What has been happening in your life and career since we last heard from you?

Life is made up of different moments, choices, events and, sometimes, struggles that lead you to take a break from your career. I believe in giving my all to any musical project I get involved in, and when I’m not able to do that, I’d rather take a step back. So, musically, I’ve been relatively quiet these past few years due to personal reasons.

I’m glad I made this choice, though. I became a mother for a second time, and I’ve become closer to my own mother after my father died because she came to live with me. I knew I could always go back to music whenever I chose to, but these life events might never have presented themselves again, so I made the best of the time given to me.

But now you have an EP coming up – what can you tell us about it?

During this hiatus from music, I was still finding time to write and compose on my piano, sometimes late at night when everyone was asleep, and I have put together a set of new songs in Maltese.

These works mean a lot to me as they have all been borne from personal experiences. It has been so refreshing to be back in the studio too, planning the whole production with Maurizio Campo from Italy and Malta’s own Manolito Galea from Lito’s Place... and then to work with top musicians who played live on the EP.

When did work on it start?

Having quite a lot to juggle at home, it has been a long process. It started a few years back and, every summer, we added on to the ideas and songs.

There were a couple of tracks that had already been released to the public through L-Għanja tal-Poplu, but I decided to reproduce and record them again. It has been a wonderful experience, especially working with Maurizio.

I remember face-timing with him in between his performances at San Remo sometimes and deciding on sounds and riffs. Truly beautiful memories.

What can you tell us about the recently released single, and how is it being perceived?

I decided to release Bi Ftit Kliem because it’s about what I have most precious in life, my children Rio and Luna. The idea started when Luna wasn’t even born yet, but now the whole song makes so much sense.

I also wrote it based on my own experience as a daughter, and how becoming a mother myself made me understand my mother more. Children show you how time flies too quickly, and they grow up way too fast. However, a mother’s bond is the strongest, and, wherever her kids fly to, they will always hold the most special place in her heart and mind. 

What inspires you?

I’m inspired by all that happens in my own life and around me. I always write mainly about personal experiences, or those of my closest friends. I believe that is the only way you can be true to yourself and when you sing from the heart, you touch people in an incredible way.

That is why we do music after all, to evoke emotions, and there’s no other way to do that than by telling the truth. 

What is the biggest challenge in being a singer-songwriter nowadays?

Having so many opportunities thanks to the internet and social media, there is a great exposure to foreign talent. It’s a challenge to be original and to come up with your own material.

I feel a lot of artists tend to copy foreign material and struggle to come up with their own sound. The music industry has also changed a lot and it’s becoming harder to get signed, or, if you do, it’s very challenging to see the end of your contract. However, an artist will stay true to the music and never give up.

You’re one of the classic voices on the scene. How have you seen your style evolve through the years?

I’m so grateful for all these years and the public’s affection that has never waned. The Eurovision Song Contest made me a household name, but then I discovered my own sound during my 20s in R&B and soul music.

Eventually, I also experimented with some edgy sounds until I discovered a more organic sound which led me to write this EP. I’m so happy I went back to my Maltese roots. While I enjoy singing in both languages, I feel that a lot of Maltese people prefer to hear me sing in Maltese. So, I felt this was the right time to marry the Maltese language with the sound I’m happy with at the moment.

How has motherhood affected your style/approach to music?

I’m constantly discovering new music thanks to my son Rio. He enjoys listening to music, especially rock, classic rock and rap. I’m appreciating fantastic artists like Run The Jewels and Eels, which I had never heard of before.

According to my mother, Luna is a carbon copy of myself as a young girl. She loves watching her favourite films, especially Frozen, and sings along and dances to the music. It’s a joy to watch her and know all her favourite songs. Thanks to my children I have diversified my tastes in music and I’m enjoying every moment.

What is the biggest satisfaction your music gives you?

I’ve had a lot of opportunities to sing on some big stages both abroad and locally. However, nothing beats the great feeling of having someone approach me and telling me how much one of my songs means to them, or how it helped them during a challenging moment in their life. It makes it all worthwhile, knowing that my music means that much to someone.

What’s next on the horizon for you?

I’m very excited at the launch of these new songs, some of them accompanied by music videos. I am also finding some time to write new music in English. It’s still very early days, but I’m doing what I love most, so I’m one very happy girl.