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Singer songwriter Fiona Cauchi, known simply as ‘Fiona’ is the lead singer of rock band ‘Spyral State’ and she has been turning more than a few heads in recent months. The band will have an album out shortly and if you have not enjoyed the Fiona experience yet, hop along to BJ’s tonight on the last day of its music marathon….Fiona’s followers will be there.
What was it that started off your singing career? Any family inspiration?
My mum sings........especially when I wake up late. (She reaches exceptionally high notes in such cases). Jokes apart, my mum used to sing in a choir - that's where she met my dad, so you see, music has a very prominent part to play in my life. But at the end of the day, I still believe that music has to be carved in your whole being, you cannot just learn how to be a singer or a musician. Honestly, I never thought I'd ever be a singer...but music always fascinated me greatly. As time went by, I discovered more and more that it was something which was living in me and something which I could share with others, pleasing audiences and achieving great satisfaction myself.
You sing a variety of styles, which are your favourite?
I love country music and rock. Country music reminds me a lot of my childhood, which I greatly treasure and besides, I feel really comfortable singing in that style. I love rock as well because it portrays the aggressiveness I cannot display with country music. Unplugged stuff is an old favourite too and I love it because it is a simple, relaxed style. Must admit that this is my favourite.
In any singer's career there will have been some high points and some low points, which were yours?
I consider playing with talented musicians and getting to learn from their experience as a high point in my career. Running out of ideas when you are writing original songs is definitely a very low point.
Do you see yourself as someone with a mission, an artist, or someone out to entertain?
I do the three of them! Playing for charity - something which is done regularly in Malta - is definitely a mission because it requires a lot of trouble when it comes to transit of equipment and having to deal with a lack of parking. Without being presumptuous, I do consider myself an artist because, let's face it, music itself is an art. Being creative and original is what I consider artistic mostly. I try my best at this. As for entertaining, every musician must be an entertainer. I mean, I cannot consider going on stage, singing or playing and not pleasing a crowd that has come to watch you perform. So there, I am an entertainer too.
Are there other singers out there - Malta and overseas - that you admire or aspire to emulate?
First and foremost, I will never imitate. Love a singer's style yes, but imitate no. I aspire a lot for originality and style and I have many foreign singers who I admire a lot, namely Sheryl Crow, Alanis Morissette, Shania Twain, Tori Amos and Gwen Stefani. As for Maltese singers, I consider lovely singer Debbie Scerri as the perfect model of a singer who in spite of her successes, managed to remain down to earth, natural and humble.
Is the world of show-business as wild/glamorous as some people make it sound?
Yes, why do you think there is a lot of money involved? I mean let's take a look at diva Jennifer Lopez and the crazy world which surrounds her. In a way I envy her but then I don't because I guess it would be difficult for me to live in permanent doubt as to whether people are around me because they really love me or because I am rich. And I don't think she made her way up there only in innocent success.
Of all your songs, which is the one that should stick in people's minds and why?
Asking me about my songs, then I have to refer to the song I sing with my band, ‘Spyral State,’ because those are the songs that belong to me. Although not a lot of people might have heard them, I believe that ‘Differences’ is the one which should strike the perfect note with many people. It is very well composed, musically, and the lyrics are beautiful because they are a continual paradox from beginning to end.
What are your aims for the future? Do you see any new directions?
It is all about ‘Spyral State.’ We are a group of friends who have decided to come together as musicians and as friends to produce some good music. All five members of the band come from a variety of music worlds but do fall well together to produce a rock band. Jeremy (the guitarist) is a devoted enthusiast of famous guitar-god Steve Vai, whilst Max (drums) is a staunch follower of Rush especially of brilliant drummer Neil Peart.
Jonathan, the bassist loves to listen to a lot of different bands and styles but I must say he loved reggae a lot. Andrè the keyboardist is a believer in the unique personal chemistry both internal, within the band, and external, which the Beatles always portrayed and he practices it in real life as well as within the band.
We shall shortly be doing our first album and I trust it will do well because the music is really a mixture of styles and will surely be loved by many.
What is your impression of the music festivals being organised in Malta?
If you want my honest opinion, I think they shouldn't be given all this importance. There are many other ways in which our musical talents can be amplified and it is a pity that all energy, efforts and money are pooled in this single event.
If you could change something about them what would that be?
Nothing. I truly believe it is the Maltese mentality - all the artists important efforts are spent on the festival - which needs to change.
How can the authorities help musicians and singers like yourself?
I think we should be given the opportunity to show off our talent abroad and have contacts with foreign producers. Maltese artists have a lot to offer; I am impressed with the talent we have in Malta. It is a pity this is a small country and the market here is so restricted because we - Maltese artists - could be making a good name.
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