been consistently working to boost Maltese artists' visibility and is one of the few individuals who strive to support...
Janelle Borg
Punk is not Dead: An Interview with local punk legends DRIPHT
Local punk legends DRIPHT need no introduction. Their adrenaline-fuelled live performances perfectly complement their unique style, which fuses punk, ska, reggae and metal. Trackage Scheme sat down with two of...
Janelle Borg
roża: Malta’s newest indie kids on the block
This self-described 'not so bad' band is an upcoming indie band composed of five passionate youngsters. It's safe to say that in a scene that desperately needs new blood, roża...
Janelle Borg
A Berlin Love Affair: Music & moving with Superlove
Superlove is a brand new indie-synth group with familiar faces. Daniel, Alexandra and Rebecca have all been involved in a variety of projects here in Malta, before moving to Berlin...
Janelle Borg
The Spotlight Series: Jon Lukas Woodenman
It's safe to say that Jon Lukas Woodenman is a highly respected figure in Malta's music scene. He was the very first solo Maltese artist to score a place in...
Janelle Borg
A Tale of Two Cities: Dean Montanaro talks about his latest project ‘Blue Tangerine’
Dean Montanaro is a well-known face in Malta's music scene. After being involved as a bassist and a session-musician in many local bands, Dean decided to take his musical career...
Janelle Borg
Catching up with singer-songwriter Sam Christie
It's safe to say that Sam Christie has been raised by Malta's alternative community. Starting out as a young teen in the band 'Unexpected', he has evolved into a bonafide...
Janelle Borg
An Interview with The Ranch: Malta’s very own uncouth, uncivilised and unsophisticated four-piece
The Ranch are one of Malta's most eclectic and active bands. The self-described 'uncouth, uncivilised and unsophisticated' group stunned every music fan in Malta when they first appeared on the...
Janelle Borg
Malta’s Music Pioneers: Shining the Spotlight on Ray Bajada
It's safe to say that Ray Bajada is a pioneer of Malta's alternative music scene. His never-ending enthusiasm for upcoming bands, alternative sounds and young talent is vital in a...
Janelle Borg
Decline The Fall: A Maltese Prog Metal Band with Big Ambitions
Decline the Fall are one of Malta's leading progressive metal bands. After supporting international acts such as Mayhem, Rotting Christ & Lacuna Coil, the group are taking their career to...
Janelle Borg
One Drop Reggae Festival 2019: Music Festival 101 with Miguel Cachia
It's safe to say that One Drop Reggae Festival is a truly unique gem when it comes to events and festivals happening in Malta. Trackage Scheme spoke with one of...
Janelle Borg
A Writer’s Eye: Discussing Oxygyn’s ‘Blindfold’ with Kurt Abela
For those who are not familiar with 'Oxygyn' (and yes, the 'y' is not a spelling mistake), the term refers to a Maltese indie-pop outfit, fronted by the brother and...
Janelle Borg
Discussing Djun’s elegy for Time with Charles Cassar
Djun is a recently-formed, impressive musical ensemble merging the talents of some of Malta's finest musicians. It's safe to say that their latest single 'Il-Bir' got everyone excited about this...
Janelle Borg
A conversation with Neon Islands’ Jamie Hayes
Alternative Indie-Rock band Neon Islands have just been announced as performers at the iconic Isle of Wight festival this year. Trackage Scheme talked to the Maltese member of the band, Jamie Hayes,...
Janelle Borg
A trip down memory lane with Beangrowers
It's safe to say that Maltese indie rock band Beangrowers are legends in Malta's music scene. From their very first album back in 1999 to their latest single Love, You...
Janelle Borg
Music as a form of therapy
While it’s common knowledge that music definitely helps to shake off those Monday blues, it’s becoming increasingly clear that music has a profound positive influence on the body and the...
Nicole Parnis
This Exhibition In Mdina Is A Must-See For All Music Lovers!
Featured image by Pamela Baldacchino Music In Malta - From Pre-History To Vinyl Ever find yourself at a loss for stimulating, interesting things to do? If galleries and exhibitions...
Janelle Borg
4 free ways local artists can grow their fanbase
You’ve created some new tracks. Great! You’ve rehearsed and rehearsed with the hopes of performing live. Awesome! Now it’s time to grow your fanbase and get your music out there!...
Janelle Borg
4 ways local artists can promote their music in today’s digital landscape
Being a DIY artist in Malta in today’s digital landscape is definitely a challenging task. However, we’re here to give you some tips and tricks you can use in...
Janelle Borg
The benefits of learning a musical instrument
Learning how to play an instrument is not only fun but can also be beneficial in the long run. Regardless of whether you become a pro at it, or whether...
Chiara Micallef
Maltese Releases of 2019 Which Deserve Your Full Attention
Malta’s music scene is at an all-time high this year. We’re just a few months into 2019 and this island is already booming with nonstop releases blessing our eardrums. We’ve...
Janelle Borg
5 Questions with Brikkuni’s Mario Vella
Brikkuni need no introduction. Safe to say that they are one of Malta's most beloved alternative acts. With their unique take on the Maltese language, introspective and spellbinding lyrical content,...
Janelle Borg
Local Hip-Hop artists to look out for in 2019
Hip hop is definitely taking off in Malta! Safe to say that it’s injecting some much needed young rebellious blood in the alternative music scene. Here we break down some...
Janelle Borg
A look back at 10 favourite tracks from the Maltese alternative scene
We all have that favourite song from the Maltese alternative scene, which reminds us of a memorable crazy night out, or that particular midnight drive with friends. Here are a...
Chiara Micallef
DrumFest: An eclectic festival taking over the Maltese islands
Malta has seen its fair share of festivals over the past few years. However, few have come close to what DrumFest is set out to be. The organisers behind this...
Janelle Borg
Rock & Metal Festivals to look out for in 2019
Rock and metal fans in Malta are in for a treat in 2019, with these three rock and metal festivals providing top-notch rock and metal artists from Malta and abroad,...
Janelle Borg
Festivals to look out for in 2019
It’s safe to say that Malta has become a hot spot for some super cool festivals. From alternative music to world music, pick out which festival suits your music taste...
Janelle Borg
Malta’s hottest music venues of 2019
Malta’s music venues are definitely upping their game. With cool decor and a constant stream of live music, here’s our list of 2019’s hottest music venues in Malta: Zion Reggae...
Janelle Borg
Bands to look out for in Malta in 2019
Malta’s music scene is continuously evolving, and 2019 seems to be a good year for Malta’s alternative scene, with a lot of new releases and newcomers that will surely satiate...
Trackage Scheme
Glitch Festival 2018: The biggest line-up ever to hit Malta!
Around 2,500 tourists coming down for Glitch Festival. The festival will be held on the 14-16 August, hosting the biggest line-up ever to hit Malta! Coming off 2 very strong...
Nicole Parnis
Djun The Rabbit Hole
Wistful, melancholic, melodic: be prepared to get swept away by the songs of relative newcomers on the Maltese Alternative scene-Djun. The five-piece formulate music that's made for chilling and able...
Nicole Parnis
Bark Bark Disco – On Tours And Tribulations
If you haven’t yet heard of Bark Bark Disco, you’ve been living in a different time zone, because the USA’s Midwest most certainly has! Straight back off their fun-fuelled American...
Trackage Scheme
Cain’s Record Project with Rachel Fenech
When I first started this project, I wanted the first candidates to be the people behind Trackage Scheme themselves. For those of you who have just came across it, Trackage...
Trackage Scheme
Glitch Festival announce their biggest line-up to date
Nina Kraviz, Jeff Mills, Amelie Lens & Charlotte De Witte amongst the headliners. [embed]https://youtu.be/d5XwlgoTKDk[/embed] Coming off 2 very strong editions, Glitch Festival has quickly established itself as the biggest festival...
Baryn Jacobsen
An Alternative View On Artistry: Crowdfunding & Engagement
Money is a huge barrier to any artist, but it is perhaps one of the most crippling hurdles local musicians can face. Gone are the days of jamming to accumulate...
Trackage Scheme
Lana Del Rey Scrapes the Barrel for Fame… Again
Lana Del Rey is the latest in a string of high-profile artists to be accused of copying fellow artists with a much higher respected profile than themselves. Ed Sheeran settled...
Trackage Scheme
The Record Project – Cain in collaboration w/ Trackage Scheme
There is no better feeling than discovering new music, is there? Ever taken a look back over your collection and felt like some things seem almost new, in a weird...
Trackage Scheme
A Look Back At 2017
How is it already that time again? Another year has been and gone and what a year it has been! Touch wood we haven’t lost too many artists this time...
Trackage Scheme
Malta Takes London 2017
What a great night! Malta Takes London 2017 was off the hook! Thanks to everyone who came down to party with us and all of the amazing acts who performed...
Trackage Scheme
Glitch Festival announce 2018 edition
3rd Edition held on the 14-16 August. Coming off 2 very strong editions, Glitch Festival has quickly established itself as the biggest festival in Malta as well as one of...
Nicole Parnis
Short term personal loan
Of course, many people feel nervous about annoying telemarketers and family isn’t always a week or paycheck advances small short term loans no credit check. These are among the terms...
Baryn Jacobsen
Is Rock Music Dead?
For as long as it has existed, rock as a genre has been shot down by many people. In contrast to the flaunting takeover of MTV in the 80’s by...
Johnathan Cilia
As The Music Industry Changed, The Wedding Present Remained True
The music industry rises and falls with trends, and no-one knows this more than David Gedge, sole remaining founding member and singer of The Wedding Present. Having formed his band...
Nicole Parnis
Destination Sound: Soul Searching In Brixton
London is a top travel destination for the Maltese, and with all it has to offer, you can’t blame us! But apart from the usual spots, if you’re planning a...
Johnathan Cilia
Glitch Festival 2017: Malta’s Techno Stronghold
It’s easy to see the success of the Maltese techno and electronic music scene in 2017. With more and more foreign artists coming to the island, bigger festival names entering...
Trackage Scheme
NBM feat. The Wedding Present / Weval / Happyness / Pional
Hairyamp Promotions and Trackage Scheme, two of Malta’s top alternative music promotion groups join forces this year for another “Nil By Mouth” mini festival, albeit one with a difference. Due...
Trackage Scheme
Brotherhood: A Story of Metal in Malta
This feature length documentary explores one of Malta’s most engaging underground music scenes: the extreme metal community. Through interviews with established and emerging talent, it sheds light on a long-standing...
Johnathan Cilia
The Glitch House and Techno Fortress Returns
As Malta’s house and techno scene approaches its saturation point, with top level DJs being brought to Malta nearly every weekend for a slew of underground parties, there is one...
Nicole Parnis
Whole Lotta Fuzz
When I was thirteen and clueless I had Kelly Osbourne and Avril Lavigne to look up to as these "alternative girls" in the limelight. Not exactly Janis Joplin or Debbie...
Trackage Scheme
Glitch Festival announce boat party line-up
Last year, Maltese newbie ‘Glitch Festival’ won the underground with a fresh festival that captured the spirit of the Malta movement, and 2017 looks to go above and beyond, with...
Ramona Depares
Tazza te and some vintage clubbing
Malta, circa 1987: Ċikkulata Catch, ftira bis-sunflower oil and 8am mass. Also Malta, circa 1987: Mohawks, ghetto blasters by the Triton Fountain and smoking weed at MaltaSajf. The glorious contradictions...
Nicole Parnis
8 Things I Learned From IMS College About Succeeding In The Music Industry
I don't "get" electronic music. My grasp of it tailed off somewhere around the release of 'Groovejet'. Tune. I was a kid in the 90s but even then I could...
Ben Mifsud Joslin
Meanwhile, Back at The Ranch
Some may think that a band’s biggest hurdle is releasing its debut album. I’d contest this by saying that the sophomore album is often a greater challenge, especially when the...
Nicole Parnis
Destination Sound: Soul Searching In Brixton
London is a top travel destination for the Maltese, and with all it has to offer, you can’t blame us! But apart from the usual spots, if you’re planning a...
