The singer ADIE explains how she admires artists like Adele and Celine Dion for putting the music first, and about the release of her new single Kiss And Tell Me Goodbye.
What kind of music do you perform?
I’m mainly into pop with a cross-over in RnB, dance and hip-hop. However, my latest single has a pinch of modern country to it. So my repertoire is quite varied and people don’t get bored of me – and this also keeps them curious. I prefer performing my own songs, though I do like singing some cover versions, classics from singers such as Bryan Adams, Celine Dion and Laura Pausini. I also do covers of recent songs from Adele, Rihanna and Avril Lavigne.
Who are your influences?
My parents, especially Dad since he loves dancing and singing too; many artists from the 60s onwards, starting off with Abba, The Beatles, Smokie, Madonna, Bon Jovi and The Pretenders and moving on to Bob Marley, Laura Pausini, Zucchero, Celine Dion, Nelly Furtado, Rihanna and Adele.
Do you have a backing band?
Not at the moment because I never quite found people committedenough to back me up. The ones who are serious about music are already taken unfortunately for me. I am a perfectionist and want things to look and work professionally, so any band of mine would have to be perfect for me. Otherwise, I prefer getting on the way I am doing now.
What have you released so far?
In 2009 I had launched an album with songs in both English and Maltese. In 2010 I completely changed style and genre of music and started focussing on what I love the most. Last year I released If I were you, Tug Of War and Reaction. This last one also featured a video that wonToni Sant’sMMI Listeners’ Picks Poll as Best Video of 2011 from among 29 other nominees voted for by the public. This year I released Cry for You and, recently, Kiss And Tell Me Goodbye.
Tell us about your most recent single.
It’s something I knew the public would adore.It’s fresh, sassy, fun with a beautiful guitar bassline but at the same time, the lyrics are meaningful and the music, very pleasant and relaxing. I think it has all the ingredients that a hit song requires and it might also be classified as an evergreen song.
Where have you performed so far?
I’ve performed at different venues locally, especially for charity, but the most important for me were opening a summer festival at Monte Kristo Estates where there were a lot of young tourists in the audience. I also enjoyed performing at DJ Toby’s birthday party at Sky Club since he worked on one of my remixed songs thatreached at no.7 on Bay Radio’s Malta’s Top 10 list. I also performed in Italy on a talent show programme where I met important people from Mediaset, RAI and from the Italian entertainment industry.
What do you do besides music?
I am a full-time primary school teacher. I enjoy my work a lot although it requires a lot of energy and effort. Unfortunately I have not reached the point where I can make a living out of music because locally, most shows and events are usually charity-based. But the mentality about music and artists is improving gradually so I’m hoping for better returns soon enough. The public needs to understand that ultimately, this is not a hobby to mebut a profession I wish to pursue for the rest of my life, apart from the fact that I am offering a service. I’m working on this to become a reality.
What plans for the future?
September was a very important month for me. I have had my music videos playing on a new music TV Station in India, I had my new single launch, two different business projects starting off, one of them that is totally my idea and more. But I cannot disclose much about the business proposals and projectsfor the time being. I can only say that the future looks great and that I will be helping to boost local talent and will be experiencing what it takes to be an entrepreneur at age 30.
How important do you consider fashion and image to be as part of the music package?
Fashion and image are important but they are not the most important thing. Although image does help sales because ultimately sex sells, artists such as Adele and Celine Dion are to be admired because they did not sell their body in music videos and in public appearances to get their break in the music industry. I look up to these people who have a golden voice rather than a fashion and image package. After all, we are meant to be singers not models!
Would you consider taking part in music festivals to gain more exposure?
No,although many of my followers encourage me to do so. I like to take different paths to create my own success and not short cuts, although I do see the exposure potential in such festivals and that cannot be ignored. But never say never I suppose. You never know what might come up and what the future holds…I might surprise you and I’m very good at that you know.
What’s your philosophy?
‘Go beyond your expectations and never look back.’ Other quotes that I happened to come across such as‘I’m not afraid of dying, I’m afraid of not trying’(said by the rapper Jay-Z) and ‘Opportunities don’t happen, you create them’ also strike me. They’re so true.
DETAILS
Born:1982
Hometown: Valletta but I live in G’Mangia
Education: B.Ed (Hons.) Primary Degree
Occupation: Primary school teacher
Hobbies: music, movies, travel, swimming
Favourite book:The Beachcomber by Josephine Cox
Favourite music: Mainly pop
Favourite film: Taken, Step Up Miami Heat
Last holiday:Wales and Scotland
Adie’s website is at: www.adie.com.mt. Her music videos are on YouTube and her music is available to buyat D’Amato Music Shop in Valletta, Exotique at the Energy Complex, Valletta and in Sliema and from Exotique in Arkadia, Gozo, plus on all digital distribution stores such as iTunes, Spotify, CD Baby, Amazon, Rhapsody and others. She also has a ‘Like’ page on Facebook under the name ‘Adie’s Music’