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What made you decide to move to Malta?

My friend brought me over to Malta on holiday and I was only meant to stay here for one week. But I loved it so much that I ended up staying for a whole month.

I was busking on the streets of Cork where I’m from, and at the time I was living with my parents and working for a national gas and electricity supplier. I was also working for a local supermarket chain. The COVID-19 pandemic was really difficult for me and I just needed a change of scenery.

This is the first time I’ve moved abroad by myself and it has been a big stepping stone for me.

Lots of my friends from Ireland had also moved abroad due to the cost of housing, which is literally through the roof and unaffordable for many young people.

What do you enjoy about living in Malta?

I love the weather first and foremost, and the Maltese people are so friendly. I’ve really been looked after since moving here and have been taken in by the Maltese and expat communities to whom I’m forever grateful.

The diversity of people here is great. Though I find it difficult to socialise, there are so many people from loads of different countries – so it’s hard not to meet people – which I love. I’ve made friends from countries as far-flung as Colombia to Germany to Malta. All over. I wouldn’t have had this opportunity to meet so many different people if I was still back home in Cork.

You were bullied when you were younger, how did that affect you?

It was really bad, I was shy in school. I had no friends and I thought I was a loner. My social skills weren’t great and I couldn’t talk to anyone.

I think I am quite shy today. Talking to girls has always been difficult for me – more so when I was younger. At school I was bullied, abused and told the same old shit. Like, ‘alright four eyes’.

There were even people posting abusive messages on my YouTube videos that I uploaded. I hated school and would go home in tears to my parents.

Some people even commented, saying ‘go kill yourself’. I started to get suicidal thoughts at school and college. That’s when I went to a counsellor and that really helped me to get my emotions out and speak with someone. I’d recommend it to anyone that’s going through a bad patch.

What advice would you give to anyone with ASD/Asperger’s – especially with regard to moving abroad?

Just do it and see how it goes. Don’t doubt yourself. I wanted to come here and decided to. So let’s see what happens. I started talking to people. I met people through social media groups too; such as InterNations and Expats in Malta.

I want to inspire people in a similar position and I’d like to do more public speaking here in Malta to make ASD become more normalised as opposed to stigmatised. I think it’s important to talk about your own trials and tribulations, what I’ve faced and how it’s shaped me as a person.

How does ASD affect your day-to-day?

When I was younger, my social skills were bad. I wasn’t able to talk to anyone. With ASD it’s more of a mental disorder and affects how people communicate and interact with people and the public.

There’s also so much repetitive behaviour I deal with. For me in particular, I have to double-check the door and make sure I’ve locked it. People may have seen this sort of behaviour in films. With Asperger’s and autism, we have different interests that we excel at or love. I’m obsessed with music and some of my friends are obsessed with Dungeons & Dragons – for example.

What do you love about gigging and what are your thoughts about the music scene in Malta?

Well, I obviously love music. It’s been so important to me for so many years and has helped me develop and come out of my shell as a person. As for the music scene here, it’s very lively. I like that everyone is supportive and gets involved: singing along to whatever tunes are being blasted out.

Where have you played your music in Malta?

Being Irish, I love playing in Irish bars as there’s always a unique atmosphere. But I’ve played all over. I’ve played in Bugibba, Gzira, Mellieha, Mosta, Qawra, St Julian’s, Sliema and the capital Valletta.

What are your favourite venues/bars in Malta? 

I’d say that my top three bars to play and sing music in are the Crafty Cat in St Julian’s, Taste of Sweden in St Julian’s and Fat Harry’s in Bugibba.

And which venues would you like to perform in that you haven’t already?

As for venues I’d like to do a live set or gig at, I’d love to play in Crossroads in Spinola Bay. I’ve done the Thursday open mic nights there – which are also a great way to meet like-minded people and especially those who are into their music.

Other bars I’d like to play in are Capital Bar in Valletta and also the Thirsty Barber in Paceville and others too. I’d like to do some more corporate gigs, and weddings, and play in some restaurants too.

Have you faced any bullies or abuse here in Malta?

No, none at all. I’ve heard and seen incidents of people being bullied here though. Thankfully I’ve not experienced that in Malta.

You entered Malta’s Got Talent, how was it?

My episode shall be broadcast on Sunday. I can’t let the cat out of the bag yet. So if you want to know how I got on, you’ll have to tune into TVM this Sunday at 8pm.

It was a great experience going on Malta’s Got Talent and I had friends from across Ireland who did the UK version of the TV show. They said it’ll be a long day, and recommended that I take food and drinks as there’s a lot of waiting around once you arrive.

For anyone thinking of entering a reality show like Malta’s Got Talent, I’d say just be yourself and try to relax.

You’ve said that – in the past – you often got anxiety. What do you think makes your anxiety worse and has it improved since moving to Malta?

I was worried about moving to Malta initially just in case I didn’t like it here. But thankfully I love this country. Since moving here anxiety has improved. Music has been the potion for me.

Living in another country – as I said – is a first for me. So maybe the only anxiety I feel now is from a financial point of view. Living off of being a musician is difficult and the pay when you’re first getting out there isn’t life-changing. But it’s a start.

So to supplement my income from doing gigs across the island. I’d like to maybe get a job in a customer support role, perhaps in iGaming. I really enjoy helping others with their problems or issues they’re facing and I’m a very compassionate person so I think that would suit me.

At the moment though I work part-time in a bar in Gżira called the Red Parrot – where I also play some gigs too.

You recently released a new song called ‘Different’ – Tell us what it’s about…

I’ve started writing a sort of story concept album. In the latest song, I talk/sing about Asperger’s and autism in general. Writing different songs for different aspects and how they affect people who live with ASD.

One is about education, social skills and not talking to people. Whilst other songs I’m working on discuss themes like anxiety and living in a different country by yourself.  I really just want to inspire people and motivate people – and that’s what I want to communicate through my music. I hope that people similar to me, realise that you’re not alone and things will get better.

Tag a friend who should move to Malta!