Fresh from clinching the title of Best Solo Act in the last Bay Music Awards, singer/songwriter Lyndsay is on the verge of launching a new video. Marc Calleja Bayliss finds out more.

Determination. A word which basically denotes the first step in achieving success. In any project, the individual has to put in hard work and dedication, especially when the going gets tough. One grows stronger, and ultimately finds a way.

In Malta, this clearly symbolises the life of a musician, whose market is not easily made sustainable, as a result making it quite difficult to take it on as a full-time profession.

In a nutshell, this is the main reason why singer/songwriter Lyndsay has to work as a receptionist during the day, in an effort to support her art in the best possible way.

“It is never easy juggling two different professions, but I am a perfectionist,” is the way Lyndsay describes her schedule, while showing me her diary of events for the next couple of days.

“This is my life, and I have gotten used to it, knowing that I want to be the absolute best at everything I do, without any exception,” she quickly adds.

Music might be a hobby for some, but for me it is on par with any other profession

But with her eighth single, a collaboration with musician Lulu Agius, Letter 25, playing in the background, it is easy to change the subject to more artistic topics. Suddenly, a gleaming Lyndsay cannot stop talking about the work that has gone into the song in the past 12 months.

“I received a message from Lulu, whom I did not know at the time, telling me that he had written a song which he imagined me laying the vocals on. After I had a listen to the rough version, I knew that I should work on it.”

After getting Boris Cezek of Doyaya Studios on board to help co-write and produce the track, the rest flowed smoothly.

Visibly enthusiastic to discuss the lyrical side, Lyndsay credits Lulu with using his personal experience to create a “non-traditional break-up song”. The song, in fact, deals with the idea of freedom, of giving someone hope and of the concept that life goes on.

Opportunities like this might not come often, and therefore, she knew through that first listen that this would be the great follow-up to her seventh single, Daphne.

The rock ballad sought to soldify her position in the music scene after she clinched the title of Best Solo Artist at the Bay Music Awards, together with a nomination for Best Solo Artist and Best Song at the Malta Music Awards.

“Last year was an unforgettable one in terms of my music. It gave me more drive to succeed than ever before, knowing that so many people appreciating my music.”

Whether it is recording at the studio, or working on a music video, Lyndsay prides herself on knowing the ins and outs of the whole process. This, she feels, is essential for the product to reflect her identity.

She prides herself on staying true to her craft, without having any expectations apart from the pleasure of seeing people enjoy the music she puts out.

I turn the topic back to the recording of her music video, and Lyndsay immediately starts giggling. The reason, it appears, is that she is determined to keep details under wraps and won’t divulge anything except that it will be directed by Simon Spiteri and that both aim to “keep things simple”.

“This down-to-earth approach bears a lot of relevance to the lyrics. Our female model, Casey Curmi, does a wonderful character portrayal,” she said.

I do, however, persuade her to part with a couple of photos of the behind-the-scenes footage so I can get a sneak peek of what to expect.

Somehow, we end up talking about the Eurovision Song Contest. Lyndsay’s fans have repeatedly urged the singer to take part, however she remains undecided.

“Never say never as they say, although I am very much tempted, having had loads of fun as a backing vocalist to both Ally and Klinsmann when they competed.”

Despite the optimism, she quickly glances at the window, knowing that there is a clear distinction between competition and radio; she says she wants to be certain of having the right “ingredients” to succeed in both fields before taking the plunge.

“In recent years, the Malta Eurovision has changed a lot in terms of both production and song quality, so much so that the distinction between competition and radio is quickly disappearing.”

This is an indirect reference to the fact that songs taking part in the competition were not given airplay on major commercial radio stations in Malta. It is a trend that the success of musicians such as Kurt Calleja and Gianluca, whose Malta Eurovision winning entries attracted a big following, managed to reverse.

“As an artist, I think it was pretty unfair to see fellow friends of mine face difficulties in getting their songs played on the radio, knowing the amount of time and work which goes into each song.”

Wrapping up, the female singer/songwriter made it a point to explain that her biggest inspiration remain her parents, who have always believed in her potential to succeed, no matter how cut-throat the industry is reputed to be. She also attributes her approach to the industry to their sense of professionalism.

“Music might be a hobby for some, but for me it is on par with any other profession.”

Lyndsay will launch the music video for Letter 25 on July 9 with an acoustic session at The Villa, Sliema.