As part of our Musical Destinations series we jumped at the chance to hop over to Malta for the Isle of MTV spectacular. Europe’s largest free festival has been hosted on this idyllic isle for nine years.
Arriving early to catch some of Malta Music Week we kicked off our musical escape with Duke Dumont doing his thing beside the infinity pool at Cafe Del Mar, Bugiba. The swanky new nightlife spot caters for the young dance crowd beginning to flock to these shores, hungry for the latest beats and treats. Here they can find beach parties, club nights and street concerts in Malta’s hottest nightspots. World-class clubs, sunsets to die for and endless sunshine, its little wonder that Malta is being heralded the 'new' Ibiza.
The charm of Malta is all around you everywhere. The laidback Mediterranean culture is ingrained in the populous. Maybe it’s the fact that for millennia they have been ruled over by countless different cultures that the Maltese offer such a warm welcome to all.
Isle of MTV is held in Il Fosos Square, Floriana, the ornate piazza holds a staggering 50,000 fans all facing the huge stage while the artists have the equally impressive baroque church as their backdrop beyond an endless sea of faces.
Tori Kelly opened proceedings with the crowd welcoming her acrobatic vocal charm. Selected by many as one to watch this year her solid performance to this global MTV audience will only propel her further along her path.
US indie four-piece Echosmith belied their years to present themselves with considerable aplomb. The female fronted siblings had the crowd singing their hit ‘Cool Kids’ word for word. Slight singer, Sydney, packs a vocal punch with her brothers matching, Noah on bass, deserving of special praise for his Angus Young moves and attitude.
As a perfect summer's evening turned to dusk OMI’s soulful poise captivated the enlivened audience. Oozing confidence he stands on the edge of superstardom. He sings with an inner integrity, giving his version of Sam Smith ‘I'm Not The Only One’ added impetus. Closing with his worldwide smash ‘Cheerleader’ OMI got my vote on the night.
Jason Derulo and his band took to the stage all in white, and it wasn’t long before his top was off rippling those perfect pecks and body popping as of old. His set had all the razzmatazz you’d expect from Derulo, a well choreographed set moving in synch with his dancers and he even made up a new song. Now, normally these things are planned but when the inspiration (shouted from the crowd) is Malta and your lyric is ‘I met her in Malta, I had to take her to the alter’ I believe he may well have been telling the truth.
Not that the night needed any further testosterone, that said, added stimulus came in the shape of Martin Garrix. The teenager was the perfect closer to a fun-filled day. Taking the EDM scene by storm he is riding a wave of popularity, which had the whole place quite literally jumping, arms and t-shirts waving overhead, an inspired set he clearly enjoyed.
Isle of MTV was born out of the desire to entice the youthful element to this beautiful island, and 50,000 screaming fans were testament to that. Roll on next year when IOMTV celebrates a decade on June 28th 2016.
With so much on offer in Malta you can literally do as much or as little as you like. We swam with tuna (only one of two places worldwide), dipped into the turquoise waters of the Blue Lagoon, went bar hoping in Valetta and enjoyed the endless sunshine on Golden Beach.
The 'new' Ibiza stamp does not do the history, culture and warm welcome justice, this is the 'new' Malta and long may it last.
Click below to view our Music-News.com exclusive interviews and press conferences at Isle of MTV, Malta.
OMI
Interview Tori Kelly
InterviewEchosmith
Interview Jason Derulo
Press Conference Martin Garrix
Press Conference OMI
Press Conference Tori Kelly
Press Conference Echosmith
Press ConferenceCheck out some of the images below.
VisitMalta.com 
