You will be hard pressed to find anyone under the age of 35 who has never enjoyed what Mark Grech has to offer. As co-founder of the Sound Salon party machine, he has given thousands of people the night of their life – even if they didn’t know who was behind it.

But it was X Factor that really put him on the map. With its slick production, charismatic hosts, and the chance to see your mates potentially make a fool of themselves, it was propelled to the top of the ratings, where it stayed for its two year run.

Not content to sit on their laurels, and despite such minor setbacks as a global pandemic, the production team next launched Malta’s Got Talent, building on its predecessor’s success.

WhosWho.mt caught up with Mr Grech, co-founder of Sound Salon, X Factor Malta and Malta's Got Talent, to see what it takes to have done all this at such a young age (he’s only 30).

“It’s all about surrounding yourself with people who are better than you,” he says. “I’m grateful that through these projects I got to work with some of the most talented people in the industry,” perhaps a nod to the partnership the team has struck with top Maltese music producer Howard Keith Debono.

“I learnt a lot from these people – and they know who they are. It’s difficult to give back what they gave me throughout this journey.”

He also believes in the passion one brings to the job, asserting himself as a firm believer in the old adage that if you find a job you like, you will never have to work a minute in your life.

Nice words on paper, but make no mistake, leaving a burgeoning legal career to go full time in entertainment is no holiday.

“These mammoth projects need time and care,” he says, before pivoting, in what is a feature of our conversation, to crediting his collaborators: “And of course, a team that works tight towards a vision that everyone feels comfortable in.”

That legal career, albeit brief, left a mark on Mr Grech. “I was blessed to work with one of the local legal legends, Michael Sciriha, for almost three years. That period in my life made me realise the harsh realities and experiences that some people are living, but it also gave me a good backbone when it comes to tackling situations and issues that arise.”

Situations like COVID limiting physical presence at a show that leans heavily on audience participation, perhaps?

“Yes,” Mr Grech says with a laugh. “But in strange times like these, we’ve seen that audiences still crave good quality entertainment.”

The team gave it their all, working around the limitations and embracing innovation to provide that quality entertainment, including integrating a Zoom audience for the first time ever in Malta.

He says the work is all worth it when fans of the show tell him it manages to bring their family together on a Sunday night.

“That means the world,” he says.

The show’s popularity also serves to motivate him and his team to “give our 100 per cent to deliver a top product that every Maltese citizen deserves”.

“We are grateful that we are breaking TV viewership records every Sunday. For the third year in a row, we are happy and honoured to do this job.”

Mr Grech also commends the participants for their role in the show’s success.

“I think we are all seeing the great level of talent and professionalism. We are truly blessed to be living in a country where the artistic and entertainment talent is on a par with what is found abroad.”

Asked about his favourite memory from the journey so far, he immediately replies, “Without any doubt, it was when Season 1 of X Factor Malta started and no one knew that I was one of the people behind it. It was very amusing to listen to the comments and hear how people were meeting and having a party each and every Sunday to watch our programme. It was truly surreal.”

Of course, the long road to success is not just about the pay offs, so we ask Mr Grech to share his darkest moment professionally. However, he is loath to discuss the low points.

“I honestly think that going into details of the dark times is a waste of time. What I can say is that the dark times made me stronger and dark moments made me the person I am today.”

He credits those dark moments with helping him to realise his worth and the worth of the projects he was and is working on.

“But I don’t want to close this interview without thanking all those who helped me. I am where I am today, thanks to you. And the same goes for those who hoped I would fail.”

As we conclude, we ask Mr Grech for any advice he might offer to those looking to learn from his success.

He emphasises that surrounding yourself with people better than you is key, but he also adds a hint of a warning.

“Learn from others, yes, but stay focused on your ultimate aim, and never compromise on what makes you happy.