27-Oct-2004 :

Ivan Filletti is best know for the great blues band 'Filletti and Friends' - so we propped up our ears, to say the least, when a new style attributed to Ivan, yet totally unlike him, broke through to us over the airwaves. It sounded so good we just had to find out for ourselves...

Are you going solo now?  Is the band a thing of the past?

'F&F' are now 'Stonefall' and we're currently preparing new material for the album which will be launched in late 2005. In the meantime I'm finishing off my solo album and rehearsing it with my new band - 

Boris Cezek - Drums
Kevin (il-lega) - Guitars
Alex Dimitrijevic - Bass
Andre Schembri - Keyboards 

Actually I feel that this new style suites your voice fine. First heard your singles on the airwaves and they really caught me by surprise. I remember myself thinking 'that wasn't Filletti ! Or was it?' What do you make of this?

Actually I went back to vocal coaching and went on a mission to look for my new voice!! I wanted to reinvent myself away from high energetic, loud, screaming 'Plant' influenced voice. It's been a long and tiresome journey but the effort seems to be paying off and honestly, I've still got so much more to learn.

Probably some of the best local lyrics I've heard. Are they also based on personal experiences or are they simply intended to match the mood of the music?

I wanted the songs to sound as honest as possible and yes, the lyrics are very personal. Infact I always hesitate prior to releasing a single since I do feel I'm sharing my personal life with thousands of strangers. It feels like seeing your baby grow and somehow you've got to let go and literally face the music.

The Queen of England, The Pope and Nelson Mandela all ask you to perform for them on the same day same time. What would you do?

The Pope. I'm no angel but I really try hard to be a good Christian. Most of the time I fail but the journey continues and would be honoured to sing for the MAN.

What will you be up to in 10 years time?

As long as I still have something to say, stories to share and music to be proud of then I want to be on that stage performing.

Exclusive interview for Manicmalta by Louisa