Producer And X Factor Malta Judge Speaks Out Against The Dangers Of Free Local Concerts
Photos: Beer Festival (left), Howard Keith Debono on X Factor Malta (right) / Facebook
Ira Losco and Tribali’s manager Howard Keith Debono has written a warning against the dangers that come with offering too many free concerts on this island.
While praising the importance of certain annual staples (such as Isle of MTV and Beer Fest), the X Factor Malta judge has said that events not charging an audience offer an “easy route to instant success” that won’t really last long.
He also said that these concerts will undo a lot of the work put in by artists, producers and promoters over the past years.
Ira Losco at Saturday’s show, Women In Music; photo: Nina Adams / Facebook
Making these comments in a post that celebrated the success of Ira’s sold out show Women In Music, Debono hopes more effort will be made to safeguard the industry for local artists.
With decades of experience to back up his claims, Howard Keith’s sentiments were reiterated by other artists and promoters who have been in the business for a while, including Brikkuni frontman Mario Vella.
The full post reads:
“I am not in favour of events offering free entrance, apart from NYE celebrations, National Events like Notte Bianca alike etc… free events offer an easy route to instant success. That’s fair and a handful of artists, promoters and events might not be effected, but what about the others who get effected?”
“What is it doing to the value of music and vision for the future of local music? This is something that truly concerns me and I sincerely don’t think we are taking into consideration the after effect this has. I am 100% in favour of events like Isle of MTV, Summer Daze, Beer Festival and many more… bring them on. But I am very concerned that there are a growing number of events for free in such sweet spots of the year, if I have to be honest.”
“Mark my words, if this continues we will ruin all that hard working artists and promoters have been trying to build back into the scene. Local artists/promoters/DJs cannot and shouldn’t be in competition with such events. We have to first safeguard an industry for local artists. Let’s work together Not against each other. Peace and respect.”
What do you feel about free concerts?
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