Raymond Schembri, or Il-Bahri as he is known to many in the rock scene in Malta, has been an active anarchist since forming his latest punk band in 1998. Ray explains that since the creation of R.A.S (Rage Against Society), he began to think outside the box of political party tricks. But he was not always this way.
“I did not think like this when I was younger. I was really into partisan politics and had no freedom of thought… which means that whatever the leader and party did, I accepted. All the followers of political parties still do so,” he maintains.
After becoming a more liberal thinker, Ray sought various ways to speak out and be heard. Activist groups were joined, movements were started and bands were formed to get the message across – very loudly.
One of his personal achievements as a voice was in an anarchist group, now obsolete, called Azzjoni Pozittiva, during a meeting held for debate on serious issues in everyday life.
He recalls: “I managed to make members aware of what was happening around us, which was really hard to do since most of the youths were hypnotised by mass alienation from the church, government and state.”
Ray identifies the style of his five-year-old ‘baby’, Subculture: an “Anarcho-Punk” ensemble, whose lyrics tend to deal with issues very reminiscent of those tackled by punk-rock bands in the 1970s. The music style, along with the lyrics, also seems to be outspoken since he describes it as a fast and aggressive blend of metal punk music.
“My lyrics all leave their mark,” he explains, “It is a big step for me to change the mentality of a person. Subculture is one of my babies and although I dedicate most of my time creating music, writing lyrics and promoting this band, I still have time for my other four bands, R.A.S, Abstrass, Publik Waste and X-Vandals.”
Once recorded, ‘Revolt’ will be their fourth release and alongside guitarist and vocalist, Il-Bahri and musical partner and brother on drums, Ray ‘Il-Hamiemu’ Micallef, vacant posts will be filled by female vocalist Ramona the Cat, and bassist Dani.
He says, “We are experimental as a band and Subculture has seen many members come and go. But vacant places within the band because I always have the ideal person in mind to fill it.”
To complement the title of the CD, song titles include Reclaim the World, Freedom of Thought, and Destroy their Capital to truly bring out the anarchist spirit.
One title which will definitely attract attention is The Earth Dies Screaming. In fact it is a popular that anarchy means only chaos and destruction. Ray argues otherwise.
“Anarchism is not all about the abolition of governments and laws. It is a way of life based on solidarity with each other. Anarchism abides by the rules of nature and Mother Earth.
“Modern anarchism is expressed in different ways. The roots are spread into several issues like anti-racism, anti-war, anti-exploitation. We are against discrimination between sexual genders. We are in favour of the environment, a good standard of living and education.”
Nature plays a big part in Ray’s life and he uses music as a medium to make his message heard. He admits that not everyone agrees with lyrics written for Subculture and remembers reactions received for their thirds album, ‘Resist the Abuse’.
“The album was all about Animal Rights and some friends who happened to be hunters did not agree with the message we were trying to spread.”
Apart from writing about the destruction of nature and the lack of respect there is for the rights for both animals and humans, he is also part of numerous activist groups which tend to receive mixed reactions. Ironically, one of these groups is none other than Moviment Graffitti which practises radical democracy based on leftist ideologies.
How does this tie in with his anarchist perspective?
“The core of the movement consists of around 10 people but there are others in subgroups who work outside of the actual movement. I work from the outside of Moviment Graffitti because as an anarchist I am not in line with how they tackle certain issues… but I give my input in many activities including updating their myspace.com website. Anarchists are against authority because of power abuse. Anarchists are against governments because we believe they are to blame for most of the world's catastrophes.”
Although not members of this movement per se, Subculture has always participated in many activities organised such as charity events, protests and concerts. Ray also contributes with letters sent to local newspapers but points out that people tend to have a misconception of Graffitti because of the unfounded belief that they are anti-everything.
He says, “Moviment Graffitti is misunderstood for several reasons. We take a stand on the issues, we tackle but people only support us when it suits them. For example, hunters support us for the environment cause but of course despise our stand against their hunting activities.”
They have also been criticised for their fight for the rights of illegal immigrants and anti-war activities.
“People from the major political parties support us in our anti-war policies,” he continues, “but then people from both political parties criticise us because they think that warships’ crews spend their money here to boost our economy.”
Moviment Graffitti’s position on issues regarding illegal immigrants has surfaced time and again, and has received aggressive responses in bucketfuls. Although Ray agrees that Malta is limited in space for these people, immigrants are, at the end of the day, people.
“The exploitation of these people in Malta must end immediately and must be treated with respect and solidarity, because they are all part of the human race. Something definitely needs to be done because their living conditions are getting worse!”
Followers and supporters tend to vary in numbers depending on the issues being tackled at the time; but Ray does not think numbers matter much.
“We need more media exposure to spread our message further and thanks to this newspaper, this is what we intend to do. People need to know the truth instead of listening to gossip and having misconceptions of what we are all about.”
Moviment Graffitti’s annual meeting discussed achievements of 2007 and has set objectives for 2008. Amongst the numerous activities planned throughout the year, a subgroup for women to tackle issues from the woman’s perspective is being formed and Ray urges anyone who has ideas or is interested in joining should contact Moviment Graffitti.
On a final and personal note, does he think it is possible to have freedom and democracy?
He thinks before answering. “Before freedom can live, we must abolish all authority. What is democracy? It is a misconception of the truth. Why does the majority always rule whilst excluding minorities as though they do not exist? Take Malta for example. We have freedom of speech but the authorities will not listen to most of our concerns. It is as if we are under a democratic dictatorship.”
A diplomatic answer, given in true anarchist fashion.
To contact Moviment Graffitti email: radicalmalta@hotmail.com. For more information about Subculture, visit: www.myspace.com/subculturemt .