Alex Borg: From Malta’s Underground to the Mainstream’s Spotlight

Imagine this: you’re walking down Republic Street, Malta’s bustling commercial hub, when you notice a familiar face on a billboard. It’s Alex Borg, the man who’s been making waves in Malta’s underground music scene for years. But now, he’s not just a local name; he’s a national one. “They criticise us, then they copy us,” he says, reflecting on his journey from underground to mainstream.

From the Basement to the Big Stage

Alex Borg’s musical journey began in the basements and garages of Malta. He started out as a DJ, spinning tracks at small, intimate gigs. But he wasn’t content to stay in the shadows. He wanted to bring his unique sound to a wider audience. “I remember playing at these tiny venues, wondering if anyone would ever hear us,” he recalls, sitting in his studio in Msida, a stone’s throw from the Three Cities.

His big break came when he was invited to play at the annual Isle of MTV concert in 2015. Sharing the stage with international acts like Jason Derulo and David Guetta, Alex held his own, captivating the crowd with his energetic set. “That was the moment I knew we could take our sound to the next level,” he says.

Breaking Barriers, Breaking Records

Since then, Alex has been on a roll. He’s collaborated with international artists, played at some of the world’s biggest festivals, and even broken a world record – the longest DJ set, clocking in at an impressive 264 hours. But he hasn’t forgotten his roots. “Malta is where I come from, and it’s always going to be a part of my sound,” he says.

His latest single, “Bastion,” is a testament to that. The track, a blend of techno and Maltese traditional music, has been making waves both locally and internationally. It’s a bold fusion, one that’s got people talking – and dancing.

Critics, Copycats, and the Future

Alex’s rise to fame hasn’t been without its critics. “People said we were too different, too unique. They said we’d never make it,” he says, a hint of defiance in his voice. “But we proved them wrong. And now, I see other artists trying to do what we do. They criticise us, then they copy us.”

But Alex isn’t bothered by the copycats. He’s too focused on the future. “We’re always evolving, always trying to push the boundaries of what people expect from Maltese music,” he says. “And that’s what’s exciting. That’s what keeps us going.”

As we wrap up our conversation, Alex looks out at the Grand Harbour, the sun setting over the historic city. “This is where we come from,” he says, a sense of pride in his voice. “And this is where we’re going.”