This Week • 23 March 2003

The third degree with Franco Aloisio

Franco Aloisio certainly needs no introduction as the drummer from Corkskrew. After all, this is the guy who – we’re authoritatively informed – was already drumming away at the age of two. For those who aren’t in the know, Franco is a bit of a Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, fulfilling the duties of marketing executive to a local mobile phones service company by day and drumming away at bars and clubs by night. Franco is one of the founding members of Corkskrew, together with Diane (vocalist), Shawn (guitars) and Cliff (bassist). Formed in 1997 Corkskrew released their first hit radio single "Jumping Genes" and "Slap Me" within two years. In 2000, Lincoln (keyboards/ guitars) joined the band and more stuff was released on air – "13" and "Manic". Last year saw the launch of Corkskrew’s much awaited CD, "Micromania". A number of top-5 singles were also released from the album namely "Another Day", "Love & Paradise" and "Spyro Gyra". Another single "Superstar", accompanied by a video, will be released soon.

Apart from playing drums in Corkskrew, Franco is actively involved in the management and promotion of the band.

Someone hands you Lm10,000. What would you spend it on?

This might sound a boring answer…but I would use the money to pay back part of my house loan….you know, the first years of marriage are a cause of financial stress!

If you wanted to impress a lover, what would you do?

Simple things…flowers would do.

What do you want to be remembered for?

As a good man…and maybe as a good musician too.

What’s the worst insult one can throw at you?

That I’m close-minded (I think I’m the opposite).

How would you describe yourself?

A funky yet interesting person…easy-going too!

Which movie or song best describes your life?

Madonna’s "Nothing Really Matters".

Are you a coffee or a tea drinker?

Boringly none! But I don’t mind an espresso lungo macchiato "ogni tanto".

What’s been the highlight of your life so far?

One of the highs was obtaining a grade A in my dissertation, which meant a First Class Honours Degree…really rewarding! Getting married was also one of those top-three moments. Launching "Micromania", and performing in front of thousands of people has to be included too.

How old do you feel?

Very young… I really think that I’m the type of person who never gets old (mentally).

What’s your best pick-up line?

Ask my wife and ex girlfriends. Can’t remember.

What are you like when you’re drunk?

I enjoy drinking, but not to the extent li I “nsir h***” (don’t end up plastered). Whenever I got really drunk, I start cracking jokes and laughing really loud! Afterwards…straight to bed.

Do you consider yourself an introvert or an extrovert?

Definitely an extrovert…. maybe a bit too much.

Live long or live fast?

Ideally live long. Although in today’s hectic world, it’s hard to live "slow".

Tell us a recent dream

Honestly (and I always say this) I seldom remember what I dream. I have my own theory why this happens – I tend to over-sleep for about ten minutes in the morning. I think that that is enough to erase all my night’s dreams.

If money were no option, what would you be doing?

Playing my drums, learning to play more musical instruments. And having more fun!

What’s the most bizarre thing you have ever eaten?

I will never eat something that tastes or looks bizarre. Although eating my first "cipullazza" (a type of fish) was quite a challenging experience!

Are you good at keeping secrets?

I’m good at that, seeing that I used to be a journalist.

If you had a time machine where would you go?

If the future were an option, I would love to see Malta in a hundred years’ time (no countryside left, voting via one’s home PC or mobile device, land reclaimed from sea, a dozen Portomasos and a Maltese band in MTV’s Top Ten). I personally love reading about history, so going back in time and re-living key periods in history such as the Industrial Revolution and the post-Second World War period would be pretty interesting.

If you could be a fictional/real character, who would you be?

Wouldn’t mind being one of the top international correspondents such as CNN’s Amanpour, covering and commenting the world’s top stories.

Do you believe in the supernatural?

Yes. I believe that there are forces that are completely beyond us that do influence the way we live. Since the beginning of mankind, we have always relied on the existence of gods and supernatural forces to explain certain phenomena such as life and death. Despite living in a more secular world, it is obvious that people today still practice some kind of religion or pseudo-religion.

You’re stuck in an elevator with strangers: what do you do?

That actually happened to me once in London. You wouldn’t believe that the people I got stuck with in the elevator had actually visited Malta…so the time was spent talking about "gbejniet", "karozzin" and il-"luzzu"! I am the type of person that doesn’t panic at all. I would call for assistance and wait patiently while calming other people.

Are you a workaholic?

Yes. But I recognise when’s the time to relax.

What are you most afraid of?

I value a lot life and good health. So losing them is one of my concerns.

Would you quit a job without having another one lined up?

No.

Interview by Ramona Depares