Ira Losco

Ira Losco is a household name. She’s loved not only for her outstanding talent as a performer and writer but for her authentic, natural and honest nature which enables her to relate and be relatable in a world sometimes fuelled by the complete opposite.

Ira and I go way back. Hmmm let me see – was it 2006? Maybe 2008? My memory is a little shot to pieces, but I do remember meeting Malta’s biggest star well over a decade ago. That makes her a megastar now. We met when we were both touring and she kindly guested at one of my gigs here and supported my first business that supported the arts in Malta. I have a jaded memory of being interviewed by a Maltese TV channel – again, the name escapes me, but that isn’t important. What is important, is that the girl I met back then, is also the girl that is now. This femme fatale has managed to sustain a remarkable career in music, in an industry that can be quite cruel as well as kind, whilst remaining utterly and authentically true to herself.

That deserves a medal of all medals.

Ira has been entrenched in music for as long as she can remember. Something she credits to Freddy Mercury’s performance at Live Aid in the eighties. Now, being the queen of performance art pop, there is an undeniable feeling that ‘she’s only just got started.’ It brings such joy to see her performing, something she is currently missing due to the situation that surrounds us, but having just had baby number two, she is getting to do the other thing she is passionate about…being a mum and a wife. Something that is so often overlooked or deemed as second best or alternatively -not enough. Well, for all the doubters, Ira champions it all and we love her for it.

What are you working on right now?

Attempting to write with two children in the house is pretty hard to do, but I’m trying to still let my creative juices flow. I’ve also got some material that hasn’t been released yet ready to go. 

What are you most looking forward to?

Performing on stage again to audiences just as I was doing pre covid. 

What drives you to do what you do?

Knowing that whatever I create will last, will maybe inspire others and will eventually push me towards even more creativity in my projects. 

What or who inspires you?

Anything around me, anyone who works hard for their dream. Anyone who wakes up everyday craving creativity. Honesty and empathy. 

What keeps you sane?

Knowing I have a purpose. Knowing that throughout my career I have learned so much and there is no limit to how much more one can learn, humility is key. That I have potentially inspired others without even knowing, just as others have inspired me. Striving towards being the best version of myself every single day. Knowing that at the end of every day I am going home to a wonderful family who loves me no matter what. 

What is your proudest achievement?

Having been a very active recording artist for the past 20 years, international collabs! Especially performing alongside Maestro Bocelli. Of course, undeniably my two children, Harry and Gigi.

What has been your biggest lesson to date?

My very good friend, iconic TV Presenter and model Nirvana Azzopardi lost her battle with cancer at just 40 years of age. Her youngest son was 4 years old. It really hit home. It really made me aware of how short life is and to appreciate what I have, to work to live and not live to work, to be happy with the simplest of things, to dream, and to tell my loved ones I love them every day. 

What’s your tip for life-work balance? 

Like I said before work to live, don’t live to work. Of course, work hard to achieve your dreams, but I’m not big on materialistic crap. Love and respect are the biggest treasures one can possess. 

What advice would you give your younger self?

It’s OK to be alone sometimes. It’s OK to have your heartbroken. Timing is sometimes everything and love is romance but respect is what lasts. 

What general advice would you give to a woman who wants to start her own business or change her life?

To believe in herself, work hard, surround herself with positive people. Good things come to good people, so remember KARMA! Be nice to others and the universe will smile back at you. Also to be patient, Rome wasn’t built in a day. And if at first you don’t succeed pick yourself up and try again. 

What EVENT changed your life in some way?

Live Aid 1985. I was 5 years old. Even in those first formative years  I KNEW I was born to make music. But after watching Queen perform- I was mesmerized. I could think of nothing more than performing. I was in awe of how Freddie Mercury held his audience in the palm of his hand. And I wanted to do the very same when I grew up! 

WHAT’s your Favourite quote of all time? 

Never forget where you’re coming from! 

Favourite song?

Oh no, I can’t choose just the one, it’s too hard! I just can’t commit to just one! But amongst my favourite artists are Radiohead, Tori Amos, Arcade Fire, Bat for Lashes, Queen, Madonna, Blur, Foo Fighters, The Beatles… the list is very mixed and never-ending. I’m a sucker for good songs whatever the genre. 

The Takeaway. Be inspired by Ira’s ability to follow her instinct and listen to her heart. Champion her humility and celebrate her knowing what is really important in life.

These are some of the ways Ira shows up in the world: 

Instagram | YouTube | Facebook

Author: Andrea Britton

Andrea is the Creative Director and Editor at GITH. Tweet her at @andreabritton or send stories to hello@gozointhehouse.com.