Livin' It
Sunday 16 Dec 2007 (Michael Bugeja - The Sunday Times of Malta)
It’s about 2 weeks before the official launch of Ira Losco’s new release, and I’m sitting in an office facing her – coffees in hand - while Howard Keith and video editor JP sift through tons of footage in the editing room next door. Ira’s latest release is in fact, not a new album. It’s a DVD and it’s called Living It, but it isn’t the only reason I’m here! Over the phone, Ira had confided she was interested in giving an interview that didn’t just focus only on her music. Well, I thought, we can always give it a shot - and said yes!
Inevitably, we start with the DVD; featuring footage gathered throughout her expedited rise in popularity, it’s not, as I had mistakenly assumed, a live concert. “Well” she intervenes, “obviously there are snippets of various live performances both here and abroad, but these are placed so as to illustrate and complement what I am talking about. Think of it as a kind of interview but with an enhanced visual dimension”. Aha, so it’s a ‘rockumentary’. “That’s closer to what we had in mind. We also wanted to offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse to the viewer, including a closer look at the band and people behind Ira Losco”. Hmm, does that include Howard, I wonder? “Yes, we did manage to film him too, although he absolutely hates it”, she laughs. Now that’s more like the Howard I know!
With a new album in the pipeline, what brought on the idea for a DVD? “Like every other artist, it’s always good to have merchandise available. It also helps the exposure plus it’s a good way to bring the band closer to the fans. They are a big part of who I am and what I do and I want that to be highlighted. And there are also preview clips of 3 new tracks off the forthcoming album”. Clearly Ira is very appreciative of the people who have helped her career, and rightfully so. “Thanks to Howard, I developed my songwriting skills. We write a lot together, but the fact that we are on the same musical frequency is also important”. With an alternative streak clearly rearing its head on Ira’s latest two singles, Something To Talk About and Don’t Look Down, I’m wondering if there was any pressure or suggestion from anyone to fall in line with the ‘guitar band’ trend taking over the international charts.
“Not really. Alternative was always in my blood. I absolutely love Radiohead for example, and after all, I did start out singing with (alternative band) Tiara”. Indeed she did. They even released an EP. “Incidentally”, I tell her, “I’ve heard former Tiara member Jamie will be on the island for Christmas; any chance of a reunion gig then? “ With a big smile she remarks, “Jamie is all for it, but I’m not sure if I will be on the island. If I am there’s a good chance of a low-key Tiara gig somewhere. Oh, and by the way, I just remembered – my first musical experience in the studio actually goes back before Tiara, doing backing vocals for (metal band) Martyrium. Huh? Not quite the Ira I know. “Yes, hard to believe I agree”, she chuckles, “strange but true”.
The office door has been squeaking for a while, and somehow this brings the subject of horror movies into our conversation. “Don’t you just love horror flicks?” she asks me. Hmm, not particularly, but I did like The Ring and Blair Witch Project. That kind of horror I can watch, but not the gory, over-the-top ones. Her reply, “I really like the Nightmare On Elm Street stuff, and what about Saw?” I actually did watch Saw (the first one); it was kind of okay but intense and freaky so I didn’t bother with the sequels, I tell her. Further into this conversation, we end up talking of ghosts and other eerie stuff, even the odd spooky childhood prank she played on her sister. We could have gone on forever – and to some extent perhaps we did - but a quick glimpse at my watch prompted me to change the subject back to music – well, one aspect in particular.
On a more serious note, I mention the recent report in The Times of Malta of her being in contact with Sony/BMG. I for one am very curious to know the whole story “Well, as you know 3 years ago I was signed to Seven Days Music, who are licensed to BMG”, she tells me, settling into her chair. “At the time, we were offered a huge sum of money in terms of promotion and tour support. This was already tough to achieve, as the cost of going on tour with the band can be quite expensive. The recent merger between Sony and BMG has created a shift in the music industry. Now I don’t know all the precise details, as that’s an area my management takes care of, but there has been a lot of interest from various countries and companies. The industry is quite fragile so I wouldn’t like to delve too deeply into this, but Jagged House (Ira’s management) is working on something very ambitious with Sony/BMG, but I’ll keep you posted!”
And while all of this and the upcoming album, which will be called Fortune Teller must definitely be exhilarating, right now, it’s the DVD that has Ira on tenterhooks. “Of course, the new album is also something I’m enjoying working on and looking forward to, but yes, I’m extremely excited about this project. It’s dedicated to all the people who have supported me through the years, and for me personally, the last part in particular is quite emotional”. Like all of you reading this, I am curious to know what the ‘last part’ is about, but Ira wasn’t going to make it that easy for me. “You’ll know when you see the DVD!”
Ira Losco won Best Female Artist, Best Local Export and Best Album for Accident Prone at the 2007 Malta Music Awards.