Berne tells Ramona Depares how her music helps give a new perspective to life ahead of the launch of her debut album, Conversations.

Her work is haunting, almost spiritual. With its heavy focus on vocals and on the lyrics themselves, Berne’s music is the kind that you want to stop whatever you are doing so you can focus not only on the aural pleasure, but also on the meaning behind it.

Now she will be launching her debut album, Conversations, during the upcoming Rock the South festival.

How do you describe your music?

It’s always ever so difficult to categorise my music by a genre. My go to adjectives are ‘dark’ and ‘dramatic’, yet in some ways ‘delicate’ and ‘fragile’ still fit the picture.

The music is largely driven by the lyrical themes I explore. A recurring theme inspiring my work is the concept of individuality and the roles of the individual, society, science and technology in shaping the individual’s future. Musically, I am influenced by the work of Agnes Obel, Regina Spektor, Imogen Heap and Sóley.

What made you pack up your bags to London?

A couple of years back I came to the startling realisation that pursuing a career in music is in fact possible contrary to what I had believed or been made to believe ever since.

After gathering useful ex-periences performing and collabo-rating in Malta and abroad, Iknew that if I ever was to take my music further, I would have to explore new territories. I chose to take the academic route and read for a Master’s Degree in Music specialising in Popular Music Performance at London College of Music.

It proved to be a highly-challenging learning experience that kept me busy for the first year in London.

How has your experience been so far and what effect, if any, has it had on your music?

Starting afresh in a new city or country will always involve a process of self-realisation. You stretch yourself to your limits, learn new things about yourself every day and do things you’d ­never thought you would.

Despite the hardship, it has been and remains a positive experience that has seen me grow immensely firstly as an individual and secondly as a musician. I am continuously seeking learning opportunities more than pro-motional ones. I’ve had to deal with rejection but I’m happy to say I’ve also been given lots of chances for growth.

I regularly participate in songwriting workshops at the Roundhouse Theatre, including one with jazz pianist Jamie Cullum. I am a chorister with the London Contemporary Voices Kin Choir and also I’m also continually developing as a music, piano and singing instructor. This is besides regularly showcasing my work at performance spaces.

What have been the biggest challenges since your relocation?

The lyrical themes present relatable situations that are seldom expressed in a matching musical style

You definitely need to be disciplined to remain on top of your finances when living in the most expensive city in the world. Juggling living expenses, financing a Master’s degree and feeding the music was a struggle, especially with little financial support.

It meant giving up a lot of commodities and delaying the release of this album but I consider it as part of the growing experience. It’s the kind of thing that keeps you on your toes, forcing you to direct all energies to your end goal.

Where do you find your inspiration?

The concept of individuality gives me a lot to think about, raises many questions that I like to address through my songs.

We have no choice but to share this space with each other, creating relationships, whether voluntarily or involuntarily. This creates expectations, dis-appointment, failure, loss and irony, all of which are themes I am drawn to writing about.

When did you start working on your album, Conversation, and is there a common thread running through the works?

I first discovered song-writing around three years ago. For so long I believed it was something I was incapable of, but then it just happened. I fell in love with the idea that I was creating songs and wanted to have a record of them.

When I first met with musician and producer Niki Gravino, who produced the album, he asked what I wanted from these songs. I had no expectations, but I knew that I wanted to go through the production process purely for the challenging, yet revealing, experience that it is.

And, indeed, it was challenging and revealing and, with Niki being an exceptionally good producer, the end result was beyond anything I ever imagined. The natural next step was to release these songs.

The lyrical themes explored in Conversation present relatable situations that are seldom expressed in a matching musical style. You will hear about one’s conversation with oneself through life’s darkest moments such as distress in surroundings and seeking closure after death.

Do you have a favourite work on it?

All of the four songs are close to my heart and have potential in their own ways. However, In the Woods will remain a favourite. It is about being at the lowest point in your life, knowing that it is useful for your development and progress but wanting to come out. I guess we’ve all been there, probably more than once too.

It was the last song I wrote and I still remember how it flowed right out of me. In the studio it took a life of its own. Recording in the dark, creating eerie sounds was such an interesting way of being in the woods.

What can we expect from your Rock the South performance?

Whenever I perform, I aim to create an atmosphere for my audience, one which gives them space to consume the words and provoke thought. I believe in the organic sounds of the piano and the voice and have made a conscious decision to keep things simple. Being the special performances that it is, I will be joined by some friends on stage.

In a world with less-than-deep lyrics, yours tend to have actual meaning. How important is this for you and do you think it makes an impact on your audience?

Before being a songwriter I am a listener. As a listener I’d rather listen to music accompanied by lyrics that are intriguing, yet allow me to make some sense out of them. That inspire me to take a new perspective towards a topic.

Naturally, I want my listeners to feel that way about my songs and strive to produce something that is fresh.

What do you believe makes ‘good music’?

Anything that in some way connects one person to another.

What are your thoughts about the music landscape in Malta?

Promising, yet still leaving much to be desired especially with regards to the development and appreciation of new sound within alternative genres. I do think the local scene is a great stepping stone for musicians and artists who would like to gain experience, before eventually exploring new territories. There is access to recording studios producing good quality records and to hone the art of performing before new audiences in concerts or festivals.

Berne will be performing on the opening night of Rock the South festival that will be held between April 9 and 12 at Zion Reggae Bar, Marsascala.