Local band The Busker will debut their new album at the Orpheum Theatre, Gżira on Friday 30th November. Who are they? The band is comprised of lead singer and guitarist Dario, bassist David, drummer Jean Paul, and saxophonist Sean - if you haven't heard of them yet, you may know them from their hit single Surfin’ Up, which was used as Algida’s jingle over the summer!

And as they prepare for the launch, I had the pleasure of attending a private listening event of their new album - Ladies and Gentlemen - held yesterday at the gorgeous Hammett’s Maċina Restaurant in Senglea, where the band let me in on all the juicy details about their new venture!

The bubbly group were happy to delve into the story of their journey so far. Lead singer and guitarist, Dario immediately jumped in: “We started recording and producing the songs this year in February, but we used to record ideas and skeletons of songs that come spontaneously on our phones. We started producing the album with Matthew James Borg. The journey has been amazing, it was a fun process, and we learnt a lot from Matthew.”

Drummer Jean Paul continues, “we actually finished recording the album about a month ago, so we’re still in the studio process. We have the launch in two weeks’ time, so we're rehearsing. Some of the tracks we’ve never played live and it’s the first time we’ll be playing live with additional band members so that we can recreate the sound that we captured during our recording sessions. We’re also preparing some light shows and props on stage, so we’re being very ambitious because after all this hard work and everything we’ve been through as a band, we wanted to capture everything during the performance. It’s our baby!”

Saxophonist Sean reveals what this year of recording has been like. “It's been a long journey and a hard-fought process, you can say. There were times when we doubted ourselves, when we fought and argued. But at the end of the day, we’re very happy with the product and with what we learnt throughout this journey, and yes, as Dario mentioned, also what we learned from Matthew James Borg.

"When I found out he was available to take on this project, I went to the others and was extremely excited – like a little child on Christmas day! It was the same when we first rented out the studio and started doing it up... I think it was one of the most fun things I’ve ever done in my life. This past year has been difficult - I was studying at the same time so they really pulled the rope for me, and Jean Paul was doing his Masters, but was still pulling the rope from his end. He’s an animal!" Sean jokingly comments. "But I’m very happy with what we’ve ended up with. We’re working hard to make this launch the biggest event in The Busker’s history, and I’m sure it will be!”

Bass player David, a man of few words finishes with, “I think they’ve pretty much covered everything!” to which Sean jokingly interjects, “he’s more interested in the music than words!”

“Actually,” Jean Paul continues, “We recorded the album at Sub Studios and he’s the owner, so without him, we wouldn’t have the album!” 

The band are one-of-a-kind and boast a totally different sound that is a breath of fresh air! So don’t miss out on what is looking to be one incredible performance - tickets for The Busker’s launch are available here. You can also watch the music video for their latest single Cadillac (also part of their album) here: