Milda Martinkėnaitė/Interview

Interview: Milda Martinkėnaitė (2016 Eurovizijos contestant in Lithuania)

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Milda Martinkėnaitė {copyright: Milda Martinkėnaitė/Facebook/Instagram}
Milda Martinkėnaitė {copyright: Milda Martinkėnaitė/Facebook/Instagram}

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

 

Sir Terry Wogan - 31 August 1938 to 31 January 2016

Sir Terry Wogan – 31 August 1938 to 31 January 2016

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Sir Terry Wogan - 31 August 1938 to 31 January 2016
Sir Terry Wogan – 31 August 1938 to 31 January 2016

“The BBC broadcaster, Sir Terry Wogan, who surely ranks as the UK’s best loved radio and TV host has left us and passed away at the age of 77. Sir Terry died after a short battle with cancer and our kind wishes go to his wife and children at this sad time.

As a former British resident I awoke each morning to hear Terry’s warm jolly voice on Radio 2 breakfast show. Terry Wogan, of Irish birth, became a household name all over Europe as Terry single handedly each year since the early 70s was the BBC commentator for Eurovision Song Contest. His amazing brand of Irish wit became an annual tradition with each Eurovision Song Contest  broadcast, in fact over the years on the odd occasion Terry did not made the commentary box it was just not the same, claimed many of the British viewing public. As Sir Terry and Eurovision forged a joint annual tradition.

Sir Terry will be missed so very much, as the ESC has out lived Sir Terry Wogan  he will never be forgotten R.I.P.”

Written by Steve Humphreys,  Melbourne, Australia

2016 Eurovision Song Contest

Hungary: Six more acts qualify in 2016 A Dal

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Passed {copyright: commons.wikimedia.org)
Passed {copyright: commons.wikimedia.org)

The second quarter-final of the 2016 A Dal has taken place in Hungary. 10 acts competed and six qualified for the next phase.

  • Passed – Driftin’ 
  • Group’N’Swing – Szeretni fáj 
  • Anna Patai – Colors
  • Maszkura és a Tücsökraj & Sika Finuccsi – Kinek sírjam 
  • C.E.T. – Free
  • Gergő Oláh – Győz a jó
  • Laci Gáspár – Love And Bass 
  • André Vásáry – Why 
  • Karmapolis & Böbe Szécsi – Hold On To 
  • Kállay Saunders Band – Who We Are 

Five acts qualified immediately via the expert jury votes and one via televoting –

  • Gergő Oláh 
  • Laci Gáspár 
  • André Vásáry 
  • Karmapolis & Böbe Szécsi 
  • Kállay Saunders Band 
  • Passed (Televoting)

Source: www.eurovision.tv; www.esccovers.com

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Lithuania: Fourth show – Two more acts eliminated

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Donny Montell {copyright: dainos.lt}
Donny Montell {copyright: dainos.lt}

The fourth show of the Eurovizija selection in Lithuania has seen two more acts departing from the competition. 10 acts competed –

  1. Catrinah Be Free
  2. Erica Jennings Leading Me Home
  3. Behind The Moon Did It All 
  4. Alice Way Hero 
  5. Rūta Ščiogolevaitė United
  6. Valdas Lacko Stay Tonight
  7. Petunija Tomorrow
  8. Donny Montell I’ve Been Waiting for This Night
  9. Eglė Jakštytė Let Me Show You
  10. Ištvan Kvik & Ellada Please Don’t Cry

The 2012 Lithuanian competitor, Donny Montell, won this heat. Also qualified is Erica Jennings, who was part of Skamp for Lithuania in 2001. The two acts to be eliminated were Behind The Moon and Alice Way.

Source: www.eurovision.tv; www.esccovers.com

News round up - 28 January 2016

Eurovision 2016: News round up

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Eurovision Song Contest 2016 logo {copyright: EBU}
Eurovision Song Contest 2016 logo {copyright: EBU}

It has been a busy few days in the world of Eurovision. Starting with the theme for the 2016 contest which is Come Together. We have had songs selected in Malta and Belarus. Also, Hungary began their selection process and Lithuania continued with their qualification programmes.

Malta – The 2002 representative for Malta, Ira Losco, will once again represent her country at Eurovision. Ira won with Chameleon (Invincible). There was a semi-final of 20 songs and 14 songs took part in the final.

Belarus – Ivan will represent Belarus after winning the national selection with Help You Fly. Ivan beat off competition from nine other acts.

Hungary – The national selection of Hungary (A Dal) began and the first six acts to qualify for the next stage are Freddie, Benji, Mushu, Egy Másik Zenekar, Reni Tolvai (all by jury) and ByTheWay (televote).

Lithuania – 12 acts competed in the next phase and the following acts progressed Ieva Zasimauskaitė, Baiba, E.G.O. ,Berta Timinskaitė, Neringa Šiaudikytė, 4 Roses, Saulenė Chlevickaitė, Milda Martinkėnaitė, Ruslanas Kirilkinas, Aistė Pilvelytė

Ukraine: The national final will be on 21 February with two semi-finals preceding on 6 February and 13 February.

Poland: A national final has been confirmed for 5 March.

Source: www.eurovision.tv

Stockholm 2016

OGAE SWEDEN REPORT ON EURO FAN CAFE PLANS

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Hello fellow Eurovision fans – this is Stockholm calling!
We know that you are the ones that make the party. And we want to party with you in Stockholm in May!
In later years it has been customary that the host city hosts the Euroclub for accredited delegations, press and fans while the local OGAE club hosts a Euro Fan Café for non-accredited fans.
This year SVT and the City of Stockholm have changed this! Together with the City of Stockholm, SVT and OGAE International we have worked on a plan to bring all fan-activity under one roof. We are extremely happy about this and believe we couldn’t get a better start in fulfilling this year’s theme ”Come together”.
In 2016 the Euro Fan Café will be a fully integrated part of the Euroclub. There will be fan accreditations especially for OGAE members which will include access to Euroclub and the Euro Fan Café, both located in the two-storey high and 2800 square meters large custom-built venue right in front of the Royal Palace in Stockholm – the best location Stockholm can offer!
As soon as the practical solution for applying is ready we will let you know and provide more information.
Planning the schedule has just started but there will be the normal Fan Café activities, the annual OGAE party and so on. This will of course also be made public as we get closer to the contest.
A warm welcome and we will see you in Stockholm in May!
Ida Sandahl
President
Melodifestivalklubben OGAE Sweden
Press release from the City of Stockholm:
http://www.mynewsdesk.com/stockholmvisitorsboard/pressreleases/stockholm-hosts-a-two-week-festival-during-eurovision-song-contest-in-may-1299603

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STOCKHOLM EVENTS

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STOCKHOLM EVENTS

Some members have suggested that we try and put all events in STOCKHOLM in one place so those going to Eurovision can see it instantly and plan their days in Stockholm according to that.
EUROCLUB
There will be events on a daily basis but as it will probably be just for people with accreditation, and won’t be available to the general members. So far there is also no details of any events although we can presume the after parties (after each semi final and final) will take place there. Although, if any country will have a party, it may happen in Euroclub.
EURO FAN CAFE
Once again there will be daily events and the OGAE party will probably be on the Wednesday evening (between the two semi finals) although no final details are available. There is also no news as yet of any other events in the cafe and what the cost will be to members. The moment details become available, we will share it with our members.
EURO VILLAGE
This is free to all in Stockholm, be it OGAE members or general public and there will be things happening – I think both Copenhagen and Vienna had a fairly big variety with some artists giving performances. Again no details are available.
SPECIFIC R O W EVENTS
OGAE R O W will have events aimed to show the variety of activities our members are involved in and we would like as many members will attend if their schedules permit. As these evants are organised by the club, we will give the details as soon as an event is finalized. But we can summarize some of the things we are planning
01 – OGAE R O W LUNCH
We have a team planning this and it looks at this stage to be on the Tuesday of semi final 1 and probably at HARD ROCK CAFE but it could change.
02 – HARD ROCK CAFE VISIT
If the lunch won’t take place at the Hard rock cafe, there will be an event arranged there to meet Richard Herrey as it is 95% sure we will cover Diggi loo before Stockholm and hand him a copy of it.
03 – OGAE R O W AWARD – SPECIAL MEMBER
The handing of the award to the 2015 special R O W member IAN FOWELL will be handed over in Stockholm. It can be done in private as Ian will probably working with me in the press center but I think this should be open to other R O W members because we will also announce that the award will continue for 2016.
04 – OGAE R O W AWARD – SWEDISH COMPOSER
This award was won by Thomas Gson and again, I can hand it to him anywhere but it seems they want to make it special with Swedish journalists present and also a radio journalist for a short interview. As Thomas will be there as the composer of the 2016 entry for Cyprus, the idea is that MINUS ONE should also attend so your members can meet them more personally.
05 – OGAE R O W TOP SONG FOR 2016
Of course we have no idea as yet which song R O W members will vote as their top song but we will award a medal to the artist and composer – again this can be done in the press center but we would like it to be accessible to our members and so we want to organize a special 10 minute event somewhere be it Euro fan cafe or wherever.
06 – HANDING OF COVER SONGS TO VARIOUS ARTISTS
A big part of the SA members activities are covering euro songs and melodifestival songs and we will negotiate with several artists to meet with them to hand them the covers. The whole idea is that these artists will be there for photo’s to be taken, autographs to be signed and also if the artists have CD’s to promote it and sell it to our members. Possible Swedish artists we hope to have are Jan Johansen. Mans Zelmerlow, Magnus Carlson, Carola, Charlotte etc.
07 – EUROVISION GROUP FROM A FEW YEARS AGO

Andy is busy organising with a Eurovision group of the recent past who will be in Stockholm and will perform our our members (if euro fan cafe will give them a spot)

08 – ABBA MUSEUM VISIT

I will visit the museum to hand them some unique items from South Africa. Now it probably will take plave during the morning of the Wednesday between the two semi finals. Now I am in contact with the museum and it seems possible that I can bring with me R O W members who also want to visit the museum and they will have something special for us. Now we will need how many people would like to attend and then the museum management and me will discuss possible things. If nobody wants to go, then I will go anyway.
09 – VISIT TO THE MAMMA MIA GREEK RESTAURANT OF BJORN
We could also look at taking a group of members to this event although I personally will not attend as I am not into Greek food but Andy is a big fan of MAMMA MIA show and he is quite eager to go.
Of course members can individually go to any event, it is always nice if we can do things as a group and if anybody has any suggestions of events we could also have, please contact us.

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EUROVISION – YOU DECIDE SHOW IN THE UNITED KINGDOM

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Former Winners Take to the Stage for Eurovision: You Decide as Tickets go on General Sale

Eurovision Song Contest royalty will be taking to the stage at the United Kingdom national selection show Eurovision: You Decide.The two show stopping former winners will perform live in a bid to inspire the six competing acts who will battle for the honour of representing the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest 2016.

The BBC today confirms that current Eurovision champion and Eurovision 2016 co-host Måns Zelmerlöw will appear, to sing his winning song from last year’s contest “Heroes” plus former United Kingdom Eurovision Song Contest entry Katrina will also perform with the winning song from the 1997 competition “Love Shine a Light”

Katrina says: “I can’t believe it has been nearly 20 years since we won the contest back in 1997, it’s definitely time for another UK win in the competition! Eurovision is a very special event and is something that stays with you forever – it’s always an honour to perform to such passionate crowds and it is a thrill to be doing it again at the UK National Final.”

Hosted live from The O2 Forum Kentish Town by Mel Giedroyc, the 90 minute UK Eurovision extravaganza will be broadcast live on Friday 26th February on BBC Four featuring performances by six competing acts before the voting lines open and the public are invited to choose the song and act that will represent the United Kingdom at this year’s contest in Sweden.

The six competing acts will be revealed on Monday 22 February on The Ken Bruce Show on BBC Radio 2.

Tickets to attend Eurovision: You Decide will go on sale onFriday 22 January at 10 am via bbc.co.uk/eurovision

Notes to Editors

Eurovision: You Decide will be broadcast live on BBC Four on Friday 26 February at 7.30pm.
The show will also be available to watch via eurovision.tv

Måns Zelmerlöw and Katrina were announced as special guest acts on Friday 22 January on The Ken Bruce Show on BBC Radio 2.

Tickets to attend the event will cost £35 and are available via bbc.co.uk/eurovision

Eurovision: You Decide will be Exec Produced by Guy Freeman and Produced by Helen Riddell.

BBC Music comprises of new partnerships and ground-breaking music initiatives led by Director Bob Shennan. Since launching with the stunning recreation of God Only Knows in Autumn 2014, commissions have included the BBC Music Awards on BBC One, the classical music initiative for schools ‘Ten Pieces’ and BBC Music Day, bringing communities across the UK together through music. Other highlights have included Adele at the BBC for BBC One, The Mercury Prize for BBC Four and 6 Music and a raft of exciting commissions exclusively for BBC iPlayer including Amy Winehouse in her Own Words, Elton Live at Eden, Festival Pass with Rudimental and Duran Duran and Music Box with Guy Garvey. Festivals come alive on our digital platforms, with world leading coverage of Glastonbury, Radio 1’s Big Weekend and a whole host of unique events. BBC Four is the home of music programming with 2016 highlights including with People’s History of Pop, Part-Time Band, The Most Dangerous Band in the World: The Story of Guns N’ Roses and Daft Punk Unchained.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2016/eurovision-you-decide

Fans of Eurovision Song Contest cover songs