Every Maltese election comes with its own soundtracks. This time, the election period is characterised by two main theme tunes: the PN’s Futur fis-Sod and PL’s Malta Tagħna Lkoll, both of which have been rubbished by local music experts.
If the electoral choice was based on music, no one would ever vote PN or PL
Toni Sant, director of research at Hull University and keen follower of Maltese music, went as far as to describe the recordings as being of “terribly low quality”.
“This is certainly not the best musical work of the people who produced them,” he said, describing both productions as “completely clichéd” and “aimed at the Xarabank crowd”.
“They are just cheap populist tunes, aimed at the party supporters and for them, anything goes,” said Dr Sant.
According to Dr Sant, these recordings are aimed at about 10 per cent of the population; the ones who go to the mass meetings. Sadly he said, neither one reflects what is actually being discussed by the younger generation and new voters.
“There is a great disconnect between the political machine and the culture machine,” he said, adding the parties were clue-less when it came to music choice and did not really understand popular taste.
According to Paul Zammit Cutajar, who has worked in the music industry for several years, the party ditties were like Eurovision songs.
“The day after the winner is announced, everybody goes back to their normal life and the songs are forgotten,” he said.
Musician Philip Vella said these theme tunes were “passé”.
“There was a time where it worked,” he said, referring to Ngħidu Iva, the main theme tune during the EU referendum in 2003, “but now we’re hearing too much of the same thing. I think we should evolve”.
However, Mr Vella believes the parties are giving more importance to music.
“Politicians are looking for music that is emotionally uplifting and so they should, because one of our main senses is audio.”
Both political parties play a repertoire of commercial songs to pump up the audience during mass meetings.
The PN plays The Final Countdown and other musical hits are played along with the party’s anthem during mass meetings.”
Labour has played New Tomorrow by A Friend in London, Denmark’s 2011 Eurovision Song, believing its lyrics send a message in line with the party’s.
The party anthem, however, is not being played at mass meetings, with a PL press officer saying there was no particular reason.
Ironically Alternattiva Demo-kratika, whose chairman Michael Briguglio is a rock musician, does not resort to music.
“We do not do any activities for the masses,” AD’s general secretary Ralph Cassar said. “Even our TV spots are music free: we just want to get the message across without any distractions.” There is common consensus that music choice does not determine votes.
“Even the billboard posters do not determine votes but for the supporters the choice of music is something additional that boosts their morale,” Mr Vella said.
“If the electoral choice was based on music, no one would ever vote PN or PL,” Dr Sant said, laughing off the idea.
Dr Sant said before the election campaign started, he had been “unofficially” consulted by one of the major parties about music.
“My suggestion was not taken up, however,” he said, unsurprised: he had recommended Malta Not for Sale released by Norm Rejection, written by AD chairman Mr Briguglio.