Sustain-Delay, the Malta Society of Arts' Performing Arts Programme, welcomes another season of adventurous music, launching on 5 July 2025. Sustain-Delay is known for pushing the boundaries of Malta's listening audiences, while allowing people to slowly dip their toes into genres less commonly explored in in the island's sonic landscape. Taking place at Hideout in Pembroke (right next to the BMX warehouse), the two events will combine local staples with veterans of noise and ambient.
Starting with Total Scuzz on 5 July, the first of Sustain-Delay's two-part summer season opens with Maltese artist Volph, a producer and DJ who has been navigating the local electronic scene for over 20 years. Among his many laurels, Volph has been featured in the lineups of both GLITCH Festival and Earth Garden, and has published releases on Wirebox Records and Bass Agenda Recordings.
Volph will be followed by a set by Alien Montesin, whose distinctly Maltese yet out-of-this-world style has taken Malta's party scene by storm through her distinct hypnotic beats.
From Alien Montesin's intergalactic adventures through electronic music, we move onto the headliner Container, an artist from Ohio who has been a staple on the underground music scene for decades. Known for his abrasive, rhythmic music that blends DIY techno, stripped-down electro, noise and funk with a punk ethos, Container is known for his high-energy live sets - tight, intense, yet always danceable.
As the heat continues to rise on the Maltese Islands, Sustain-Delay will bring in the breeze with A Resonant Forever on 2 August.
The second and final event of the summer is headlined by Huerco S., based in Brooklyn (New York), who brings a calm ambient energy that gradually melds into smooth, inventive beats. A pioneer in a genre of his own making, Huerco S.' album For Those of You Who Have Never was lauded by Pitchfork Magazine as one of their top 50 albums of all time.
Two locals will support Huerco S. Starting with Giaçinté, part of the duo behind the highly acclaimed MAGMA underground events, he will present a hybrid DJ-live set - a dynamic amalgamation of live electronic music and carefully curated tracks, resulting in the fluid and engaging musical narrative he is known for.
The second opener, Son Of, is a Rotterdam-based Maltese artist known for crafting intricate compositions that blend experimental textures with strong rhythmic elements, and for creating immersive auditory experiences.
This night promises to be a seamless fusion of ambient atmospheres and poised, engrossing beats. It also reflects the broader spirit of Sustain-Delay - a platform that continuously opens new sonic experiences to local audiences while welcoming international artists into the fold.
"At the Malta Society of Arts, we believe in supporting bold, forward-thinking programming that invites audiences to listen differently," says MSA President Adrian Mamo. "Sustain-Delay exemplifies our commitment to fostering artistic risk, innovation, and meaningful cultural encounters."
Sustain-Delay 2025 is produced by the Malta Society of Arts and Artistic Director Kurt Buttigieg, in collaboration with Arts Council Malta and is sponsored by Rock'N Malta (Festivals Malta). For more details about the MSA, please visit www.artsmalta.org or www.facebook.com/maltasocietyofarts.