"Rockna Live and Unplugged," a unique compilation showcasing the vibrant Maltese music scene, was initially released as a digital album in November 2012 and later as a CD in a very limited number in the same year. Curated by Michael Bugeja, host of the weekly Rockna radio show on Net Radio, the album features 13 tracks recorded live and unplugged during the show. It serves as a tribute to the raw talent and diversity of Maltese artists, while also marking the 20th anniversary of the influential 1992 compilation Watching the Music.
“In truth, the album is officially a digital release – I made the CD only as a thank-you to the artists who gave me permission to use their work in the compilation (apart from some copies that I gave to people in the scene who appreciate it and who have been or are supportive of the scene, as well as helpful to me and the program)."
"I only made 101 copies since, at the time, the station was called Radio 101, so the CD is somewhat of a collectable item also because it is not available in any store” Michael Bugeja explained when asked about this venture and, went on to elaborate: “The idea for the compilation arose as the 20th anniversary of the compilation CD Watching the Music, which Radio 101 had released in 1992, was approaching.
I had also prepared a program about Watching the Music, and since Rockna focuses on the local scene, I thought it would be a good idea to release another collection of tracks from local talent, with the difference being that all the tracks would be recorded live and unplugged during the program. There were many tracks to choose from, but I felt it was better to focus on emerging and/or lesser-known artists, and in fact, practically all the artists/groups were just starting out at the time.
This includes The Shh, which, although made up of two members of the Beangrowers, was a new project at the time. It's also worth mentioning Alexandra Alden, now a well-known name in the scene, who was at the beginning of her career back then. The same goes for Claire Tonna, who, although we already knew her as part of the Particle Blue project, was starting her solo career at the time. There is also a track by the English (of Maltese descent) singer-songwriter Victor Chetcuti, who was very active locally at the time.
The Gozitan scene is also represented through the group Divine Sinners, Monobrow Musical Produce, and Joseph Portelli, an Australian/Gozitan singer-songwriter who was also starting to establish himself in the local scene at the time. And since I mentioned Australia, I'll mention Clayton Micallef, who was based in Malta at the time but now lives in Australia, and who performed a new song that he had just finished and spontaneously decided to dedicate to Rockna during the interview itself.
The collection also includes two tracks in Maltese – one by KulTural, which is actually a poem by Kilin with a very original musical interpretation, and the other by Mistura, a group that is still active today. Here I take the opportunity to thank Antonio Olivari for the technical assistance in the final production of the tracks in this collection, Pierre Portelli for designing the CD cover, and NET FM (then Radio 101), MERC, M3P.com.mt, and Reciprocal Records for their help.”
The album captures the intimate and unfiltered energy of live performances, recorded in the radio studio rather than a traditional studio setting. With unsullied post-production by Antonio Olivari and artwork designed by Pierre Portelli, and as Michael mentioned the project was a collaboration supported by the M3P Foundation, Reciprocal Records, MERC Clothing, and Radio 101.
The 13-track album spans a variety of styles and artists, each offering a distinct flavour of Maltese music. Below is the complete track-list, along with links to stream or download each song:
1. Victor Chetcuti – “Nature's Child” (3:35)
(Broadcast Date: January 7, 2011)
2. KulTural – “L-Għanja tal-Imgħallaq” (5:11)
(Broadcast Date: May 27, 2011)
3. Alex Alden – “Dancing Alone” (3:44)
(Broadcast Date: March 16, 2012)
4. For Strings Inn – “Tangerine Rock” (4:10)
(Broadcast Date: March 16, 2012)
5. Errormantics – “Nothing Satisfies” (3:30)
(Broadcast Date: April 27, 2012)
6. Mistura – “Isma’ Bilfors” (3:08)
(Broadcast Date: May 11, 2012)
7. Divine Sinners – “Cactus Rose” (2:15)
(Broadcast Date: May 18, 2012)
8. Monobrow Musical Produce – “Carmen” (2:45)
(Broadcast Date: June 1, 2012)
9. The Shh – “All Things With Love” (3:41)
(Broadcast Date: July 13, 2012)
10. Thingybob – “Girl in the Summer Dress” (3:06)
(Broadcast Date: August 17, 2012)
11. Claire Tonna – “Your Mother Said” (3:24)
(Broadcast Date: September 14, 2012)
12. Clayton Micallef – “Rockna” (5:19)
(Broadcast Date: September 21, 2012)
13. Joseph Portelli – “Standing Still” (3:05)
(Broadcast Date: October 12, 2012)
Since its inception in July 2010, Rockna has become a cornerstone for Malta’s music scene, hosting hundreds of bands and solo artists, with many performing live and unplugged. Rockna Live and Unplugged offers a curated selection of these performances, providing listeners with a snapshot of the energy and creativity that defines the Maltese music landscape.
The album’s availability as a download from the M3P Foundation website ensures that it reaches a wide audience. Meanwhile, the CD provides a lasting keepsake to any enthusiast and collector celebrating this milestone in Maltese music history.
Questioned about a follow-up Michael responded: “The idea for a follow-up is always there, but I still haven’t decided on what tracks to include, and there are other factors that need to be considered.
Meanwhile, since in July of this year the program Rockna will celebrate 15 years since it first started broadcasting, I’d like to release something special for the occasion. Naturally, if there are any readers who would like to send suggestions, I ask them to do so by emailing me at rocknamalta@gmail.com. Needless to say, if there are any interested sponsors, they are most welcome!
Before concluding, I’d like to thank Noel Mallia and Charles Saliba for believing in me, everyone who dedicates their time and effort to ensuring the local scene continues to grow, improve, and strengthen (a special thanks to you at Melodija.eu for the valuable work you’re doing), and the program’s listeners, whose support has allowed Rockna to continue broadcasting regularly since July 2010 to today.
Lastly, but certainly not least, I pay tribute to the memory of Lito and Jon Lukas Woodenman, who were of great help to me, both in the broadcasting field, the music world, and in the sincerity of their friendship.”
By blending the legacy of Watching the Music with the raw energy of contemporary performances, Rockna Live and Unplugged bridges past and present, celebrating the rich tapestry of Maltese music.
Bibliography
"Rockna Live and Unplugged - M3P." M3P Foundation. Accessed December 18, 2024. https://www.m3p.com.mt
Bugeja, Michael. Rockna Live and Unplugged, Sleevenotes, November 2012.
"Watching the Music - Radio 101." Temple Studios, 1992.
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