INTERVIEW:
Name: Sarah Bonnici
Hometown: Xewkija, Gozo
Website / Facebook page ? :
www.facebook.com/sarah.bonniciLocal/International artists/musicians who inspire you ? :
Ira Losco (local artist), Bruno Mars, Rihanna and Adele (International artists).
Previous experience at ‘Indifest’ ? :
It was an amazing experience that gave me great exposure. It gave me the chance to get to know a lot of people in the local music industry. The programme ‘Indifest’ which was aired every week on Net TV, the clips and video of the songs which have been put on You Tube also gave us all singers promotion to our song and also good exposure. The final night remains deeply vivid in my memory..... I felt so excited and happy performing on stage, in front of such a great audience. My aim was to give my 100% during my performance, enjoy every second on stage and most of all give great pleasure to those who were in the audience.
How did you see your chances in winning ‘Indifest’ last year before the festival? :
Till this very day I still could not believe that I won this prestigious festival. I strongly believe that like most of the other participants I had a good song. I believed in my song and in myself. I felt really surprised and excited. For this I thank the composer of my song, Miriam Christine (winner of Malta song for Europe 1996) and the author Joe Chircop and last but not least my family.
What is your opinion on Competitions(local)? :
I believe that professional local competitions will showcase various talents and not only give the artists great exposure but also experience.
What is your favourite music style? :
I am versatile and so enjoy listening to different types of music.
When and how did your life in music start? :
I’ve always had a great passion for music. I was crazy about music from a very young age. When I was 9 years old I attended singing lessons for the first time, and joined the Gozo Children’s Choir. My teacher encouraged me to take part in a local singing competition where I classified in the first place. This was my first experience which encouraged me to continue singing. From there I participated with great success in various singing festivals both locally and abroad such as Belarus, Bulgaria, Romania, Italy and Hungary. During this time I also participated in TV shows and radio programmes. I took part in many school shows, musicals and activities. In 2009 and 2010, I participated in the finals of the Malta Junior Eurosong Contest (JESC), where in 2009 I succeeded in the 3rd place with the song ‘The Mambo Song’. Another great experience, was when I was chosen to join Nicole Azzopardi (winner of the Malta Junior Eurosong 2010) to represent Malta at the Junior Eurosong Contest in Belarus. I was one of the dancers and backing vocalists of the song ‘Knock Knock!..Boom! Boom!’ This experience gave me the chance to meet participants from different countries from all around Europe.
Do you write your own stuff? – and if so what inspires you? :
I do write lyrics and some melodies occasionally, but I also enjoy working with composers and authors. I share my ideas with them and I strongly believe that I could learn a lot from them.
What are your biggest ambitions in music?
In the future I would like to become a professional singer. Continue my studies and obtaining good results in music. Performing with an international artist is also a great ambition.
A 3 word comment about The Eurovision Song Contest?
Opportunity, Exposure, Contacts
Describe a typical day in your life?
In Winter I wake up at 7.00 and since I am still a student, I go to school. After school I finish all my school work, practice piano, 5 times a week I attend dancing lessons and once a week singing lesson, in the evenings I usually watch some TV or go for rehearsals. In Summer I try to relax, still practicing piano, dancing and singing but trying to take life more easy and enjoying myself by going out with friends.
Favourite sport ?:
I am not really a fan of sports.... I love dancing!
Favourite book ?:
An offer from a Gentleman – Julia Quinn
Favourite films ?:
There are no any favourite films in particular.
Favourite holiday/trip ?:
Cruise with my family around the Meditteranean.
Do you have a message to The Maltese Nation?:
Thank you so much for supporting local music. I would like to thank every single person who gives me support, love and courage.
Interviewed by Joseph Portelli – Music News Malta Editor.
Good luck!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIN4S2B5C6I