M USIC
WORDS RAMONA DEPARES
A JOU R N EY T OWA R D S S TA R L I G H T HE HAS RECENTLY SIGNED UP TO WASSERMAN MUSIC, THE SAME BOOKING AGENTS IN CHARGE OF BILLIE EILISH, COLDPLAY AND ED SHEERAN’S TOURING SCHEDULE, AND HIS RECORD DEAL WITH POLYDOR MUSIC COULDN’T HAVE BEEN MORE FRUITFUL; HIS CHANNEL NOW REACHING OVER 20K SUBSCRIBERS ON YOUTUBE. I’m talking, of course, about singer-songwriter Shaun Farrugia, he
the first song I wrote five years ago, and compared to today, the
who has had thousands jumping and singing to his music during
music is unrecognisable. I can’t believe that was me. It's amazing
the last Isle of MTV concert. Shaun Farrugia is Malta’s very own boy
how much I've learned over this time, it almost feels like I evolve
wonder, living proof that - given enough talent and determination
with each song" he replies. "I recently found the first song I wrote
- yes, our homegrown talent is perfectly capable of flourishing even
five years ago, and compared to today, the music is unrecognisable.
under the harsher spotlight of the international stage.
I can’t believe that was me. It's amazing how much I've learned over this time, it almost feels like I evolve with each song" he replies.
And flourishing, he certainly is. But not so much as to lose sight of his origins, or to lose that charmingly humble persona that
So he’s still learning? He nods emphatically: “In this industry, once
instinctively makes anyone he comes in contact with root for
you stop learning, you stagnate.”
him. Shaun famously started out composing songs from his bedroom in San Ġwann, but today he’s based in London. I asked
It’s no secret that the label has a lot to do with the sound
Shaun, in a world where TikTok stars have led many to dream that
and direction of an artist. How is his partnership with Polydor
you can hit it big even from the smallest village anywhere, how
developing? Perhaps predictably, he replies that he loves the label
crucial was this move?
and the team. Catching the look in my eye he goes: “No, I don’t want you to think I’m just saying that to score points. They’ve
“Making music is a long journey. You start from your bedroom, yes,
become my family. A family that understands the music process
or from any room where you feel creative. Once you start putting
and the time it takes to grow. They’ve done it all before, so they’re
your work out there you can gauge reactions, start building a
in a good position to know how to see something that can be
following. And once you get bigger, or move to another country,
developed further, to help me shape my talent.”
opportunities start to grow. You get the opportunity to connect with people who can open doors. You start from anywhere, but
The passion in his voice is seriously too genuine for this to be a
travelling and going to the places where the industries are mainly
mere stock reply, especially when he tells me that I should not
located, to where those who have the tools to help you are based…
be asking what Polydor are bringing to Shaun Farrugia - or vice-
that’s always a good thing,” he tells me.
versa - but what the two can achieve together. And then the clincher: “It’s a relationship. Suddenly, you realise that you
I ask him if he’s seen his actual music change since he’s taken things
speak to them about everything, not just work, but also
to the next level. His reply is refreshingly honest - "I recently found
about life itself.”
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