Some day back in November 2014: Edward Lansink (the lighting guy behind most of my shots) and I are packing all the photography gear we have, and I am feeling slightly nervous. I have to photograph about twenty musicians, in as little time as possible — they’re busy people. I don’t know what to expect but I’m told they come from different backgrounds and each plays a different genre. We drive off to Ben Vincenti’s apartment, where the photoshoot will take place.
Trackage Scheme is a music hub that identifies, supports and promotes alternative local talent. Their main goal is to showcase local talent in an international spotlight. This is their second major event, called Metamorphosis. Founder Ben Vincenti and partner Graziella Delceppo approached me to capture headshots of the musicians playing at the event — and being a human who thrives on creativity and passion, I simply couldn’t refuse.
The shoot
There are maybe ten young musicians in the room chatting and drinking beer. Music is playing in the background. When my camera is pointed at the first musician he stiffens up. I tell him to relax; I ask him to picture the audience he’d want at his gig and to communicate with the camera what he’d want that audience to see. After a few takes we have our first great portrait!
For the coming hour I shoot thirteen musicians and it’s an amazing experience. They’re all so down to earth — some funny, others a little shy, others confident. Despite their differences, they all get along and are united on this mission to share their love for music. By the end we’re enjoying ourselves so much we take a group shot that I think captures the beautiful energy Trackage Scheme is all about.
Trackage Scheme — The story
Trackage Scheme started as a social-networking, music-sharing community for local alternative music enthusiasts — born out of a Facebook group where members freely introduced other music lovers. Local musicians post their productions and receive significant critical acclaim. As artist Frankie Calleja put it: “Thanks to Trackage Scheme, a lot of people know that I’m around playing music and just that is great!”
Trackage Scheme — The team
Led by three friends and partners: Ben Vincenti (founder and overall strategy), Graziella Delceppo and Rachel Fenech (branding, graphic design, filming, production and post-production). “We’ve put our minds, bodies and souls into this venture and will continue to do so because we strongly believe in the potential of Trackage Scheme.”
Getting personal: favourite music
Ben: David Bowie, Pink Floyd, Depeche Mode, Radiohead, Aphex Twin. Favourite styles: Alternative/Indie/Experimental/Psychedelic Rock, IDM, Techno, Dark Jazz and Ambient.
Graziella: Evolved from deep and happy house to ambient jazzy hats, acidic synths, experimental dub techno and everything in between. Musical idol: Bonobo.
Rachel: Grew up on Pink Floyd, The Alan Parsons Project and David Bowie. Discovered Radiohead young and that was it. “They have experimented a lot with their music and one cannot really specify their style, but you can always identify their signature in their tunes.”
The future
The vision is to become Malta’s leading platform to showcase local talent in an international spotlight, hopefully expanding the Trackage Scheme brand overseas. The mission: to support Maltese musical talent in pursuing their dreams and aspirations.
I’ll be there on Saturday to support this great event and the talent behind it — I hope to see you there!