Paul Audia and his band are one of the headliners at the first edition of the Malta Blues Festival, set to hit Malta in a couple of weeks’ time. Interview by Ramona Depares.
Paul Audia. Photo: Giovanni CionciHow do you describe your music?
My music comes from the roots of the blues, but it’s also a union of different elements. It can be strong, psychedelic and lovely at the same time, but never superficial.
How did your participation in the Malta Blues Festival come about?
I’m so glad to be part of this amazing festival. It’s a wonderful pleasure for me. Organiser Mark Randon contacted me a few months ago and, in that moment, I realised that this festival would have been a fantastic experience for us!
What can we expect from your show?
The audience will have all our energy, passion and soul. These are the most important things in my shows.
Will this be your first time in Malta?
Yes, it will be my first time in Malta, and I confess that I don’t know anything about the local music scene. Forgive me for that! But I really appreciate the opportunity of playing with Little Steve and his band The Big Beat and with Grimaud.
What defines good music?
To make good music, you need a lot of elements. First of all, every day you have to improve your artistic skills; secondly you need to have passion and creativity, and something meaningful to say through your songs. Last but not least, it’s fundamental to listen to good music!
Where do you find your inspiration?
I find my inspiration in the music of my heroes. I love artists like Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Prince and, at the same time, I adore various genres like Rock, Blues and Jazz.
What can you tell us about your love for the guitar?
I have always been attracted by the versatility of the guitar. With it you can create many sounds with a lot of different shades.
Can you mention some highlights from your career?
One the greatest shows that I performed in was in Pistoia, the last summer, where I played at the Pistoia Blues Festival. There were approximately 4,000 people at the show, probably the biggest crowd I have played for. It’s difficult to describe the emotions that I felt during that night.
You recently released your second EP. What has the experience been like, and what has been the public’s reactions?
Total Control is my second EP, released after the first one called, On Your Skin. I recorded it in California at the Doghouse Studio with Matt Starr and Billy Sheehan. I’m very proud of having them on this recording. It’s been an incredible experience.
The EP is attracting fantastic reviews. Many people ask me about my experience in Los Angeles with these great musicians, and that makes me so proud! I’m already writing new songs for a complete album, so stay tuned.
As I told you, it has been all somewhat like a dream. I grew up with the legend of Billy, so you can image how I felt when I was playing close to him. He is a wonderful person and an amazing musician too. Matt is a great producer and, of course, an awesome drummer. He helped me a lot during the session. I’ll never stop being grateful to them.
What can you tell us about the scene in Italy?
In Italy, musicians are living an unpleasant situation. There are only a few clubs where you can play but, to be honest, artists get treated terribly. People are not interested in Blues or Rock, so there’s no enough space for live music.
I think that in the rest of the world the situation is better than in Italy, although the interest about Blues and Rock is lower than what was in the past, because there are new genres that dominate the top of the music rankings.
Do you feel Blues still remains popular?
Of course, every contemporary music finds its roots in Blues. It’s the key to all music, to creating great songs!
The Malta Blues Festival takes place on June 30 at Sir Temi Zammit Hall, the University of Malta, Tal-Qroqq. Also performing are Paul Audia and the Band; Little Steve & the Big Beat; and Mikaela.
www.facebook.com/MaltaBluesFestival/