Ira Losco tries her luck abroad

After opting out of the agreement with the German record company Cap Sounds, Ira Losco has now signed an agreement with the Maltese company Bridge Productions in an attempt to try her luck abroad.

Bridge Productions partners Paul Zammit Cutajar and Howard Keith, are planning to capitalise on the international exposure that Ira achieved with her second placing in the last Eurovision Song Contest in Estonia.

The company is in the process of negotiating a publishing contract, on Ira's behalf, with one of the largest independent European publishers.

Ira's chance at trying to break into the international market suffered a blow when she was released from her contract with Cap Sounds last July.

Cap Sounds had signed up Malta's entry for the Eurovision Song Contest since 1996, but two high-placing Eurovision entrants - Ira and Chiara - had complained about the treatment they received.

The ties with this company have now been completely severed and last month Maltasong awarded Bridge Productions a one-year contract to develop and promote the winner of the Malta Song for Europe in the next Eurovision Song Contest.

Conscious of Ira's potential, Bridge Productions, which has international partners, signed an agreement with her.

"Although there was initial interest from companies that could take Ira to greater heights, more work needs to be done to make her a refined artiste," Mr Zammit Cutajar said.

"Her talents are undisputed, but there are always areas that can enhance an artiste's chances of success," he said.

The company will be working to develop Ira's ability to write songs and play a musical instrument to transform her into a more accomplished artiste.

The process to establish the direction and focus of an artiste takes time and Bridge Productions is happy that Ira is up for the challenge.

"I think we have found a winning formula that reflects Ira's true musical influences, but which also caters for the demands of the international market," Mr Zammit Cutajar said.

Over the next few months the singer will be spending as much time as possible in the studio and Bridge Productions will engage international hit songwriters, as well as local composers, to ensure Ira's next album will be a success.

The company is also planning new songs and a new image for the singer to ensure she has a long-term music career. Vocal training, choreographic and image-enhancing sessions will also be organised.

While Bridge Productions is negotiating a publishing contract on Ira's behalf, it is well aware that the music business is a complex one, fraught with many pitfalls.

"A publishing contract is a major step towards greater things. Should we be successful in our negotiations we are confident Ira will have a strong team of more than 75 people working for her, to give her the best possible chance to attain the international success she deserves," Mr Zammit Cutajar said.

Bridge Productions has established an international network consisting of direct contact with A&R managers of major and independent record labels, international songwriters, publishers and tour agents.