It’s Monday again, and for most of you who dread this day, and it’s blues, moreover today, being a very stormy , one can always opt to enjoy the musical drama series known as 'D.R.E.A.M.S' produced by Rewind Productions. Since its launch, it has maintained strong audiences and Television Malta (TVM) is surely proud to have taken up this series as part of their broadcasting schedule for autumn and winter of 2011/2012.

Last week, we saw the weak person in Maria Sultana (Marie-Claire Sammut), after Jade Vella Petroni (Rachel Genovese) insulted her and her flawntness and pride immiediately submerged and let out the true person in her. Through the character of Patsy May, we learned the lesson that ‘everyone is normal in his normality’, thus, each and everyone of us is unique and different in his own way.

This week, Brandon (Jean-Pierre Cassar) gets back to school and the ‘big’ question dooms on him again; Antoinette () or Jade ? Will Jasamine reach her goal, that is Jeremy? Will Jasamine be capable enough to continue showing a ‘double-face’ infront of her mates, just to make a good impression and thus, impressing them? Unfortunately, life for the teachers isn’t a valley of roses at the moment; Mr.Clive Cortis and his wife Claire are in an unbearable situation, Mr.Robert Soler (Andre Penza) and Gloria (Joanne Busuttil) too and so are Mr. Peter Fava (Johan Curmi) and Ms. Jessica Spiteri (Marie-Louise Wiffen). The question is … what lies ahead for these six characters?

This television series is the original work of Evelyn Saliba La Rosa and Michael Vella Haber who in turn write the lyrics to all of the tracks performed as opposed to the music which is written by Ray Agius, the man who wrote the last two winners of the 'Konkors Kanzunetta Indipendenza' as well as the Maltese Eurovision entries in 1995 entitled '' and in 1997 bearing the name ''. A number of supporting members of the cast have stunning musical credentials including former Junior Eurovision Song Contest representatives; Nicole Azzopardi and Daniel Testa, former Malta Eurosong finalist and host; Ruth Sammut Casingena, former Sfida Contestant Rachel Genovese, and the ever so stunning winner of 'ID'; Annalise Psaila. Therefore don't forget to tune in to Television Malta (TVM) this evening after the special broadcast from the Maltese Parliament at about 21:20 CET for another episode of 'D.R.E.A.M.S'.

Source: Press Release, Jessica Vella de Sauveterre

Here are we once again to update you, fellow local scene followers, updating you with this weeks’ top hits from the Maltese islands! Nathan D continues to count down the local hits on his show through Bay Radio on Saturday afternoon between 13:30 and 14:30.

Keith Anthony, from the newish trio Fellowfish, who started off 4 months ago supporting their new album ‘Ordinary Madness”, recently talked to Bay listeners and officially launched their new acoustic single which has the same title as the album, ‘Ordinary Madness’.  It is written by Cath, Keith’s partner, who also happens to have written all the actual album, which exposes a range of human conditions, poetic in nature. It has a simple but seductive tempo with focus on lyrics and memorable melodies. He described their single as a “simply a song, describing the ups and downs of an ordinary day, to which everyone can relate to”. They will be giving their very first gig at the Manoel Theatre on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th December at the annual GO Teatru Unplugged. One can also get to know better the band through their Facebook page.

‘Relentless’, sung by Jess and Vandru, can be a potential new entry in the chart in the next weeks too. It has a very clubby sound, which can be easily popular on the dance floors in these last few weeks of this year. Jean-Claude Vancell’s ‘’ has continued to gain popularity during this week, and the hope of seeing this very classical song occupy a position in our charts seems to be getting higher.

Last weeks’ only new entry, which was already enjoying position number #9 goes up five astonishing positions and this week occupies position number #4. ‘Reach out’, sung by Lindsay Pace, in collaboration with Toby is Bay’s official song for this festive season, dedicated to ‘Bay Kids’, especially putting forward the importance to aid others during these particular days of the year. Lindsay is nominated in this year’s Bay Music Awards for the Best Solo Artist and also for the Best Song (with her song ‘Lovesick). The Bay Music Awards will this year be held on the 12th December, eve of a public holiday.

Dropping from position number #7 to position number #10 and former number #1 for three weeks, the song ‘Jackie The Stripper’ from the group Bridget Bone, has continued its downfall. At least, it has managed to stand in the top three for a month. Unfortunately, ‘I Mean It ... I Want It' performed by none other than the duo known as Of the Owl, nominees of the best new artist in the 2011 edition of the Bay Music Awards, has dropped down to position number # 9, after a positive second position two weeks ago and quite a ‘glad’ position number #4 last week. I guess they are soon “meant” to leave the chart now, although they “don’t really want it”. Time will tell.

And finally, Talitha & Jesper Ejrup have managed to grab a satisfying position for them to be new comers in the chart with the single “”. A catchy song with simple lyrics. This is the only new entry this week at position number #8.

The group Funk Initiative, who have changed their style completely with their second track entitled 'The Liberators', have gone up another position this week and it seems that the Maltese are enjoying this kind of twisted classical musical with that modern touch. This week, position number #7 is all theirs! New entry two weeks ago, one of the best male artists in the form of Aaron Benjamin, whose track entitled '', makes its mark at position number #6, going down one position after last weeks’ positive position number #5. On a personal note, I see this club song as a Maltisish version of the Snoop Dog’s ‘Sweat’. Red Electrick in collaboration with Ray Mercieca of the group ‘The Riffs’, have continued to rise in this weeks’ chart, making it to position number #5 with a track which bears the name ''. This rock song was a new entry two weeks ago. One should point out that Red Electrick are nominees for Best Band.

Another band who is nominated for the Best Band award in this year’s BMA’s. Three Stops to China with their latest track 'Enemy Club Song', have dropped down position number #3, after two weeks enjoying the top position. Corina ft. Toby with the track '', which has been in the chart for quite some time, has gone up another position this week. ‘’ is in position number #2. Having come into the chart just three weeks ago, the group Dolls for Idols manage to make it to number #1 with their new track '', after being in position number #4 two weeks ago and position number #2 last week. They are Best New Comer nominees in this year’s BMA’s. Stay tuned to ESCflashmalta for the latest updates regarding the latest tracks produced by the outstanding Maltese talent.

After the release of Lyndsay’s latest hit single “Love Sick” this Summer, which is written and produced by Kenny D’Ugo and Dave Calleja, comes the official music video directed and produced by Ready Set Go Productions. It is going to be launched on the teen show “Crazebook” aired on Net TV, tomorrow, Saturday 5th November at 6:10 pm. The single “Love Sick” is yet another release from Lyndsay Pace’s upcoming album, which has already been hand picked by the local airwaves including the number 1 spot on Malta’s Top 10 Charts on the island’s most leading radio station, 89.7 Bay.

In the past few years or so, Lyndsay's music career had gradually been building up as she had managed to show off her good qualities and achieve positive results in a variety of contests and other musical event. Apart from her solo career, Lyndsay had been selected to be part of Malta's first and ultimate girl band "Vieve" during 2008 in conjunction with Silverscope music and XFM which was a thrilling and exciting project as the 4 girl band members were hand picked for this once in a lifetime opportunity. Having said that, Lyndsay had also been chosen as a resident singer on most of the popular TV shows these past few years such as "Pjazza", "Saturday Night", the entertainment day time program "Hadd Ghalik" and recently on the Saturday afternoon show “Sibtek”.

Lyndsay is working on her first pop/rock upcoming album at the moment, being the expression of her emotions and feelings through music itself as she is developing herrepertoire of new releases (apart from the latest single “Love Sick”) which have already hit the top local charts such as "System Overload", "Zip It Up" and “Going Under” (together with a music video). In the near future, she will be releasing more singles from her repertoire. She continues to talk about the sound of the album and says that “the style we’re heading for is the pop/rock genre with an edgy twist combined including a mixture of attitude, pure energy, wild style and versatility at it’s best!” In addition, she also describes her songs as “the body of music with attitude”.

Last year, Lyndsay had been nominated for Best Solo Artist at the most awaited local music event of the year - The Bay Music Awards, which was definitely a turning point for her career during that time and also another achievement to be considered. This year, she has been nominated for two Awards; “Best Solo Artist” and “Best Song” (for the song “Love Sick”. Ongoing preparations are underway for an exclusive performance on the night.

With so much yet to offer, Lyndsay continuously tries her best to bring out the right elements to satisfy the diverse music taste in this industry, being that her main ambition is that she truly ends up leaving a major impact and making a successful mark in the music scene as an established artist sooner or later regarding the local area, or better yet, the international one.

Source: Official Website, Myspace, Facebook

Another Sunday evening brings an end to another cold and wintery weekend, and to put the weekend blues away, cheers to another episode of DejaVu` airing tonight, on Net TV at 8.40pm.

Last week, Luke put a bomb at his college … thus, what will be the repercussions after this ‘unthought’ thing that he did? Infact, Luke is severely blaming himself since his plan failed, but on the other hand, the student’s parents are very angry whilst Ms.Fiorini doesn’t know how to react … since her school now is under a bad name after this ‘stopped-incident’ which thankgod, didn’t work. Luke’s friends turn away from him since they are ashamed of him and having him as their friend after what happened and he, instead of calming down and accepting the fact that he had made a huge mistake, Luke even blames his loved ones.

Luke’s parents are very sad and Jacob had a lucky escape from this situation, even though the call was done through his mobile. But still, he’s not happy yet. So, why does he go and visit Beth in the evening? And what does he decide to do after he shows Beth what he really feels when he’s next to her? Why do Heather’s parents visit the Head of School and why do they want to talk to Mr.Montfort? Perheps their daughter said something unappropriate and false? And last but not least, the cherry on the cake … Josie’s father receives a letter which is worrying him a lot. What does this letter contain then?

DejaVu` is written and directed by Eileen Montesin. Part of the cast includes,  Eileen Montesin, Mary Spiteri, Francesco Catania, Nicole Muscat, Tessie Fedele, Kyle Sammut, Tanya Bonnici, Jurgen Manicolo, Daphne Zammit and Ronald Briffa.

Thirteen year old Justine Delmar and Maria Cristina Desira, who have recently competed in the Carptian Star Festival in Romaina in the duet pop group section, triumphed amongst 20 international competitors with the song “Love to Share”, with which they placed also second in last year’s Malta Junior Euro Song. Both young teenagers have triumphed in local festivals last year such as “L-Ilwien Muzikali” and “L-Ghanja tal-Maltin”, after just three years singing as a duet.

The other five Maltese singers have also obtained great results in this festival. 9 year old, Enya Magri placed thirs with the song “Ku Ku”, composed by Kaya and Christopher Azzopardi in the ‘International Songs’ category and in addition, she placed second in the 6-10 years ‘Pop Section’ with the song ‘River Deep Mountain High’. Maria Christna also placed third amongst 42 participants in the 11-15 years ‘Pop Section’ with quite a difficult Italian song, ‘Gli Uomini Non Cambiano’. 17 year old Cherylis Camilleri placed third in the 16+ ‘Pop Section’ with the song ‘Russian Roulette’, amongst 37 participants. Finally, the Gozitan singers, 8 year old Loredana Agius and 13 year old Sarah Bonnici, were awarded a 2nd Honour Diploma, whilst Justine Delmar was awarded the 3rd Honour Diploma.

All singers would like to thank their parents and all fellow Maltese singers who, upon arriving at the Malta International Airport yesterday, greeted them warmly, and most of all, their respective singing teachers, Kaya (Priscilla Psaila), who was constantly present with them in Romania and also Miriam Christine. All of us here at the Editorial Board would also like to congratulate the artists on their astounding results and wish them the very best for this holiday season filled with everything their heart desires.

Source: Press Release, ESCflashmalta

Another  week has started for all of us, getting back to work after the weekend, or getting back to school, or more than that and to add pressure, starting the most-threatened exams like in my case! But, putting everything behind your shoulders in the evening, putting your feet up and relaxing maybe on the sofa cuddling to someone (hehe!) in your favourite pajama with a glass of wine or simply, a cup of tea, is the ideal way to end a tough day and relax to affront another one. And to keep you company during your relaxing hour, on Monday evening returns ‘D.R.E.A.M.S’, aired straight after the 8pm news, starting about 8.40pm. The musical drama series known is produced by Rewind Productions and since its launch, it has maintained strong audiences and Television Malta (TVM) is surely proud to have taken up this series as part of their broadcasting schedule for autumn and winter of 2011/2012.

So, where did we stop in last week’s episode? We saw Clive’s bachelor’s party and we got to know about his paternity after spending one of his last nights as a bachelor with an ‘unknown’ woman. He admits with Claire that he got to know about his daughter from a phone call which that woman did to him after getting to know that she was infact pregnant with his child. He also admits that upon seeing a photograph of his newborn child, he couldn’t resist not helping, and thus, every month, he would send her some money to help her raise his now, sixteen year old daughter. But the question still arises … is he really saying the truth, or is he just ‘bullshitting’? Is Claire ready to forget everything and start all over again by accepting his ‘sorry’ and accepting that it was just a mistake and it was the alchohol that drove him to that woman? Robert (Andre' Penza) found loads of things in Gloria’s (Joanne Busuttil) drawer, for example the pink lipstick, which he found it all smudged on his car. Is Gloria in any way part of the mystery behind does chain ‘love’ letters? Or it’s just an indirect way to make them loose each other, and thus, their relationship breaks up and their marriage fails? But who is doing this action towards such a couple who seem so united and so in love?

Ahhhh, the famous 6th form Ball … every student is eager to take his 'dolce meta' with him or with her, but who will be taking who? On the other hand, we find Finnigin (Evelyn Saliba La Rosa), who is keeping under his control Sally (Nicole Azzopardi) and him, Jake Perry (Jean Paul Carbonaro), and even Emma (Kayleigh Cassar), who seems to have feelings towards Jake, and thus, she wants to be near him, even though trouble is all that he can give her at the moment … but perhaps, he does actually feel something for her? Nevertheless, there is the interesting love triangle between Brandon (Jean Pierre Cassar), Jade Vella Petroni (Rachel Genovese) and Antoinette (). Joe, who was sentenced away from his daughter because of his alcohol problem, and who was the main problem that led to the failure of his marriage. He visits Therese, Doreen’s sister and threatens her to give him money … and moreover, he wants her to tell Doreen that he is working, but will she do so? If she doesn't obey him, what will happen? Is there something from her past that he can actually reveal?

This television series is the original work of Evelyn Saliba La Rosa and Michael Vella Haber who in turn write the lyrics to all of the tracks performed as opposed to the music which is written by Ray Agius, the man who wrote the last two winners of the 'Konkors Kanzunetta Indipendenza' as well as the Maltese Eurovision entries in 1995 entitled '' and in 1997 bearing the name ''. A number of supporting members of the cast have stunning musical credentials including former Junior Eurovision Song Contest representatives; i and , former Malta Eurosong finalist and host; , former Sfida Contestant Rachel Genovese, performer  and the ever so stunning winner of 'ID'; . Therefore don't forget to tune in to Television Malta (TVM) this evening after the special broadcast from the Maltese Parliament at about 21:20 CET for another episode of 'D.R.E.A.M.S'.

Source: Press Release, Jessica Vella De Sauveterre

This year, private radio broadcaster, ONE, is celebrating its 20 years on air, and the management have decided to celebrate this special anniversary with a grand musical night, showcasing ‘la crème della crème’ of the Maltese music scene compiling together a number of talented artists. They will be performing some of the most well known hits in their repertoires and that in itself will definitely make it an evening not to miss out on.

The list of performers includes; 1992 Eurovision Song Contest representative , renowned local band , 2002 Eurovision Song Contest representative and Rock-Chic, , renowned local band , 1975 Eurovision Song Contest representative , , 2011 Eurovision Song Contest representative , Maestro Archibald Mizzi, , Maestro Paul Abela, Ray Mahoney, and . Maestro will be directing a live orchestra during the evening. The 'ONE Tribute” will be held at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta on Saturday 29th October at 20.30. Tickets can be purchased from ONE Studios in Marsa, REDTOUCH Ħamrun, and from the PL Local Centre in Rabat, Gozo. For more information, please phone 25682568.

Source: Facebook (Quinton Scerri)

The 8th annual Bay Music Awards saw the Bay Arena bustling with life, as thousands attended the highly anticipated show in support of 89.7 Bay and Malta’s local music scene. The night, which was packed with 23 show-stopping performances, was hosted by Bay Radio’s own deejays; Bay Breakfast’s Captain Drew , Drive time’s Nathan and 89.7 Bay’s newest addition, Ben Clover. The night's performances concluded with the Bay Kids song 'Reach Out' by Toby & Jjoy ft. Lyndsay. The song is available for download from iTunes in aid of YMCA Malta.

The category awards were presented by Malta’s finest talent and popular faces, including the Zoo Team, John Bundy, Melanie Kelly, Quinton Scerri, Andrew Hogg, Eden Leisure Group Director - Mr. Kevin  DeCesare, Stephanie Cassar and Shanel Debattista.  This year, public SMS votes topped the records held in any of the previous year’s by staggering amounts – thus only proving the growing support for both established and upcoming local talent. The winners of the five categories presented -by the above personalities, and the Presenter's Choice award - given out by 89.7 Bay's fun-loving deejay's; Mat, and Dorian Cassar -  include:

Best Band:

Best Dance Tune/Remix:

Best Song:

Best Solo:

Best Newcomer:

Presenter's Choice:

A brand new award, called the ‘Raise the Roof Award’, was presented for the very first time this year, allowing all those who performed on the night a chance to get their hands on the prestigious, and innovative award if they managed to obtain the loudest screams from their adoring fans following their act. The sheer volume and strength of the audience reaction, which was picked up and tallied through the use of sensitive microphones and advanced technology, determined the category winner, announced by Kevin DeCesare along with the award sponsor .  This year's award winner, and the first to ever hold this title were Malta’s top band, Airport Impressions, which win made this the band's 3rd award for the night, out of the 7 categories presented.

The Bay Music Awards will be aired on ONE TV on Monday 19th December. With a repeat taking place on Christmas Day at 3.30pm The voting for the Viewer’s Choice Award will be open during the first screening of the BMA’S and will officially close at midnight on the 26th December.

Source: Bay Radio, ONE

Here we are, counting down Malta’s Top 10 in the last week of  the year 2011. Great classics in this week’s top 10, with just one new entry, from Fellowfish at position number 10. The song, “”, got its first listen on Bay radio a month ago, and it seems to have started gaining popularity with the listeners. It’s a very relaxing song which style contrasts its lyrics; the every-day rush of our lives. The frontman of this ‘new’ band is none other than Keith Anthony, the male half of popular Gozitan band Chasing Pandora.

While that band is working in the background on what to do and where to go next, Anthony has also been keeping busy with his own side-project, a trio also featuring Christophe Ladret on percussions and Kristian Vella on guitars. The single is actually the title track of our upcoming album, which will be released very soon. It is “a subtle and sublime mix of social observation and light-hearted melody, promising to evoke new ideas and feelings beyond the ordinary”. The new band’s music is described by its frontman as “eclectic, with influences from contemporary artists such as Iron and Wine, Fink and Ben Harper”.

Another popular entry regains the 8th position this week; “” from Vandroo feat. Chess. It always was an in-out song but at least, it finished the year in a positive position. A quite-recent song from the group RiSE, “Star”, has gone down one position from last week, ending the year at position number 7. Formal number 1 song from Dolls for Idols, “”. Rock songs seem to have been quite a popular genre this year in the Maltese scene and during these 52 weeks, various rock songs have made it to the top 3.

No Snow/No Alps have maintained position number 6 this week, with the song “”. I don’t know for which reason, but this song gives me such a good feeling when I listen to it. It has a very versatile upbeat and a very catchy refrain. Great position to end the year No Snow/No Alps! And here it is, the crazy song which personally, I see it as Malta’s “I’m sexy and you know it” beat. Mathematikal distinguish themselves with this 80’s kind of electronic music, which seems to be regaining popularity in Malta thanks to this song. “” ends the year at position number 5, rising in position from last week. Corinna feat goes down one position this week, ending the year at position number 4 with the song “”.

Finally, cheers to this week’s top 3! At position number 3, Funk Initiative, with ormai their 2011 classic single, “”, which rose one position from last week. Red Electric & Ray Mercieca secured position number 2 and last but not least, at position number 1, <drumroll> … Bay’s 2011 charity song, “”, secures for the second week position number 1, thus ending the year on top.

Also featured in this week’s chart countdown, we got another listen to a couple of popular songs which made it to the top positions of the year 2011. These included BMA’s top awarded band, Airport Impressions’s song, “”, which personally, is my favourite single from this band, “” from Wintermoods, “” from No Snow/No Alps and last but not least, “” from Bridget Bone, who were nominated for the “Best New Comer” Award during the Bay Music Awards. Stay tuned to escflashmalta for new updates regarding the Maltese music scene! Happy New Year once again, dear readers! :)

Source: Bay Radio

L-Għanja Tal-Poplu, the most popular festival of original songs in Maltese, will be held on the 21st April 2012 in the Sir Temi Zammit Hall, at Tal-Qroqq. This will be the 36th edition of this festival, which aim is to keep the Maltese language alive even through the music. The organising committee invites authors, composers and music groups to participate with songs that deal with our experiences and aspirations as a nation in the world today. As in previous editions, the songs will be accompanied  live by various groups and musicians. The commitee will also be providing the services of a pianist to accompany participants if required.

The 36th edition of this festival is being promoted as ‘a leap forward in standard”, thanks to the help and assistance given by the Malta Arts Fund. L-Għanja tal-Poplu will be organised under the auspices of the World Association of Festivals and Artists (WAFA). In collaboration with WAFA and the assosciation’s chairman, Mr Norman Hamilton, the winners of the second and third place will be given the opportunity to select a singer to take part in festivals abroad. The same opportunity is being offered to the winner of the first place  together with a flight for two to any European destination The organising comittee encourages authors, composers and music groups to submit songs for this festival by Monday 13th of February, 2012. A copy of the regulations can be downloaded from www.ghanjafest.com or even on the ESCflashmalta home page within the Notice Board. Participants who have any queries or  want  to recieve a hard-copy of  the application and rules should write to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Source: Għanja tal-Poplu