Janelle Borg
Maltese Metal Queen Mikaela’s Nocturne in Red
The local and international live music industry is in shambles due to Covid-19. However, this didn't stop a lot of local artists from starting new projects and releasing numerous excellent...
Janelle Borg
Pebble Beach: The Maltese band leading the country’s very own garage-rock revival
If you were around in the early noughties (i.e. you were old enough to follow the international alternative scene), you will definitely recall the ascent of The Strokes - the...
Janelle Borg
YANNICK – The Gen Z rapper set to revolutionise Malta’s hip hop scene
Yannick is a man of many talents. Part professional footballer, part model, part rapper and now label creator and activist, Yannick belongs to the burgeoning generation of cultural explorers, ready...
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)...
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...
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
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
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...
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
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...
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...
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 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
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
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
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 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...
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...
Trackage Scheme
Oddysea – A (super awesome) alternative boat party!
Ahoy mateys! Here are the photos of our first boat party, Oddysea, in collaboration with Sick of Ants. We had a whale of a time abroad the Hornblower where we went...
Trackage Scheme
Sacred Noise – The Ranch Album
Here's the shoot from our 10th and final session of 'Sacred Noise' with Frankie Calleja, The Ranch & Chris Radium. Check out the photos below. Photos Courtesy of Igor Warzocha. [foogallery...
Trackage Scheme
Sacred Noise – Fuzzhoneys Album
Here's the shoot from our 9th session of 'Sacred Noise' with Fuzzhoneys & Steven Meli. Check out the photos below. Photos Courtesy of Igor Warzocha. [foogallery id="3166"]
Trackage Scheme
Sacred Noise – Bark Bark Disco Album
Here's the shoot from our 8th session of 'Sacred Noise' with Bark Bark Disco & G is for Gustav. Check out the photos below. Photos Courtesy of Igor Warzocha. [foogallery id="3200"]
Trackage Scheme
Sacred Noise – Lucy’s Last Album
Here's the shoot from our 7th session of 'Sacred Noise' with Lucy's Last & I.YOU. Check out the photos below. Photos Courtesy of Igor Warzocha.
Trackage Scheme
Sacred Noise – Plato’s Dream Machine Album
Here's the shoot from our 6th session of 'Sacred Noise' with Plato's Dream Machine & Clint Spiteri (KNTRL & Dolls for Idols). Check out the photos below. Photos Courtesy of Igor Warzocha.
Trackage Scheme
Sacred Noise – Massacre House Party Album
Here's the shoot from our 4th session of 'Sacred Noise' with Massacre House Party & LVX. Check out the photos below. Photos Courtesy of Igor Warzocha.
Trackage Scheme
Sacred Noise – The Velts Album
Here's the shoot from our 5th session of 'Sacred Noise' with The Velts & Michael Bugeja. Check out the photos below. Photos Courtesy of Igor Warzocha.
Trackage Scheme
Sacred Noise – The Busker Album
Here's the shoot from our 3rd session of 'Sacred Noise' with The Busker & DJ Bob. Check out the photos below. Photos Courtesy of Igor Warzocha.
Trackage Scheme
Sacred Noise – The Violent Violets Album
Thank you all for attending the second night of Sacred Noise! Top stuff by The Violent Violets & Joseph Felice - hats off guys! We continue next Sunday with The...
Trackage Scheme
Sacred Noise Launch Photoshoot
The Areola Treat & DJ Geddumu launched the Sacred Noise sessions with a total blast! We continue next Sunday with The Violent Violets and Joseph Felice (The Chemist). Check out the photos...
Trackage Scheme
Official Launch: The Sacred Noise sessions /w Areola Treat
Sunday 17th January, we kick off our Sacred Noise sessions with Areola Treat and DJ Geddumu (Hedon Crew). ‘Sacred Noise’ is a series of alternative, indie and rock live music...
Trackage Scheme
A look back at 2015
With life seeming to be on overdrive, we sometimes forget to take a moment to look back and appreciate the experiences, achievements and life lessons we've been lucky enough to gain...
Johnathan Cilia
Sick Alternative Music
2015 was a good year for alternative Maltese music. With great new releases from the likes of Dolls for Idols, Lucy’s Last, Acidulant, Digby, and weird new groups like Crux...
Johnathan Cilia
Say, How Big Is Your Living Room?
In a time when live gigs are a dime a dozen, it is possible to see world class musicians performing practically every week, and the shows of all your favourite...
Ramona Depares
On Pique, or Why I only Support My Friends
The culture of extreme factioning and polar opposites is deeply ingrained in our way of life. We have two main political parties, each faction constantly contradicting the other. When it...
Trackage Scheme
A night with Indie – Album
Here's the photo album of our last event, 'A night with Indie' held at Haywharf Clubhouse on 17th October 2015. Now that we have come back to our senses, we...
Johnathan Cilia
Electronic Music Malta
It’s a sign of the times when a genre of music gets its own Voluntary Organisation to promote and kindle its spread in a country. Music has the power to...
Johnathan Cilia
On The Issue of Performing
You spend weeks looping a track through your headphones. You can’t get enough of it, the bassline and the melodies are so complementary and superbly delivered that you are not...
Trackage Scheme
TS’ Rooftop Live Sessions
It's a wrap! Last Wednesday 26th August was extra special, bringing the 3 months of awesome Rooftop Live Sessions to beautiful close! These sessions showcased an eclectic selection of artists,...
Trackage Scheme
TS’ Electronic Voyage Promo
Here's the promo video for our upcoming event, 'Trackage Scheme's Electronic Voyage'! Having coordinated a summer-long, weekly programme for Maltese bands, our next event will focus on showcasing electronic music....
Trackage Scheme
Rooftop Live Sessions – Closing
Our summer long programme showcasing some of Malta's alternative bands is sadly coming to an end with a final performance by CRUX next Wednesday, 26th August. These innovative nights have...
Trackage Scheme
Fuzzhoneys Live at Rooftop
After last week's break due to bad weather, we're back again this Wednesday with more fuzz than ever! Fuzzhoneys consist of Francesca on guitar/vocals and Caroline on drums/tambourine, both born...
Trackage Scheme
TS’ Electronic Voyage
This was our most hectic summer yet! We've done it all; from hosting awesome weekly live sessions to a blast of a pool party on 4th July, from collaborating with...
Trackage Scheme
Website launch press release
Malta's alternative music hub: we’ve come a long way but we finally made it! Friday 31st July 2015 marks the day we launched this web platform. For the past few...
Ramona Depares
Music for the robot generation
The past few years have seen the non-mainstream music scene in Malta grow exponentially. Gigs are more regular and better attended; more and more festivals – including national ones –have...
Ben Vincenti
The journey so far
It’s a bit of a funny story really. Some friends of mine and I were just chilling out and listening to some music after an event. At one point, I...
