From busking in the streets to gracing big stages across Europe, Maltese indie-pop band The Busker continues to share their charismatic musical styling through a notion of ear-catching releases.
Formed over 10 years ago, The Busker began their journey through one of the founding members Jean Paul & has developed into the line-up we see before us. During their journey, The Busker has performed at numerous festivals & headlined some major events across Europe.
Earlier this year, The Busker found themselves crowned the winners of the Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2023 with the energetic anthem “Dance (Our Own Party)” & ultimately representing Malta at the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 in Liverpool, UK (Hosted on behalf of last years winner Ukraine).
The Busker has kindly taken the time to talk with Fierce & Fabulous Revolution regarding their upcoming participation at the Eurovision Song Contest & the journey behind their song “Dance (Our Own Party”. You can find the full interview below.
Hey The Busker, thank you so much for this interview. Can you start by telling readers who might be unfamiliar with your music a little bit about yourselves?
The Busker: The Busker has been around for the past 10 years. It was formed by our drummer Jean Paul with his friend who both shared the same passion for songwriting and live performances. From busking in the streets to performing on big stages and touring Europe, the band went through a music progression especially when Sean joined the band on the saxophone. Dav.jr completed the current trio lineup where together are representing Malta for ESC 2023 with their song Dance (Our own party)
When did you all first discover your passion for music?
The Busker: Growing up, music was always present in our lives, from purchasing albums to learning instruments. We always felt that this was something that we would like to do with music and art. Being in a band showed us that all of this is possible and our passion became even stronger.
How did the idea to form The Busker come together?
The Busker: It started out from busking in the streets of Malta and sharing the interest of releasing our own original material.
How would you currently describe your musical style?
The Busker: It is a mix of our music tastes and influences. We would definitely say Pop/funk/soul blended with electronic music.
You recently won the Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2023 with the ear-catching anthem song “Dance (Our Own Party)” & will represent Malta at the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 in Liverpool, UK. First of all, congratulations. Secondly, how did it feel to win the selection?
The Busker: Thank you very much! We feel honoured that we are representing our home country in this competition. We grew up watching the Eurovision ourselves, given that now we will be the ones representing it is a dream coming true for us.
How did the idea to enter the Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2023 first come together?
The Busker: Our Eurovision experience dates back to the first conversations we brought up the idea of partaking in the contest. From then on we had lost a member from our band which secured the three of us as the main unit moving forward. The current lineup of the band is a disciplined, ambition-fueled workforce. Taking ourselves from the comfort zone of writing and releasing music in the usual template was not cutting it anymore. We had reached a ceiling with how far our music was getting and that created an umbrella of frustration for the three of us. Once we had the song in hand, it surely was a no-brainer. We kept working on finishing it to submit it to MESC. We really didn’t expect much. We paced ourselves, step by step, and strategised every qualifying round as it came along.
Things started to fall into place after the 30-second teasers were released. Frankly, we decided there and then that we need to think widely about wardrobe, possible choreography and show. We really came up with things as we went along. With very little experience we did turn to professional opinions for direction, but as we previously mentioned, we took care of most of the organization of our show.
So without stretching it too far, as an experience, we have been blessed with the opportunity to express ourselves artistically fully. The delivery of the show is coming from one vision, which is more than we could have imagined. Whatever happens in Liverpool, we are honestly so honoured and blessed to be able to take it onto a Global Stage, we wish you get to follow our journey as if it is your own!
What was the inspiration behind creating “Dance (Our Own Party)”?
The Busker: Dance(Our own party) is a funky tune mixed with The Busker’s signature sound. The storyline is a trip of someone triggered by social anxiety at a party, finding comfort in leaving with a couple of friends to go to a familiar and more comforting setting. Since COVID hit, the three of us have felt more comfortable in our own environment surrounded by people that we are closer with. The song in general is a journey of how one gets out of such a party and heads back to their home with their friends to throw their own intimate party.
Did you always know that “Dance (Our Own Party)” was the song you wanted to enter into the selection?
The Busker: We all met with our co-producer Matthew James, a month before the submission date, to present the songs that we were working on. Once we heard Dance we immediately clicked with its groovy bass line and together agreed that this was the song we felt it could be the one that represents us in MESC 2023.
If listeners could take something away from this song, what would you like it to be?
The Busker: Each one of us can have our own party in our own comfortable setting. No need for social pressure to determine on how you shall have fun.
How does it feel to be representing Malta at Eurovision 2023?
The Busker: It is a huge honour for us, given that we are fans of the Eurovision ourselves. Growing up it was a yearly tradition to gather around the television and watch the performances. Now we get the chance to actually be in it! Which is a dream coming true.
Is there anything you can currently tell us about your plans for the staging at Eurovision?
The Busker: We want to portray a storytelling of the song with the staging. MESC performance is a good indication of where we want to go, but there will definitely be surprises on the night, which we cannot reveal as of yet!
Have you listened to any of the other songs taking part in this year’s contest? If so, who are some of your favourites?
The Busker: Yes, we have the playlist on repeat and we are loving every song so far! Some of our favourites are Serbia, Netherlands, Finland, Czechia, Israel and Italy.
What are some of the things you enjoy doing in your spare time?
The Busker: We don’t really have spare time at the moment, but we would definitely say spending time with our loved ones, cooking, reading and taking long walks.
If you could perform a duet with another entrant from Eurovision 2023, who would you pick?
The Busker: This is a very difficult one, probably we would go with Vesna or TuralTuranX. We love their aura and energy!
What is one thing you can’t live without?
The Busker: Our instruments for sure! They are our tools to make and perform music.
If you could possess any superpower, what would you choose & why?
Dav.Jr: Teleportation.
Jean: Invisibility.
Sean: Hitting the altissimo note on the sax.
What advice would you offer to someone looking to pursue a career within the music industry?
The Busker: To never give up.
Finally, is there a message that you would like to share with the readers of Fierce & Fabulous Revolution
The Busker: Thank you for taking the time to read the interview and for your constant support along this journey. If you like our song and would like to see us in the finals don’t forget to vote for us! 🙂
You can check out the official video for “Dance (Our Own Party)” below or listen on more platforms here.
Fierce & Fabulous Revolution 