ST_OCTOBER_18

COVER STORY INTERVIEW
Journey of Rediscovery
By Martin Vellati
2018 has been by far the craziest and most honest year of his life, probably. This year Kurt Calleja decided to really
focus on his talents as an artist. It kind of all feels very serendipitous, as Festival TV Presenter and then back to
competitive singing at the Slavianski Festival, Kurt admits he has just never felt in touch with himself in a way he
never have before in his life, which is obviously an incredible feeling.
ST How did you get started with playing – and creating – music?
KC: Since I was a kid I would invent melodies and lyrics that sounded
like some sort of Saturday afternoon cartoon theme song. I would get
lost in my own world for hours singing and imagining I am on a big
stage. The irony is that when I was a kid I was told I was tone deaf by the
choir director. But I loved it so much that I kept on trying.
ST: Can you tell us about your past year as TV presenter and
personality?
KC: This is a very interesting subject for me because it was never one
of my goals to become a TV presenter and when I was asked to do
it - my immediate reaction was a tempted but hesitant one. I thought
it would definitely be fun, but with no experience before in actually
hosting my own show from beginning to end, I knew that there
was more than what meets the eye. After asking for a few opinions
,I thought I would take the leap of faith and I am very grateful I did,
because I got to learn so much, and meet so many interesting people,
that had I not taken this decision, I would not have been where I am
today. Interestingly enough,during my time presenting "Xift" and “Fuq
Net”, I got to combine three of my favourite things; cooking, music and
self development.
ST: I am interested in your musical projects – which musicians
and songwriters have been the greatest influence? What are your
favourite albums and how are you relating these with your present
projects/concerts?
KC: Throughout my life, I have followed different artists and as I grew
up so did my taste for music change. From Backstreetboys and Westlife,
to Coldplay, Muse. From Zucchero to Michael Buble, The Police to
Maroon 5. Beatles and the Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Ed Sheeran
and John Mayer. What I have always loved is to see people smiling,
singing along and having a good time and therefore through my music
I want to inspire people, to relate to my fans, friends and family, and to
encourage people to be themselves.
ST: What inspired you to teach yourself piano and start writing
songs?
KC: I strongly believe that an artist is not complete without learning
how to play an instrument outside of their own voice. Not necessarily
to be the next Leif Ove Andsnes (currently one of the best piano players
alive) - but to be able to express themselves musically even when the
voice presents certain limitations. Also getting a feel of an instrument
is definitely a powerful tool when it comes to song writing and sharing
emotions.
ST: What can you tell us about your recent experiences in Belarus as
a singer and your participation in the Slavianski Fest?
KC: This opportunity was given by the official representative of the
Slavianski Festival in Malta - Mrs Evelina Batey (Russian Maltese Cultural
Association) through which music and singing in the native tongue
(Russian) is a way of bringing people from many cultures together. As
an artist I believe in pushing your comfort zone - after my Eurovision
debut in 2012 - I never competed in anything again and so - going back
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