Still reeling from a summer of touring, Ira Losco, arguably Malta’s best loved young artist, launched her new album, Accident Prone, at Axis last week. The nightclub was packed with an attendance of 1,600 people. Eager fans, radio DJs and local press, rocked till the early hours of the morning as Ira Losco took the stage together with her band to perform live. The set included well-known number one hits from her first album, as well as the new tracks from Accident Prone.
The audience present was continuously entertained as footage from 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, that 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 unafraid to bend rules and to challenge myself further 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, which has been nominated for Best Song of All Time in the upcoming Bay Music Awards, that first drew interest towards her on the international front.
In April 2004, Ira Losco became the first local artist to sign a major album deal to 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 ranging from 25,000 to 80,000, as well as being a supporting act for renowned international acts such as Elton John, Mel C, Ronan Keating, Simple Minds, Katie Melua and alongside Germany’s chart toppers.
“Touring has been an incredible experience. It has given me unbelievable confidence, a tough skin and an insatiable hunger for success! I also feel I’ve taken my performing and song-writing skills further throughout this busy summer!” adds Ira.
In fact, the songstress 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 entered Farmhouse Studios in Siggiewi to start working on her second release Accident Prone. The first tracks were recorded just before she embarked on her summer tour and finally drew to an end in September.
“I enjoyed writing this album so much. Howard and I worked on it for a month, then we were off on tour for three months, which really inspired us to write the last few tracks for the album. When we came back, we went into the studio and recorded the last four songs. Accident Prone is a real account of how our lives have been these last few months!”
During her tour Ms Losco was accompanied by her all Maltese band, who have also played on this album. A series of co-writing sessions with American and Swedish songwriters also contributed to the twelve-track album, including smashing new singles Every day 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.
Meanwhile the singer continues to gain in popularity, as she retains her close relationship with her loyal fan base. Her website boasts a staggering 138,160 hits.
“I believe it is important for me to give something back to the people who have continuously believed in me and my music. I post messages on my site every day and that keeps my relationship with those who support me, alive.” Consequently, a new re-vamped site, has been created by Visual Innovation Studios.
“I’m a realist, but I’m also extremely ambitious and I definitely don’t give up that easily. The future looks cool. I’m really happy about my recent radio awards nominations. It’s a real treat after all the hard work!”. With that positive outlook on life Ira Losco is definitely prone to more success!
Ira Losco is supported by Vodafone, British American Life Insurance, Guess, Olympus and Revlon. She would also like to thank Camilleri Wines, Scan Craft, Nexos and Sound System.
For further information, EPK/DVD and images of Ira Losco please contact Howard Keith on 9947-5000/9982-6000 or write to [email protected]
Upcoming Events
Friday 2 December Ira Losco & Band Live at The Alley.
Wednesday 7 December Ira Losco is nominated and performing at the 2005BMAs
Saturday 10 December Ira Losco & Band Live at Paradiso Gozo.
Saturday 17 December Ira Losco & Band Live at Luxol Club.