Congratulations Christopher and Pauline!

Photo 1- 16-NOV-2005 - The lucky winners for the 'Accident Prone' launch at Axis

13th Jan 2006 - Manicmalta.com competition winners Christopher Aber and Pauline Bianco enjoy a sumptuous dinner with Ira Losco in a cosy ambience kindly provided by Trattoria D'Ico Sliema. This was a follow-up celebration to Ira Losco's recently launched album 'Accident Prone'. All went extremely well especially considering that it was Friday 13th woooaooa

Photo 2: 13-Jan-2006 - The lucky winners at Trattoria D'Ico Sliema

Photo 3: Ira's evil twin sisters join in the fun?!

Photo 4: The homely Trattoria D'Ico family sharing a moment with Ira

Photo 5: Ira dumps her evil twins for one final photo before we leave ;)

Photo 6: Outside the Trattoria

Christopher's winning question sent Tuesday, November 08, 2005 11:49 PM + Ira's answer:

"Dear Ira,if in the future you'll be asked to do a film on your successful career and obviously play Ira's character, what would your reaction be?"

Ira: Firstly I would be honoured!!! heheheh But can't I have someone ridiculously good-looking to play my part? Uejja please someone like Catherine Zeta Jones hahahha I wish!! The answer to your question : It would be a positive reaction I guess.

Pauline's winning question sent Saturday, November 12, 2005 9:34 AM+ Ira's answer

"I would like to ask you about your way of living nowadays, so i could see the difference before and after and how you started your excllent career. Keep it up. I would like to tell you that you are so down to earth.Take care"

Ira: My life has definitely become very hectic, due to promotion and recording and touring! But I enjoy it. Sometimes I must admit I get really tired, because I'm always rushing from one thing to another, but I am so grateful for the way things have turned out for me. Thank You for your lovely compliment!

The competition details were as follows

Participate and become one of two Lucky Winners who will get all these fantastic prizes ! :

• VIP tickets to Ira's second Album Launch 'Accident Prone' at Axis on 16th November 2005 + meet and take photos with Ira and get CD signed  

• Enjoy dinner with Ira at Trattoria D'Ico, Sliema!

• Plus goodies such as an exclusive new poster

So are you a Winner? There is only one way to know by asking Ira your winning question using the participation form below. Oh, and Good Luck!

The lucky winners will be announced VERY SOON on the 14th Nov 2005 on Manicmalta so HURRY UP and participate immediately! 

Another great competition brought to you thanks to Manicmalta in conjunction with Ira Losco!

Unedited: Some interesting questions + Ira's answers:

Marita Pace sent Sunday, October 30, 2005 3:01 PM
Why did you choose to name your album "Accident Prone"? Do some of your new tracks have to do something with your life?

Ira: Even after all the songs where recorded, I still didnd't have a title for my album! I thought how each song was so important to me because I'd written them on tour, or in situations which effected me and the way I dealt with them. The underlying feeling throughout the album is confidence, cheekiness, determination and rebellion! I'm not perfect and I'm not afraid of showing it....that why I chose the title Accident Prone...it's like a statement saying "look I'm not perfect...Take it or leave it!

Ann Marie sent Monday, October 31, 2005 6:53 PM
Dear Ira, what would you do and what wouldn't you do for Lm1 million?

Ira: I guess the only thing I'd find hard to do would be being really close to any insect!! Although there's pretty little I wouldn't do for a million!!! heheheh BUt at the end of the day....money is not everything.....it just helps thqat little bit more I guess!!!

Gergo Pap sent Monday, October 31, 2005 8:13 AM
Dear Ira, do you think they would pay for my plane ticket to Malta to attend your album launch?

Ira: heheheh Hi Gergo!! I see you're still planning your holiday in Malta!! I wish I had the dosh to bring you over...but whoever said musicians are porr....is damn right! lol

Alan Camilleri sent Tuesday, November 01, 2005 12:03 AM
Dear Ira, do you wonder of writing and singing other songs in Maltese?

Ira: Although I love the Maltese language and am extremely proud to have a language oif our own, with us being so small and everything, I don't think my market calls for me singing in Maltese. I've sung in Maltese which I like, however in this style I don't see it happening.

Dolores Briffa sent Tuesday, November 01, 2005 3:36 AM
Dear Ira. Your music is quite diverse. How do you try and adapt your emotions and lyrics to certain genres - like soft rock or ballads? Keep up the good work Ira! Looking forward to hearing more about your newest album. All the best, Dolores.

Ira: I think once music is coming from the heart, writing anything can be easy, because you let your emotions take control. Music is about that, writing about your fears, happiness, heart aches and knowing that someone out there is feeling the exact same thing. It's beautiful that one can do that through music! So for me it's not about adapoting, I just write and sometimes I want to write a ballad and others I want to write a kick ass grundgey one! heheheh

Kenneth Mahoney sent Monday, October 31, 2005 10:23 PM
Ira,are you going to launch an album of your different songs in Malta and abroad?

Ira: The album "Accident Prone" for the territory of Malta is going to have 12 brand new spanking songs, you've never heard before. I don't think we're releaseing the GSA release here, because everyone in Malta would have 8 of the songs already, and the other five from "Someone Else".

Clayton Saliba sent Tuesday, November 01, 2005 9:18 AM
Dear Ira, As a song writer and singer, Which song really expressed you personality and character even on performing it?

Ira: All the songs on "Accident Prone" reflect my personality, as they were all written about experiences, I've been through...so it's hard to pin point one song...I think when I perform my latest single "Get Out!" on stage you can really see me having fun, when I sing "Everyday" me being passionate, "Uh-Oh" kicking some ass and "Don't Wanna Talk About It" my emotions are really obvious.

Matthew Grech sent Tuesday, November 01, 2005 11:43 AM
Dear Ira, How does it feel to be living the artistic dream? Does it make you a bit egoistic with yourself by always wanting more than you are actually blessed with? And do you ever think of people who wish they were in your place and are unfortunately still stuck, for financial purposes or for lack of exposure?

Ira: It feels incredible to be doing all of this at my age, especially after I've worked and keep working like a dog for it!! hehehe I'm not extremely religious, but I do remember one parable which stuck in my mind..the one of taking your one talent and trying to make it four times better or something...I guess that's what I like doing. I strive to always be better at what I do, after all I am a fulltime muscian, I would feel very selfish if I was doing this as my job and not giving it my all. I know some other people would love to be doing it full time...but they work instead because...believe me ...if there's anyone wishing there were more finances to do this it's me!! hehehe so other people who don't have the finances probably know they're getting a pay cheque at the end of the month....I can never be sure of that...I've taken the risk. If others are willing to take the same risk and invest in their career, they'd probabaly be saying the same thing I've just said heheheh!

Manuel Borg sent Monday, October 31, 2005 11:50 PM
Dear Ira, being such a great singer, how come you have never sang a duet with another performer on stage? Do you consider doing it in the near future? Good luck for your new CD.

Ira: I guess I never did because it never occurred to me to do so...or maybe because I haven't met the right person to do it with yet. I would consider a really cool alternative duet though....like the Thom Yorke and PJ Harvey one....amazing!

Raisa Schembri sent Wednesday, November 02, 2005 5:19 PM
Dear Ira, do you think as yourself as malta's most stylish singer? ... I do

Ira: Well that's a compliment so I'll say thank you!! heheh I just wear what I feel comfortable in and what really brings out my pewrsonality. I'm not afraid to be different and I like to shock, but let's just say the catsuit days are over hehehehhe! Lately it's comfie jeans and flat shoes so that I can jump on stage!!

James Azzopardi sent Thursday, November 03, 2005 9:03 AM

Dear Ira,what was the most important target u reached during your wonderful career ?

Ira: I think the most important goal I have in my life is to always keep trying harder at what I do and trying to challenge myself. Ultimately my dream is to keep living music everyday and new and exciting experiences help me to carry on. Playing support act to many intrnational acts all throughout summer was one of these unforgettable experiences!

Tezara Camilleri sent Friday, November 04, 2005 5:29 PM
Dear Ira,I am a very big fan of yours... my question is: if you had to choose, would you rather stay in malta with your family and friends... or go abroad and have your dream career??

Ira: I think giving up my family and friends would be hard to do, but I'm determined, Music is my life and it's all I ever wanted to do, so my family and friends would understand that, and let's face it, nowhere is too far away nowadays, planes, trains and automobiles get you everwhere. IT's a sacrifice I'm willing to make to succeed!

Umberto Vella sent Saturday, November 05, 2005 12:44 AM
Dear Ira,being retrospective, was there something from your childhood that you always aspired to do when you grew up aside from singing... which even may have been destroyed, that dream, by now?

Ira: Never!...I've always wanted to be a singer, ever since I was little, I reme,ber my teacher asked me, in Year 1 , what do you want to be when you grow up, andinspired by Madonna , at the time I said "I wanna be a singer and sexy" hahaha lol fast forward to when I chose my subjects at 13 years of age, I still wanted to be a singer, even though my parents and guidance teacher told me " we mean a real job"....I've never ever wanted to be anything else. hahahahah

Adrian Vella sent Tuesday, November 08, 2005 1:26 AM
Dear Ira, If u become a mega star will you still remain level headed and not become a big head? wish u the best of luck in yr career :)

Ira: X'Tahseb Ade? hehehe My motto is "never forget where you're coming from"! In fact as much as I've moved away from the Eurovision scene, which made me popular in Malta, I will never say it was a bad experience because it was a unique one. I have lived through amazing experiences throughout last Summer and always appreciate that this came through hard work. This is my job...I'm not special for doing it, I just have a talent for music, others might have it for art, writing or being good lovers lol I like to think I'm good at that last one too hahahaha!!!

Clayton Tabone sent Tuesday, November 08, 2005 1:09 AM
Dear Ira, after seing that chiara, after coming 3rd, participated again and came 2nd, have u any thought to try d same thing, 2nd, and now 1st?

Ira: hehehehe I like the way your mind thinks!!!! Can I ask you something? If I hide 50 c can it become lm 1000? hehehe It would be nice if what you said could come ture for Malta, I don't know if I'll ever try again, I'm not saying never, but definitely with a song I've written.

Malcolm Pisani sent Tuesday, November 08, 2005 11:29 AM
Dear Ira,when we are going see you on MTV?????? AND ARE YOU GOING TO DO ANOTHER NEW VIDEO????? xx

Ira: Hopefully yes, there'll be another video....The album release for GSA territory is in Februaruy so we should be shooting again...Gotta get cracking on that treadmill!

Noel Zarb sent Tuesday, November 08, 2005 9:14 AM
Dear Ira, Now that you've established yourself as a great Maltese singer, i would like to know how was it in the beginning when you were still at university as in, Did you used to manage to integrate university life and music, because sometimes me myself as a beginner singer i find it hard, so maybe i could get some advice from you?

Ira: Just do what you love doing! and always remeber eductaion is important and will always be there! It's an achievement. I always managed my time as best I could, I slept very little hehehe and still do, but I'm determined and I'm also a nerd and I used to love studying and exams....honest! lol hahahaha

Natalie Casha sent Tuesday, November 08, 2005 3:35 PM
Dear Ira, what does the word HAPPINESS mean for you ? :)

Ira: The word happiness means having those who are dear to me by my side and being able to spend time with them! It also means achieveing my dremas and what I've worked hard for, and it also means seeing other people happy!

Darren Mercieca sent Tuesday, November 08, 2005 12:06 PM
Dear Ira, I would like to know what thing or feeling inspires you the most in the world to write your songs? I admire your talent and you make me proud that I'm Maltese, especially since you've met people like Mel C. Could you please share your experiences about meeting people like her? People that are just as great as you. Thanks. Darren

Ira: I think the fact that I know that people will be listening to my songs and wanting to relate to them, inspires me to write. Together with my song writing partner and producer Howard Keith I think what inspoires us to write is really the love for music, and creating everyday. Berlin was a great inspriation to us....inm yopinion the best two songs were written there!

Stephen Cini sent Tuesday, November 08, 2005 12:27 PM
Dear Ira,I am not one of your greatest fans (well, i'm nobody's either!), but i like your voice and songs, i dont turn off the radio when they play one of your songs! my question is this:- watching you on TV you give the impression (like everybody who appears on TV) that you keep your feet to the ground, charming, friendly and all the good things etc. But tell me the truth, in a festival competition do you wish bad performance to the other competitors so that you have an advantage? because i do not believe in statements like 'l-aqwa li tippartecipa!' Everybody enters a competition to win not just to participate! (an answer by email is sufficient). Thank you

Ira: heheheh well Yes you are right about the winning bit, one participates with the chance of winning....however I was never really a competitive person....I compete with myself...I set myself challenges. I don't really look at what others are doing, I'm not going to think to myself "right, this album has to be better than so and so's....I think to myself, this album has to be better than "Someone Else" ( my first album). I think it's the only way people improve....if you're too into what others are doing or wish them harm, for the matter...then I guess you don't believe in your capabilities. What I did realise about myself during my tour, was that I watch the act perform before me and think, they're good and they're doing it the way they do it best....now it's my turn to do it the way I know how" so you see I don't think I wanna be better than them, I think I wanna perform better than I did last night!"

Joseph El Sadig sent Wednesday, November 09, 2005 12:47 AM
Dear Ira, What exactly are your aspirations in life?

Ira: I think my aspirations in life, are to somehow try to reach people with my music. If I can do anything to change my little fragment of the world and those around me, then I would ve succeeded in living up to my aspirations.

Ivan Attard sent Wednesday, November 09, 2005 1:12 AM
Dear Ira, what ara your main targets in the next future ? (career wise)

Ira: Music is and will always be my life, so anything concerned with music! The release of this album is obviously main priority. Also in the GSA territories.....so then anything that goesw tih that ....promoting it on tv, radio, festivals....that's the exciting bit!!!

Reuben Sciberras sent Wednesday, November 09, 2005 1:44 AM
Dear Ira How do you imagine yourself in 20 years time?

Ira: Still doing music.....if it's not me in the spotlight, I'll probably be urging someone else into it and being part of all the work that goes with that. I am a strong believer in aiding promising talent....I want to be there for kids who are still on time to get it all right....Being 24 and knowing I could've done this 5 years ago at least had I had the opportunity makes me want to give that to someone else.

Joe Mercieca sent Wednesday, November 09, 2005 1:27 AM
Dear Ira, forget music for a while! How do u imagine urself in the shoes of a mother?

Ira: I think I'd be a good mother....been broody a couple of times lately heheheh...it's not my time yet though...but some day I think it'll happen and I want to be the best mother that I can be!

Joseph Fenech Laudi sent Wednesday, November 09, 2005 2:35 AM
Dear Ira, What is your deepest secret?

Ira: If I told you it wouldn't remain a secret now would it? lol

Jonathan Attard sent Wednesday, November 09, 2005 1:21 AM
Dear Ira, wat underwear u wear, of Guess too ? :P

Ira:Guess....

Caroline Zammit sent Wednesday, November 09, 2005 3:37 PM
What was the most embarrasing moment of your life?

Ira: Probably when I was standing right next to Richie Blackmore from Deep Purple and didn't realise who he was! Also telling Gary Neville when I met him, that I support Italy...it's like someone telling Madonna "I like your music but J.Lo's so much better!" LOL hahahahah

Leah Mifsud sent Wednesday, November 09, 2005 6:05 PM
Dear Ira, hwallo :P hmmmm tough question.... u have one of those gold lps, like when u sell loadzzzz and loaaaddzzz of your albums? :D cause i'm sure u'll havee A HUNDREDS OF THOSE! :)

Ira: That'd be awesome!!! heheheh, bvut my album comes out in February/March so...not much chance of the gold records now...maybe after the album is on sale in GSA....heheheh I wish, it would look so nice on my wall!!!

Sarah Saliba sent Wednesday, November 09, 2005 11:39 PM

Dear Ira, can you tell me how can I maybe someday will be able to sing and maybe have fans too? Since I think that it is very difficult for me since I'm a shy girl. Thanks.. Good Luck!!

Ira: Well, being shy and strutting your stuff on stage is defintiely a problem, but if you are a true performer in time your shyness will wear off. Just belive that you can do it and it will happen!

Suzanne Grima sent Saturday, November 12, 2005 8:54 AM
Dear Ira, when are u going to 'rock our world' and hold a concert in Malta? we're always hearing about the crowds u attract overseas, but we are your fans too and wish to see u perform in a full blown concert. hope that this is in your tour agenda for next year. best regards ...suz

Ira: It is still in the pipeline ...but 2006 is a busy year and a concert is being planned!!! I can't wait!!! It's probably gonna be Summer!

Raymond Borg sent Sunday, November 13, 2005 12:22 AM
Dear Ira,could i have a photo with you????????????????????????????

Ira: Of Course you can! There's my laucnh ont he 16th...if you've managed to get invites, because they have finished!!! Alternatively I am singing at the Embassy Complex on the 19th @ 11am and also signing albums, so you can come over and we'll take the pic!

Jonathan Farrugia sent Saturday, November 12, 2005 1:41 AM
Dear Ira, how many times did you fly?

Ira: I can't count the number of times I've been to Germany now!!! Thank Gos I love it!!! I don't know how many times I've been abroad, but I did visit a lot of beautiful countries thanks to my singing, and I am very grateful to the people who have meade this possible. Travelling inspires me and I get to see different cultures.

Sarah Craus sent Sunday, November 13, 2005 7:17 PM
Dear Ira, which was the most magical moment in your tour?

Ira: I think every moment on stage with my band was magica! It's hard to pin point one moment when evrytime I get on stage it feels incredible!

Mark Bartolo sent Sunday, November 13, 2005 6:55 PM
Dear Ira, in 3 years you have become a pop/rock star, may I permit to say;) I guess it's quite hectic to achieve what you wish in your carrier. Do you plan to get through other markets, other then Germany such as the UK and maybe in the future try a bit of luck in the USA? Looking forward for your answer. Regards, Your Loyal Fan, Mark.

Ira: It is defintiely one of my aspirations. I believe in doing things one step at a time and laying the foundations right. Then as they say the sky's the limit. I guess one can only achieve what one strives to achieve.

Maruska Azzopardi sent Monday, November 14, 2005 9:31 AM
Dear Ira, you have choosen a great style and you are recognized immediately even by the type of songs you sing what has inspired you to choose this kind of music??

Ira: I think I've chosen this style of music, because I feel that it really reflects who I am, and what I'ma ll about. I feel I'm as honest through my music as I can possibly be!

Jodi Heckenlaible sent Wednesday, November 09, 2005 1:18 PM
Dear Ira, If you became a world famous recording artist would you promote Maltese talent and how?

Ira: I would defintitely keep writing my music and touring as much as possible. I do believe that Live performances are what make a real artist and what gives people goosebumps!! I love Malta and would therefore hope that in some way my success abroad would draw people to our island!

Thank you all for participating!