INTERVIEW:
Name:
Mark Tonna
Hometown:
Zurrieq
Website / Facebook page ? :
www.facebook.com/mark.tonna.12?fref=tsLocal/International artists/musicians who inspire you ? :
Locally, I was very much inspired by Bayzo and the late Sammy Bartolo,
Internationally I have various inspirations, especially from rock singers.
Previous experience at ‘Festival Internazzjonali tal-Kanzunetta Maltija’ ? :
I participated for the first time in 1987 with a band called STRUCTURE, the song was Windsurfer by Ray Agius and Alfred C Sant, then I participated 6 times more , till when the festival stopped in 2002.
How do you see your chances in winning the ‘Festival Internazzjonali tal-Kanzunetta Maltija’ this year ? :
Just like all the other times, I expect nothing more than to have great fun, then if I win ... yes I will celebrate !!!
What is your opinion on Competitions(local)? :
As long as it is a healthy competition, why not?
What is your favourite music style? :
Rock and Heavy Metal.
When and how did your life in music start? :
Very early, I was only a kid. Stared to play guitar at age 9, with some schoolmates during the mass at school.
Do you write your own stuff? – and if so what inspires you? :
Most of the time, I write my own stuff, though this year I am singing a song written by Mark Scicluna and Emil Calleja Bayliss. What goes on around me, generally inspires me to write my songs.
What are your biggest ambitions in music?
I guess my greatest ambition would be, to stay as musically entusiastic as I have always been and getting to share my music with the other musicians in this world.
A 3 word comment about The Eurovision Song Contest?
A beautiful memory !
Describe a typical day in your life?
Getting up at 5.30 am, shower, tea with my wife, off to work , dodging traffic on my motorbike till I get there. Hectic day with many phones ringing. Back home to a lovely dinner and some quality time. Then off to sing my heart out somewhere.
Favourite sport ?:
Target shooting.
Favourite book ?:
I hardly have enough time to read, but if I did, it will surely be something in Maltese.
Favourite films ?:
Braveheart, The Rock and Crossroads.
Favourite holiday/trip ?:
Australia.
Do you have a message to The Maltese Nation?:
Be proud of the Maltese song, it is our identity, produced and performed from the heart. IT IS US !!!
Interviewed by Joseph Portelli – Music News Malta Editor.
Good luck!!
