Stefan Galea

Stefan Galea (born 28 March 1996) is a Maltese singer. He is a two time finalist in the Malta Eurovision Song Contest in 2016 and 2023 respectively with his entries 'Light Up My Life' and ‘Heartbreaker’. He was also contestant on the first season of The X Factor Malta.

Career

Stefan is a singer/songwriter bringing forward a theatrical flare to an alternative pop sound. He started his training in performing arts at a very young age at Masquerade Theatre Arts School, whilst continuing to further his vocal studies through assessments conducted by the Trinity College of Music.

His first major stage performance took place way back in 2009 as a Malta Junior Eurovision finalist. From the very beginning, he started experimenting with different genres of music, whilst having the opportunity to network with various international songwriters. As a result, in January 2011 Stefan’s first original music was featured alongside several local artists in Cannes, France during Midem – a music industry conference attended by various record companies and industry movers.

During this time he was one of the youngest opening support acts for Ira Losco’s anti-bullying concert ‘Music 4 Life’ aimed towards teenage students from all over the island. Stefan also took the stage to perform live with rock band Texanna at the Farsons Great Beer Festival; accompanied by Rock Guitarist from renowned 80's rock band ‘FM’ Andy Barnett. He also formed part of the Joseph Calleja Choir between 2010 – 2012.

Further experiences in the music / performing arts scene include participation in major Maltese TV shows. In 2016 he was a finalist for the Malta Eurovision Song Contest whilst also competing in the Maltese version of The X Factor, gaining 4 yeses from all four judges and making it as far as the Chair Challenge, with the top 10 artists in the groups' category under the direct mentorship of singer/songwriter judge Alexandra Alden. Theatre performance credits and roles in the yearly traditional panto include; 'Rapunzelstiltskin', 'Treasure Island, 'Cinderella' (MADC); 'The Little Mermaid' (FM Theatre Productions), and (KSU Students Fest) Sister Act.

His debut single release ‘Escape’ produced by Carlo Gerada entered 89.7 Bay’s top 10. Eventually, his first self-penned and composed EP ‘Disclosed Affairs' (2019) featured music produced by hit Maltese band Red Electrick's Peter Borg and Aleandro Spiteri Monseigneur. The first single from the EP titled ‘Close To You’ hit the radio airwaves whilst entering the local radio and iTunes charts. The artist's latest music project titled ‘Untrue’ (2021) was launched in collaboration with Gilkicker Music and Insynk Collective, this work highlighted a more progressive and abstract musical direction.

Besides his love for music, he is a middle school / sixth-form educator by profession. Following a long hiatus to focus on his University studies, he still kept on working and experimenting with music behind the scenes. Stefan felt 2023 would be an ideal time to return to the Malta Eurovision Song Contest to showcase his current sound.

Stefan gets his musical inspiration from artists such as Troye Sivan, Two Feet, Disclosure, and Tove Lo amongst others. His music is often inspired by personal life experiences. He sees songwriting as a means of therapy to channel his inner emotions effectively.

Discography

===Singles===

• "Escape" (2015)
• "Light Up My Life" (Malta Eurovision 2016)
• "Untrue" (2021)
• "Heartbreaker" (2023)

EPs

• My Evolution Vol 1
• Disclosed Affairs