Kotra, the festival that pushes Maltese music in all its forms right to the forefront, returns with an extended run this year. Ramona Depares interviews Jeremy Grech, one of the organisers of the event.
How do you describe the idea behind Kotra and why did you pick that name?
When Rejects first started discussing this project, the idea was to have a concept which would gather different forms of music and other artistic disciplines while, at the same time, focusing on the theme of the artistic element and presence in Maltese language. We approached Michael Spagnol from Kelma Kelma for ideas and, some eight coffees and 20 face-palms later, came up with the name.
This is the second edition of Kotra how was the first one received?
The feedback for the first edition was quite amazing. The vibe during the night was unique and, even more importantly, people who came specifically for one particular band stayed in for the whole show and showed their support to other performers, even when the genre wasn’t quite what they were used to. Seeing the crowds from various genres exploring styles which they wouldn’t usually go for was for us the biggest achievement for the concept behind Kotra.
Will there be any changes from last year? Has the event grown or evolved in any way?
Seeing such a great feedback during the first edition, this year we expanded the event to two nights over the weekend. Friday kicks off with the debut of hip hop outfit Kapitlu 13’s album, together with Shyli Cassar’s single, followed by Mistura, which will be per-forming some new tracks accompanied, for the first time, by a full electric band.
Next on the line-up is Kafena, which launched its debut album recently. The evening continues with the first part of Sonitus Eco’s set which will consist of live soundscapes accompanied by manipulated narratives from local contemporary literature; the set introduces the closing of the first night by hip hop group Marmalja, which also debuts some new tracks during the night.
What we do lack is support from some other sectors of local media, which have a no-play policy when it comes to music in Maltese language
Saturday’s line-up opens up with retro digital rock band Cyberia, which also launch some new tracks during the event; punk band R.A.S. who need no introduction to the music scene, followed by Brodu, which yet again will showcase new material for the first time. These will be followed by Sonitus Eco’s second part of the set, which will again feature local literature and a closing set by Michael Bugeja.
We’re also collaborating with NGO Outdoor Artists, which has recruited four artists – Anne-Marie Mifsud, Rebecca Bartolo, Cheryl Bilocca and Noelle Camilleri – for both nights. The artists will be exhibiting their work while also creating artwork live. This year we have also invited Komiks tas-Sikkina to exhibit their work during the event.
Why did you choose this particular line-up?
The idea was to make it as varied as possible, while maintaining the concept of the artistic presence in the Maltese language in a not-so-usual form. In fact, this is the first time we included literature narrations accompanied with music – the idea wouldn’t have been possible without the help of people like Michael Spagnol, Adrian Grima and the authors themselves. Ultimately, the idea is to be able to create an amazing vibe while also having a network of artists and musicians from different worlds collaborating together and gathered in one space.
Do you think people are becoming more receptive to music in Maltese?
I think they are, actually I would go as far as saying that they always were. This was only possible thanks to initiatives by the likes of Brikkuni and Xtruppaw, and constant support by the media.
What we do lack, on the other hand, is support from some other sectors of local media, which have a no-play policy when it comes to music in Maltese language. Having said that, I do believe that music shouldn’t be blindly supported simply because it is sung in Maltese. But then again, where is the logic in refusing to give exposure to material which is of good artistic quality only because it is written in Maltese?
If you look at countries like Italy, they’ve had some artistically brilliant work which has emerged and most of it is performed in their native language. Granted that Malta is, and can only be, on a much smaller scale than that. But the formula should be no different.
What are the biggest challenges in organising this event?
The biggest challenges always revolve around a shortage of funds. Most times we end up forking out money from our own pockets at first, since everyone needs to get paid for what they do, regardless of whether sponsors are already on board. Luckily for us, things have always turned around and the situation has improved. Other than that, setting up the line-ups, choosing the performers and everything in between are part of the fun of being part of such projects so, while there are situations which may sometimes seem quite tough, it’s priceless to see the final result succeed.
Kotra takes place on Friday and Saturday at Razzett l-Aħmar, Attard. Performances start at 8pm. Tickets are available at the door or on www.trackagescheme.com.