First: The singing seminarian

Malta Independent Sunday, 18 June 2006, 00:00 Last update: about 20 years ago

Robert Galea is 24 years old and in his third year at the Seminary and almost half way through his formation for the priesthood. Robert writes the words and music as well as sings his own compositions. He has so far had two CDs released, the first being a

3-track mini album More of You and the second one, his debut album Closer, which was recorded and produced in the UK. One of Robert’s songs which has yet to be recorded, Glory to You, which he wrote some years ago, was recently chosen as the theme song for the International Catholic Charismatic Renewal Conference in Rome which took place earlier this month and another for the national Pentecost event here in Malta in early June.

Tell us something about your God.

That’s a hard question... I’ve been studying about Him for the last three years and I still am in no way competent to answer it. Well... God is my inspiration, my source and my reason for living. He is the person I turn to in tough times and the One who’s company I enjoy in the better times. Sounds poetic… but it’s true!

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

I guess I would say beauty – though I’m not even sure you can consider that a virtue, I suppose it is more of a gift. Sometimes we pay too high a price to look good and to make a good impression.

If you could change one thing about the world what would it be?

I would opt for unity among all people, but that would require changing hearts and attitudes which is far harder than changing the world!

Do you think there is a Hell where bodies sizzle and burn for eternity?

Hmm... I smell controversy! Yes I think hell does exist, though not as a physical place but an eternity without God. I just pray and hope that it is empty!

What is your vision of heaven?

The fulfillment of all my hopes and dreams, and living amongst people who are experiencing the same thing! It is a place where Love reigns supreme!

What kind of words do you write for your songs – Soppy? Spiritual? Deep?

I do not write any complicated songs... they are all a simple expression of the desire that burns within me. Spiritual, yet at the same time very human as they express this passion to be closer to a God who sometimes seems so far away.

Are they doing well on the market?

Though both my music projects are in English they have done considerably well in the Maltese market... with a total of almost 3,000 copies sold locally. Closer, my latest album is under ICC records in the UK and, through them, has been launched in the UK and the rest of Europe, USA, Canada and other places I am yet to discover. I have also just released one of the songs, Deeper, as a single on 89.7 Bay radio and some other stations, and also a music video of the same song.

Do you have a favourite song?

I tend to prefer slower songs to the rougher ones in the album. My favourite would have to be Nothing Less, a song I wrote with Leana Grech who sings with me in the album. It expresses the restlessness of our hearts until we are in the arms of the God who loves us!

Robert’s album is available from local music stores and di-ve.com.