This year's Isle of MTV concert headliners are in Malta – and feeling the heat – ahead of tonight’s much anticipated show in Floriana.

Some 50,000 people are expected to descend on the Granaries this evening for a show which will be broadcast in more than 20 countries, featuring The Chainsmokers, DNCE, Jonas Blue and Raye.

DNCE reckon tonight will be one of their 'most memorable shows'. Photo: Mark Zammit CordinaDNCE reckon tonight will be one of their 'most memorable shows'. Photo: Mark Zammit Cordina

And as the island swelters in the start of a heatwave, the blazing sun was on a lot of artists’ minds at an international press conference earlier today.

British singer-songwriter Raye, one of last year’s breakout stars, said she had taken to the sea on a jet-ski in an effort to cool down, while DJ Jonas Blue, who collaborated with her on 2016 hit By Your Side was quick to highlight the heat as his most striking impression of Malta so far.

“I’d say I’m living the dream if I weren’t stuck in trousers,” he joked.

The platinum-selling artist, who has performed in Malta several times before (though he admits he has yet to see much beyond the airport and his hotel), promised audiences an “acoustic, energetic” set at the concert, his first time performing on the island with a full band.

Eager to show audiences “the two sides” of his work, he will then segue back into DJ mode to keep the crowds dancing at the official after-party.

Meanwhile, dance-rock band DNCE – made up of Joe Jonas, Jack Lawless, Cole Whittle, and JinJoo Lee – said audiences could expect a “weird and crazy” show at an “amazing venue”.

“We think this is going to be one of our most memorable shows,” Jonas said. “This may be tiny island, but 50,000 people isn’t a tiny crowd anywhere in the world. We’re hoping to take some of that energy away with us when we travel the world.”

One of the night’s biggest attractions, American duo The Chainsmokers, landed in Malta just this morning from a performance in Belfast, and admitted their knowledge of the island was limited to a Google Image search.

The duo, who shot to prominence with #Selfie before last year’s number-one hit Closer, said many of their songs were based on cities that held a certain nostalgia for them, which they hoped audiences could then make their own.

As to whether anything about Malta had piqued their lyrical interest: “You’ll have to give us a few more hours on that one.”

Jetski jetsetter: Raye said she had taken to the seas in an effort to cool off. Photo: Mark Zammit CordinaJetski jetsetter: Raye said she had taken to the seas in an effort to cool off. Photo: Mark Zammit Cordina

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