Ivan Grech will be performing his first solo concert this month. Ramona Depares catches up with him to find out more about what spurred this decision and whether this affects his work with band Winter Moods.

This will be your first solo concert – can you explain how the idea came about?

I’ve been wanting to do this for a long time. I’ve done many guest appearances and have been part of many other projects and events in the past. It has been in the pipeline for quite a while and this is the right time to have a go at it – something on the side which is slightly different from the normal routine. It’s just an adventure exploring new areas and on the other hand I am sure it will make me appreciate more what I’ve been doing for the past 32 years with Winter Moods.

What can the audience expect that is different from what we usually see you in?

I will be performing a few songs that have left an imprint on my life and that take me to a point in time. Songs attached to special memories, songs from artists that have also influenced my way of singing and my songwriting. The list ranges from Elvis to U2, from the Beatles to Depeche Mode. I will also be performing slightly different versions of songs I wrote and composed through the years with Winter Moods, songs that became favourites of many. It is truly going to be a musical journey for all those present on the night.

What was the biggest challenge in making this reality?

Well, it wasn’t easy to actually take the step in the first place because, although as I said I’ve performed many times on my own before, this goes further. This is truly a bigger challenge. It still feels like unknown territory.

For the past 32 years I’ve done this within the homely boundaries of a band of brothers, we knew each other inside out. Now it’s totally different. I’ll be collaborating with different musicians with different backgrounds and ideas. Obviously, they are all friends with whom I’ve crossed paths musically many times in the past. They’re all extremely talented, experienced and versatile musicians, which helps me keep calm and focused. But still, it’s quite a challenge and it is scary.

It’s just an adventure exploring new areas and on the other hand I am sure it will make me appreciate more what I’ve been doing for the past 32 years with Winter Moods

How will you feel being on stage without the others?

It will probably feel quite odd but, although I will undoubtedly miss them, once the gig kicks off I will be fully focused on delivering my best as always. I will be busy engaging with the audience, making them part of the whole experience. That’s what it’s all about.

Does this mean a change in the future for Winter Moods?

Not at all, this is a quiet year for Winter Moods in terms of performances. Everyone is catching up with other stuff, with respect to work and personal lives. It’s always healthy to pause, recharge and come back motivated with fresh ideas. That’s always been the norm for Winter Moods.

Will you be focusing more on solo work than on the band?

I will be doing more solo work on the side, for sure. But this won’t take anything away from my commitment and contribution to Winter Moods. I have for years been wanting to experiment with a solo album. I’ve written many songs with the aim of putting my solo album together, but they’ve always eventually ended up in an album as Winter Moods songs.

When did preparations for the concert start?

We met up in April, ran through the ideas with all the musicians, discussed my vision and the set list over a few beers and started rehearsals in May. All the musicians had other shows committed, so it wasn’t easy to fit in rehearsals, especially in July. But now it’s getting closer, so rehearsals are in full blast and all is sounding grand. We’re fully focused on giving our best on the night.

From a logistic point of view, how does preparing for a solo event differ from a band concert?

Not much difference really. There’s maybe a bit of more effort in trying to do things slightly differently with respect to set up, promotion, etc. You’re also starting from scratch with the sound people who are used to the Winter Moods set-up, but this is a different set-up, different band, different musicians, equipment and so forth.

Which one do you enjoy more?

I live for the music, so it’s always exciting for me. I just love performing and connecting with people through music, words and melodies, so I presume I will enjoy it to the full but guess I will only be able to give you a 100 per cent answer to this question after the concert.

What’s the difference in style/sound, etc?

The songs I’ve chosen for the concert are quite varied. I’m starting to explore other genres, which will feature sometime soon in upcoming projects. But there’s obviously a limit to how far I can experiment away from the kind of music I love and enjoy. On the night I will be performing songs from 1960s and 1970s; songs from different artists with different sounds and backgrounds. But the core of my roots is what it is and the timbre of my voice will always remain what it is. That’s mine, that’s me.

Do you still get nervous before a show?

Yes, always before each and every performance, whether it’s a mega concert or one song in a private event, I still get nervous, it’s part of the process to focusing and delivering my best. If I’m not nervous before a performance then something is wrong.

How do the other guys feel about this solo endeavour? Are you still on good terms?

Of course we’re on good terms. I also discussed this with them all before going ahead with it. That’s how it should be. Many artists and musicians do side solo projects and albums and concerts, and it’s not because there’s something wrong with the band. It’s just an adventure on the side, something different.

What are the plans for Winter Moods?

We are working together on our next step, which is the long-awaited, greatest hits compilation. And there is much more in store for next year. So nothing has really changed with Winter Moods, stay tuned.

Would you consider a solo recording?

Yes, that’s been on mind and in my heart for far too long. I’m writing new material for a solo record constantly and the concert motivates me even more to finally go for it. I am really looking forward to the future, with both my solo projects and, of course, Winter Moods.

Ivan Grech will be performing in a solo concert on August 19 at 8.30 pm at Pjazza Teatru Rjal, Valletta. Tickets are available online.

www.showshappening.com

Sign up to our free newsletters

Get the best updates straight to your inbox:
Please select at least one mailing list.

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By subscribing, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing.