Following a hectic summer of touring, Ira Losco, arguably Malta’s best loved young artist, launched her new album, Accident Prone, at Axis on Wednesday.
The nightclub was packed with some 1,600 people. Eager fans, radio DJs and the media, rocked till the early hours of the morning as Ira Losco took to the stage together with her band to perform live. The set included well-known number 1 hits from her first album, as well as the new tracks from Accident Prone.
The audience was continuously entertained as footage of the recent Summer Tour, photos and album animation were displayed above the stage and on plasma screens all over the venue.
Following the highly acclaimed first album Someone Else, which topped the local charts in 2004, Ira Losco is back with an album that promises to be a tremendous success with its powerful guitars, edgy riffs and strong melodies
“Finally I am no longer afraid to bend the rules and challenge myself lyrically, musically and vocally. Playing it safe is a little too diplomatic for me. I’ve always been the kind to prefer people to either love me or hate me. Indifference means nothing to me” she says.
It was the song Love me or Hate Me, recently nominated for Best Song of All Time on one local radio station, which first drew the attention of international producers to her.
In April 2004, Ira Losco became the first local artist to sign a major album deal with Seven Days Music licensed to BMG, after writer/producer Jack White, responsible for 500 million worldwide sales, heard Ira’s songs.
Since then, she has performed all over Germany, in front of audiences numbering 25,000 to 80,000, playing main support to well known international acts such as Elton John, Mel C, Ronan Keating, Simple Minds, Katie Melua alongside Germany’s chart toppers.
She credits much of her inspiration and drive to her co-writer Howard Keith who, she says, taught her so much. “We really have a musical connection, the kind where if we both pick up the guitar, we’re sure to have a tune going within minutes.”
Early last April, Ms Losco went to Farmhouse Studios in Siggiewi to start working on her second album Accident Prone. The first tracks were recorded just before she left for her Summer Tour and the rest in September.
During her tour Ms Losco was accompanied by her all Maltese band, who have also played on this album. A series of writing sessions with American and Swedish song writers also contributed to the 12-track album, including smashing new singles Everyday and Get Out! The album, which was recorded, produced and mixed by Howard Keith, is versatile, strong and deep, revealing a more mature Ira Losco.
Ira Losco continues to gain popularity, as she retains her close relationship with her undying loyal fan base. Her website boasts a staggering 138,160 hits. Consequently, a new re-vamped site, has been created by Visual Innovation Studios.
Ira Losco is supported by Vodafone, British American Life Insurance, Guess, Olimpus and Revlon. She would also like to thank Camilleri Wines, Scan Craft, Nexos and Sound System.
Forthcoming engagements
Friday 2 December: Ira Losco & Band Live at The Alley.
Wednesday 7 December: Ira Losco is nominated and performs at the 2005BMAs
Saturday 10 December: Ira Losco & Band Live at Paradiso Gozo.
Saturday 17 December: Ira Losco & Band Live at Luxol Club.