No new name on the local music scene, Ira Losco keeps on impressing with her insatiable appetite to keep doing what she loves best – writing music and performing! Ira Losco launched Unmasked, her new unplugged album at Axis last month.

Ira and her band gave a very powerful, yet intimate rendition of this incredible album thrilling the large audience, with an impressive show that was synched to touching visuals by Picture Box.

Following the success of last year’s number one seller Accident Prone which spent a whole year in the sales charts, it was only natural that Ira’s new material was so highly awaited, which was quite evident considering that Axis was packed.

“This album was incredible to make. I loved every minute of the writing process. I am so proud of Unmasked,” said Ira Losco.

Unmasked is a first of its kind in the local market. The idea developed after Ira Losco was a support artist to Katie Melua last summer during her tour in Germany. Howard Keith who has also produced Unmasked and all previous albums said: “While touring her electric set in Germany, Ira Losco had an opportunity of also doing four unplugged shows with Katie Melua who is now a multi platinum respected artist. The experience was very positive, and her set was so well received that I thought it would be a great idea to record an unplugged album. I ran this by Ira, who loved the idea and we started working on it. The result speaks in volumes…”

One particular review by Rhine magazine in the UK said that Ira’s performance in Bonne “was certainly way above average as a support artist. Highlights were a moving version of the Cyndi Lauper hit Time After Time with a wonderfully melancholy feel and a dusted down and glorious version of the Guns & Roses classic Sweet Child of Mine which proved an excellent showcase for her vocal talents and a perfect musical match for her rock music appearance and vocal style”.

In fact, this collection of songs features unique arrangements of some 1980s classics, an intimate rendition of some of her best singles to date, and some highly awaited original new material. Speaking about the title of the album Ira explained the whole concept was to allow the instruments and voice to take prominence in this record: “I wanted to really explore my voice and its different tones. Howard Keith from Jagged House was instrumental in guiding me and, as my manager and producer, he has always urged me to remain true to myself, both on a personal and musical level. Lyrically I wanted to expose my true emotions. Vulnerability is truly beautiful through music”

Ira Losco is also enjoying more foreign recognition through her songs as three of them, Love me or Hate Me, Someone Else and Get Out were covered by Michele Hunzinger who, besides being Eros Ramazzotti’s ex-wife, is also one of the most sought after Italian TV presenters and models and is tipped for presenting San Remo this year. Get Out is now featured regularly on prime time satirical programme Stricia la Notizia.

Unmasked is Ira Losco’s fourth album since her first release in 2003. She has also been awarded the “Best Solo Artist”, “Best Single” and “Viewer’s Choice” award” at BMAS 2006.

Fact file

• Unmasked – fourth album since 2003

• First ever unplugged album in Malta

• Ten tracks including five new songs

• The price is Lm6.95 and can be found at all leading record outlets

• Produced by Howard Keith

Management Jagged House

• Over 250,000 website hit counter in 17 months

• Best seller previous album Accident Prone was in the sales charts for a whole year and seven singles released, most of which went to number one in the radio charts

• Twenty-three awards including this year’s prestigious “Woman of the Year” and “Solo Artist”, “Best Single” and “Viewer’s Choice Award” at the BMAS 2006

• A lot of big plans for 2007 including new releases and much more

• Sponsored by Vodafone, McDonalds, Coke Cola, Global Capital, Guess, Olimpus and Macintosh Malta