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William Mangion is one of the mainstays of Malta’ rock and blues scene. With a career spanning several decades Mangion has entertained crowds leading a number of bands and like many rock singers cannot sit still. He has had his ups and downs, lead several bands and cavorted with the famous. He has just released a new single entitled Will you ever. For more info: www.williammangion.com
What inspired you to start a career as a singer? Any family inspiration?
My first real inspiration to get into music came at the young age of 8, largely through my friend David Vella (the keyboard player not the Temple Studios whiz). I started to learn the piano, and by 1973 – I was about 14 years old - I was playing with my first band, Sagittarius, at the Hotel Villa Rosa in St Julians.
You have headed several bands. Can you compare them?
Each and every band I was ever involved with, including the ones I work with currently, are special to me. Obviously, there’s a different story to each band, but this makes each one a unique experience to me. However, I have to say that it was great working with Michael Mercieca in Split, particularly because this was also my first experience of performing and singing our original material. That was useful to me in later years, particularly with Getting Closer and also when I moved to the UK with Still Waters. I have to say that I am really enjoying working with the current line-up, namely Sean Vukovic, Alex Debono and Gino Micallef – all talented musicians with a passion for music, which is something that I also look for!
You have met several well-known personalities, which were the most memorable meetings for you?
Well, meeting personalities is always a thrill, but as you can understand, it’s an even bigger kick when you get to support them in a concert. My most memorable moment in this regard has to be meeting Joe Cocker, when Getting Closer was the opening act for his 1991 Malta concert. Believe me, that was a really fantastic night - a truly memorable experience to perform on that stage. Oh, and meeting Bon Jovi - unfortunately not because I was his opening act – but still, it was interesting!
Of all your recorded music, which do you rate best?
To a songwriter, every one of one’s songs is precious, so choosing the ‘best’ is a tough task. I still love the Getting Closer material dearly, but of course, I do have my favourites off the Ever Changing Moods album, such as Missing You, Holding Back The Years, Working For The Money and of course, Imagine, even if it isn’t an original composition. Other particular favourites are This Time (the 1993 Eurovision entry) and Dreams To The Wind (from my time with Still Waters). The new single, Will You Ever is special because it represents a new phase in my career, still firmly entrenched to my roots but with an angle on what’s going on at the moment!
There are many myths that follow lead singers: starving artist, sex-king, extrovert. What can you tell us about your career?
Well, rather than myths, they are actually all realistic stages of any artist’s (not just a lead singer’s) career. I have had my fair share of ‘starving artist’ days; the ‘sex-king’ may be a bit far-fetched perhaps, but I reckon I could have qualified to be a crown prince (grinning). The extrovert bit is perhaps more complex – I’m quite a sociable type of guy in general (with my share of good and bad days like everyone), but once you are onstage, there is no other way to be but extrovert. You’re there to perform for the audience – there has to be a connection and there’ s no way you’re going to do that if you clam up, whether you’re in the mood for it or not!
Which were the high and low points of your singing career?
For sure, representing Malta at the 1993 Eurovision Song Contest in Ireland (I placed eighth); and meeting promoter Ley Wehrens in the early 90s. He took me under his wing and the band and myself got to tour in Holland. There were also some favourable opportunities in the offing that came with that tour. The low point came when those opportunities faded away!
As someone who has been in the public eye for so long, has this caused you wanted or unwanted attention? And how have you dealt with it?
Once you get on a stage, you are automatically asking for attention, so you have to be prepared to deal with it – wanted or unwanted! I usually deal with it by just being myself – anyone who knows me will know what that means!
What kind of songs do you prefer to sing and what music do you listen to nowadays?
My first preference will always be a good old rockin’ Blues tune, even a ballad. Over time, however I started to listen to all sorts of music. Rock, blues, jazz, R’n’B and house music - I love it all!
What can you tell us about your latest single?
Well, the lyrics in particular are special to me, but overall, I think it’s a powerful, melodic song that has a strong mainstream appeal.
What are your future plans?
Well, in the immediate future, there are more songs to record and release, most probably a new album too. Further to that I hope to keep playing music till death us do part!
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