Although it’s uncommon to come across a Malta-based music band, particularly on the charming island of Gozo, music has no boundaries. The name “The Travellers” resonates deeply with the island’s essence, as daily boat crossings from one shore to another are a journey in their own right—a perfect nod to the band’s name, don’t you think?
We’re a costly group; we break many rules. It’s unusual to combine opera with a rock theme, my dear .
In 2013, the band formed, blending pop music with the essence of Maltese music. The band consists of friends who came together to form a group, showcasing their chemistry and cohesion.
This six-member band already created their own space in the music industry with their first successful release, “Sempliċità”, in 2016. Their next two creations, “Dak li Int” and “Xemx u Xita”, reached the top of the Maltese music charts. The main vocalist is Chris Gatt; on the bass is Clayton Bonello; the lead guitarist and secondary vocalist is Andrew Vella; on the soothing sounds of trumpet is Joseph Xerri; rocking on the drums is Michael Camilleri; and last but not least, on the sexy saxophone is Sylvano Mizzi.
The appreciation and acknowledgement are far greater than anything else for any music band. The Travellers have been touring throughout Europe, gaining recognition and establishing their reputation among other well-known bands.
They have recently received four awards at the Lovin Music Awards 2019 for Best Band, Best Live Act, Best Song, and Best Performance of the Night.
Altogether, they have released 9 video songs, with Xemx U Xita being their most-watched video on YouTube, with over 660,000 views and still counting. Their work contains four singles: Sempliċità (2016), Dak li Int (2016), Xemx u Xita (2016), and Ħafi Paċi Kuluri (2017).
They plan to release a new album in 2020, believing that next year will be life-changing for them. The Travellers have the talent and spark to hit the world music charts. I was privileged to get a chance to have a small interview with the Maltese band hitting the hits!
Hi there, thanks again for taking the time, so let’s dive in. What drew you to the music industry?
“A desire to create something different in the already widely diversified music scene.”
Who are you inspired by?
“Great artists such as Freddie Mercury, Chris Martin, Bob Marley, and Franz Ferdinand.”
Ah, very friendly. What about meeting each other? How did you all meet?
“Clayton (bassist), Joseph (trumpet), Chris (main vocals), and Andrew (guitarist) were the original members who started playing together, while Sylvano (saxophone) and Michael (drummer) joined the rest of the band later on in 2013. With contrasting influences from Britpop to reggae and punk to dance music, the band was more than well equipped to bring the edgy pop sound we are familiar with.”
You have all come such an exciting, long way. What’s an average songwriting session like for you?
“It really depends. I strive to constantly vary my approach and push myself beyond my comfort zone to keep ideas fresh. As a general approach, I write songs by recording everything directly on my PC. Sometimes I start with simple chords; sometimes with a beat; and sometimes I start with the lyrics. It really depends on what I feel like doing at the moment. What is important for me is to have fun writing the best music I can.” – Andrew.
Could you elaborate on the hidden meanings present in any of your songs? Are there any hidden meanings in your songs?
“It depends on the song. Some of the songs have straightforward lyrics that would tell the listener a story, leaving little to interpretation. Other times, I like to write abstract lyrics, letting the listener interpret the song and make it their own.
So, in a sense, certain songs have a hidden meaning to me, but that is not relevant. What matters is how the music makes the listener feel.” – Andrew.
What’s your favourite thing about this line of work?
“It’s probably the connection you make with your fans and the immense response you get during gigs and events.”
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
“To have a mindset and clear goals about what they want to achieve and pursue them without giving up.”
What’s your favourite song to perform?
“Ersaq Fil-Qrib”
If you could have dinner with any historical person today, dead or alive, who would it be?
“David Bowie”
Great choice! What are your plans for 2020?
“2020 is an important year for us, as we are currently planning to work on our second album. We are very excited about this project and very eager to release new material.” Their work contains four singles: Sempliċità (2016), Dak li Int (2016), Xemx u Xita (2016), and Ħafi Paċi Kuluri (2017). They plan to release a new album in 2020, believing that next year will be life-changing for them.
If you want to give them a listen, you can find their videos on YouTube, or you can try to hunt down some of their music using MP3 Direct Zone.
Good news for the local fans in Malta, or if you can travel to listen to your favourite band: The Travellers are in the line-up for the New Year’s Eve celebrations taking place in Pjazza San Ġorġ, Valletta. And guess what? The band will be leading the night!
