Playing experimental music in Malta

I am asked often about the possibilities of playing live in Malta. The below, with links, might be helpful.

Are there opportunities to play experimental music – such as ambient, drone, noise, etc – in a live settings or to show sound art work?

Simply put, it might be possible if your expectations are low. If you’re looking to play live while on holiday, to twist some knobs and have your skin crackle audibly in the midday sun (incidentally, it could make a good sound art project) – this could be doable.

If you’re expecting a paid flight, hotel accommodation and a generous fee, it is very unlikely. Not only is Malta a tiny island nation at the Southern limits of the European Union, but it has less than half a million inhabitants and, despite a thriving scene for its size, and a generally very appreciative audience, everything remains small-scale.

You’ll make friends, you’ll swim, you’ll visit one of the more unusual places in Europe – but you won’t make money. Make money in Switzerland.

What helps a lot is if you’ve got arts mobility funding that covers your flight and accommodation, for example.

Which organisations/venues do I contact?

Perhaps the easiest is to just get in touch with me. Through Complex Holiday we might be able to help. I am also the Artistic Director of the Sustain-Delay programme, a programme at an arts institution called Malta Society of Arts in the capital Valletta.

Other than me you may also contact Electronic Music Malta, Kinemastik and Arsha Our.

Together, all of these organisations (mine included) hosted people as varied as Andy Stott, Aaron Dilloway, Demdike Stare, Lucas Abela / Justice Yeldham, Luke Vibert, Dopplereffekt, Pole, Container, Huerco S., Basic House (Opal Tapes), Bernhard Gal, TG Gondard, Roadside Picnic, Yuri Landman, Molom, etc.

There aren’t many venues. In 2024 a place called ISSA saw the day, which I’m also involved in. We play in cellars, abandoned holiday complexes, institutional art spaces, pubs, living rooms and anywhere they’ll let us play. 

Other info? 

The article I wrote for The Wire magazine is a good place to pick out a few names and ideas.

Gugar is a good hangout to speak to people and pick up flyers from. Other good options are Storeroom, Hole in the Wall, Pole Pole, Wild Honey, Offbeat and other bars. Also check out Sunset Records.

If you forgot your cables, Olimpus Music is the biggest music shop on the island.

Other than Airmalta, Ryanair have a lot of flights to Malta. Several other low-cost or major airlines fly to Malta. 

There are cheap hotel options, catering to budget British and German tourists, around Bugibba/St. Paul’s Bay. If you’re renting a car stay away from busy areas like Sliema and St. Julian’s. Traffic is dense and bad. There’s plenty of Airbnb options in Valletta, but think of the places around Valletta which are cheaper, like Floriana or Ħamrun.

Other than being sunny, Malta is windy. To check for currents, strong wind or jellyfish, check out Which Beach.