Sequenchill & Friends, the series of music events al fresco, is back for a second edition, dubbed Blissful Moments, this summer, bringing together a parade of local artists against a backdrop of sun and sea. The brainchild of Salvatore Muscat – aka Sequenchill – the events gathered a good following last year among lovers of music from the alternative scene.
“The concept behind these really personalised events came from the love for ambient and chill-out music through the years. The idea was to celebrate the Maltese summer sunset through the music, building on events already held at pioneer venues in Ibiza, such as the early years of Cafe del Mar and Cafe Mambo,” Muscat says.
What makes these sessions different is the idea behind them, for artists to play the music that they normally would not get the chance of playing to an audience. Guest DJs typically dig deep in their record vaults to come up with a set list that can range from ambient to eclectic, Balearic, chill-out, downtempo, psychill, triphop, classical, experimental, meditative, acoustic, soundscapes, jazz and more.
“Basically it’s any genre that is served chilled, to complement the ambiance that Riviera provides.”
The sessions are, in fact, held at Riviera Martinique, with its backdrop that must count as one of the most gorgeous bays in Malta. The sessions kicked off two weeks ago with a strong line-up that was debuted by local techno icon Brian James, followed by Trackage Scheme founder and DJ Ben Vincenti. Up next are Owen Jay, The Nakara Project, Sonitus Eco, Fabricka, Stimulus Timbre, Sean Rickett, Robert Farrugia, Timothy Garrett, Acidulant and others, with specific dates being announced soon.
The music kicks off early, at 6.30pm, with a 30-minute selection from the works of an international artist to get everyone ready for the sunset. This is followed by a mostly ambient set by the host Sequenchill, before the decks are taken over by the guest of the week. The evening ends with another set by Sequenchill till 11pm.
“There is nothing commercial about these sessions. And, of course, there is no breathing down the DJs’ necks with personal request, as that would totally go against the concept behind Sequenchill & Friends. I call it ‘soundtracking the sunset’, because I don’t really think of myself as a DJ. That freedom, combined with the view, make it such an alluring place to play. The people who make it are those who drop in and really get what we are trying to do. They walk to the terrace and their jaws drop wide open; they connect the view to the music, and the experience leaves them with a great memory.
“Malta’s stunning landscape has a magical effect; it’s a great place to sit and think, and it had a meditative effect on me, so this was the initial draw,” Muscat adds.
Sequenchill & Friends Blissful Moments takes place every Tuesday at Riviera Martinique, Għajn Tuffieħa. For more information about the weekly line-up, look up Sequenchill & Friends on Facebook.