Towards the end of last year, an album by the name of The Parade was released online. The debut full-length release of one Wayne William, it seemed to slip by unnoticed, not least because Christmastime is probably the worst time for an aspiring artist to try and get noticed.

“I learnt that lesson now,” William laughs. “Fortunately for me, it’s starting to attract some attention, especially the new single Don’t Fade Away. So all is not lost.”

If his name sounds new to you, that’s because it is. For much of his career, this artist has been more popularly known as Wayne Micallef, brother of Richard Edwards and Michelle Mifsud of Firelight, whose Malta Eurovision winner Coming Home he produced at his own WM Studios.

The three siblings emerged onto the local scene as The Mics just a few years ago, making a name for themselves via the local Eurovision circuit. They then ventured beyond to pursue their own careers, although as is more than clear, their interest in Eurovision is still very much alive.

Born into a musical family, William says they grew up with music all around them. “Music was a big part of our family,” he recalls. “My dad used to play Beatles songs on his guitar and we’d take turns singing along.” On his dad’s advice, William started to play the piano at a very young age.

“Much as I love the piano, sometimes I wish I had picked up the guitar too,” he confides, adding that, of course, it’s never too late.

Unsurprisingly, The Beatles are his biggest influence, but he says he discovered other bands as he grew up.

“I got into U2, Bon Jovi… Those bands that had good rock songs with strong melodies, songs I secretly wished I could have written.” This also comes as no surprise, given that his own songs always possess firm melodies. They may not always rock, as he is also quite partial to slower numbers. But the hook is always there, and The Parade contains more than enough examples of this.

“We were always writing, Richard and myself, from a young age, and we still do,” William replies when I ask how prolific a songwriter he is. “We wrote all The Mics’ songs. And by the way,” he adds, “just because we’ve pursued solo careers and other projects, it doesn’t mean The Mics have split up. The family band is still together, but we mostly play private events and weddings, which enables us to focus on separate solo careers.”

Along the way, he got a taste of the scene abroad when, as part of the band Castaway with brother Richard and friends Simon Dounis and Craig Rogerson, he moved to London.

I’m closer to what I’ve been looking for, but I’m not there yet; hopefully I’ll have sussed it out by the next album

“When we eventually came back, I knew I needed to get back into the public eye, and the Eurovision circuit had the perfect stage to do just that.” Ironically, despite his strong involvement in the festival circuit now, William doesn’t come from a festival background at all.

“My dad never urged us to participate in festivals,” he explains. “We were more into the hotel circuit, which is more laidback. So when we first took part, the competitive edge took us by surprise.”

He is by now more than used to it, of course. “The competitive streak is still there, naturally, but there’s also a lot of camaraderie in that scene.”

Having established himself on the local scene for some years now, I’m curious as to the reasons why he decided on a name change, which may confuse people.

“The thing is, I feel like I’m only just starting my solo career, so the name change really marks a new beginning, a new chapter in my career. And I’m sure you agree that Wayne William has a better ring to it,” he says, grinning.

So how far does he feel he has come as a musician, as an artist? “Well, let’s put it this way. I entered the music scene here when I was still finding myself as an artist, and the past years have been a journey of self-discovery,” is his reply.

Further to the musician aspect, he says he’s also been getting into the technical side. “I’ve done a course with Berklee College of Music about recording and production. This has given me the knowledge and freedom to get things done quicker, and more in line with what I have in mind for my music.”

After a few experiments, he says he feels he has got closer to the sound he’s been looking for. “Before, I thought I knew what I was doing but now I realise I only thought I did,” he laughs. “I’m closer to what I’ve been looking for, but I’m not there yet; hopefully I’ll have sussed it out by the next album.”

One of the major shifts this album underlines is the use of a live band, as opposed to the use of samples in the studio. “I brought in Jimmy Bartolo, who also co-wrote some of the songs, and the album also features my brother Daniel on guitar, Tony Polidano on bass and my sister Michelle on backing vocals.”

Their involvement allowed William more space to focus on production, along with singing, playing the piano and programming the drums. “This album is really a labour of love, and it really is a reflection of how far I’ve come,” he says.

“It captures all that I’ve experienced and learnt as an artist, a person and a husband.”

With the debut album now done and dusted, what’s next in William’s plan? “I’ve set myself one major goal this year, and that is to get my music out there... to have it heard and played by as many people as possible.”

The internet is a great way to get this done, but he admits it takes more than just posting one’s music online. “The industry has changed drastically, so I’m going to get more familiar with the opportunities the internet offers and exploit them to the fullest.”

Further to being the artist and the producer, it now seems he’ll also be his own marketing man.

“Well,” he says, “that is what makes one a truly independent artist, no?”

www.waynewilliam.com