Preparations are in full swing for the second music event being held under the patronage of the Trackage Scheme, the online community that brings together local alternative bands, DJs, producers and their followers.

The scheme, which is the brainchild of Ben Vincenti, was launched in July 2013. Last summer, in fact, saw its first large-scale event taking place as part of the first anniversary celebrations. The event was quite a first on the local scene, bringing together a vast and eclectic line-up that offered a mix of genres, bands, solo musicians and DJ acts.

Now, another event is due to take place in the coming weeks and things are looking even more promising. Of course, since Trackage Scheme first hit the cyberwaves, the scheme has grown considerably.

What started out as an online forum where music lovers, artistes and producers could interact, is now well on its way to becoming a fully-fledged hub, a one-stop pit for everything that is related to alternative music on the Maltese scene. This, Vincenti says, was the intention from the very first.

“Trackage Scheme was never meant to stop at being an on-line forum or to organise the occasional event. The idea was always to offer one strong platform that showcases Maltese music that doesn’t fall within the parameters of the commercial scene.

“The mainstream genre have their own platforms, events and showcases and Trackage Scheme aims to create the same thing for alternative music,” Vincenti says.

This second event certainly vindicates this vision. The theme, this time round, is Meta-morphosis. A subliminal indi-cation that change is afoot? Vincenti agrees that perhaps this is exactly what he had in mind. Since the inception of the scheme, Vincenti has been joined by Graziella Delceppo and Rachel Fenech on board. The trio are working hard to elicit a change even in the approach of the artistes themselves.

“Offering support to the local scene is all well and good, but there needs to be an element of change from within, too. The scene is so fragmented that sometimes it is almost as though there are a lot of sub cultures working against each other. This is counter productive.”

I ask him to elaborate and, as an example, he mentions the division that exists between the different genres.

The scene is so fragmented that it is as though there are a lot of sub cultures working against each other

“There’s too much bad-mouthing going on. If you used to go to Coach & Horses, then you’re a hipster. If you go to electronic parties, then you’re a junkie. Everyone is pulling in different directions and it’s very counterproductive.”

Trackage Scheme, then, can serve as the springboard for the change that is needed, taking all genres under the wings of a like-minded community. The first event, in fact, brought together names from opposite ends of the alternative spectrum to great success.

The second one goes even further, with an audio-visual journey encompasing alternative, indie, rock, ambient, minimal, house/deep house, techno, electronica, experimental and anything in between.

“There will be original visual projections by Toni Gialanze, from Digital Nature, throughout all performances, not only during the live DJ sets. Once again, we have a mix of solo acts, bands and DJs and some of the latter will also be doing vinyl sets,” Vincenti says.

The evening kicks off early afternoon with solo acts Frankie Calleja and Melchior Sultana. Bands on the line-up include rock and rollers Lucy’s Last, The Violent Violets, fresh from the release of their album Tame and funky veterans Dolls for Idols. Live DJ sets by Sonitus Eco, Jurgen, Acidulant, Kntrl, Owen Jay, Adrian V and Ben Vincenti close off the event.

“Event timings and attendance are another area where we are trying to foster change. We start at 5pm, early by Maltese standards, because this is not a party but more of a mini-festival.

“I’m hoping that those who follow the scene will appreciate this and collaborate. We’re also urging bands to do their own bit by marketing the event even with their followers. Unless we all pull the same rope, Trackage Scheme cannot reach its full potential,” Vincenti says.

This second event also takes a broader approach to the arts, including an element of visual arts thanks to Sean Camilleri’s (better known as Sean Gamil) works. Camilleri will be painting canvasses on site.

There will also be a small musical instrument expo being held by Sun Sounds, who specialise in the restoration and re-selling of vintage guitars and music equipment.

“Although organising these events is important, Trackage Scheme doesn’t stop there. We leverage Trackage Scheme to secure exposure to artistes on an interntional platform. Recently, we managed to get Lucy’s Last a placing on iTunes and Spotify, where they are already performing well by all accounts. The next step will be labels, contacts for gigs abroad and artist management, maybe taking place as an offshot to Trackage Scheme.”

Eventually, Vincenti continues, Trackage Scheme will become a central repository that will also serve as a way for those who are not necessarily artistes themselves but who follow the scene.

“In this way, even followers get something. Otherwise, if you think about it, there really is no hub that keeps everyone updated about what’s happening on the scene.”

Another issue that Vincenti believes needs addressing is that of performance venues, which are still lacking in Malta.

“Sure, there are many alternative and quirky locations where you can hold a gig. However, most of them will encounter licensing problems should you try to keep the gig going up to the early hours.

“Moreover, there really isn’t anywhere where you can plug and play. We need somewhere where, say, a solo musician can decide to book a performance with the minimum fuss and lead time. With most venues, you need to think well ahead and as for plug and play... forget it.”

This is also something that Trackage Scheme is working on, he tells me. In the meantime, the trio is also hard at work getting ready for the launch of the official Trackage Scheme website, which will be the first step towards making the online repository and hub a stronger reality.

“We were not granted fund-ing, not because the project is not worthy, but because it is already functioning. It’s very unfortunate, but we are not letting this stop us,” he concludes.

The Trackage Scheme presents Metamorphosis takes place on December 6 from 5pm at Ir-Razzett l-Aħmar, Attard.

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