Where did you grow up and what memories do you have of it?

“I was brought up in Sliema and it was fantastic! We played in the streets a lot – lots of football, harba (catch), hide and seek and the likes. I used to get around on my bicycle – to go swimming at Tigne’, shopping at the Strand and so on. We had all that we needed around us, so it was very comfortable.

“I remember on Sundays, following Mass, we’d open the persjana (large window) overlooking Dingli Street and play guitar and sing for all the people walking out of church!”

What is your favourite...

Bar or watering hole & your usual order
“I don’t have a ‘local’ any more as work sees me performing in many different areas, although Strait Street in Valletta is a place I enjoy a lot. A beer always does it for me!”

Local dish
“Ross il-forn (baked rice)! I love it!”

Beach or swimming spot
“I’m a big Ghadira/Ghajn Tuffieha fan, but I prefer early morning or early evenings – the sea and the beach are much more enjoyable at those times!”

Place for a walk
“Walk? We like to trek! North of the island has some beautiful treks, while the Dingli Cliffs area is a good place to jog.”

Nightlife spot
“Chalet in Sliema is a cool hangout, as well as The Villa in Balluta – all places that have live music on certain nights!”

Activity to do in Malta
“It all depends on what tickles your fancy! We were very creative in our crazy days – a midnight harba (joyride) in Mdina, or hanging out of a car roof on the airport runway ring-road – I’m pretty sure that’s illegal nowadays.”

Family tradition
“Christmas Day lunch at my mum’s – every year we all meet up there and thrash through a turkey!”

Maltese word
“Ibxex – it’s actually Gozitan (as I’m half-Gozitan) – it means ‘lower’ (as in izjed baxx) e.g. Ghandek ghajn wahda ibxex mill-ohra! (One of your eyes is lower than the other).”

Landmark
“Top of the World (Gharghur) – it’s not really a landmark but it’s a fantastic place for sunrise! I’ve spent many happy nights and mornings there!”

Local smell
“Nothing – absolutely nothing – beats the smell of pastizzi at 4 in the morning!”

Describe your ideal day spent in Malta
“I’m assuming this is a day off from work! So, I wake up late, have lunch with family and friends, catch the sunset at the beach, and have an acoustic gig in the evening (ideally beachside too!)”

What would you change about Malta or the Maltese?
“There isn’t much that I’d change, but giving a halt to senseless progress and development (turning Malta into a concrete block) and creating more outdoor spaces. With regards to the Maltese, to lose some of the negativity and be a bit more tolerant with one another!”

What’s the most romantic date you’ve ever planned in Malta?
“I’m not romantic at all! Fast food take-away in the back seat of my car is the best I’ve ever done!”

Are you more of a…

Cisk or Kinnie person?
“I was definitely a Cisk guy, but nowadays I’ve calmed down and have to admit that I’m more of a Kinnie guy!”

Sand or rocks person?
“Sand – although it gets into every nook and cranny I have, but it’s worth it!”

Summer or winter person?
“Summer is more fun as we do more outdoor activities with our daughter – but deep down I’m a winter guy!”