International Radio Festival Malta 2018 - Magazine

LISTEN TO HOW THE WORLD SOUNDS GLOBAL RADIOS BLOCKCHAIN TUNES POWER OF AUDIO PIRATE SOUNDS MALTA FESTIVALS ISLAND MUSIC

VALLETTA. EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE 2018.

M A LTA’ 1 8 29 OCTOBER - 4 NOVEMBER

MAGAZINE

ON-AIR EDITION

visitmalta.com airmalta.com internationalradiofestival.com

#irfradiofest #irfmalta #visitmalta 1

LISTEN TO HOW THE WORLD SOUNDS FROM MALTA

Welcome to the International Radio Festival (IRF), and welcome to Valletta, Malta’s capital city, and this year’s European Capital City of Culture.

Malta enjoys an incredible history dating back 5’000 years, and where music and radio has also played a historical part on this sparkling gem of an island midst the southern Mediterranean, boasting the world’s first record store from 1885 and in more recent times being one of the first countries to embrace Europe’s new broadcasting standard DAB+, as well as many other 21st century technologies.

Radio is experiencing a tremendous resurgence fitting in perfectly with today’s ear-phone generation and feeding our need for authenticity and ‘time-away’ from today’s ever increasing impersonal over-digitialised and over-engaged one-dimensional ‘fake’ world, where superficial surfing represents the order of the day.

Media channels, brands and services are re-discovering the unique qualities of radio and cura-

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ted audio, recognising radio as the most sociable medium delivering maximum impact compared to other mediums – no wonder radio is returning the fastest growing advertising revenues across commercial channels over the last few years!

The future of radio is not ultimately technology driven, it’s the creativity we transport it on that plays the deciding role whether we ‘listen’ in, and that is what the IRF is all about: to bring together industry leaders and broadcasters to showcase and debate the business and curation of music radio content.

Broadcasting my thanks to our host country Malta, our partners, participants and visitors alike, for supporting and being part of the world’s largest on-air event – the International Radio Festival 2018 Malta Edition.

Darryl von Däniken Founder and Festival Director

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M A LTA’ 1 8

CONTENT

29 OCTOBER - 4 NOVEMBER

VALLETTA. EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE 2018

#irfradiofest #irfmalta #visitmalta

THE INTERNATIONAL RADIO FESTIVAL. SHOWCASING AND DEBATING THE BUSINESS AND CURATION OF MUSIC RADIO/AUDIO CONTENT. SINCE 2010.

“Why do we have ears” asked my children, “so we can imagine amazing pictures to sing along to” I answered.

Darryl von Däniken, Founder & Festival Director 4

Welcome to the IRF in Malta Message from Hon. Owen Bonnici, Minister for Justice Message from Hon. Dr. Konrad Mizzi, Minister for Tourism Message from Gavin Gulia, MTA Executive Chairman IRF Locations 5 Reasons to Discover Malta Joanna Spiteri, CEO, Broadcasting Authority Malta The Nights of Malta - Malta’s Club Life Discover The Gut Malta Calling – The Festivals of Malta Music Island Malta – Where Music Sounds Better Flying High with Air Malta The Search for the Oldest Record Store in the World Everyone has a Face for Radio IRF On-Air Hosts IRF On-Air Programme and Schedule Heritage Malta - Fort St. Elmo Radio loves the IRF - Quotes from the Past MICAS - Malta International Contemporary Art Space Why should radio keep on reminding everyone it is unique?

Never Mind the Blockchain Radio Consumption in Malta IRF Globals Audio Conference Programme Q&A with Darryl von Däniken Sound of India Contest Winner RJ Devaki

Publisher: Editor-in-chief: Art Direction: Contributors: Print:

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International Radio Festival Adrian Hoenicke, www.hoenicke.ch Remo Poletti, www.remopoletti.net Contributors: Gabby Sanderson, Cliff Fluet, Lilian Caruana, Andrei Imboll, Marc Mason, Carlo Micaleff Progress Press, Malta 5

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elcome to the 9th edition of the International Radio Festival, taking place in the majestic Fort St Elmo in Valletta.

This year is a special one for the culture scene in Malta – not only are we celebrating Valletta as the European Capital of Culture for 2018, but it is also the European Year for Cultural Heritage. Through our direct investment in the culture sector and through celebrations of this nature we have provided a stronger international platform for the artistic and creative scene in our country, which in turn have led to a greater audience reach both locally and internationally, an increase in professionalisation, and also more economic generation within this booming sector.

Malta’s unique and long history has provided us with many beautiful locations holding great historical significance, which now form part of our national heritage and our identity. This Festival is being held in Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which boasts many museums and prime historical locations. In fact, Fort St Elmo has played an important role throughout historic events such as the Great Siege of Malta and World War II. One can also find plenty of museums and sites around the islands, which convey our islands’ long history.

These locations commemorate our heritage, traditions and customs, and I invite you to visit them during your stay here, whilst wishing you all the best for the International Radio Festival.

Hon. Owen Bonnici - Minister for Justice Culture & Local Government

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he Government has also embarked on a strategy to attract quality festival tourism to Malta.

Malta welcomes the International Radio Festival Tourism in Malta is registering exceptional growth as last year Malta has reached new records with a total of 2.3 million inbound tourists.

These positive results are attributed to a multi-pronged policy approach to tourism and Malta‘s efforts in securing and expanding air connectivity through airline route development. The Government has embarked on a strategy to channel growth into the low season months whilst improving year-round connectivity to Malta.

The Government has also embarked on a strategy to attract quality festival tourism to Malta. In this regard, Malta is proving to be an excellent festival destination. In fact, Malta has already managed to attract world class festivals, artists and brands. We aim to continue developing this festival tourism niche through high quality events for all audiences. Events with the likes of Isle of MTV, Summerdaze Malta in partnership with BBC Radio One, Elrow, Annie Mac‘s Lost & Found Festival, Abode Festival, Nickelodeon‘s Treasure Hunt, Glitch and other concerts and festivals that have left their mark in the entertainment industry. In this regard, the International Radio Festival fits directly into Malta’s tourism strategy and we look forward to hosting it in Malta.

Hon. Dr. Konrad Mizzi, Minister for Tourism

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alta has a good face for radio.

Like many who dare to use this phrase, I only do so half-jokingly. The beauty of our islands can be experienced in many ways, as can be explained by the millions who visit Malta and return to their home country with beautiful photos featuring gorgeous bays, under a scorching sun.

Our capital city, Valletta, is the European Capital of culture, where visitors encounter extravagance and colour. Though the city is baroque at heart, it is as though a large paintbrush of modernity passed through it at the crux of each period of history. The sounds and sights of the different stylistic interventions that the city has been through make Valletta a unique destination in the world.

Yet I mean it when I say that Malta has a great face for radio. It certainly is the ideal place for the International Radio Festival to take place. Maltese society prides itself on fostering a sense of belonging in an age of cultural diversity, and this willingness to appreciate different cultures is fundamental for a strong international community. This festival recognises the power in giving diverse causes and communities a platform for expression as well as the necessary networks to support meaningful exchange.

Thank you for choosing Malta and may your stay be one of many.

Gavin Gulia MTA Executive Chairman

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M A LTA’ 1 8 25 OCTOBER - 4 NOVEMBER

LOCATION

FORT ST. ELMO

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MEDITERRANEAN CONFERENCE CENTRE

GRAND HOTEL EXCELSIOR MALTA FLORIANA

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IRF LOCATIONS VALETTA

It’s the very first time the International Radio Festival will take place in Valetta, the beautiful capital of Malta and European Capital of Culture for 2018. All the more happier we are to be able to host our festival at two of the city’s most exciting and steeped history locations: the Fort Saint Elmo and the Mediterranean Conference Centre.

vering an area of over 7000m², the MCC includes a main auditorium, a banqueting hall (with seating for up to 900), and smaller halls ideal for more modest events and occasions. Being one of Europe’s largest conference settings in a historical building, it stands with commendation by holding a «Europa Nostra Award» for blending its historical setting with state of the art technology.

It’s not where you’re from, it’s where you’re at.

The Fort Saint Elmo is probably the first tourist attraction you’ll see if you approach Valetta by sea. The Bastion fort stands on the seaward shore of the Sciberras Peninsula that divides Marsamxett Harbour from Grand Harbour. By 1417, the local militia had already established a permanent watch post and in 1488, the Aragonese built a watchtower on Saint Elmo Point dedicated to Erasmus of Formia, better known as Saint Elmo. During the Great Siege of Malta in 1565, Fort St. Elmo was the scene of some of the most intense fighting, and it withstood massive bombardment from Turkish cannon for 28 days. None of the defending knights survived, and only nine of the Maltese defenders survived, and then only by swimming across to Fort St. Angelo on the other side of the Grand Harbour. Surrounded by history and with a spectacular view, the Fort Saint Elmo will be a fitting place of event for this year’s IRF.

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The Mediterranean Conference Centre MCC (Dar il-Mediterran għall-Konferenzi) was originally built as a hospital in the 16th century by the Order of St. John and converted to how it is today in 1979. This impressive building looks out over the Grand Harbour of Valletta and hosts not only concerts, but is the island’s main venue for theatrical performances, recitals, exhibitions, conventions, and banquets. Co11

DISCOVERING MALTA

REASONS AND Stunning bays hug the sparkling crystal-clear waters, topographical cliffs rise from the gentle sea, and beautiful sandy beaches open up the landscape to the untouched countryside, dotted with villages, majestic churches, farmsteads and the oldest known human structures in the world. Discover the Mediterranean’s best kept secret whilst basking in over 300 days of sunshine a year.

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PLACES VALLETTA - EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE 2018 Over the past five years, Valletta 2018 has been instrumental in the social, economic and cultural regeneration of Valletta; making it a flourishing cultural and social hub for all to discover. Valletta 2018 has invested strongly in a diverse Cultural

Programme that saw the involvement of over 1,000 local and international artists, curators, performers, writers, designers, choirs and film-makers in over 400 spectacular events. Many of these events will carry over into 2019 and beyond, as well as spreading to other cities and towns around the Maltese Islands.

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A YEAR-ROUND EVENT CALENDAR The Maltese Islands are a year-round destination, made possible by over 300 days of sunshine and over 400 eclectic events a year. Whether you’re experiencing the Malta International Fireworks Festival, Isle of MTV, Summer Daze, Malta Fashion Week or the International Jazz Festival during the the spring and summer months, or the Rolex Middle Sea Race or Baroque Festival in the autumn and winter months; there is certainly an event for everyone throughout the year.

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HOME TO THE OLDEST STRUCTURES IN THE WORLD History enthusiasts can discover over 7,000 years of history. The Islands’ scenery and architecture provide a spectacular backdrop in which to explore megaliths, medieval dungeons and ancient cities; the destination is positively mythic. There are three UNESCO World Heritage sites found on the Maltese Islands; the Megalithic Temples, the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum and the City of Valletta. The Megalithic Ġgantija Temples were created 1,000 years before the Egyptian Pyramids and is the oldest free-standing structure in the world.

CALLING ALL ADVENTURE ENTHUSIASTS The sparkling Mediterranean Sea offers a tranquil environment for snorkelling, kayaking and swimming; whilst the topographical island landscape encourages rock-climbing, mountain-biking and horse-riding. At the 2017 Diver Awards, the Maltese Islands won the title of second Best Dive Destination in the World. Malta, Gozo and Comino offer an array of unique diving experiences with an abundance of stunning reefs, natural caves, and WW2 wrecks to explore.

MALTESE GASTRONOMY The flavours of Maltese cuisine are the result of a 7,000-year relationship with the many civilisations who have occupied the Maltese Islands. A tantalising melting-pot of cultures, including the Sicilians, Romans, Spanish, and French, have influenced the unique blend of Maltese cooking. Enjoy the local specialities such as Pastizzi, which is a delicious savoury filo pastry filled with either rich ricotta cheese or mushy peas; Fenek, which is a rabbit stew and Malta’s national dish; and Kunserva, a sweet, concentrated tomato paste, which is delicious spread on bread.

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PLACES YOU MUST VISIT

MALTA

LUXURY

ESCAPES

The Grand Hotel Excelsior is ideally located on the doorstep of a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Capital City of Valletta, with all its major attractions, culture, art treasures, and historical architectural gems.

This acclaimed Valletta Malta hotel prides itself in providing the discerning traveller with magnificent accommodation, breathtaking views of Marsamxett harbour and Manoel Island, state-of-the-art meeting rooms, and an unforgettable dining experience. Its central position allows for easy travel to all parts of the Maltese islands.

VALLETTA City-breakers can discover Malta’s capital Valletta; the sunniest city in Europe and Europe’s smallest capital, meaning it’s easy to explore entire on foot. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to elegant winding streets, stunning historical monuments and an abundance of waterfront dining options. Visitors can stay in one of the many old palazzo buildings in Valletta that have been transformed into boutique hotels, perfect for visitors wanting to stay in stylish accommodation with a quirky edge.

The city’s beautiful baroque architecture and rich heritage has earned Valletta the accolade of being 2018’s European Capital of Culture.

Besides all this, Valletta is home to Caravaggio’s only signed painting, which is housed at the impressive St. John’s Co-Cathedral.

fauna. Gozo is just a short twenty-five-minute ferry crossing from Malta, and once there you can immerse yourself in spectacular natural beauty, Mediterranean cuisine, and colourful feasts and festivals throughout the year.

Between the last weekend in May and mid-September; each village in Gozo holds an annual feast dedicated to its Patron Saint.

Experiencing a village festa is not to be missed if you visit Gozo during these months. Visitors are always welcome to join a festa and it’s a great way to get a real taste of local life.

Villages are decorated with lights and bunting, bands march through the streets, and fireworks light up the skies as crowds enjoy traditional cuisine from street stalls.

Should you wish to experience the Grand Life at a superior five star Luxury Malta Hotel kindly contact us on info@excelsior.com.mt or call us on +356 21250520 or book directly online at www.excelsior.com.mt

www.excelsior.com.mt 16

GOZO Charming Gozo offers visitors a slow-paced culture with the chance to discover natural caves, world-class diving, rock climbing and picturesque walking routes boasting flora and

MDINA The history of Mdina, Malta’s original capital, can be traced back to more than 4,000 years ago when the Apostle St. Paul is said to have resided inside a grotto nearby. Mdina is still home to Malta’s noble families, and one of 17

Europe’s finest examples of an ancient walled city due to its unusual mix of medieval and Baroque architecture. The only mode of transport within the honey-coloured walls is horse and carriage, giving Mdina the nickname of the ‘Silent City’. Visitors can stroll through the narrow, meandering streets and marvel at impressive palaces, palazzos, and museums.

THREE CITIES The Three Cities is a collective description of the fortified cities of Birgu, Senglea, and Cospicua. The oldest of the Three Cities is Birgu, which has existed since the Middle Ages. The other two cities, Senglea and Cospicua, were both founded by the Order of Saint John in the 16th and 17th centuries.

One may discover the Three Cities on foot, enabing you to explore the beautiful cities at your own pace, spending additional time at any site or museum which may be of more interest, before stopping at one of the numerous cafes for a snack.

COMINO Comino - the smallest of the inhabited Maltese Islands, measuring only 3.5 square kilometres - can be explored in a day-trip. Carefree and car-free, the virtually uninhabited island of Comino is a favourite escape all year round. Take a 20-minute chartered boat ride from Malta to Comino or a shorter 10-minute boat ride from Gozo. The serene environment of Comino appeals to nature enthusiasts and holiday-goers in search of escape.

The Blue Lagoon is one of the most picturesque locations on the Maltese archipelago. The small cove between the western end of the island and the uninhabited islet of Cominotto, boasts turquoise shallow waters perfect for swimming, snorkelling and exploring by boat.

Comino’s rocky coastline offers bays and caves perfect for relaxing and basking in the Maltese sun. San Niklaw Bay and Santa Marija Bay in particular, offer a tranquil and quiet backdrop for swimming, snorkelling and, sunbathing.

«...and once there you can immerse yourself in spectacular natural beauty.»

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THE ROLE OF THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY The Broadcasting Authority is an independent statutory body and was set up under the Constitution in September 1961 to regulate radio and television services in Malta. The functions of the Broadcasting Authority are laid down under Section 118(2) of the Constitution of Malta, and the Broadcasting Act 1991 lays down broadcasting regulations.

The Authority is made up of a Chairman and four other members who are normally appointed for a three-year term but who may be re-appointed to serve for further terms. The Constitution of Malta provides that the Chairman and Members are appointed by the President acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister after having consulted the Leader of the Opposition.

The Broadcasting Authority supervises local broadcasting stations and ensures their compliance with legal and licence obligations. It also has to satisfy itself that as far as possible due impartiality is preserved in respect of matters of political or industrial controversy or relating to current public policy. Through the Authority’s guidance, standards in local broadcasting have improved over the years.

Challenges Given that society is continuously changing, the Broadcasting Authority and the broadcasting industry have to keep abreast with ongoing changes, both socially and technologically. The transition to digital, the globalization of events, and the ability to share and commercialize content led to greater diversity, with the inclusion of more actors and platforms, information sources and plurality of voices and content. Consumers 20

have also become content producers themselves offering alternative content as a means to strenghten the democratisation process.

In view of all these changes, the Broadcasting Authority has to update its function through continuous reforms in regulation and legislation but also in providing adequate training to stakeholders. It also needs to see that the audience is sensitive enough, being at the receiving end of the media spectrum, and thus the need for the regulator to contribute in media literacy.

One of the main challenges at the doorstep of the Broadcasting Authority is the implementation of the Audiovisual Media Service Directive (AVMSD) which introduced the convergence of media markets and video-sharing platforms within a regulatory regime. As a result, in the coming years, the Authority needs to continue to regulate content on traditional broadcasting but also to include some of the online platforms, particularly video sharing platforms to see that regulations on advertising, promotion of cultural heritage, protection of minors, issues of hate speech, amongst others, are being adhered to.

As for radio broadcasting, the Authority’s challenge is to support good quality programming in radio broadcasting, whichever platform is used to reach listeners. Certainly broadcasting regulators can do more than apply current legislation. Their role must evolve in providing training, since quality in broadcasting is a right for society.

Lately radio has registered a sustained comeback, despite the online competition. The nature of radio broadcasting itself has managed to withstand the introduction of television. It will surely cope with the newcomers on the market and will adapt to modern consumption and tastes.

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䌀䠀䄀一一䔀䰀匀 唀䠀䐀 䄀唀䐀䤀伀⨀

Dr Joanna Spiteri, CEO Broadcasting Authority ⨀䌀漀洀椀渀最 猀漀漀渀 21

THE NIGHTS OF MALTA

By Lilian Caruana*

No more than a tiny speck smackbang in the middle of the Mediterranean, this beautiful archipelago hides plenty of surprises.

Sure, there’s the amazing turquoise bays, incredible architecture and delicious rabbit -based dinners. Yet, it’s when the day comes to a close that Malta uncovers a whole other, exciting layer. The local nightlife has such a vast variety of choices to offer that whatever your poison, you’re sure to have a night to remember. The darkness of afterhours features everything from smooth jazz to rhythmic hip-hop, from swaying reggae to turbulent house. So get ready to party!

TWENTY TWO

You step into the quiet lobby and are greeted with a courteous smile as you pay the entrance. It’s almost too quiet, so your mind shuffles between “Is it even open?

Don’t be silly, of course it is!” and “Wow, talk about glamourous!” The elevator ride is just long enough to make you shiver with anticipation. As the doors open and you enter the room, the view instantly takes your breath away. Right then and there you know this night will be absolutely magnificent. Approaching the bar, you can feel the smooth music taking over. “A gin and tonic. Hendrick’s, please.”

Address: Level 22, Portomaso Business Tower, St. Julian‘s; just look for the skyscraper 22

THE BRIDGE BAR TWENTY TWO

HAVANA CLASSICS

Your crew is by your side, the mood is brilliant and you just downed another one of those tiny rum and cokes from the bar. All of a sudden, your favourite tune comes on.

The floor is packed, but you squeeze through and find a spot. The mass of people moves almost in unison and now, so do you with them. The air is thick with lust as the nostalgic, The Way You Move, blasts through the speakers. You notice a curious pair of beautiful brown eyes smiling at you across the dancefloor and move in. Before you know it, you’re lost in those eyes, letting the bass dictate the rhythm of this fleeting affair.

Address: St. George‘s Road, Paceville, St. Julian‘s; in the middle of the best known party street on the island

THE BRIDGE BAR

In all fairness, you’re only half invested in the conversation, as the magical jazz tunes draw you in like a moth to a flame.

What an amazing night with the mellow glow of old Valletta beaming with romance! Another bottle of red wine seems to appear out of nowhere. You’ve found a cosy corner on the pillows laid out on the steps with candles around and the live band in plain view. The best way to enjoy this is to just succumb to the night, close your eyes, swing to the music, and keep sipping on that wine.

Address: 258, Saint Ursula Street, Valletta; down the street from Upper Barrakka Gardens

HAVANA CLASSICS ZION REGGAE BAR Whether it’s one of our favourites, a friend’s suggestion, or a new discovery, you’re guaranteed a brilliant night.

Malta does not disappoint, so be sure to enjoy it to the fullest.

CAFÉ DEL MAR

ZION REGGAE BAR

As your trusty old sneakers kick up dust, you can see the entrance looming in the distance. You hurry, since they were already scolding you for being late in the group chat. You have no idea who’s playing tonight, but it doesn’t matter. The artists are always good here and you’re kind of an omnivore when it comes to music anyway.

Besides, no other place has a vibe as good as this. The bar staff waves you a welcome as you enter, but you rush past them, for now, to find your friends at a table in the back garden. The place is buzzing with people and the positivity is absolutely palpable. “Your real friends won’t do you wrong, real friends don‘t change,” bounces off the stage as you hug yours hello. There’s a cold beer waiting for you already on the sturdy pallet-table, so you kick back and relax.

Address: St. Thomas Bay, Wied il-Għajn, Marsascala; at the start of the promenade, opposite the first pier

CAFÉ DEL MAR

This. This right here is the magical, music-videoesque celebrity life. There’s the beautiful sea view hanging above the edge of the infinity pool, fancy cocktails with tiny umbrellas just keep on coming and the music is soft, yet mystical. You’re waited on hand and foot while you soak up the sun. As the day draws to a close, you take one more sip from your cocktail before heading in for a quick outfit change.

After all, that golden sunset isn’t announcing an end, but rather the beginning of the best part. They’re playing one of your favourites when you emerge again, so you casually swing across the dancefloor before heading to the bar for a top up. This party is getting better by the minute.

Address: Triq it-Trunciera, St Paul‘s Bay; right next to the Malta National Aquarium 23

MARRAKECH BACCO STICKS & SUM BY HUGO‘S

MARRAKECH The deep beat of music is enchanting, even from afar, as you hurry towards the club. It’s been too long since you and your friends enjoyed a proper club night together and you can’t wait to make it a good one. There’s just one problem: where are they? “Near the bar,” they said. But which one? The place is massive, the music pumping and the crowd is going wild.

It’s surreal, almost hypnotic, as the DJ works the turntables. You make your way across the area, narrowly avoid a rum and coke splash escaping from a glass of an overzealous dancer, pass the elevated VIP area and finally spot your friends. It’s time to let loose, and as if reading your mind, one of the guys hands you a shot to start the night off in style.

Address: Limits of Rabat, RBT 5032, Malta; in the Gianpula Village, a massive complex of nightclubs

* Lilian Caruana „A designer-by-degree, analyst-by-profession Estonian, who came to the beautiful Maltese islands back in 2014 in search of sun, but ended up staying for love. Mixing her passion for crafts, science and opinionated blogging, she loves sharing her experiences of settling in to the culture far from the one she got used to growing up.“ 24

BACCO STICKS & SUM BY HUGO‘S A nod to the bouncer, a slight hat tip to the DJ and here you are at the bar leaning in for your order. The party is in full swing – and you shall get back to it – but for now, you join your friends at outside table for a breath of fresh air. Before you know it, you’ve gotten yourself into one of those tipsy - enough - to - go - for it, but sober- enough - to - make sense philosophical arguments. Then, a friend motions you from the dancefloor to join. You welcome the change of pace, make your way in from the terrace and put your best house moves on. The atmosphere is perfect for a wild Friday night.

Address: It-Taraġ St Rita, Paceville, St. Julian‘s; a few steps up the stairway from the eCabs taxi stand

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STRAIGHT DOWN STRAIT STREET: Rumored to be the darkest and sleaziest part of Strait Street, also known as «The Gut» – the old red light district of Valletta – home to notorious hangouts such as the «Silver Horse», «The Blue Peter» and the «James Bond» has come back to life after 50 odd years of neglect. «The Gut» by Valletta Boutique Living is a high end Gastro-Retail project where fine dining, live music, theatre, cabaret, dance, and architecture all come together between two walls and in three dimensions. This new entertainment hub is home to some of the trendiest concepts in Malta.

At the top end of the street, one is welcomed by a Japanese Bistro, a Washoku restaurant following the Japanese tradition of Izakaya, the brain child of two talented Japanese chefs, Toru Imamura and Miyuki Sakamoto. The Japanese duo have introduced traditional Japanese dishes as well as an element of subtle fusion twist. They are dedicated to their love 26

of food and their mission is to create strong connections between people and cultures through the creation of amazing food. This is in fact the meaning of 縁 (to be pronounced «en»), the ideogramm that gives its name to the restaurant.

Following that, the stylish «Alchemy» cocktail bar comes next with its cocktail creations

perfectly delivered by Mixologist Attila Felhosi and his crew. Besides an exclusive bar area, Alchemy Bar also provides a special, fully separated, private room, dedicated to those who prefer privacy while enjoying some of the most amazing flavour combinations.

The show doesn’t stop there, on the contrary, probably the most notorious and documented entertainment spot in the neighbourhood, the «Silver Horse», named after the Lone Ranger‘s horse, Silver. Known to many-a-sailor as the crucial late-night stop, this was a place of live shows and alternative cabaret, and also home to the famous transvestite showgirl II-Bobby.

This iconic spot is soon coming back to it’s former glory as «The Thirsty Lawyer», inspired by the prohibition times in the States. This outlet will offer Cabaret, live music, comedy nights and much more.

Discreetly hidden behind the only original old door left on the Street is «The 99», a private members club hiding more than one could expect. From the colonial style decor, the

sexy opium den and to the vintage radios one can not but be left amazed by this blast from the past.

Finally, one comes to «The Kennedy», the pumping heart of this new entertainment district.

Probably named after JFK‘s assassination in 1963, this is an example of a common refrain in Strada Stretta: that of embracing American themes, especially during the Vietnam War, which brought thousands of American sailors to Valletta on their way to and from South-East Asia.

The closest thing to a gastro pub, but higher on the contempo hipster scale; «The Kennedy» is the best place to be for premium whiskey, gin selection and the heartiest platters in town. The owners of the establishment hand crafted the interiors with love of everything vintage, from the solid wood bar to everything hanging on the walls. Visit the Kennedy for a walk through time, reliving the days when Strait Street was the nightlife hub of the Mediterranean.

The Gut however still has much more to come.

But we’ll leave that for the next episode.

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ALTA

CALLING

If you are visiting Malta you should most definitely check the island’s flamboyant event calendar. Whether you want to see the world’s finest jazz acts on stage, you’d like to experience Malta’s rich cultural heritage, you are into loud rock music, you are eager to attend one of Europe’s biggest open air events or you always wanted to camp out in the beautiful nature and enjoy peace, love, and happiness, there’s a vast number of festivals all year long on the three islands of Malta. Here we reveal 18 festivals you shouldn’t miss when in Malta.

Next to the International Radio Festival of course.

FARSONS BEER FESTIVAL Running over 10 days, this summer outdoor festival has been bringing together the best in local music, beer and entertainment since 1982. As one of Malta’s most awaited summer annual events, the «Farsons Beer Festival» draws thousands of visitors every night. The festival offers a wide and diverse choice of over 50 award-winning beers and over 70 artists and performances.

GHANAFEST

Every year in late June, Malta stages its four-day folk music festival «GħanaFest» at various outdoor sites around the island.

«GħanaFest» celebrates the diversity of Mediterranean and world music, bringing together a rich programme of għana (Maltese folk music), Maltese bands, and international world music acts.

BIRGU FEST

Birgufest is a celebration of culture and art, which takes place in October in Birgu (also known as Vittoriosa), one of Malta‘s oldest and most historic cities. What started off as a few small events has now developed into a larger programme spanning over a whole weekend. Visitors can now enjoy exhibitions by local artists, visit a variety of musical concerts as well as the different historical buildings and museums, taste a wide selection of Maltese food, and much more. All the streets and houses are lit up with candles, chandeliers hang in the streets, and music ruminates throughout the winding pathways.

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EARTH GARDEN

Established in 2007, the «Earth Garden» festival is one of the top highlights on the rich Maltese festival circuit. Taking place over four days in late May/early June the outdoor, non-mainstream, family-friendly, hippie-style music and arts festival in the «Ta‘ Qali National Park» celebrates life in every aspect. More than 60 live acts and DJs, spectators can also enjoy art installations, yoga courses, tea ceremonies. and learn about a sustainable lifestyle.

GLITCH FESTIVAL

Only three years old, the «Glitch Festival» has established itself as one of the mustgo to open-air festivals on the global electronic music calendar. On the west coast of Malta, in the city of Rabat, dance music fans are treated with sets by the world’s finest DJs. This year’s line-up included names like Nina Kraviz, Jeff Mills, Call Super, Rodhad, Hunee, Young Marco and Peggy Gou. Of course, like every other prestigious festival nowadays, «Glitch» hosts its very own boat party.

ISLE OF MTV

The «Isle of MTV» is one of Malta’s biggest annual open-air music events and is the highlight of the Malta Music Week, which spans six days in June with a variety of music events. Each year, since 2007, up to 50,000 music lovers enjoy live gigs by the biggest pop stars in the world. Acts like Lady Gaga, David Guetta, The Black Eyed Peas, Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa, or Nelly Furtado make sure that the crowd attending has the biggest summer party of their life.

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MALTA WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL

LOST & FOUND

Only four years old, but establishing itself as one of Europe’s top festival, «Lost & Found» is takes place every May in San Pawl il-Baħar. Malta’s very own Café del Mar serves as the unofficial hub of the festival, founded and hosted by Britains queen of dance music and BBC Radio 1 host, Annie Mac. As you’d expect, the line-up of «Lost & Found» features the biggest names in dance music and guarantees yet another unforgettable weekend in the Mediterranean sun.

MALTA INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL

Featuring a varied programme of theatre, music, dance, and visual arts, and offering a broad range of genres and artistic forms, the «Malta International Arts Festival» (MIAF) is held mainly in open-air venues on Malta’s warm summer nights. The Festival also includes a number of residencies and workshops with some of its international guest. The event organisers want the MIAF to become a benchmark for Malta’s cultural achievement and attain a place on the world’s cultural map.

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MALTA INTERNATIONAL FIREWORKS FESTIVAL

When Malta joined the EU in 2004 the Malta International Fireworks Festival was established.

Every year, in late April, teams invited from across the EU showcase their amazing pyrotechnic shows in the skies over, Marsaxlokk and Valetta.

The «Malta World Music Festival» (MWMF) presents numerous performances by Maltese bands and international world music acts. Kicking off MWMF’s maiden edition in May 2017, a great line-up combined with the magical setting of the historic Fort St. Elmo in Valletta ensured this festival showcased quality music and became an important addition to the country’s national cultural calendar.

SUMMER CARNIVAL

The «Summer Carnival» takes place in August for three days in Buġibba, with the opening parade held in Marsaskala for the very first time this year. The roots of carnival date back to the early 1400s, and like most other carnivals features dance performances, processions, colourful and bizarre costumes and, of course, lots of music!

MALTA JAZZ FESTIVAL

Every July, Valletta’s magnificent Grand Harbour sets the backdrop for the «Malta Jazz Festival». Over the past 27 years this festival has become a hot-spot for jazz afficionados from all around the world and is without a doubt one of the most important and prestigious summer European jazz festivals today. Every edition of the festival boasts the biggest names in jazz – from Al Di Meola, Herbie Hancock to Chic Corea, and Joe Zawinul.

NOTTE BIANCA

«Notte Bianca» is a nightlong celebration of arts and culture that sees the capital’s streets and cultural venues come alive every October. Entertainment ranges from free street performances, to contemporary dance to radical art installations. Valetta’s museums and historic palaces open their doors until the early hours.

ROCK‘N MALTA

«Rock ‘n‘ Malta» is an annual concert series which celebrates rock music in all its genres. In the 2018 edition acts like Kaiser Chiefs, Gogol Bordello, and Dark Tranquillity performed in front of 10’000+ people. «Rock ‘n‘ Malta» also supports local acts and helps the Maltese rock scene to flourish.

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SUMMER DAZE FESTIVAL Hosted by Creamfields and BBC Radio 1, the «Summer Daze» Festival is the youngest mega-event on Malta’s party calendar. The first edition took over the «Ta’ Mali» national park, as well as the «Café del Mar» in Bugibba and presented over two days superstars like Martin Garrix, Rita Ora, Monki, and Roger Sanchez.

SUNSCAPE FESTIVAL Every summer the «Sunscape Festival» takes place on the smaller island Gozo.

The festival provides a rich musical experience for every generation. Apart from music, a variety of creative, lifestyle, and performance-based activities are also included in the festival’s diverse programme. The various stages include genres like world music, reggae/dub, trance/goa, and, of course, deep house and electronica.

B2B FREE ACCESS POLICY 130 EXHIBITORS 7 000 VISITORS 200 SESSIONS MASTERCLASS MOJO PODCAST HACKATHON SHOWCASES ...

THE BUBBLE

Since 2011, every year in September, «The Bubble» celebrates contemporary art and music with a special focus on positive awareness-raising events. Attendees can join workshops on sustainability, the environment, dance, sound healing, or even guided nature walks through the beautiful area of Ghajn Tuffieha. Various live acts, ambient DJs, and gypsy groups perform on different stages over, three days very one who has ever attended has never ever forgot.

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THREE PALACES FESTIVAL

For more than a week in November, the «Three Palaces Festival» attracts admirers of classical, modern, and jazz music from all over the world. Set against the rich backdrop of the Presidential Palaces – the «Verdala Palace» in Buskett, «San Anton Palace» in Attard, and the «Grandmaster‘s Palace» in Valletta – this festival offers spectators unforgettable evenings steeped in music and history.

Proud to be partner of

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M

ALTA: WHERE MUSIC SOUNDS BETTER

What to do is never a hard question to answer in Malta. Thanks in part to the hard-work which the Malta Tourism Authority carries out on a daily basis, the Maltese Islands boast of hosting over 400 varied events throughout the calendar year. These events can range from music festivals to general music events, as well as sporting and cultural events, ensuring that no matter your interests, one is always certain to find an event which is to their interest and liking.

The MTA, together with the Ministry of Tourism, has recently been focusing on festival tourism, a growing niche in the industry. The 34

majority of these festivals happen outside the busy peak months of summer, thereby creating more financial injections into the local economy every months of the year.

There are some music festivals which are well established in the international music scene, such as Isle of MTV, Lost & Found, Earth Garden, Glitch, and Unite with Tomorrowland, which take place between May and July on an annual basis. These see huge amounts of guests each year, with, for example, Lost & Found attracting over 9,000 party-goers from the U.K. alone.These events will all be returning to the Malte-

se shores in 2019, for what will no doubt be events that one should not miss.

Next year will also see the return of music festivals which debuted in 2018 and were also a huge success, such as Abode on the Rock, Summer Daze Malta and Elrow. Abode on the Rock brought over 2,500 visitors from the U.K. to Gozo for a weekend of fun in the sun, whilst Summer Daze Malta had a fantastic debut, with Day 1 hosting around 20,000 people, 68% of which were foreigners. These music festivals tend to be aimed at the younger generation, however, they do attract guests from all age groups.

Besides these festivals, the Maltese Islands also host numerous music events throughout the year, which are aimed at various segments of the population as well as visitors. The first musical event of 2019 will be the much-loved Valletta Baroque Festival.

Since its launch in 2013, the Valletta International Baroque Festival has treated audiences to a unique event featuring some of the best soloists and ensembles in the baroque music scene. Taking as its main venue one of the oldest working theatres in the world, Teatru Manoel, this prestigious two-week festival also plays out within many wonderful baroque and historical venues, such as St. John‘s Co-Cathedral and the Grandmaster‘s Palace. This year‘s musical programme has once again secured some of the best contemporary exponents of Baroque music from the international and local sphere to contribute to the celebration of Malta‘s capital.

Another very popular event which will be taking place in July 2019 is the Jazz Festival. The Malta International Jazz Festival is undoubtedly one of the more eclectic musical celebrations in the Valletta 2018 Programme. Bringing together some of the best Maltese and international artists, this event

promises to thrill its audience with contemporary jazz styles that are currently dominating the musical scene. Each year, the festival brings a variety of world-renowned artists to perform in the capital city, with previous editions having hosted world-class performers such as Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Michael Brecker, and Brad Mehldau. With a variety of gripping main sets and fringe events staged under Malta’s starry summer sky, the Malta International Jazz Festival has become a staple favourite on the local cultural calendar.

Some other music events which are certainly not to be missed include the Gaulitanus Choir Festival that takes place in Gozo, Pop in the City, Malta World Music Festival, the Victoria International Arts Festival, Joseph Calleja in Concert, the Three Palaces, The Gozo International Choir Festival, and the Malta International Choir Festival.

The Maltese Islands certainly have a varied events calendar throughout the year, and this ensures that all visitors and locals have an event which will be in line with their interests. The MTA strives to continuously increase and improve the events calendar to make our destination even more attractive to visitors, as well as rewarding locals with internationally renowned events.

Carlo Micallef MTA Deputy CEO, Chief Marketing Officer In order to see the MTA’s Calendar of Events, please visit: www.visitmalta.com/en/whats-on

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FLYING HIGH

In March this year, Air Malta celebrated the 45th year Anniversary of its establishment.

The national airline of Malta commenced operation on 1st April 1974 with 7 scheduled services across Europe and two wet-leased aircraft. It now operates a fleet of 10 Airbus A320/319 aircraft and flies to 36 scheduled destinations in Europe, North Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean. From just 52,000 passengers in its first year, the airline now carries more than 1.8 million passengers yearly and over the course of its history has transported over 55 million passengers safely, to and from Malta.

This year, the annual figure is forecast to grow to more than 2.3 million passengers, as the route network is expanded, while the frequency between some of the airline’s most popular destinations has been increased.

Looking to the future, the strategy is to continue to enhance and increase connectivity by offering services from Europe to North and la36

ter Sub Saharan Africa through Malta and at the same time, develop a clear positioning as a regional carrier with the aim of becoming the ‘Airline of the Mediterranean’.

To meet new demands created by expansion, a fleet replacement project is underway. Two new aircraft joined the fleet in 2018, including a brand new 180-seater Airbus A320neo. This state-of-the-art, fuel efficient, and more environmentally friendly aircraft will be the cornerstone of Air Malta’s fleet moving forward.

Two older model aircraft will be replaced with this type of aircraft next year, thereby offering more cabin space and comfort to passengers, while outside the engines generate 50% less noise.

Summer has always been the busiest time for Air Malta, but in 2018, the winter promises more opportunities for passenger growth, with the exciting addition new routes to Leipzig, Hamburg and Berlin set to generate more inbound and outbound traffic.

Growth Cheaper airfares, thanks to both more efficient planes and competition, are making flying more accessible and as a result people are travelling across the globe more than ever.

The net result - air travel is booming.

It is expected to soar exponentially in the years to come, bringing both unprecedented opportunities and challenges, and Air Malta continues to gear itself up for all eventualities.

The airline is today an agile organisation, with the ability to adapt, react quickly, and succeed in a rapidly changing environment.

Trends in the industry are regularly monitored and feedback from guests taken on-board. As such, in response to their desires, the business model has changed in recent years to a hybrid one - a model combining the best of both worlds – competitive fares and the services and network structure of a fullservice carrier.

It is the airline’s desire to have a value-for-money modular product, where customers can easily choose what they desire and are willing to pay for to enable them to construct a tailored travel experience.

Forward thinking, innovation and a constant desire to improve are also pillars of the airlines growth programme.

The introduction a year ago of Go Light, a hand luggage only fare, is part of that plan and has helped create a stronger position in the market, and an important contributory factor in the airline’s on-going success as revealed in passenger figures for August.

The height of the summer is the busiest month of the year and the airline registered a 35 percent increase in passengers on its Malta based routes, compared to the previous year and carried a total of 244,799 passengers to and from the Island. The airline was one of the main contributors to the 9.5% growth registered by Malta International Airport during August. More notable was the fact that almost 11,000 passengers were carried on 5th Freedom routes namely Catania - Vienna, Catania – London Southend and Cagliari – London Southend routes, further strengthening the airline’s position as ‘The Airline of the Mediterranean’ as opposed to just the Maltese Islands.

Paul Sies, Air Malta’s Chief Commercial Of-

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ficer comments, “Every month, over the past year, we have increased our passenger loads substantially when compared to the previous year. In August, we achieved an average seat factor of 83% across 1,746 flights, an increase of 26% more flights than last year.”

Dr Konrad Mizzi, Minister for Tourism commented, “Since January, Air Malta has carried over 370,000 (+35%) more passengers on its

whole network. Together with other tourism stakeholders the airline is working hard to bring more tourists to the islands especially during the shoulder and winter months for the benefit of the whole Maltese economy.”

Helping to maintain – and boost sales – Ryanair and Air Malta announced in September that they will cooperate on sales and marketing initiatives by selling Air Malta flights from the ryanair.com website. This win-win milestone agreement for both parties will offer Ryanair’s 139 million customers an even greater choice of destinations, whilst also boosting Air Malta’s ticket sales through this new distribution channel in overseas markets where Ryanair traditionally is stronger.

Air Malta’s Chairman Dr Charles Mangion explained, “Both airlines are cooperating together for the benefit of their mutual customers and the agreement will help Air Malta increase its visibility in overseas markets and tap into new revenue streams.”.

Learn more by visiting www.airmalta.com

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Fly between Malta, Italy, England, Israel, Austria and many more destinations from as little as

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*one way // taxes & charges included

* airmalta.com 39

SEARCH FOR THE OLDEST RECORD STORE IN THE WORLD. D’Amato Records, on St. John‘s Street in Valetta, Malta claims to be the oldest record shop in the world . Stated, with «EST. 1885» firmly carved into the marble floor of its entrance as you walk inside the store full of CDs, DVDs, vinyl records, old record players, and music merchandise. A quick Google search, though, shows that a store called «Spillers» is recognised as the oldest record shop in the world. The store opened in 1894 in Cardiff, Wales. However, it moved location in the 1940s and again in 2009, so – unlike D’Amato Records – it hasn’t remained in the same place throughout the years.

In July 2016, Jonathan Cilia from the Maltese alternative music blog «Trackage Scheme» wanted to get to the bottom of it and clarify 40

once and for all whether D’Amato Records is really nine years older than Spillers, and therefore, the «oldest record store in the world».

The journalists expecting simple research, ended up in a quest even Sherlock Holmes would have been proud of.

Today, D’Amato Records is run by Anthony D’Amato and his two cousins. Allegedly, the store was set up in 1885 by Anthony’s great-great-grandfather, Giovanni D’Amato, who was born in Italy in 1861. Not that Anthony knows much about those early days, 133 years ago, but he thinks that they originally opened as a furniture store and only later started to sell music. Which makes sense, since the first phonographic cylinders, the earliest commercial medium for recoding and repro-

ducing sound, commonly known simply as «records», were first marketed in 1889. Naturally, Anthony was very interested in the origins of his own shop and tried to help Jonathan Cilia with his researches: «I’m proud of being part of the oldest record store, and it’s something that the country should care about as well, but it hasn’t caught on that we are the oldest store around. I want to authenticate it, though it’s very hard; there weren’t even taxes around back then.»

To find any sort of deed or contract, which would be the paper proof of the store’s legacy, Cilia had to visit the National Archives in Mdina. But no documents nor any evidence of Giovanni D’Amato ever being involved in

any land appropriation-related court cases were found. Only some photos of Valetta from the 1880s were rooted out, including pictures of the Savoy Arcade, which is right next to D’Amato Records, but unfortunately no photos showed the facade of the record store.

Next stop for Cilia was the National Bibliotheca in Valetta, where he brows through old newspapers to find advertisements of Maltese music stores from the 19th century, but none from D’Amato. The frustrated journalist 41

see the «Office of the Notary to Government» looking for the suspected import license from over 100 years ago. But neither a tax number or a merchant’s license was to be found, leading him up to the conclusion that the man was either running things illegally or that there were never any records imported to Valetta in the 19th century.

wrote in his article for «Trackage Sheme»: «It was like finding ads for McDonalds and KFC, but none for Burger King.» Finally, in the «Melitensia Archives» at the University of Malta he came across an ad in the Malta Times from 1939 by D’Amato promoting the sale of the latest portable gramophones. But Cilia was looking for proof from much further back, from 54 years earlier to be exact.

At this point, Jonathan Cilia was getting desperate, understandably enough. No relevant ads, no proper photos, no licenses, contracts, or deeds were to be found. And what is written in stone may turn out to be not true at all. Still, there must be a document attesting Giovanni D’Amato taking over the section of land where the store is located on, be it from a previous shop owner, or a homeowner at any date previous to 1939. Back at the public notary, Cilia was told that D’Amato Records is on government-owned land, so no outside notary was needed, hence there are no notarial papers regarding the exchange of the land. Again, Cilia found himself in a dead-end street.

It may be written in stone, literally, on the threshold of the D’Amato Records in St. John Street, that the store has been there since 1885, making it the oldest record store in the world – but Jonathan Cilia needed more concrete facts than just stone. During his researches in the libraries he stumbled across hundreds of ads by Malta’s oldest beer brewery, Farsons, showing people drinking beer in bars and listening to music. The detective in Cilia took the next lead. When visiting the Farsons headquarters their archives actually confirmed the assumption that the brewery was a bulk buyer of records, especially LPs from British label HMV. But if D’Amato was Malta’s official reseller for HMV Records (which is also still indicated by the sign above the store) it would certainly have required a government permit for import. So Cilia went to

Well, Cilia knew by now that the D’Amato store was leased, not bought, from the government.

If D’Amato didn’t need a public notary to obtain the land, he must have still paid rent on it. So he headed to the Lands Registry Office in the «Casa Bolino» on West Street, looking for a record of a ground rent on the D’Amato property. For this matter he first needed the death certificate of Giovanni D’Amato, which the relentless journalist excavated at the Public Registry on Merchants Street. Finally, finding the file with D’Amato’s tenement number, concerning the address «98/99 St. John’s Street», the mystery seemed most likely to be solved. But the only paper the file contained

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«And what is written in stone may turn out to be not true at all.»

was a government ground rent-renewal contract from 1913. It was renewing the property for another 8 years to the D’Amato family.

«This is all we have,» Cilia was told by the public official, «It doesn’t mean the shop didn’t exist before 1913, but this is the first record the Land Department has for the D’Amato record shop.» He suggested: «You should try your luck with the Public Works department.»

At the Public Works Department Cilia was allowed to have a look at a huge ancient map of Valetta to try and find D’Amato’s tenement number, 198. There were two files for this number. In one of the files, dated 1912, were the plans of the shop. In the other was another lease, contract document, this time dated 1952, under the name of William D’Amato (the current shop owner, Anthony’s grandfather).

And that was as far as the paper trail went.

The extended hunt for an evidence proving D’Amato Records, claim to exist for 133 years had come to a dissatisfying end.

Unlike in a Sherlock Holmes story there was no real closure at the end. In his article from 2016, Jonathan Cilia came to the following conclusion: «It means that the earliest public records show that D’Amato definitely owned the shop in 1912. I couldn’t, however, find any document from 1885 to prove its existence.

The leasing contract I tracked down was a renewal contract, not the first ground rent contract. So if Giovanni D’Amato was renewing his lease, say, every 8 years, he may have opened the store in 1905. And if this wasn’t the first renewal, and there are others which may have been lost, stolen, or misplaced, then we get closer and closer to the 1885 date.

Although “Spillers Records” in Wales claims to have opened in 1894, the shop owners moved shop as many times as D’Amato Records has weathered World Wars. The oldest record store in the United States is “Rinehart’s Music”

in Missouri, opened in 1897 selling wax cylinders and Edison Phonographs, but has had to switch to selling DVDs and video games in the last few decades to stay afloat. Second to that is “George’s Song Shop” in Pennsylvania, founded in 1932, putting Europe ahead of the US in terms of pioneering selling records.

But does this mean that, technically, D’Amato Records still may be «The Oldest Record Store in the World» selling music consistently, and remaining in the same spot, since first ever passing some wax over their cash register? Let’s say: It looks most probable that it can’t be proven with any hard facts. Either way, D’Amato Records, just off the main boulevard of Malta’s capital city, has been a source of music for just about a century or even longer now. If it’s not the oldest record store in the world, it sure is the sturdiest.»

So let’s go and pay «D’Amato Records» a visit when in Malta – even if you’re not a historian or a devoted record fanatic. This story alone should be reason enough.

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The IRF presents the world’s first photographic collection of International Radio Faces.

Since its first edition in 2010, the International Radio Festival has offered an intriguing insight to a multitude of different radio cultures and their presenters from around the globe. One discovery we made was that all involved didn’t only share the same incredible passion for music radio, but also the same jovial knowledge that everyone, does in fact have, has a face for radio.

And so, embracing that discovery we decided to photographically unite our IRF guests and create the world’s first collection of international radio faces, an ever growing community who enjoy the following of millions of listeners around the globe.

IRFaces was launched to offer all our International Radio Festival guests, a visual place to remain united, The collection will grow with each new edition of the IRF, capturing the faces of its international radio guests, turning the collection into the world’s most comprehensive photographic gallery of radio hosts.

We started the IRFaces with Zurich based photographer Tobias Stahel who immediately understood the incredible journey of discovery such a project would present; and what a journey it has been so far!

Have a look at the extensive gallery here: www.internationalradiofaces.com And find out more about Tobias Stahel Photography here: www.tobiasstahel.com 44

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Bringing the most powerful networks to Malta Gigabit internet 4.5G mobile NB-IoT

100% Coverage by end of 2018

Tobias Stahel has been working as a freelance photographer since 1998, specialising in advertising, people and lifestyle. His clients include top ad agencies, magazines, and well known personalities.

Though drawn to art early on, there was little indication of his later career path. Having flunked out of Gymnasium, Tobias started his professional life as a dishwasher. This is how he first learnt about hard work and then fine dining, which landed him a job as a cook on the legendary Orient Express.

Lacking the patience for writing and the talent for painting, his artistic ambitions eventually found expression through video. Tobias earned a degree in Media Art, developed a taste for quality of the individual frame and worked as a focus puller and director of photography. After four years of projects and assistances in commercial film and photo around the world he found his calling in still photography.

His natural, crisp, and subtle style is less about control than intuition and submission to the moment. Hearing the shutter go, feeling the electricity silently pulsing through his fingers while playing with moods and vibes, Tobias builds a commanding momentum that leads to the perfect picture.

The person he would have most liked to portray is Max Frisch. But because he considers nostalgia a dangerous sentiment, he’d rather think about whom he’d like to snap today. The driving force behind his ongoing love for photography is that learning about the world lies within its nature.

He has been living on and off in New York and is now based Zurich, where he has his own studio since 2013.

melita.com 46

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LISTEN TO HOW THE WORLD SOUNDS The IRF showcases the best music radio stations from around the world. The IRF has established itself as the global annual event for people at the cutting edge of the music radio industry.

Once again we’ve invited 25 radio stations and DJs from five continents to our festival, this time taking place in Malta. From here they’ll broadcast their shows live via web stream to million of listeners around the globe, and of course directly to their listeners at home.

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The 2018 edition of the International Radio Festival is running over seven days presenting more than 30 different radio stations from all around the world. Each and every station on showcase will be introduced by one of our very own speakers. Here’s a little introduction to our very own IRF voices, some true legends of radio history themselves.

RF HOSTS

CARLY WILFORD Pioneering brand new, tastemaker radio platform SISTER, Carly Wilford has become a trusted voice for the underground. A groundbreaking Presenter & DJ, she takes the artists she believes in and broadcasts their music to the world. Strongly connecting both the US and UK music scenes, her roots within the UK scene have helped to bring through so many of the artists on today’s airwaves.

Not only is she a global tastemaker but music manager and forward-thinking A&R. Her confidence to take risks on artists from a very early stage has seen her build bonds with the likes of Sam Smith, Rudimental, and Skrillex who have all spoken publicly about her unrivalled support. Having interviewed the likes of Nas, Kendrick Lamar, Annie Mac, Zane Lowe, Alison Wonderland & J Cole, and with recent guest mixes on BBC 1Xtra & BBC Asian Network, her honesty and foresight helps to shape the music industry of tomorrow.

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NORMSKI Normski is not a nickname, it’s a brand. Né Norman Anderson is the living impersonation of London’s urban and contemporary culture, and has had a prolific career in the field of music, television, photography, fashion, and journalism.

He hosted several youth-targeted TV shows for ITV1, Channel 4 and BBC2, had his slots on BBC Radio One, Kiss FM, and BBC Radio 5. For the past 6 years, he has been broadcasting his house & techno show GET.TRONiC live every week on Hoxton FM and still stages his urban street culture photography at renowned galleries and exhibitions.

With this high-profile activity, he soon became the spokesperson not only of a social fringe group, but for a whole generation. Still, after all these years on the circuit the phenomenon Normski is one of the key ambassadors at the

forefront of the dance music scene, a name now well known around the globe. He was the first voice to anchor the IRF first edition in 2010 and has been a part of the team ever since.

celebrate and aim to create the first Youth Museum in the UK. Normski is a key contributor and will be involved with talks, workshops, and support.

Combining Photography and Music, Normski staged a photography exhibition called «The Tales of Normski». The collection‘s curator was world class DJ and art lover, Seth Troxler whom asked Normski to display in his Smokey Tails food emporium in trendy Hoxton Square in Shoreditch, London. The whole first edition of signed limited prints were acquired by the owner of food-chain Fletchers in Frankfurt Germany and Normski, was flown in to celebrate the permanent exhibition and play a special DJ set at Mantis Roof Gardens.

«I have been in the music business for most of my life and spent over three decades perfecting my infectious, live, and energetic DJ skills. I love to rock the party, but if I‘m not behind the decks rocking the crowd then I‘ll be rockin on the dance floor».

Always continuing to support youth culture, some of his photographs make up a strong part of the Youth Club social archives, whom 51

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RF HOSTS

GABBY SANDERSON Gabby Sanderson was put on this planet to sit down and talk to people. Whether that‘s perching on Sting‘s satin covered couch in the oldest music venue in Nashville, securing the Arctic Monkey‘s first ever interview, or getting a member of the Foo Fighters to cohost her radio show, Gabby‘s true artistic ability is to rapidly develop strong relationships with musicians and build trust with these artists. «Many people can get bands to talk but Gabby gets them to talk more freely and hence gets content of greater value.» Andy McKay CEO Ibiza Rocks.

Gabby got her mainstream-radio in Ireland, producing and presenting «The X-Clusive» on RTE‘s 2XM. She then went on to present «Ibiza Rocks the Radio» for Ibiza Global Radio, then moved to Ibiza Sonica to be their in-house British presenter. Gabby spent 3 months on, Drive for World Radio Switzerland in Geneva then was immediately snapped up by XFM in London to present «Propaganda» on Sa52

turday nights and be their festival reporter.

When XFM became Radio X, Gabby moved the USA to host, Drive, on iHeartRadio‘s (America’s biggest radio network) alternative station in Nashville ALT 97.5. Hanging out with Paramore, Kings of Leon, Bastille, and The 1975 is all part of her daily workload, plus DJing in LA, New York, Miami, and Nashville.

For the past 2 years Gabby has been a presenter for Bonnaroo Festival Radio and is proud to be an ambassador for HD Radio, producing and presenting compelling and disruptive content which has seen her host shows from Jack White‘s Third Man Records for Record Store Day, Coachella Festival, Shaky Knees Festival in Atlanta, CMJ in New York, and at the BMI Key West Songwriters Festival.

To the present; Gabby is back representing the UK‘s biggest alternative club night «Propaganda« Saturday nights on the world famous Kerrang! Radio and continues her week -day show on iHeartRadio’s ALT 97.5.

NIK VON FRANKENBERG

Nik von Frankenberg was born, raised, and educated in Basel, Switzerland, where he lives to this day. His activities cover a wide spectrum of work in print-, online, and airwavemedia, music production and DJing, various forms of technical and manual craft, and parenting, as it where.

He has been hosting and producing radioshows since the late 90ies, working as head of music for Radio X, and has been a freelance music journalist for many years. A somewhat obseive DJ since his early teens, he has played in clubs all over Switzerland, as well as gigs across Europe and South East Asia.

With deep roots in the UK, Nik’s career in music and radio has been heavily influenced by pirate radio and its colourful, often radical palette of sounds: from Electronica, Dub and

Disco to House, Techno and Hardcore, Jungle, Drum and bass and their various ever evolving descendants. His own productions have a tendency to take their time to develop, with a slow but steady trickle of releases coming out on various homegrown labels. Besides this, he has been involved in a number of projects bridging the gaps between musical styles and artistic formats: anything from soundtracks to fusion-jams or collaborations with classical musicians, dancers, and digital performative artists.

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INTERNATIONAL RADIO FESTIVAL T

EMPLE, Malta’s premier lifestyle magazine is dedicated to finding and bringing you ‘the best of the best’ from across the Maltese Islands. We are delighted to welcome the International Radio Festival to Malta.

TEMPLE harnesses the tradition and comfort of luxury print in its biannual 200 page high quality publication, as well as delivering up to the minute news and reviews through its dedicated website and social media channels; a 360 degree cohesive and all-encompassing experience for its readers.

TEMPLE was created to showcase the very best of Malta across a world-wide stage; to attract and promote all that is great across our Islands, as well as featuring business and creative opportunities which currently flow into our country.

Despite our small size, Malta historically has always been a significant country: vitally important through its location as the gateway to East and West, culturally diverse and nationally strong with our own language, history and traditions. Malta has been welcoming visitors and absorbing invaders for millennia.

TEMPLE is the mirror that reflects Malta’s new importance and relevance in the 21st century. The EU’s smallest member, we are entrepreneurial and open for business; we are re-vitalising and innovating our tourism industry with fine dining and boutique hotels, as well as welcoming new arts and culture, museums and theatres, concerts and events to sit alongside our existing social whirl.

TEMPLE is thrilled to be involved with the International Radio Festival and looks forward to sharing news and reviews as the festival unfolds. www.templemagazines.com

T E

P L E

M A G A Z I N E

Susanna Hornby

Marc Mason

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issue Nº3

M A LTA’ 1 8 25 OCTOBER - 4 NOVEMBER

PROGAMME OCT 29 - NOV 4

GLOBAL ON-AIR PROGRAMME, FORT ST. ELMO, VALLETTA MON 29TH OCT

WED 31STOCT

THU 1ST NOV

FRI 2ND NOV

06:30 Bay Radio

08:00 IRF Breakfast with Mike Read

08:00 IRF Breakfast

08:00 IRF Breakfast

10:00 The Big Time

10:30 IRF Mid Morning

10:00 United DJs Radio

10:00 Radio Immaginaria

10:00 Like FM

12:00 Red FM

12:00 Taste History with Liam Gauci

12:00 102FM Tel Aviv

12:00 egoFM

12:00 Love Radio

14:00 Mi-Soul London

14:00 Hits Radio

14:00 IFM Tunis

14:00 Dublin Digital Radio

16:00 Kiss FM Melbourne

17:00 RAI 3

16:00 TRT FM Ankara

15:00 Jazz FM

18:00 BBC Radio 1Xtra

06:30 XFM Malta

18:00 PRIDE Radio USA

18:00 - 19:00 Kronehit

18:00 BBC Radio 1

20:00 Mouv’

11:00 Temple Magazine

20:00 Kasheme

19:00 - 20:00 Pinata Radio

20:00 Ibiza Sonica

SUN 4TH NOV

14:00 D’Amato Records

20:00 - 23:00 Flex FM

22:00 District Pop-Up

15:00 Vibe FM

23:00 Cafe Society Pop Up

16:00 - 17:00 Magic Malta

TUE 30TH OCT

18:00 District

SAT 3RD NOV 08:00 IRF Breakfast 09:00 IRF Breakfast with Francis Sultana

08:00 IRF Breakfast 10:00 Fun Kids Radio 14:00 m2o Radio Italy 16:00 IRF Farewell Show 55

LISTEN TO HOW THE WORLD SOUNDS

Daniel and Ylenia, 89.7 Bay

89.7 BAY MALTA

UNITED DJS RADIO UK

SHOW: THE TRAFFIC THREESOME (WITH NATE, FRANK & ROSSI)

SHOW: THE TONY PRINCE SHOW

Bay Radio is officially Malta’s most popular radio station for ten years now. With a market share of 22,31% the station situated in St. Julian attracts 50,000 listeners daily. Founded in January 1980, 89.7 Bay’s programme is both in Maltese and English and offers the latest global and local hits, as well as news, entertainment and, much more.

Vibe FM 88.7 is one of Malta’s youngest radio stations – broadcasting from Kappara, near the University of Malta. Over the last ten years Vibe FM has become one of the most popular contact points when it comes to Top 40 music, especially dance and RnB. In the last Malta Broadcasting Authority report from February 2018 Vibe FM holds the 4th position in the audience reach, ranking with 18,000 listeners.

United DJs Radio is the latest endeavour of one of Britains (or maybe even the world’s) most important and prolific radio figures, Tony Prince. He was right there when Pirate Radio was born, on a ship (MV Fredericia) in the North Sea in 1964 under the name of Radio Caroline. Later, in 2009, this radio historical period of time was turned into a feature-lenght movie called «The Boat That Rocked».

At the IRF 2018 we’re looking forward to presenting our worldwide audience Vibe FM’s very own Nate, Frank, and Rossi with their daily drive time radio show «The Traffic Threesome». The three totally different personalities have one common mission: to make traffic fun.

Every day of the week, from 3 til 6 PM, the trio brings challenges, fantastic giveaways, and great music to its devoted audience.

First known as “Your Royal Ruler” Tony Prince switched in 1967, after three years on the high seas, to Radio Luxembourg, where he soon became its programme director. In the early 80′s he founded the DMC World DJ Championship, the most prestigious award for nimble-fingered DJs up to this day. And with the launch of Mixmag in 1982, Prince originated one of the most important club culture magazines. A man, who shaped radio culture like no other and, now 70 years old, is still fighting to change the music world.

At the International Radio Festival in Valetta 89.7 Bay will present their flagship show, the super popular daily morning show «Bay Breakfast with Daniel and Ylenia» (every weekday from 6:30 till 10:30). Actually, the show was recently voted Malta’s number one breakfast show. Daniel Testa and Ylenia Spiteri wake up all the people of Malta and Gozo every morning with their infectious enthusiasm, lots of fun on air, the latest gossip, cool giveaway competitions, and of course the hottest music on the island. Now you know why the people of Malta are always in such a good mood – even early in the morning. www.bay.com.mt

Nate, Frank and Rossi, Vibe FM

Tony Prince, United DJs Radio

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VIBE FM MALTA

SHOW: BAY BREAKFAST (WITH DANIEL AND YLENIA)

Let’s have a brief introduction of the threesome: Next to his radio job, Nate Dermanin is one of the island’s most in-demand club DJs, organizing also his own club nights. Frank Zammit started his career on television, presenting adventures from all around the world with his own twisted humour. And last but not least, Valentina Rossi, the third host of the show, has a background in fashion. Winning the «Photo Model of the Year» Award at the Malta Fashion Awards for three years in a row makes her one of the most influential people in the local fashion industry. In 2016 she decided to give radio a try, and today, she’s already one of the three hosts of this legendary show we’re extremely eager to showcase at our festival in Maltawww.vibefm.com.mt

United DJs – launched in April 2017 – is all about handing control back to music loving DJs. DJs who are passionate about the music they play – and passionate about what they say. Tony Prince has assembled a who’s who of Great Britains finest radio jockeys: like Emperor Rosko, David Hamilton, Eddy Grant, Pearly Gates, and Cutmaster Swift. The team also includes DJs from Canada, America, Hong Kong, and France, all with complete freedom to play what they like without a Programme Director‘s control. It‘s the rebirth of free radio in every sense, and whereas the Luxembourg DJs talked to greater Europe, the UDJ team talks to the world. www.uniteddj.com 57

LISTEN TO HOW THE WORLD SOUNDS

Roy Katz, Tel Aviv Radio 102FM

Hattie Pearson, Hits Radio

TEL AVIV RADIO 102FM

HITS RADIO MANCHESTER

PRIDE RADIO USA

SHOW: FREE MARKET (WITH ROY KATZ)

SHOW: HITS CHILLED (WITH HATTIE PEARSON)

SHOW: HOUSTON

102 FM Radio Tel Aviv started to broadcast, in 1996 and soon after became the leading radio station in Israel when it comes to talk show and sports content – reaching over 500’000 listeners daily today. Next to daily news, Radio Tel Aviv also features comedy shows and, of course, lots of music, from popular Israeli songs to American chart hits. The shows are presented either in Hebrew or English.

Hits Radio is the UK’s first national commercial station broadcasting outside of London and is one of Hits Radio Network’s twenty local radio stations playing exclusively top 40 music.

Formerly known as Piccadilly Radio (1974 1988) and KEY 103 (1988 - 2018), the station, receivable in the Greater Manchester area on 103 FM and DAB as well as nation-wide digitally, was launched half a year ago, on 18 April 2018. The first track on air at 6am – selected by listeners via an online poll – was «Greatest Day» by Take That.

PRIDE Radio is America‘s first LGBTQ radio station, focusing on news, entertainment, and music that‘s important to the gay community in the USA. «The Pulse of LGBTQ America» is currently syndicated on 13 HD radio stations from coast to coast and can also be heard of course, on the iHea rtRadio App reaching 90,000+ unique listeners per month.

At this year’s International Radio Festival in Malta we are treated with «Free Market», Tel Aviv Radio’s daily economic programme hosted by Roy Katz. From 11 to 12AM the experienced journalist, lecturer, manager in media outlets, and an award-winning interviewer provides his audience with essential financial news, economical insights, unique spotlights on tech, entrepreneurship, open markets, and free thought.

Next to hosting «Free Market», Roy Katz currently also functions as the VP of Content and New Media, at Radio Tel Aviv, lectures on digital media and serves as the chairman of the DIGIT conference for digital media at the Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya.

102fm.co.il

At the IRF 2018 we are proud to welcome Hattie Pearson, one of England’s most bustling radio personalities. Since moving to Manchester almost a decade ago Hattie has been involved in the local music scene in various forms – whether it‘s promoting live gigs, hosting her radio show, or DJing her weekly club night, «Girls On Film» at Manchester’s infamous «The Deaf Institute».

In November 2012 Hattie won the prestigious BBC/Global Radio Student Award for Best Female and she presented a show live on BBC Radio 1 in April 2013. In January 2017 Hattie moved to Manchester‘s local commercial station KEY 103 (now Hits Radio) to present weekend shows. One of them, «Hits Chilled», will be on showcase at this year’s IRF. Hattie will play the big hits, but not as you know them.

Lay back with chilled out versions of the big hits you know and love... planetradio.co.uk/hits-radio/

We warm- heartedly welcome the one and only «Houston» (from Washington, D.C.) at our IRF edition in Valetta. Houston, who‘s also the station‘s Music Director and Assistant Program Director, can normally be heard every afternoon (except on Saturdays) playing the hottest dance remixes and pop hits as well as delivering LGBT community news. If it’s happening in the LGBT community, it’s happening on Houston’s show on PRIDE Radio!

Houston promises to host a very special programme at this year’s IRF – spreading the word of the still strong American LGBTQ community and its enduring fight for equality. Joining him is his right hand, Zac Woodward, who anticipates Houston‘s needs before Houston even knows he has them. We‘re quite sure this will be one of the shows our listeners and the audience won‘t forget. www.prideradio.com

Houston and Zac Woodward, PRIDE Radio 58

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Fort St Elmo

Fort St. Elmo occupies a strategic position at the tip of the Sceberras peninsula.

During the Medieval period, this strategic position was already recognised and exploited. Reference to a permanent watchpost at Santo Eramo can in fact be found in the Militia Roster of 1417.

The Knights of the Order of St. John, who arrived in Malta in 1530, concluded that the proper defence of Marsamxett and the Grand Harbour required the building of a fort at the tip of this peninsula. Following a harsh Ottoman razzia in 1551, and various reports indicating a looming Ottaman siege, Grand Master De Homedes issued an order for the immediate erection of a fort.

A star-shaped fort was constructed in circa 60

6 months, by military engineer Pietro Pardo, under the supervision of Knight Fra Leone Strozzi. By 1565 the fort acquired a cavalier, a covertway, a terraille, and a ravelin which was hastily built only a few months before the Great Siege of 1565.

The Ottomans first attack on Fort St. Elmo occurred on the 28th May 1565. The fort, which was heavily bombarded day and night, was defended by the knights and the Maltese within it till the last man standing. After standing strong for nearly a month, the fort fell in the hands of the Ottomans on the 23rd June.

The Order of St. John’s victory over the Ottomans led to the foundation of a new fortified city built on Mount Sceberras. This city, included a reconstructed and enlarged fort

designed by military engineer Francesco Laparelli, who also designed the grid-iron street plan for the new city, Valletta.

Additions and alterations were carried out to the fort over centuries. In 1614, the Vendome Bastion was built, and later a polverista was added to the same bastion. Further alterations and additions were also carried out during the British Period, adapting the fort to the various advances in military technology. This included a number of gun emplacements constructed with the purpose of housing the new twin 6-pounder QF guns.

Fort St. Elmo also played an important role during World War II. During the first Italian air raids, 6 RMA gunners lost their lives; they were the first victims of the war. It also played an essential part in the defeat of the Italian seaborne attack of 26th July 1941 on the Grand Harbour.

The Royal Malta Artillery left the fort in 1972 and some years later the upper part of the fort was utilised also by the Malta Police Force as a Police Academy. This upper part of Fort St Elmo was lately restored and houses also the new Military History Museum. The lower part of the fort, perhaps owes its more recent fame as the site for the shooting of the film ‘Midnight Express’, is still in disuse although restoration works are in the pipeline.

The National War Museum houses a superb collection of items which takes us back to prehistoric times. History well explained not only in a traditional way but also on new technological displays, the items are displayed in chronological order, with major focus made on the Great Siege of 1565 and the role of Malta during the Second World War because these are the two most documented periods in the military history of Malta. Apart historical artefacts from different era, perhaps the most sought icons are the Gloster Sea Gladiator N5520 ‘Faith’, Roosevelt’s Jeep ‘Husky’ and the George Cross.

Fort St Elmo-National War Museum opens everyday between 0900hrs and 1700hrs, last admission at 1630hrs, between 1st October and 31st March and between 0900hrs and 1800hrs, last admission at 1730hrs, between 1st April and 30th September. For more information about Heritage Malta and its museums and sites visit the agency’s website, www.heritagemalta.org

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LISTEN TO HOW THE WORLD SOUNDS

Kasheme, Zurich

KASHEME ZURICH

IFM TUNISIA

TRT FM TURKEY

SHOW: FLYING CARPET

SHOW: KOUKY’S (WITH KARIM KOUKI)

SHOW: CIFTE TARIFE (WITH SELIM KARAKAYA AND BANU TARANCI)

Kasheme is currently Zurich’s DJs, producers and musicians from anywhere in the world are invited to Kasheme to share their «selector’s choice» with the audience on site or via online audio and video streaming. Luminous figures, like Chez Damier, Alex Barck, San Proper, Rainer Trüby, or Osunlade have already spun their precious vinyl records in the livingroom atmosphere of Kasheme.

IFM (short for Ibtissama FM) was founded in 2011 by Tunesian radio pioneer Hamed Soyah. He worked in the 90s in Paris for Radio Tunis Chaîne Internationale (RCTI) as a correspondent, and helped to set up a radio station in Phnom Penh in 1996 before he returned to Tunisia to start his own web radio. But only after the Jasmine Revolution in 2011 could Soyah finally make his dream come true: The launch of a national FM station which represents the true nature of Tunisian people.

TRT FM started broadcasting in January 1975 as one of Turkish Radio and Television Corporation’s several public service radio stations.

Today, TRT FM (formerly known as Radyo 2) is Turkey’s leading radio station reaching approximately 4 million listeners with a mixture of Turkish and international pop, folk, and classical music, call-ins, news, and travel information.

At the International Radio Festival in Malta, the three owners of Kasheme will present their idea of the future of radio to our worldwide audience. «Flying Carpet» will see the three friends Nick «Soul Mate» Mazrekaj, Guido «FreeJ» Rumi, and Tim «J’peux» Bytyqi play records that are very personal, extra charismatic, and totally inspiring, in other words: everything «Kasheme» stands for. www.kasheme.com

Karim Kouki, IFM Tunisia

IFM‘s slogan «Le meilleur du rire et de la musique» (The best in laughter and music) is a profession of faith in all its programme makers. The mix of music is half oriental half occidental; incorporating the biggest hits from the last 30 years, but also pays attention to Tunisia‘s blossoming underground scene.

And you can be sure the 3 million IFM listeners constantly have a smile on their faces, they are treated with a short humorous sketch by professional comedians each hour.

We are looking forward to TV and radio presenter Karim Kouki and his «Kouky’s»” show in our festival studio in Valetta. Chances are high we all be laughing ourselves to tears during the two hours session – at least all of us who understand Arabian. www.ifm.tn

Travelling to the International Radio Festival in Malta are two of Turkey’s most popular and best known radio personalities: Selim Karakaya and Banu Tarancı will present their daily drive-time show «Cifte Tarife» (double tariff) and will quite likely rub off some of their enthusiasm on the worldwide audience. Be assured: The thoroughbred radio disc jockeys haven’t lost any of their peppiness over the nine years the show is now running on TRT. Before joining TRT FM Selim Karakaya was a founding member of various Turkish radio stations like Radyo ODTU, Radio Mydonose, and TRT Kent Radyo Ankara. Next to his radio day job he acts as a DJ and already has one book published. Banu Tarancı was an editorin-chief of popular lifestyle magazines and worked for several radio and TV stations, changing Turkey’s Weather Report concept with her weather news show on TRT Haber. www.radyo.trt.net.tr

Selim Karakaya and Banu Tarancı, TRT FM

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Mathias Daniel, Kronehit Austria

KRONEHIT AUSTRIA

DUBLIN DIGITAL

FLEX FM LONDON

SHOW: KRONEHIT OUR HOUSE (WITH MATHIAS DANIEL)

SHOW: CATHY FLYNN & BREEN

SHOW: HISTORY OF FLEX FM FROM PIRATE TO LEGAL

Kronehit is Austria’s biggest private radio station, reaching almost 1-million listeners a day.

The Vienna based station, launched in June 2001 as a part of the Mediaprint syndication (Kronen Zeitung, Kurier), is targeted at a young and predominantly female audience and can be received all over Austria. In 2017, Kronehit received the «App Of The Year» Futurezone Award for its app «Kronehit Smart». In 2015, the station won the Austrian radio award in the category «promotion» for the Facebook campaign «Facebook Experiment Reloaded».

We proudly present to you Dublin Digital Radio – this year’s MORA (Mixcloud Online Radio Awards) winner in the category «Best Online Radio Station». The station was launched in 2016 and is now numbered among such illustrious names like Red Light Radio, from Amsterdam, Rinse France, Soho Radio and NTS from London, the laureates since MORA’s introduction in 2014.

Pirate Radio plays a huge part in London’s musical history – not only in the 60’s, it still does to the present day. One of the Pirate scene’s most important exponents, Flex FM. started to broadcast legally to London on 101.4FM, just the other day (1st July 2018). Celebrating this occasion we invited the legendary ex-pirate to our festival on the island of Malta.

Next to it’s Top 40 programme, Kronehit serves various music genres with its special shows.

One of these shows is «Kronehit Our House» presented by Mathias Daniel every Thursday at midnight. This mix show is promoting underground house music in its various forms and styles – presenting new releases that are currently causing a ruckus on dancefloors all over the world, from Ibiza to Berlin, from Miami to London. And most probably will also make people dance on the open air dance floor in our studio in Valetta! www.kronehit.at

Cathy Flynn & Breen, Dublin Digital

Dublin Digital Radio provides a quality platform for the various communities in the Irish capital striving to create a socially and culturally progressive city. The non-profit station is run voluntary by local DJs and journalists and doesn’t broadcast any commercials.

At the International Radio Festival in Malta we welcome Cathy Flynn and Brian «Breen» McNamra. Breen is one of the founders of ddr (Dublin Digital Radio) and is a DJ and producer respected way beyond the borders of Ireland. He chose Cathy to join him in representing the best radio station in Europe right now. listen.dublindigitalradio.com

Based in South West London, the station started out in 1992 as Don FM (broadcasting from a squat studio) and was always a driving force behind the UK underground scene playing primarily breakbeat, hardcore, and jungle; through drum ‚n‘ bass, and onto UK garage, grime, and dubstep. Over the last 26 years, FLEX FM has become one of the main central hubs for creative arts in London and beyond, and has supported and helped nurture many homegrown artists such as DJ Deekline, Genius Cru, MC Sparks, Lady Sovereign, Ed Rush, Optical, and Heny G. For the Malta edition of the International Radio Festival, Flex FM will present a three hour radio show reflecting the past, the present, and the future of the station. The four presenters, Carloss, Bex, Andy, and Shinobe will reminisce about Flex FM’s wild history and its journey as a pirate station until it received a licence in 2017. Plus, the expert DJs will select four tracks from each genre that Flex FM has supported throughout the years. You can be assured this will be a show a lot of young radio makers can learn a lot from! www.flexfm.co.uk

Carloss, Bex, Andy and Shinobe, Flex FM 64

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«IRF is a window into the world of radio and music!»

Demone, CEO, Radio Tangsuan, Beijing, China

«The IRF seems to improve year by year. The incredible variety of international broadcasters in terms of style and content is simply breathtaking. Long May it continue.»

Eddie Piller, Soho Radio, Acid Jazz, UK

«A gathering of an amazingly diverse and fascinating group of people with one thing in common: a love of radio. The most diverse radio gathering I’ve ever been to!» Rusty Hodge, SOMA FM, San Francisco, USA Eddie Piller, Soho Radio, Acid Jazz, UK

«It’s been amazing to come out here and broadcast to listeners in Zurich and around the world and meet like-minded radio makers from all four corners of the world. We will return home with loads more ideas for our own listeners.»

Oxigen Radio & Lounge FM, Istanbul, Turkey Scott Cohen, The Orchard, UK & USA. Eddie Piller, Soho Radio, Acid Jazz, UK

«Attending the IRF makes you realise again why you do love radio so much. You become (once again) aware of the importance and possibilities it still has and offers.»

Astrid Haas, Superfly FM, Vienna, Austria

«The International Radio Festival is the essential media conference for radio and webcasting professionals.»

Robert Kraft, former Fox Music President, Oscar & Grammy Winner, USA Eddie Piller, Soho Radio, Acid Jazz, UK

«The IRF represents all that is right with the radio industry. Passionate people in the business for a love of music and community.

The debates were lively and everyone seemed to understand the challenges and opportunities facing the industry in the 21st Century.»

Scott Cohen, The Orchard, UK & USA. Eddie Piller, Soho Radio, Acid Jazz, UK

«IRF – as a school, as a college. There is always something to learn. New experience.

New ideas. A great opportunity to meet colleagues from different countries.

IRF – the whole radio world in one place.»

Alexandra, Radio Romantika, Russia

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LISTEN TO HOW THE WORLD SOUNDS

Vitalik Mishura, Like FM

David Zhang & Yi Wen, Love Radio 103.7 FM Shanghai

Chris Philips, Jazz FM 68

LIKE FM MOSCOW

LOVE RADIO SHANGHAI

JAZZ FM UK

SHOW: VITALIK MISHURA

SHOW: WHEN EAST MEETS WEST (WITH DAVID ZHANG & YI WEN)

SHOW: MORNINGS (WITH CHRIS PHILIPS)

The name says it all: Like FM is a radio station that only plays music the listeners want to listen to. The Moscow - based station (a hightech music radio project of GPM Radio) uses an innovative technique in programming that no other station had before. The concept of selecting song titles is similar to services like Pandora, Spotify, and iTunes Radio. The listeners can vote for their favourite songs via mobile devices or social media and select their preferred playlists. The more they «like» a song the more airplay it gets.

It‘s an honour to welcome back this exceptional radio station from Shanghai for the third time at our festival. Love Radio 103.7 FM went on air way back in 1982, playing mostly Chinese pop music for a young, but adult audience (25-45yrs) non stop, around the clock and, reaching over 8 millions listeners today. David Zhang is one of the city‘s most prolific and venerated radio personalities, anchoring several shows on different stations and presenting the annual Grammy Awards in Shanghai for more than 10 years.

«Listen to what you like!» is the slogan of the station consequently – playing the best of foreign and national Russian songs all day long.

Most of the time, songs are only played partially, for not longer than two minutes, corresponding to the modern culture of consuming media content just as a teaser. Since 2016, Like FM hosts the annual LikeParty, an interactive music festival. A festival like no other in the world: The audience has the opportunity to control the course of the event by voting for the order of the line-up, by directing the light show and special effects, and winning prizes along the way.

The first two special editions of «When East Meets West» at the IRF 2015 in Zurich and at the IRF 2016 in Milan achieved great public and critical acclaim. The third edition will focus on duets between Chinese pop artists and artists from all over the world. The show presented by David Zhang and his co-host Miss Yi Wen is an alteration of their «Love Song Chart Song» aired every weekday from 7 till 9 PM. www.1037fm.cn

Jazz FM was originally launched in 1990 and after tumultuous times reincarnated in October 2008 in the form we now have the pleasure to present at the International Radio Festival for the very first time. Jazz FM’s new logo is a chameleon, representing the station’s slogan «Listen in Colour».

The expert presenters at Jazz FM play the world’s greatest jazz, blues and soul and reach 672,000 listeners each week.

For it’s premiere at the IRF Jazz FM sends us Nick Pitts, the station’s Content Director since 2008 and Chris Philips, a radio legend in his own time and Jazz FM’s Head of Music.

He was one of the original team on K-Jazz which was once based in his South London garage. It was the UK’s first dedicated jazz station, London-wide, on-air all day on Sundays only and featured a line-up including some of today’s most respected authorities in the music including Gilles Peterson, Jez Nelson, Bob Jones and Kevin Beadle.

He joined Jazz FM in 1990, left only one year later for Kiss 100 and then Choice FM to finally return to Jazz FM where he now hosts mornings from 10am plus «The Blueprint», a three hour focus on new jazz Saturday nights at 10pm. www.jazzfm.com

At the 9th edition of the International Radio Festival the only radio host of Like FM, Vitalik Mishura will be showcasing the unique concept of Like FM for a world wide audience. Denis Serikov, the station manager will be supporting him in demonstrating how innovative the Russian landscape is right now. You will like it!

Fun fact: The first song broadcasted on Like FM, on the 14th of March, 2015, was «Laik» by Slider & Magnit featuring Leningrad. www.likefm.ru

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Timmy Byrne, Kiss FM Melbourne

Gordon Mac, Lindsay Wesker, Mi-Soul

Whitney Allen, Jackie Stevens, The Big Time.

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KISS FM MELBOURNE

MI-SOUL LONDON

WHITNEY ALLEN USA

SHOW: THE BEAUTIFUL DRIVE (WITH TIMMY BYRNE)

SHOW: THE A TO Z OF MI SOUL MUSIC (WITH LINDSAY WESKER)

SHOW: THE BIG TIME WITH WHITNEY ALLEN

Australia’s most cutting - edge radio station is all about making people move. The Melbourne based independent station‘s programme is shaped by a massive line up of all kind of different DJs, hosting local shows and DJ sets from all around the world, presenting live mixes of the latest underground sounds, and any kind of dance related music – from House, Techno, and Dubstep to Drum & Bass and Trance. Kiss FM has steadfastly championed Australian DJs and producers; not only on the airwaves but also through events such as «Kiss Summer Sessions».

When Gordon Mac («The Godfather Of Dance Music») initiated the radio station Mi-Soul seven years ago he took almost the complete crew on board with which he caused quite a stir back in the days at Kiss FM: Paul «Trouble» Anderson, Ronnie Herel, Femi Fem, Dr. Bob Jones, Patrick Forge, Jazzie B, and Tosca are now amongst the high-profile presenters on the London based station that celebrates the past, present, and future of soulful music, be it House, R&B, Rap, Reggae, or Soul itself.

It was fourteen years ago when «The Big Time» started as a syndicated Saturday Night show playing exclusively Country music. But after programmers all across the United States begged for a daily show one was initiated just six months later. Today Whitney Allen‘s show airs Monday to Friday, from 7 to 12 PM, on 150 stations from coast to coast, reaching about 2 million listeners.

This year «The Big Time» won a Gracie Award from the «Alliance for Women in Media». «The Big Tim e» has also been nominated in the past for both ACM (Academy of Country Music) and CMA (Country Music Association) awards.

For this year‘s IRF we welcome station manager and host Timmy Byrne, a true pioneer of Australia’s dance music industry. His afternoon drive show «The Beautiful Drive» (Tuesday - Friday, 4 to 6pm) is listened to by thousands both in Melbourne on FM radio and around the world via livestream. The show’s focus is on the latest releases across many genres with a special emphasis on Australian produced tracks. Tim’s passion for both music and entertaining crowds continues to drive him to deliver quality sounds – both to the dance floor and the airwaves. In 2003, Tim helped to set up Arman FM, the first commercial radio station in Afghanistan. The station has gone from strength to strength, becoming the most listened to station in Kabul. www.kissfm.com.au

Gordon Mac‘s predominant claim to fame is the larger-than-life Kiss FM brand in 1985. The station born and raised as a pirate radio station consolidated almost every important street sound and club night into its programming, giving early breaks to some of the UK‘s most important tastemakers. Therefore, the station became the legitimate, not legal yet though, platform for the capital‘s thriving dance music culture of the ‚80s and ‚90s. Finally in 1990, after an enduring and embattled struggle, Kiss FM received an official broadcast license and extended its hegemony to club nights, a magazine, and even a TV show. In 1997, Gordon Mac left his, by now grown up, baby and managed several other media companies.

Joining Gordon Mac on his trip to this year’s IRF is no other than Lindsay Wesker, a true legend of UK radio, one of the original Kiss FM crew members, and a senior music video programmer at MTV. He will present his weekly two-hour show, «The A To Z Of Soul», where he goes through the alphabet and picks a letter each week and then plays two hours of music from artists that begin with that letter. Let’s hope the letter chosen at the IRF won’t be «X». www.mi-soul.com

Whitney Allen will present a stripped-down version of her show at our festival in Malta together with her co-host, producer, and musical director Jackie Stevens, who has been with «The Big Time» since day one. Jackie started as a parttime board operator and Whitney kept taking chances on her and giving her new challenges.

Many of the young women that joined «The Big Time» as part-timers over the years have gone on to success thanks to Whitney’s mentoring.

As a host and owner of her own show, Whitney Allen has inspired many women over the last fourteen years.

Every night, on air, Whitney uses her nationwide reach to connect to women all across the country. Women call and share their success stories and struggles with the charismatic personality jockey. Whitney usually gets the wedding or pregnancy announcements before friends and family do! In a male dominated format, her success is not only uncommon, but an inspiration to all the women trying to make it in radio land. Be ready for a two-hour radio show celebrating womanhood, life, and of course, music – big time! www.thebigtimeonline.com 71

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MALTA’S VERY OWN HOME FOR ONTEMPORARY ART HAS FINALLY ARRIVED

MICAS (Malta International Contemporary Art Space) is Malta’s first national dedicated space to contemporary art. An ambitious project, MICAS seeks to strengthen Malta’s cultural infrastructure, as well as establish itself as a key player in the art world through international engagement with like-minded institutions, an educational programmes and interaction with both international and local artists and audiences.

Housed in Ospizio Complex, located in the north-western part of the Floriana Lines of Fortifications, MICAS will make its home in the 17th-century walls of fortification which served 72

as a second skin to protect Valletta. Overlooking the beautiful harbours of the Marina di Valletta, the site is an exceptional example of Baroque military architecture and engineering, later repurposed by the British to house its supplies, ammunition and anti-air battery.

The MICAS project will further repurpose the site after years of neglect, to transform it in a premier example of old-meets-new architecture.

With the help of IPOStudio, an Florence-based architectural firm, MICAS will be a stunning yet unobtrusive architectural intervention that will help transform the Ospizio site into the Malta

International Contemporary Art Space.

MICAS Concept Launch weekend, held on 12-13 October 2018, brought the MICAS project to the public’s attention through various events. The MICAS Concept Launch Reception on Friday 12th October was inaugurated by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat along with the unveiling of the radiant by renowned artist Ugo Rondinone, MICAS’s first acquisition. On Saturday 13th October,

tist Norbert Francis Attard. The panel talks, which explored the notion of the contemporary and its role in society, were held at MCAST, the University of Malta and at the noble Gran Salon, in the National Archaeology Museum, Valletta.

Another parallel event was Connecting Geographies: from idea to project, an architectural exhibition of the MICAS project created by Dr Ruth Bianco and lead architect on the MICAS

MICAS’s Gala Fundraising Dinner, attended

by VIP guests from the international art world, was a huge success with funds raised towards the MICAS project.

Running in parallel were the Conversations on the Rock, a series of panel talks with internationally renowned figures like Hans Ulrich Obrist and Yana Peel from the Serpentine Galleries, London; fashion designer Roland Mouret, artistic powerhouses Patrik Fredrikson and Ian Stallard, and Michele Oka Doner. Leading figures in the national arts sphere included MICAS board member Dr Georgina Portelli, MICAS Art Director Dr Ruth Bianco, and ar-

project Claude Borg. Put together with the help of students from the University of Malta, many innovative elements were included such as an Oculus Rift digital walkthrough, an architectural model, installations and projections.

Following the success of the MICAS Concept Launch, the MICAS team are looking forward to bring more projects to life. While the MICAS space will be officially completed in 2021, a slew of events and year-round programmes are in the works in the run-up to the official launch in 2021.

To learn more about the project visit micas. art or contact MICAS at info@micas.art.

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Josh Divney, Fun Kids Radio

Leandro Da Silva, m2o Radio

FUN KIDS RADIO UK

M2O RADIO MILANO / ROME

PIÑATA MONTPELLIER

SHOW: JOSH

SHOW: IN DA SILVA HOUSE (WITH LEANDRO DA SILVA)

SHOW: TUDO BEM (WITH THOMAS BERTHELOT & MAXIME RYCKWAERT)

Fun Kids is the UK’s radio station for children and their families. The station went on air in 2005 under the name «Fun Radio», was relaunched in 2008 as «Fun Kids», and finally started to broadcast nationwide via DAB digital radio in 2016.

The Italian radio landscape has a rich history of pure dance music stations dating back to the early 1980s. Since October 2002, m2o Radio continues this legacy impressively – reaching an astonishing 1.8 million listeners a day. It‘s here on this station where the country‘s most influential DJs pass the needle and mike to each other. Even international superstar DJs like Tiesto, Carl Cox, or David Guetta have or had their own shows on m2o.

From France to the world, Piñata Radio is an online radio based in Montpellier. Broadcasting since late 2017, Piñata Radio is showcasing some of the best DJs and music curators from the south of France and beyond. Deeply rooted in their own city as much as they explore other countries, these dedicated radio jocks present their listeners a wide and diverse selection of music and radio shows. Next to the web stream, the website of Piñata Radio offers its visitors multiple ways to unearth new and exciting music.

The programmes on Fun Kids Radio are a mix of music, games. and silliness, specifically aimed at 6 to 12 year olds. The music played is mostly from TV shows and kid’s movies as well as from the current charts. Next to music, there are also a daily stories on Fun Kids Radio weekly competitions, fun features, and recommendations of family events and things-to-do.

The website reflects what’s happening on the radio station, along with entertaining stories, videos, and quizzes.

At the 9th edition of the IRF, Josh Divney will present his daily show «Josh» (Monday - Friday) where he’s counting down the biggest pop songs on the planet. He’ll probably also tell all the kids some exciting stories from this little island in the Mediterranean sea called Malta... www.funkidslive.com

Brazilian-born Leandro Da Silva Aguiar is one the best known DJs in Italy and hosts a daily programme of house music on m2o Radio. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday he provides the whole of Italy with a new way of celebrating the weekend: In his one hour show «In Da Silva House» Leandro plays the most upfront and groundbreaking deep house and tech house tracks, as well as supplying face to face interviews with top DJs. The world wide booked DJ and highly acclaimed producer will be escorted to the International Radio Festival by another m2o anchor, Alessandro Xiueref aka ASCO. That‘s the sound “la bella paese” dances to. www.m2o.it

«Tudo Bem» is a monthly radio show hosted on Piñata Radio by its two founders, Thomas Berthelot and Maxime Ryckwaert. Covering a large spectrum of music, from jazz to electronic and everything in between, they play some of the finest music they discover on their digging trips. Inspired by what’s happening worldwide as much as what’s going on in their hometown and around, «Tudo Bem» represents Piñata Radio’s eclecticism like no other show. www.pinataradio.com

Thomas Berthelot & Maxime Ryckwaert, Piñata Radio

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LISTEN TO HOW THE WORLD SOUNDS

Riyadh Khalaf, Alix Fox, BBC Radio 1

BBC RADIO 1 UK

MOUV’ FRANCE

SHOW: ZOOLOGICA (WITH VALENTIN HUEDO)

SHOW: DIRTY MIX (WITH DJ DIRTY SWIFT)

It bears repeating, but the British national platform BBC Radio 1, is simply the best radio station, in the world. It‘s a big acknowledgment for us to be the only festival in the world to be able to welcome this giant back for the sixth time.

Our festival wouldn’t be the same without Ibiza Sonica participating. In 2006 Igor Marijuan and Miguel Valverde materialised their desire to create a non-commercial radio station, delivering a slice of Ibiza’s amazing musical landscape to the world, and experienced a swift rise to the top of the game ever since.

The internet has played a fundamental role in Ibiza Sonica’s worldwide success beaming their programme across the globe simultaneously with the local FM broadcast reaching more than 12 million listeners a month. Boasting line-ups to rival any super club, it’s no surprise thousands of listeners tune in for their daily Ibiza Sonica fix.

It was in 1997 when the French national broadcasting service, Radio France, launched its first channel targeted solely at the youth, and thus Mouv’ (formely Le Mouv‘) was born. The station primarily plays youth-oriented music, centered on urban music and hip hop. Initially based in Toulouse, it moved to Paris in December 2001 and reaches 420’000 listeners today.

BBC Radio 1 plays the best new music and supports emerging talent. As well as Radio 1’s Live Lounge and the world famous Essential Mix, the station is home to the UK’s Official Chart and great DJs including Nick Grimshaw, Pete Tong, Clara Amfo, and Annie Mac. To this year‘s edition of the IRF, BBC Radio 1 sends us two of their up-and-coming hosts, Alix Fox and Riyadh Khalaf. The twosome is responsible for Unexpected Fluids, Radio 1’s outrageous new sex podcast. Be prepared for a top notch show from the best in radio land!

Not for the faint hearted. www.bbc.co.uk/radio1

Valentin Huedo, Ibiza Sonica

IBIZA SONICA

SHOW: UNEXPECTED FLUIDS (WITH RIYADH KHALAF AND ALIX FOX)

For this year’s edition of the IRF we welcome Valentin Huedo. He is one of Ibiza’s bestknown and most respected DJs. He ha shaped the sound at the legendary Café del Mar, Ibiza, for 9 years and is a resident DJ at one of the most exclusive clubs on the island, Blue Marlin. Time Out said of him: «Valentin Huedo has redefined the Balearic sound of their predecessors». His show «Zoologica» will be presented live from our festival studios at the Pjazza Teatru Rjal in Valetta. If you’re in town you better drop on by to catch some of the real Balearic lifestyle spirit. www.ibizasonica.com

For the IRF Malta Mouv’ decided to showcase its Saturday Night show «Dirty Mix» for a global audience. DJ Dirty Swift will alternate between classics and novelties, mixing the finest hip hop tracks he brought along in his record bag in an endless seamless mix. Dirty Swift has been one of Paris’ most creditable hip hop DJs for over 15 years now and hosts, next to his Satuday Night mix programme, a daily show from 5 to 8pm. For their concert in Paris, Jay-Z and Beyonce chose, of course, Dirty Swift to open up in front of 70,000 people. www.mouv.fr

DJ Dirty Swift, Mouv’

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Fri 02nd November

district x ibiza sonica radio ft. Jeremy Underground Venue Mansion, SKY CLUB Tickets evently.com.mt

WHY SHOULD RADIO KEEP ON REMINDING EVERYONE IT IS UNIQUE?

district’s 2018 Summer season at Marrakech Club, Gianpula Village, was headlined by international artists including Artwork, Gerd Janson, Denis Sulta, Mella Dee. district was also one of two local brands behind the Malta leg of Toolroom’s 15-Year anniversary world tour at Café Del Mar featuring Mark Knight.

A jam-packed winter schedule kicks off with a collaboration with Ibiza Sonica as part of the IRF18 programme. Parisian selector Jeremy Underground shall be headlining Mansion, Sky Club, on Friday 2nd November, supported by Ibiza Sonica resident Valentin Huedo. district residents Cluett, Puis, Ben & Macelli and Edd complete the bill. The night shall be aired live on Ibiza Sonica Radio. The future is certainly looking bright.

Follow @districtmalta

facebook / instagram / spotify / soundcloud

Credit: Radiocentre

district has developed into one of Malta’s most influential clubbing brands since its inception in 2014. district’s roots in house music merge with a willingness to allow residents and guest artists the freedom to explore more diverse strands of electronic music. This disregard for industry-defined boundaries, and the attention to detail shown to the creative elements in producing each show, translates into an identity and vibe that is unique to district.

Radio is neither audiovisual, nor music-only.

Most of the listening is still done by reception of broadcast content. As this enables one-tomany access and can influence listeners, they need a licence to broadcast delivered at national level.

In the era of Fake News, radio is key to fight filter bubbles, as it exposes listeners to content they were not expecting or looking for. Radio is the most trusted source of information (see Eurobarometer Survey EB88 and Radiocentre Breaking News).

Radio is everywhere, mobile, simple-to-use, interactive, cost-efficient and complimentary.

80% of the EU population on average listens to it for at least 2 or 3 hours per day, based on free-to-air broadcasting.

Radio’s future however lies in a mix of broadcasting and online. The best initiative recently developed for this is Radioplayer, gathering public and commercial broadcasters in a country to create jointly owned portals (see

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also radiot.fi) listing all the broadcast radio stations in this country. As well as protecting from gatekeepers, and growing time spent listening, it has spin-off benefits, such as enabling easier development of hybrid radio or easier presence on voice-activated devices (See Getting Vocal).

Even in a digitised, globalised and interchangeable world, your local station will always keep its non-interchangeable Unique Selling Proposition, its strengths and unique features that no one else can nor will provide. Listeners listen to their local radio station because of the complete, fast and relevant service of public interest that these stations provide, and it’s fun! This is what the International Radio Festival stands for, and that’s what AER stands for.

AER, the Association of European Radios, represents more than 4,500 commercially funded radio stations across the EU28 and Switzerland, and is the only organisation representing only radio to the EU Institutions in Brussels.

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LISTEN TO HOW THE WORLD SOUNDS

Colin Fitz, Magic Malta

Paola De Angelis, Rai Radio 3

MAGIC MALTA

RAI RADIO 3 ITALY

RADIOIMMAGINARIA BOLOGNA

SHOW: DRIVE-TIME (WITH COLIN FITZ)

SHOW: SEI GRADI (WITH PAOLA DE ANGELIS)

SHOW: LUDOVICA AZZALI

Magic Malta 91.7 is an all music radio station operated by the Public Broadcasting Service, the Maltese government‘s public broadcaster. The station’s programme varies from live shows to long stretches of non-stop music, supported by local and foreign News Bulletins.

Way back in 1950 the Italian state-owned public-broadcasting organization RAI (Radiotelevisione italiana) installed its «Terzo programma», loosely based on its British namesake, the BBC Third Programme. The focus of the programme is on culture; be it classical music or avant-garde music (including live concerts), but also drama, literature, history, economics, philosophy, religion, art, and cinema. It is one of Italy‘s most influential and most critical voices off the beaten tracks of themainstream.

Italy doesn‘t just have one of the most vivid radio scenes in the world, it also has the best ideas how to support and foster talents and up-and-coming radio stars. Radioimmaginaria is a non-profit radio project from Bologna, formed in 2012 – the first and only teenage radio network in Europe. Thanks to countless volunteers, hundreds of private donators, and subsidies by foundations and institutions «Radioimmaginaria – The Teenagers Radio» is directed and run by more than 300 adolescents aged between 11 and 17 years old without any interference from adults. Today, Radioimmaginaria reaches about 600’000 listeners with their live programme and podcasts.

For the IRF, Magic Malta will present their daily Drive-Time show, a three-hours music show keeping busy traffic listeners, still at work, in high spirits. The presenter, Colin Fitz, has been in the radio industry for 25 years. He’s also renowned for his unique style of presentation, both on-air and when hosting top local events, for instance the Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2018. We’re looking forward to bringing this typical Malta radio show to our audience worldwide. www.tvm.com.mt

At this year‘s IRF we welcome one of the most popular shows of the station: «Sei Gradi». A daily show based on the six degrees of separation theory, demonstrated in musical terms.

Seven songs are linked by six connections, which might take the listeners on a daring journey from Mozart via Björk to Domenico Modugno. We are very eager to experience what presenter Paola De Angelis and station manager Nicola Catalano have planned for their showcase for the evening of Wednesday, October 31st. www.raiplayradio.it/radio3

At the IRF in Malta we welcome with open arms Ludovica Azzali, who joined Radioimmaginaria in 2015 and is now its director at the age of 21. She will bring the teenager’s perspective to the International Radio Festival through a combination of live-recorded interviews with other participating radio stations, music from their home countries, and reports about radio and podcasting in general. Azzali will be accompanied by Luvi Ferrari, who joined the station when she was only 12. She‘s now a rookie at the language faculty of Bologna, and she studies English, French, Russian, and Mandarin. She‘s in charge of the International development at Radioimmaginaria. www.radioimmaginaria.it

Ludovica Azzali, Radioimmaginaria Bologna

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LISTEN TO HOW THE WORLD SOUNDS

Max Klement, EgoFm

Sandra Gern, EgoFm

DJ Target, BBC Radio 1Xtra

EGO FM MUNICH

BBC RADIO 1XTRA UK

93.5 RED FM INDIA

SHOW: DISCOVER NEW MUSIC (WITH SANDRA GERN & MAX KLEMENT)

BBC RADIO 1XTRA LONDON SHOW: DJ TARGET

SHOW: RJ DEVAKI

The mission of the Munich based station egoFM is to be a bulwark in mainstream radio, land where format programmes let you hear the same few songs all day long. Consequently, the claim of egoFM is «Das Radio für Musikentdecker» (the radio for music discoverers).

The main target group is between 20 and 39 and likes artists like alt-J, Florence & The Machine, or Moderat, but is also always on the lookout for new and, emerging acts. Next to FM and DAB+ the station – operating for 10 years now – broadcasts via 12 different streams reaching two million listeners a month. The innovative content and focus of egoFM leads to a re-discovery of the medium, radio by an audience that has turned away from mainstream programmes. They reconsider radio to be a source of progressive and creative impulses that enriches their everyday life with topics that range from the club scene, the latest internet hypes, to social commitment. In short: EgoFM makes radio great again!

1Xtra, BBC Radio One’s sister station, was launched in August, 2002, and now reaches around 1.11 million listeners each week (those aged 10+). 1Xtra is targeted at a younger audience and plays mostly hip hop, grime, bassline, dubstep, garage, RnB, and bhangra – bringing these genres to the mainstream.

The station also blends the music programme with entertainment, news, and specially commissioned documentaries relevant to a 15-24 year old target audience, including those from ethnic minorities.

Red FM 93.5 is India‘s largest and most awarded radio network, with 50 stations all across the country, 169 collected awards so far (best FM brand, best FM station, best RJs etc) and up to 30 millions listeners. The philosophy and attitude of «Bajaate Raho!» (loosely translated «keep playing the music») keeps the energy of the station always at high peak. Especially with the renowned morning show «Morning No. 1» with RJ Devaki at Red FM Ahmedabad.

The show was awarded as «The Best Radio Show Of Gujarat» by India Radio Forum 2015.

Recently Devaki was also awarded as the voice of Ahmedabad by the Governor of Gujarat. Her show is a platform for the aam amdavadi. Authorities like the AMC, Police Commissioner, the mayor of Ahmedabad use the show to spread their message across. They even take Devaki‘s suggestions on important matters. We are very pleased to have Devaki in Malta representing India at the International Radio Festival 2018. www.redfmindia.com

For the IRF in Valetta, egoFM wants to make our worldwide audience discover new music from Germany. Max Klement (presenter of the daily drive time show «Metropol») and Sandra Gern (presenter of the weekly show «Chelsea Hotel») will lead through two hours of German music, from icons to contemporary artists and total newcomers. We are quite sure the twosome will hand some German gems to us on a silver platter. www.egofm.de

At this year’s edition of the IRF, 1XTra sends us DJ Target to represent the station on our worldwide stage. The London-born DJ presents the flagship new music show of 1XTra (every evening from Monday til Thursday) providing young audiences with an ultimate guide to the fresh artists and sounds from around the UK and the world. DJ Target is also the Talent and Music Lead for the station, charing the 1Xtra playlist meeting and leading on live event programming. www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra

RJ Devaki, Red FM, India

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NEVER MIND

THE

THE LEADING CONFERENCE AND LARGEST MEETING POINT FOR THE WORLD OF RADIO AND AUDIO INNOVATION

EUROPE2019

BLOCKCHAIN

Sound Matters - The Future of Audio

by Cliff Fluet*

I’ve been in deep in the blockchain space for the last four or so years. Here are my answers to the most common and actual questions I’m asked most days about what it might mean for music and broadcast.

So, what the hell is this new Blockchain thing?

First up, it’s not that new. The concept is just a bit younger than the iPhone and the same age as the App Store.

OK, so what is it then?

It’s a technology that solves a long-standing theoretical problem that a truly digital currency could not exist without solving, the ‘double spend’ issue. In other words, how can a technology ensure that a digital transaction is unique, real, and immutable without a cent84

130 SPEAKERS IN 60 SESSIONS

1600 DELEGATES FROM 60 COUNTRIES

100 EXHIBITORS AND PARTNERS

10 ANNIVERSARY TH

10 ANNIVERSARY TH

Lausanne / Switzerland / 31 March - 2 April 2019

radiodayseurope.com

EUROPE 85

ralised authority like a bank confirming that it was real? Blockchain distributes digital transactions across thousands of digital wallets, over a ledger that is decentralised, immutable, and highly resistant to fraud. Entries are distributed and sealed on cryptographic blocks of validated transactions, linked together in a chain. Thus Blockchain.

So, how’s that different from Bitcoin?

Bitcoin was the first (of hundreds) of digital currencies that use Blockchain as its underlying technology.

OK, I get what it might mean for digital money, but why is it so important?

Beyond digital money, companies around the world are embedding, tracking, and transferring digital assets (and physical assets that can be expressed digitally) using Blockchain technology. The technology is also being seen as the ultimate ‘truth machine’, as it can’t be hacked, nor changed, without consensus.So lots of the work that the creative industries put into due diligence, chain of title, and demonstrating ownership can be automated. It’s perfect for music and metadata and distributions.

the music industry?

Goodness, where to even begin? Away from recorded music, Blockchain tech could secure digital ticketing or rewards and could enable dynamic pricing or a secondary market as controlled by the artist, promoter, or venue. It could unlock content based upon subject to preset conditions based upon where a fan was, what they’re doing, or the device or context where they’re listening. It could enable truly digital merchandise and create unique digital fan experiences. Artists could create their own tokens for fans to use and adopt and to mint unique value for their biggest fans. The possibilities are endless.

So, it’s not a load of old bollocks then?

No. But sadly it won’t prevent a load of old bollocks being talked about it for a while... *Cliff Fluet is a partner within Lewis Silkin’s Creators, Makers and Innovators Division and founded its digital media & entertainment practice. He previously worked at Warner Music and Capital Radio plc.

He is also Managing Director at Eleven, an advisory firm working with incumbents and insurgents and working with the leading companies in the blockchain space.

He bought Bitcoin at $340. He sold at $900.

WELCOME TO MALTA. WELCOME TO RADIO LAND. More popular than ever before Not everyone is aware of this fact: Radio is still the world’s most consumed media, closely followed by social media. In the US radio adds up to 92% of the weekly media consumption. The average time spent listening to radio in the US per day is 1.8 hours. In Malta figures are even much more striking. The last annual survey by the Maltese Broadcasting Authority showed that the Maltese listen to an average of 2.99 hours of radio per day. That’s even an increase of 12 minutes from the previous year. 71.8% of the Malta population tune-in to the radio on a regular basis with over 51.4% consuming the medium on a daily routine. In other words: The people of Malta consume radio more than ever!

Your favourite radio station The survey by BA Malta shows that in general, radio listeners tended to listen to one particular radio station, with Bay Radio attracting the largest number of listeners at 22.31%, followed by ONE Radio (17.75%) and Radju Malta (10.13%). ONE Radio however registered the greatest share of air-time at 26.66%, followed by Bay Radio (16.22%) and Radju Malta (10.46%). The survey also illustrates that older people listen to radio more than youngsters.

77.3% of those aged 50 and over said they listened to radio while only 54.8% of those aged 12-20 said the same.

«More than half of the Maltese population listens to radio every day.»

So it’s about the data and the plumbing of the music industry … I can’t see any real-world consumer-facing applications to 86

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Meet in History to make History in History to make History MeetMeet in History to make History

• Conference halls accommodating more than 2,700 One of Europe’ s most intriguing conference centres, • Conference halls accommodating more than 2,700 One of Europe’ s most intriguing conference centres, • Conference halls accommodating more than 2,700 One of Europe’ personspersons the MCC ass most intriguing conference centres, versatile as it is epic. historical roots roots theis MCC is as versatile as itIts is epic.

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MCC prides onitself the level of customer supportsupport MCCitself prides on the level of customer service it offers through its of dedicated and highly service offers through its dedicated and highly MCC prides itselfiton the level customer support motivated staff.through Nostaff. matter thewhat sizeand of the event No matter the size of the event ervice it motivated offers itswhat dedicated highly T: +356 255 95 215, F: + 356 21 245900 being organised the Mediterranean T: +356 255 95 215, F: + 356 21 245900 being organised the the Mediterranean Conference motivated staff. No matter what size ofConference the event E: sales@mcc.com.mt. W: www.mcc.com.mt Centre can catercan for all your requirements.

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M A LTA’ 1 8 THE AUDIO CONFERENCE Thursday 1st November 2018 Mediterranean Conference Centre Valletta, Malta The International Radio Festival 2018 Malta edition, will explore the way major broadcasting organisations are tackling the changing nature of audio consumption; alongside the challenges of podcasting and on-demand audio, with industry experts and leaders from broadcasters, production, and technology companies. The IRF analyses the rise of niche-format radio stations, and the unique challenges of serving listeners across different

media cultures. And we’ll hear from leading producers at the forefront of creating sound art and audio branding. And all this within the stunning surroundings of Valletta, European Capital of Culture 2018. The IRF’s B2B Forum takes place at the historic Mediterranean Conference Centre on 1st November, covering the hottest topics in the global audio and music industries. You find the full schedule later in this magazine.

Speakers at the IRF Conference include: Paul Sylvester Content Director, Absolute Radio Martyn Ware Artist, Producer, Founder, Illustrious Co. Ltd. Xanthe Fuller Head of Community, Mixcloud John Simons Intl Radio Consultant, John Simons Consulting Paul Smith Head of Editorial Standards & Commissioning Policy, BBC Radio Nicky Birch Executive Producer, BBC Research & Development, Director, Rosina Sound James Keen-Pan Island Station Director, Channel 103 & Island FM, Tindle CI Broadcasting Andrew Zammit General Manager, 89.7 Bay, Malta Scott Cohen Co-Founder, The Orchard Trevor Dann Creative Director, TDC, Chairman, London Voiceover Joanna Spiteri CEO Malta Broadcasting Authority David Lowe Music Composer & Producer, David Lowe Music Cliff Fluet Partner Lewis Silkin LLP & Blockchain Champion Tony Prince Founder DJ Mag, Founder DMC, Co-Founder United DJ‘s Gordon Mac Founder Kiss FM, Mi-Soul Radio Tempo Carlos Flex FM Nails Mahone On Air Coach Tracey Lee On Air Coach 89

MARTYN WARE ILLUSTRIOUS CO. Martyn Ware is an English musician, composer, arranger, record producer, and music programmer. As a founding member of The Human League, Heaven 17, and British Electric Foundation Ware was responsible for the New Wave and New Romantic scene which conquered the world. As a record producer and artist he has featured on recordings totaling over 50 million sales worldwide, producing amongst others Tina Turner, Terence Trent D‘Arby, Chaka Khan, Erasure, Marc Almond, and Mavis Staples.

In 2000, Martyn Ware and Vince Clarke (Yazoo, Depeche Mode, Erasure) launched Illustrious Co. Ltd. to exploit the creative and commercial possibilities of their unique 3DAudioScape immersive sound technology in collaboration with fine artists, the performing arts, and corporate clients around the world.

Paul Smith is Head of Editorial Standards at BBC Radio. The BBC is the UK‘s national broadcaster. It is independent from government, and paid for by a licence fee levied on all TV owners. The broadcaster aims to provide TV, Radio, and online services that are independent of political and commercial influences.

It is Paul Smith’s job to uphold these, and other standards in radio. He’s also in charge of the radio commissioning process. This aims to buy the best radio programme ideas from the BBC‘s own producers and the wider 90

Ware also lectures extensively, is Principal of Tileyard Education, and curates a large range of leading arts events. He’s also a Visiting Professor at Queen Mary College, University of London, a member of BAFTA, and a Fellow of the Royal Society for the Arts. He is an Honarary DSc at University Of London and is the first ambassador for In Place Of War. Ware is proud to be an international activist, helping to fight for the rights of creators and under represented people worldwide.

At the IRF’s Global Audio Conference Ware will be talking about his work past and present, including designing and composing ground-breaking 3D-soundscapes. Festival Director, Darryl von Däniken says: «These new speakers at our Audio Conference – plus the unique opportunity to “listen to how the world sounds” with our guest stations from around the world broadcasting back to their home audiences live from Malta – make the festival even more unmissable for anyone working in radio, audio or music.» www.illustriouscompany.co.uk

PAUL SMITH creative community of Independent Audio Producers. BBC Radio comprises Radio 1, 2, 3, and 4, and the digital networks 6 Music, 1Xtra, Asian Network. www.bbc.co.uk

XANTHE FULLER MIXCLOUD Founded in 2008 and launched in 2009, Mixcloud is a digital audio streaming platform that offers a diverse collection of serialised, long-form, and exclusive audio content – over 12 million radio shows, DJ sets, and Podcasts.

These shows are produced by over 1 million of the best curators and tastemakers in the business including: DJs such as Carl Cox and Tiesto, Talking Heads frontman David Byrne, independent radio stations like London’s NTS, and The Guardian Podcasts. Mixcloud’s proprietary Content ID system is capable of identifying individual tracks within radio shows and mixes, and ensuring proper payment to the underlying rights holders.

Paul Sylvester is an award-winning radio programmer with a decade of experience in radio production, management, and talent coaching. He became Content Director for Absolute Radio in August, 2015, and has led the team to record ratings and revenue. Absolute Radio won four Gold Awards at the Radio Academy awards in October, 2017, and was crowned «Radio Station of the Year» at the final Arqiva Commercial Radio Awards in 2016.

Paul Sylvester was named Radio Programmer of the Year on the same night. He has helped to design and deliver podcast strategies at Chrysalis/Absolute Radio, driving audience and revenue. Previously, he was a journalist and newsreader at LBC 97.3FM, LBC News

For five years now the Mixcloud Online Radio Awards is the biggest celebration of online radio in the world. Mixcloud’s mission is to celebrate the very best independent online radio and to provide an essential platform for presenters, DJs, stations, and Podcasters. This year, the awards included 29 categories, which were split into four groups: Best Online Music Show, Best Online Radio Station, Best Online Radio Personality, and Best Online Talk Show. The winner for «Best Online Radio Station Europe», Dublin Digital Radio will showcase a special programme at this year’s International Radio Festival.

Xanthe Fuller is Head of Community at Mixcloud and works with influential curators to maximise their reach on Mixcloud while encouraging new curators to join. Before Mixcloud Xanthe worked as a radio producer for BBC Radio 1, Radio 2, 6Music, 1Xtra, Classic FM, and XFM. She produced shows by the likes of Pete Tong, Mary Anne Hobbs, and Rob da Bank and managed a radio station based in Shoreditch. Xanthe also presents a monthly show on Soho Radio. www.mixcloud.com

PAUL SYLVESTER ABSOLUTE RADIO 1152, Heart 106.2, The Galaxy Network, and Lincs FM 102.2. In June 2017, Sylvester was made a Fellow of the UK Radio Academy. www.absoluteradio.co.uk

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production company, Somethin‘ Else, and founded radio and technology agency Rosina Sound in 2015.

positions and to get the most out of on-air talents. His services include training courses and bootcamps, talent and management coaching, strategic planning, music research interpretation, and conference speaker and facilitator.

JOHN SIMONS John Simons is an award-winning radio programme director who worked for 14 years at the Guardian Media Group, after having gained experience at BBC Radio 2 amongst other stations. Today he’s engaged as an independent consultant for radio stations.

Over the years Simons built up a range of techniques to take stations to market leading

Since August of this year, James Keen runs Channel 103 in Jersey and Island FM in Guernsey as their Station Director. Both stations belong to the Tindle Radio Group which owns commercial stations in the Channel Islands and in Ireland. The first station acquired

by Tindle was 104.7 Island FM in 1998. The station remains the sole commercial station in Guernsey and continues to be extremely successful with high listenership figures. Both stations, Island FM and Channel 103 both started to broadcast in 1992.

As Station Director, James Keen will oversee both the commercial and content sides of the businesses. He leaves Global’s Heart Essex and East Anglia stations, where he was Managing Editor, to take up this new position. Previous to that he was with Q103 in Cambridge and the UKRD Group.

James told RadioToday in August: «I can’t wait to join two such fantastic stations on two stunning islands. It’s an exciting time to be joining and helping to drive new ideas to help 92

Therefore, we’re looking forward to his speech at the Mediterranean Conference Centre on 1st November. John Simons will lead a panel on the rise of niche radio services from rock to jazz. The 2004 winner of the «UK Programmer of the Year» award by the UK Radio Academy has surely got some insights most radio jockeys can learn something from. www.johnsimonsconsulting.com

JAMES KEEN-PAN build on the stations’ phenomenal success super-serving their audiences and customers over their first 25 years.»

At the IRF’s B2B Conference, James will join Andrew Zammit from Malta’s «number one hit music station» 89.7 Bay on stage to discuss the benefits and challenges of targeting a small island-based audience. www.islandfm.com www.channel103.com

NICKY BIRCH Nicky Birch is an award winning creative strategist who has been working in audio and technology for 20 years now. She has been making radio and audio content across all the BBC networks, headed research and business development at the UK‘s leading audio

ANDREW ZAMMIT Andrew Zammit is General Manager at Malta’s most popular radio station, 89.7 Bay Radio. He started to work at the station as a part-time evening presenter. He immediately got bitten by the radio bug and after finishing his university studies, he was employed on a full-time basis as the 89.7 Bay Drive time host. Andrew‘s radio career flourished and he was promoted to senior producer and subsequently Head of Production in 2009. Soon after, he was entrusted with the flagship show at 89.7 Bay, «Bay Breakfast». Following three successful years at the helm of the breakfast

Nicky has led early stage start-ups in meta data enrichment of audio and binaural audio software for games. As a radio producer, she worked on a large number of radio programmes presented by Gilles Peterson, David Rodigan, Trevor Nelson, and Mary Anne Hobbs; and won five Sony Radio Awards. Her mobile audio games have won TIGA and IMGA awards. Currently, she’s producing voice activated fiction for smart speakers at BBC Reasearch & Development. She will tell us more about exciting developments in voice-first audio formats at the IRF B2B Conference 2018. www.bbc.co.uk/rd

show, Andrew left Eden Leisure (the parent company of 89.7 Bay radio) and moved on to Sales and Marketing. He gained his first managerial experience as the Group Sales and Marketing manager of a marine services firm in 2012. Early on in 2014, 89.7 Bay and Andrew crossed paths once more and he rejoined the group as the Group Sales Manager.

After four successful years at the helm of the 89.7 Bay’s Sales Team, Andrew was entrusted with leading 89.7 Bay, a position which he has aspired to hold since first joining the company back in 2003.

At the IRF’s B2B Conference, Andrew will be joined by James Keen-Pan on stage to discuss the benefits and challenges of targeting a small island-based audience. www.bay.com.mt

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SCOTT COHEN THE ORCHARD

Scott Cohen is an experienced music business executive with a deep knowledge of the global music market and a specialised knowledge in new media and the digital music marketplace. He co-founded The Orchard in 1997, and built it into the leading distributor of music, film, television, and video with operations in more than 30 countries and headquarters in New York City and London.

It’s almost impossible to list all of Trevor Dann’s achievements in the UK radio landscape. Too numerous are his endeavours and accomplishments over the last 40 years. Dann’s radio career began at BBC Radio Nottingham in 1974. He was a producer at BBC Radio 1 from 1979 to 1983, produced the legendary «Old Grey Whistle Test» for BBC2 for four years and recently wrote a biography about Nick Drake called «Darker Than The Deepest Sea».

Today, Dann is Creative Director of TDC (Trevor Dann Company). TDC is an award-winning UK-based independent producer creating quality audio for BBC and commercial radio and a number of corporate clients. The company also offers a variety of training and consultancy services.

On top of that, Dann is chairman of the London Voiceover talent agency, Honorary Professor of Journalism at Nottingham Trent University, visiting lecturer at the University of Salford, and 94

A recognised expert in new media, Scott has spent a significant amount of time as a public speaker, presenting at major music and media conferences around the world as well as at a number of universities. Scott also runs an artist management company and advises more than a dozen new media companies.

“Radio is ever evolving. It is more than transmitting music over airwaves and much deeper than online playlists. Radio is at a historic crossroads and the International Radio Festival is the place the discussion begins,” says Cohen. www.theorchard.com

THE AUDIO CONFERENCE

01.11.18 @ THE MCC, MEDITERRANEAN CONFERENCE CENTRE, TRIQ L-ISPTAR, VALLETTA, VLT 1645, MALTA TIME

SESSION

SPEAKER

9:45 am

Welcome to the IRF Audio Conference in

Darryl von Däniken Founder & Festival Director Conference Manager Will Jackson CEO Joanna Spiteri

International Radio Festival International Radio Festival Malta Broadcasting Author

10:00 am Ten Years of Absolute Radio

Paul Sylvester

Content Director

Absolute Radio

10:20 am Creating the BBC News Theme: The Art of Audio Design

David Lowe

Music Composer Producer

David Lowe

10:40 am Reinventing and Growing BBC Radio

Paul Smith

Head of Editorial Standards BBC and Commissioning Policy Trevor Dann‘s Company Creative Director

09:00 am

Doors open for Coffee & Tea Networking

Trevor Dann

11:00 am NETWORKING BREAK

TREVOR DANN secretary of the Radio Independents Group.

Trevor presents the weekly «Radio Today Programme» in association with Broadcast Bionics, writes for Newsweek and appears regularly on panels commentating on media issues. He has won 6 New York Radio Awards for programmes broadcast by BBC Radio’s 2 & 4. But enough of it. We don’t want to overwhelm you with Trevor Dunn’s importance for radio. Better you look forward to his panel at this year’s IRF B2B Conference at the MCC. www.trevordann.com

11:30 am Island Life - Broadcasting on an Island

James Keen

11:50 am Reinventing Radio

Tindle CI Broadcasting

Andrew Zammit

Pan Island Station Director Creative Director General Manager

Paul Sylvester Xanthe Fuller Scott Cohen Nicky Birch

Content Director Head of Community Founder and VP International Executive Producer

Absolute Radio Mixcloud The Orchard BBC Research and Development

Cliff Fluet

Partner & Blockchain Champion

Lewis Silkin LLP

1:00 pm

NETWORKING LUNCH

2:00 pm

Blockchain in Audio

2:20 pm

Going Legal - UK Pirates Tony Prince through the Years. A Gordon Mac Tempo Carlos

2:50 pm

The Power of Sound

Nails Mahone Tracey Lee

3:10 pm

Music Keynote with 3D Sound Showcase

Martyn Ware

3:30 pm

FINALE and return to IRF Radio Studio @ Teatru Rjal

89.7 Bay

DJ Mag, United DJ‘s Founder and Studio Director Mi-Soul Radio Flex FM On Air Coach On Air Coach Founder

Illustrious Co. Ltd. and Founder of Human League & Heaven 17 Please tag: #irfradiofest #irfmalta #radio #audio #visitmalta 95

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OA &

ence it offers participants; eight years and nine editions are tantamount to that, and the feedback is incredible giving us a good sign that there is demand for a conference such as the IRF; a place to be, when it comes to the narrative covering audio and music radio production.

Get to know the mastermind behind the International Radio Festival as we quiz Darryl von Däniken, Festival Director, about his organisation.

Beginning in 2010, the International Radio Festival is getting ready for its ninth edition, this time in Valetta, Malta‘s capital city, and the EU‘s capital city of culture 2018. Going back to its grassroots, what inspired the birth of the IRF? It started off with a love for radio as a story-teller of music, coupled with the understanding of the strength of the medium as part of today‘s overall media mix. From thereon it set off on a journey of establishing itself as the first and only B2B and B2C event, solely for music radio content professionals – the on-air hosts, their producers, programmers, and the music industry.

It must have been a challenge to explain the concept to radio stations and persuade them to broadcast their show from a temporary studio in a foreign location?

Well yes, absolutely, which is ridiculous really considering that radio is so omnipresent and remains the world’s most consumed medium.

Nonetheless, the experience for participants from the very first edition onwards, all the radio stations, conference speakers and the general public who listened or dropped in, was so unique. Word of mouth ensured we never had a lack of interesting radios wishing to take part.

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Why should a radio station take part in the IRF? Well, the IRF represents the first (and remains the only) B2B meeting of minds solely focused on music radio content and programming. It offers the opportunity for participants to knowledge share and network with industry leaders, as well as being able to share their IRF experiences with their listeners back home – in most cases live-on-air – representing a special moment in broadcasting at any time.

Radio stations from all over the world are broadcasting to their listeners back home, it is assumed they will have to do this in English?

No, not at all.The IRF represents a showcase of global radio cultures, where all participants broadcast back to their home listeners in their own language, playing their usual tunes, jingles, and if a commercial station, even their ads; making the IRF the United Audio of Broadcasting, and the world’s largest on-air event.

How has the radio industry reacted to The International Radio Festival?

The radio industry is increasingly embracing what the IRF stands for and the unique experi-

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome?

The medium, radio/audio, didn’t carry as much weight back in 2010, especially following the dot.com revolution, whereas today, in our over-digitalized, one-dimensional ‘fake’ world, it is gaining recognition in quantum leaps as the most authentic and sociable medium delivering the highest impact. And this will only increase as our aversion to digital increases. Let‘s not forget that radio is all about storytelling, something most if not all of us consciously experienced first in life – we are primed for radio.

The IRF has held editions in Zurich, Milan, London, next Malta. How do you decide on the location?

The IRF chooses its locations based on a number of parameters, starting with the host country’s affinity to the medium radio and music. Whilst our beginnings took place in Switzerland because we lived there, we quickly set our sights on countries where there was a much deeper cultural relationship with radio, hence our subsequent editions in London, Milan, and this year in Malta, which has one of the densest radio footprints in the world.

Another parameter is choosing locations with dramatic backdrops, offering our international guests the unique opportunity for storytelling in order to share their IRF experiences with their listeners back home. This year, the backdrop to Malta’s capital city Valletta (EU’s cultural capital for 2018) can only be described as jaw-dropping in this case; an incredible location; we are eager to return to every year.

Radio DJ’s behave like Rockstars.

True or False?

Those who don’t, should! Music radio is all about personalities, and personalities generate audiences – not playlists.

Over the past 8 years, what have been the unforgettable standout shows and DJs? Gosh, where does one start?! We‘ve had the honour of showcasing incredible radios and programming. From small internet stations, to leading national broadcasters reaching 40mil+ listeners; social media double acts, to personalities who want to keep their faces hidden from the public; and pioneering radio pirates spanning three generations having ensured the medium always delivered the music of the moment, whether the establishment wished for it or not – so in answer, and to avoid any clichés, I’d like to say every one of our guests so far has been a highlight.

What’s next for the IRF? Presently we are busy preparing for the IRF 2018 Malta edition at the end of October, and are keeping our focus firmly there. The B2B conference programme will feature an incredible line up of groundbreaking industry professionals, and a bumper schedule of international radio stations across all music entertainment spectrums.

Where will the IRF be in 10 years time?

Our goal is that we will be producing four continental editions per year by then; one each in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas, to truly unite these four manifestly important radio cultures.

Finish the sentence. The magic of the IRF lies in… celebrating the most sociable and authentic medium, radio.

by Gabby Sanderson 99

St. Petersburg*

SOUND OF INDIA CONTEST

Moscow

Hamburg

*Manchester

The IRF together with Indiantelevision.com group’s radioandmusic.com and Mixcloud have teamed up for the sixth time to find the Indian FM Radio Show and Radio jockey of 2018 to be showcased at this year’s IRF Festival in Valetta, Malta.

As part of the Sound of India contest Indian FM radio stations had to upload samples of shows aired live in 2018 on Mixcloud. At the beginning of October a jury set up by radioandmusic.com went through all submissions as a preliminary filtration process, followed by a final selection. This year’s winner is none other than RJ Devaki from Red FM 93.5 Ahmedabad. Read more about her and the station in our festival programme section later in this publication.

Nominees for the 2018 Sound of India Contest also included: RJ Nethra, Radio City Bengaluru, RJ Salil & Archana, Radio City, RJ Shonali and Radio City Pune.

The previous winner of Sound of India: 2016: Red FM’s RJ Malishka 2015: 92.7 Big FM’s Siddharth Misra 2014: MY FM’s RJ Meenakshi 2013: Radio Mirchi’s RJ Jeeturaaj 2012: Red FM‘s RJ Malishka

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*Bristol

Birmingham* Gatwick, Heathrow Southend

Amsterdam

Berlin

Dusseldorf Brussels

Leipzig

Paris CDG Paris Orly

Munich

Zurich Lyon*

Kiev Prague*

Frankfurt

Vienna

Geneva* Venice*

Milan

Bucharest Marseille* Rome

Cagliari

Lisbon

RJ Devaki

Palermo Tunis

Malaga

Casablanca

Comiso

Catania

MALTA Tel Aviv

*summer only

Travel across our network from as little as

*Go Light, one way // taxes & charges included

€30

*

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