Milda Martinkėnaitė performed If Tomorrow Never Comes in the third qualification show of the 2016 Eurovizijos competition in Lithuania and qualified for the next phase. Here Mila talks to esccovers.com.
1. Hello Milda. Congratulations on making it to the Eurovizijos 2016 shows. How did it feel when you were selected to participate in this competition?
It took me a few years to finally dare to participate in this competition for ESC. I sent the questionnaire the applicants had to fill in and started waiting for an answer. I can’t describe the way I felt – although I’m a huge optimist, I tried to maintain a pessimistic opinion about me participating here, I didn’t want to expect too much. Therefore I was really excited when I received a phone call from the organisers – I asked a few times if they were sure that I’m selected to participate in the Lithuanian competition for ESC. I felt really happy and quite scared at the same time – so many things awaiting me!
2. Was there an audition process?
I sent a few links to Youtube videos of me singing, so I believe this could be counted as an audition.
3. What would it mean to you to represent Lithuania at the Eurovision Song Contest in Sweden?
Well, I have participated in many and many contests and ESC in Sweden would be the ultimate competition! It just feels too surreal to participate in the Eurovision. It would definitely mean a lot! It would be a great responsibility not only to make a show, but to represent the whole country!
4. Can you tell us about your song ‘If Tomorrow Never Comes’ and what it is about?
‘If Tomorrow Never Comes’ is a wonderful song! It was written by Hakan Glante and Joacim Dubbelman. The music is very cheerful and the melody is so catchy! This song can be interpreted differently. In my opinion, the song says that we don’t know what will happen tomorrow, and we don’t know what life would be if things were different, but we can enjoy the only thing we have – the moment, the present – leave your worries, let’s celebrate! I’m a dreamer, I love the lyrics.
5. Can you tell us about your background in music? Have you recorded any other songs?
Since primary school I was singing in various school choirs. I started taking professional vocal lessons at the age of 13 and at first it was jazz I was interested in. It did not take long for me to find out that I feel really great singing blues! Aaaaand I have a tiny rocker inside me, too.
At the moment I have a Janis Joplin project and it really helped me grow vocally and emotionally too. Sometimes I appear on stage with “the Bluesmakers” a well-known blues band.
I have a pop song written by Stano and Imantas Reed, called “Get This” (youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVCbuskGTV4 ) This is the first song that was written for me, there are a lot of emotions and moments related to this song, I love it so much and I’m very proud of it.
6. Who are your musical influences?
I used to listen to Aretha Franklin, Etta James, James Brown, Erykah Badu. Now I’m trying to listen to everything as much as possible – I really like Lady Gaga, she is an incredibly talented inspirational woman! I love Arctic Monkeys, The Black Keys, Jack Garratt. Here in Lithuania we have an amazing performer ba. (yes, “b” and “a” with a full stop). I like different styles, and the emotions they evoke.
7. Have you participated in any music festivals either in Lithuania or abroad? If so can you tell us something about them?
Once I participated in the blues festival “Bliuzo Naktys” here in Lithuania, it was my first time checking the official blues stage. I didn’t have a chance to participate in other festivals as a singer, but I’m a wonderful listener (and dancer!) when I go to the festivals with my friends!
8. Do you watch the Eurovision Song Contest on tv, and do you have any favourite songs from over the years?
I watch the ESC on tv almost every year. I have two songs that I can remember now, and they were amazing: Aminata (Latvia) – ‘Love Injected’, ESC 2015
Mor ve Ötesi (Turkey) – ‘Deli’, ESC 2008. (and I actually voted for these guys, I can remember that!).
Anyway thank you Milda and good luck at Eurovizijos.
Source: www.esccovers.com