Manicmalta is once again bringing you this unique opportunity to Ask Ira any question and WIN your chance to meet Ira in person!! Click here to participate in our 'Really meet Ira' competition. Closes 14th Nov 2005.

18-Jan-2005 :

I hate it when people overdo it. Especially in complimenting each other. I mean why should we blow feelings out of proportion just to look nice huh? So I'll make it plain simple. No extra praise here. Just the very very basic ok?  So "Please meet charming, talented, gorgeous, intriguing, international Ira Losco!"

Malta has rarely been so united in honest feelings of happiness for the achievements of another. Young and old heaved, sighed, laughed and cried as one big family during your fantastic Eurovision break through. I remember the extremely warm welcome you received on your return. Everybody loves Ira Losco in one way or another. Where would Ira be today without 7th Wonder? 

I was very happy to see people from all walks of life feeling that they participated in the success Malta enjoyed that day, which is the secret to that feeling of unity you mentioned and even though Eurovision is not everyone’s cup of tea, some good came out of it. But every success is short lived if it’s not followed up by something good or better.
Where would I be now without 7th wonder? Well pretty much doing the same thing I’m doing now, that is, doing music fulltime. I believe in destiny, and I believe that this is my role in life.When I wake up everyday, I feel I am meant to be doing what I am doing and I enjoy it so it’s even better. Maybe things would’ve happened differently who knows…..but without a shadow of a doubt I’d still be doing music.

Slap me in the face if I'm wrong but it is tempting to assume that since you're already graced with a beautiful body, an original sensual voice and loads of charisma you basically do the singing and performing while some hidden machinery takes care of coming up with songs and lyrics and putting them all together. After all how many talents can one person possibly have!? Don't tell me you can also play a musical instrument as well...

Well firstly thanks for the compliments!!! (Your cheque’s in the mail Ed!!!! Hehehhe) I do the writing at home, music and lyrics, then Howard and I work on the songs together. We’re a great team….we co write and we have exactly the same vision and the same influences…I couldn’t ask for a better writing partner! Howard does all the production but I’m there from conception to birth. Writing the album had its highs and lows, and it was extremely satisfying to finally do something that I felt I was all about. I studied piano for 8 years and am currently learning the guitar. It’s cool to be able to play electric guitar in some of my songs and it also helps in songwriting. 

Do you feel restricted to a particular image? living up to the public's expectations or do you feel totally confident and in control? Is it just a case of wiser be involved in POP music than in something more experimental but perhaps more artistically expressive and dare-say rewarding?

I feel my music is extremely rewarding. I feel it is a reflection of myself. My audience need do nothing more but listen to my songs and they’ve figured me all out. Obviously everyone grows and changes through the years, and people have seen that transition and will keep seeing that kind of evolution in my music, so in that sense I do not feel restricted at all. I feel with ‘Someone Else’ I haven’t forgotten my alternative roots. I remember telling Paul and Howard that I didn’t want to make a record just for the sake of selling, I had to like the end product. I believe that the end result which is a poprock album with a touch of cheekiness, depth, darkness and alternativeness at times reflects me totally. Every time I listen to my album I can’t help but think this is ME at this moment in time, totally confident, unafraid of who I am and in control.

Are you always on the go - prim and proper, under the spotlight or do you actually plan time to chill out and relax? What is your idea of a perfect day like?

Well, yeah I’m always on the go. Everyday is full to the brim. It’s the way I like it. I love my job, I love performing and meeting people. I could climb a mountain one day and be a couch potatoe the next. I don’t think I know how to relax even when I’m off to Gozo on a “relaxing” weekend I’m the one cooking and cleaning, cause you see…. I’m a sucker for housework!! Relaxing just doesn’t fit in my schedule. If I’m at home with a couple of hours free….I’ll sit at my computer and fix schedules or think about my next album cover or write a song….or cook and clean!!!! heheheheh

Any particular reason why your focus overseas is almost entirely on Germany? Many Maltese artists have been down that road. Wouldn't the UK or Italy for all I know (they love English speaking artists don't they?) be just as good an option - or as some probably think a better option?

Bridge productions could answer this question better ….but I am aware of a few valid points. First you have to understand that unlike the countries you’ve mentioned Malta cannot depend on it’s market and needs to export…… Germany which is the biggest country in Europe and one of the biggest musical markets worldwide was our key territory choice for various reasons. One being it’s size…Secondly they absolutely adore the Maltese and aren’t snobs towards us as some other countries are. Thirdly our fluent use of the English language is very much appreciated. One of the largest…. if not the largest record company BMG whom I’m luckily signed to, also happens to be German. They have a very good live scene and even the Brits depend heavily on Germany for touring. So basically breaking my music in one of the 6 key territories in the music industry I feel very confident that Germany is the road to take. All that matters at the end of the day is to have my music heard to as many people as possible …and unfortunately to do so, you have to have the backing and belief of a lot of people….luckily I have! But enough of this biz….Next question!!

Once again the great tracks we've been tuning into on our radios are truly truly promising. Great stuff Ira! So do you have a particular one at heart? They say that artists have an art attack when they must absolutely remember the tune or the lyrics in a moment of inspiration or else the creation is forever lost. Ever wrote a song urgently in the bathroom (or in some other unusual place or awkward circumstance)?

I just Love ‘Who I am’ to bits. I wrote it on the piano. I had 80s in my mind, I was thinking Cyndi Lauper, Kate Bush and depth. I wrote the lyrics about a personal experience, where I was unhappy in a relationship because I saw I was treating the other person badly. It’s rare that I admit my mistakes out loud to everyone, but I thought many people would relate to it. When Howard heard it on piano he had the same idea, but he was thinking a faster version and with raw guitars. He worked on the pre production and when I heard it again, I just fell in love with it. It is such a sexy song too. I have written in my car also, I remember with ‘Love me or Hate Me’, I was on my way to the studio and I recorded the verse part on my mobile. The bathroom is great for recording in too….loads of reverb!!! Hehehehe.

Planet Earth is doomed for destruction. The clock is ticking and only a few minutes remain. You were lucky enough to be chosen along with a few more people to be saved and escorted by shuttle to start a new life on Mars never to return again. You are only allowed to carry the clothes you are wearing and only one other belonging. Nothing else. What would it be?

Oh no I hate these questions!!! Decisions decisions…..And why is it Mars???? May I ask….If we’re starting life afresh the least you could do was send me to Venus, darn men getting there way all over again. How about that big bat Neanderthal men used on their women…show them we haven’t forgotten!!!!! Hehehehehe.

As you recall we also invited all you esteemed readers to contribute original questions to this interview as part of the competition. Ira's favourite ones are featured below. The two lucky winners announced at the very bottom. (For those who want to know what the competition was all about read here)

"Dear Ira, will we ever get to see your talent in Australia, as I am sure the Maltese public would love to see you here ? Unfortunately I can't ask this question in person, as I am from Melbourne,Australia."  Dolores Briffa

Australia is a truly beautiful continent I had visited when I was only 3 years old, needless to say I don’t remember much, other than beaches and fresh smelling turf. I hope that I do get the opportunity to include Australia in my tour dates. That would be fantastic! 

"Why don't you surprise us with some alien music to Malta, somethin new!? I like your music but sometimes it gets too heavy on love songs...you know what I mean!"   Caro

My album Someone Else was a re discovery of myself, a statement to everyone that I am not always as everyone thinks that I am. People have a very bad habit of making assumptions and I wanted to state my point. Therefore it is not only a collection of songs that are so ME, but also they deal with different issues. ‘Love me or Hate me’, my first single was definitely not about Love. It’s about being so happy about who you are that you couldn’t care less about what others think of you. If you go through my album you’ll find that other songs deal with issues, like our society like in ‘Day By Day’ or abortion like in ‘Alive’ or simply life experiences dealing with re building your life in ‘She’……so go get your Ira Losco Album!!!!! And listen up!

"Do you think you will tour abroad so that all those who hear you sing will support you?"   Kenneth Mahoney

Last Summer was one of the busiest in my life! I was practically hopping out of a plane and jumping into another! I visited different cities in Germany as part of my promotion for my first single “I’m In Love Again.” I found a lot of support from German fans who were excited to see another new female singer and loved the song! It was exciting to play in front of 45,000 at ‘Stars For Free’ an annual show in Berlin, together with the top 20 artists in Germany! Next up is the second international single release which is “Love me or Hate Me” , so I guess I will be visiting Germany to do a promo tour again soon.



"Will you be willing to live abroad, away from your family, in order to continue your singing career?"   Katya Rossignaud

Yes I guess I would. Living my music everyday has been my dream ever since I can remember. My ambition has been my driving force all along and I’ve always believed in myself. 

"What is the first you would do coming to a small country far North of Malta with snow in the streets and your own fan club that you did not know existed ?"   Robert B. Aunaas

I’d kick myself for not bringing suitable clothes and moan about the cold!!!! Lol Jokes apart…I am so happy to know that my music has traveled beyond our shores. It is a great achievement to be told by people from all over Europe that they have heard my music at some point lately!!! That makes me even more determined to go on. I would visit your fanclub and cook dinner for all of you there!!! Deal? Hehehe 



"How would you celebrate if you were chosen to take part in any MTV shows or one of your latest videos were to be shown on this channel (MTV)?"   Antoine Formosa

Actually I have been chosen to take part in MTV Stylorama and my first video …’I’m in love Again’ has been shown on a couple of stations especially in Germany….i was also lucky enough to have worked with a great director with a track record with the likes of Jamelia etc… As regards to my reaction ….I take my career step by step and I personally think that the worst thing which could happen to an artist is to jump to fame without going through the hurdles which are borne by every upcoming artist….This usually leads to what I like to call a ‘one hit wonder’. I’m a firm believer of building a solid foundation with my music and fans and let the rest speak for itself!



"How do you feel when you see so many fans admiring you?"  Keith Buttigieg

It feels great to be appreciated for your hard work, especially by locals. But most of all, the one thing which strikes me most when I’m on stage, is the feeling of belonging …..once I’ve written a song I feel it’s me and my little world around me but once it’s produced and released to the audience then that song is no longer mine…..it’s there to be shared with others and a live performance is one of the best ways to share this feeling .I guess when I see my fans enjoying my music it gives me strength to continue doing what I believe in. To me it’s them accepting who I really am. I would love to thank everyone who has given me their support at any point, it is your encouragement and undying belief in me that makes me live my dream. 



"What inspires you in singing your songs?"  Clayton Saliba

I love singing songs I’ve written, just the thought of me disclosing so much of myself through each song and that way sharing my experiences with others makes singing so special to me! What inspires me to keep writing is the fantastic feeling of performing my songs live and seeing that my music goes out to more and more people.

Keith Buttigieg

&

Clayton Saliba