Vinny Vella, 55, has been performing since the age of 15, when he hit the stage with his father, Mro Vinny Vella Snr.  He recalls the time when live music was the norm in each and every establishment you visited.  Cabaret shows, a fully blown brass band, dancing - that was the public's preferred source of entertainment.  But today, live music in Malta is dying, he tells Therese Bonnici.

"We are losing the ability to listen. Members of the audience are texting away during a live performance. They enter a theatre and ask for Wi-Fi. That is the unfortunate reality of today," he says. "Appreciation is what a dedicated performer is after. It's not about fame, and it's definitely not about the money. "Why should a tourist be surprised if he walks into a restaurant and there is live music? The capital city of Valletta has so much potential. It is upsetting to witness the lack of live music there is in its streets"

 "The local cultural sphere is too held down by a karaoke festival - the Eurovision Song Contest. Because the only instrument that's life is the singers' voice - that's not live music.  Let me be clear, I'm not against the contest. But it should not be at the core of the local music scene.  Perhaps most local artists resort to the contest because it gives them national exposure."

A lack of culture

A European survey published last year revealed that Malta is one of the least active participants in Europe, as far as culture is concerned. 49% of those questioned said they do not attend live music performances because of lack of interest, while 54% are disinterested in theatre. Many of those who frequent live performances argue that they usually meet the same people each time, and that, a substantial proportion of the audience is foreign.

The locally renowned pianist argues that we've lowered our expectations. "Not everyone who sings is a singer. Being a musician is still not perceived as a professional career. And these standards society has set are definitely not helping."   In Malta, only a handful of musicians manage to pursue the profession full time.

The media factor

Vinny argues that the media is a determining factor, with international reality shows such as the XFactor giving the impression that one can become a singer overnight. "Can a lawyer become one overnight? No. So what is different here? "he asks.  The media has also emphasised on the importance of image. "It has become all about image. But what about talent? Just take the Beatles as an example, they were iconic, but they had talent too.

Students today are lacking basic education about music. I've witnessed students calling a double bass a 'large guitar' or a 'large violin and a saxophone a trumpet. There are still a few youngsters who listen to good old music. They are present at Stevie Wonder concerts abroad, even though he's been around since the 60s."

But do local artists receive the required support from the local media and authorities? "Culture is always at the end of the government's list of priorities. But I do admit, there has been an improvement on certain aspects, such as funding." The renowned pianist suggests that local media should have a system whereby a percentage of airtime is dedicated to local music, although this is already the case for some radio stations. "A local artist needs to chase after media representatives to get some promotion, unless you're one of the sacred few," he says.  In addition, Vinny suggests that local establishments are subsidised if they promote and pay for live music. This will serve as incentive to increase the occurrence.

In October, Vinny Vella released his second album, Another Way, an album which took three years of preparation. Nadine Axisa, Andreana Debattista, Glenn Vella and Francesca Galea are the four protagonist singers. In total, 16 musicians took part. Half the tracks are Vinny's original compositions, the other half are rearranged covers, with all instruments recorded live.