Nothing to do with the Zodiac, Star Sign is the latest song from Chess available (along with accompanying official music video by Sam Sheridan) on the internet.
An emotive number held together by Nick Wallis’s delicate guitarwork and some subtle production, it also unveils a new side to Chess’s remarkable voice; one that seeks to explore new areas beyond the urban and dance grooves she has already proved she can handle.
Chess wanted to sing since she was five years old. Now, a decade and a half later and some 2,000 km away from her homeland, she’s edging closer to realising her childhood dream.
Relocating to the UK was a big step for the young Maltese artist and she admits it was not an easy one, but it has been fruitful.
“I’ve had my music listened to by people like (Grammy Award winner) Imogen Heap, worked with a DJ from Ministry Of Sound, gigged around London and Cornwall and I’m quite pleased to be among the nominees at the Bay Music Awards this year,” she says, referring to the nomination for Best Dance Tune for Carlo Gerada and Scott Walker’s Never Meant, which she provided the vocals for.
Her decision to go and study at Guildford’s Academy of Contemporary Music was wise. She’s become more business-oriented; something many may not deem to be a top priority on an artist’s agenda: “The music industry is a business, so it’s important for an artist to be familiar with that side of things too.”
Having a ‘business’ mindset when meeting industry people is as important as having the musical talent. It’s not easy to come up with ideas: “I spend hours on the internet each day researching information and blogs about the internal network of the music industry, looking for anything new, what’s selling and why.”
When she’s not busy online, she can be found practising her vocal skills and techniques or listening to a wide variety of music for inspiration.
“It is a tough life – juggling jobs and college, worrying about not knowing what lies ahead; but at the same time I have never felt happier.”
Thanks to a scholarship from the Malta Arts Fund, Chess will stay on for another year.
Her main priority now is to continue honing her musical bearings. “I think I’ve found my style and direction this past year, and it lies beyond dance music. I’m focusing more on emotive music; letting the classical influences that have been with me from way back, as well as pop, soul and hip hop elements seep into my music”.
Since last July, Chess has been working on an album, of which Star Sign, whose lyrics were inspired by Chess’s favourite verses from EE Cummings’ poetry, is a taster.
“I’ve also featured a special Maltese artist on one of my new songs. I’m writing mostly about nostalgic feelings, hopes for the future, but it’s all still a work-in-progress, so I can’t say much else really except that it’s different and very real”.
The album should be out in the first half of 2012; until then, there’s Star Sign to feast your ears on and in its wake, Somebody Else, a song that is probably one of Chess’s best tracks yet.
To vote for Carlo Gerada and Scott Walker featuring Chess at the BMA’s, send an SMS to 5061 5302. See Chess Music on Facebook.