Tag Archives: Interview

Interview/Alexa Niculae

Interview: Alexa Niculae (lyricist of ‘Yodel It!’ – ESC 2017 Romania)

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Alexa Niculae {copyright: adpm.ro}
Alexa Niculae {copyright: adpm.ro}

Alexa Niculae is the lyricist and Mihai Alexandru, the composer of Yodel It! by Ilinca feat. Alex Florea, which is the song that will represent Romania at the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest in Kiev.

Here Alexa speaks to ESC Covers –

1. Hello Alexa. Many congratulations to you and Mihai Alexandru for composing, ‘Yodel It!’ by Ilinca & Alex Florea, the winning song of 2017 Selectia Nationala in Romania. What does this success mean to you and how does it feel to be representing your country the Eurovision Song Contest?

Thank you so much! To me, representing Romania in the Eurovision contest has always been a dream of mine and now that the dream has come true, it’s an honour. Every year since I was a little girl I’ve watched this show and I find it amazing every time. As you know, I tried as a singer but I’ve tried my hand at writing as well for the competition. And this year it seems we got our lucky break, not only for myself but for Mihai Alexandru as well who really wanted to comeback in the competition.

2. Could you tell us your inspiration in composing ‘Yodel It!’?

The idea of a yodelling song combining rap with a mix of rock was Mihai’s idea but I thought of giving it a good message and so I wrote the lyrics to it.
It’s very uplifting, basically I thought of the everyday life of someone who is stuck in a routine, running in circles, doing something that they don’t enjoy and have put their dreams aside and want to break free of all of that. Something that I think many people will relate to. And I thought of the idea of someone coming along and lifting your spirit and giving you courage in breaking out of that cycle by using the “Yodel”‘ to feel better. Because just listening to someone yodel makes you smile and gives you a good vibe. That’s what yodelling does to me . Ha ha!.. And that’s how the lyrics came in my mind.

3. How did you come to work with Ilinca & Alex Florea? The song is a unique style.

I knew Ilinca and Alex from a talent show they were on two years ago, and I thought they had great voices. Mihai wanted to do a song with yodelling and saw Ilinca on tv and so he invited her to sing it. Then he realised that the song needed a male presence and after a short search , we found Alex Florea and we thought he was a good choice for the song, not only because of his voice but because of his energy as well. He is “rock” and we loved that. And in this context we realised that he has rap skills as well. They have great chemistry on stage and that’s a very good thing. And it shows .

4. Alexa, you are an established singer yourself and have participated in the Selectia Nationala in the past. Could you tell us about your previous participations in the selection?

My most recent try for the Eurovision Contest was two years ago when I collaborated with Aurelian Temisan for the song ‘Chica Latina’ and that was a wonderful experience even though we didn’t win but we got to perform in front of 4,000 people and it felt amazing. I also tried my luck in 2009 and 2010 as a solo performance but I also wrote the lyrics to other songs that got selected in the national competition, for example for Renne Santana in 2013 and 2014. What can I say, this year was finally the lucky year.

5. You participated in Megastar tv show in Romania. Could you tell us about this experience and tell us about some of the songs you performed?

The Megastar tv show was more like American Idol . I finished in the top 3 and I got to sing a lot of good but hard songs. My favourite songs in this competition were ‘I Wish I Was A Punk Rocker by Sandi Thom, ‘Irreplaceable’ by Beyonce, ‘Breakaway’ by Kelly Clarkson and of course ‘Waterloo’ by ABBA . It was a good experience for me, I learned a lot of things about myself and how courageous I can be under pressure.

6. Could you tell us about some of your songs you have released and where readers can listen to your music?

Last year, I had a collaboration with Serkan, a Turkish singer , and together we released the song called ‘IMDAT’ which means “SOS”. It was played on the radio in Turkey and Albania. I sing at events and I also work at the tv show “Cronica Carcotasilor” on Prima Tv where I present a funny column called “Vocea Poporului”. I also wrote lyrics for a few artists in Romania as well as from abroad. You can check out ‘IMDAT’ on Youtube channel as well as my Eurovision performances from the last years.

7. Have you participated in any other music festivals in Romania or abroad?

Besides Megastar and Eurovision, the National selection, no. I’ve tried of doing my artistic thing locally let’s say. I had the chance of presenting a musical contest called Global Battle of the Bands in London, UK. And I got the chance to host it twice. I learned a lot of great things there and I met a lot of cool people.

8. Do you have a favourite Eurovision song from the past?

I really loved Loreen with ‘Euphoria’ and ‘Heroes’ by Mans Zelmerlow. . I also have favourite songs that actually didn’t win but could’ve like ‘A Million Voices’ by Polina Gagarina a few years ago and of course our Romanian contestants like Paula Seling and Ovi with ‘Playing With Fire’ and Sistem with Luminita and ‘Let Me Try’. Believe me , it’s a looong list!!!

9. Who are your own musical influences?

I listen to a lot of music and I’m influenced more by good singers and good attitude on stage. Just to name a few of my favourite artists: Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, Shakira but the legends as well Freddie Mercury, Celine Dion, Tina Turner. It’s a long list here too. Ha ha!!

Thank you very much Alexa. We wish you lots of luck in Kiev. Pass on our good wishes to Mihai and of course Ilinca and Alex Florea.

Thank you very much Ian. It’s a wonderful thing to finally be a part of this wonderful ride. I will send them all your good wishes. See you in Kiev!

You can hear IMDAT by Alexa with Serkan below as well as see a performance of Yodel It! by Ilinca feat. Alex Florea from the Selectia Nationala final

Interview/Miriam (In Fusion)

Interview: Miriam from In Fusion (2017 MGP finalists in Norway)

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Miriam - In Fusion
Miriam – In Fusion

In Fusion will participate in the final of the 2017 Melodi Grand Prix in Norway with the song Nothing Ever Knocked Us Over. In the final of our short interviews with the band we speak to Miriam –

Hello Miriam.  Have you participated in any music festivals or TV competitions in Norway or abroad? If so, can you tell us about them?

I’ve fronted and toured with different rock bands before. Like for example TINDRUM, wich I fronted in 2015. We played at several Norwegian festivals that year, and it was wild!! Kee Marcello (EUROPE) joined us on parts of the tour, wich was amazing! Dag Ingebrigtsen(TheKids/TNT/Tindrum) also came along for parts of the tour. Morten “Dielsel” Dahl(TNT/Tindrum), Tore Moren(JORN) and Sid Ringsby(Tindrum/JORN), made the rest of the band. And we really had a blast that year!-The largest festival I’ve played would have to be “Midnattsrocken” in beautiful Lakselv. -Finnsnes i Fest-Fæsterålen-Storlien Rockweekend-I headlined at “OktoberRock” 2015-and opened for Stage Dolls at “Rorburock”. I also toured parts of Norway for a short while, opening for W.A.S.P (USA) that same year!

If you could cover any song what would it be?

I would love to cover ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ by Queen at some point! The song of all songs! But it would be terrifying to take on such a huge song.. so maybe not, haha! But I’d love to do my own spin on for example Me & Bobby McGee! I love that song! Janis Joplin, Kris Kristofferson and P!nk all have amazing versions, and I’d love to have one of my own!

Which artist (alive or dead) would be a dream duet for you?

If I could pick anyone to do a duet with it would have to be Jessie J! Hands down! I often feel like I should say something cliché, like some amazing legend who’s not with us anymore. I mean, I’m a huge Sinatra-fan!
But fact is, my idol and favorite artist of all times is Jessica Ellen Cornish(Jessie J)! I even have a tattoo of her on my arm! She has such an awesome vocal-control, stage-presence and range!

Thank you, Miriam. Lots of good luck with In Fusion in the MGP final.

Nina/Interview/In Fusion

Interview: Nina from In Fusion (2017 MGP finalists in Norway)

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Nina - In Fusion
Nina – In Fusion

In Fusion will sing Nothing Ever Knocked Us Over in the 2017 Melodi Grand Prix final in Norway on 11 March.

In the second of a series of short interviews with all the girls we speak to Nina –

Hello Nina. 

1.  Have you participated in any music festivals or TV competitions in Norway or abroad? If so, can you tell us about them?

I performed at Oslo Pride festival in 2016. I absolutely loooove being a part of the celebration! Hopefully I can perform again this year it’s my fav crowd !!

2. If you could cover any song what would it be?

I would cover Sia’s ‘Elastic Heart’. Or Jessie J’s ‘Mama Knows Best’ ooor ‘Bang Bang’. Mainly cause I like the challenge!! haha

3.  Which artist (alive or dead) would be a dream duet for you?

Missy Elliott!! I’d love to do a collab with her and make a sick tune with a badass beat. After that I  could die happily. 

Thank you, Nina! Good luck in the MGP final!

 

Interview: Saima (In Fusion)

Interview: Saima from In Fusion (2017 MGP finalists in Norway)

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Saima (In Fusion)
Saima (In Fusion)

In Fusion will sing the upbeat Nothing Ever Knocked Us Over in the 2017 Melodi Grand Prix final in Norway on 11 March.

In the first of a series of short interviews with all the girls we speak to Saima –

Hello Saima. You have an exotic name. Can you tell us something about your background in music and when you started singing?

Yes, I do! I actually have two names. Saima Irén. One name from my dad’s side (Pakistani) and one from my mom’s (Norwegian).

My whole life, my mom has been telling me that they gave me the name because they had a feeling I would become either an actress or singer, and Saima was the perfect artist name. “Saima’s hits” was her vision! Cliché, I know, haha. She still claims it’s the truth, so I just have to believe her.

I started singing at a very young age, but it wasn’t until I started elementary school I started to perform, sing, dance and act.

From 2006 – 2013 I was in a girl group, but after we split, I’ve been focusing on songwriting and performing around town. I’ve also been recording some tropical house tracks. This year I’ll be releasing my own music, which is R&B/Urban pop.

I also LOVE big band music, and I am currently the female vocalist in a big band. I find most of my inspiration in old music. I literally think I was born in the wrong decade!

Have you participated in any music festivals or TV competitions in Norway or abroad?

In 2010 I participated in the Norwegian X-Factor with my old girl group. We were one of the 12 finalists and ended up in 9th place. This was an amazing experience I’ll never forget. I got to meet so many talented people I still keep in touch with today. It was also my first real performance on a big stage in front of the whole country on national TV. 

In 2012 I was with the same group, in one of the part finals for Melodi Grand Prix. We didn’t get through to the next round, but my God, this was probably one of the best moments in my life.  And again, AMAZING people and an experience of a lifetime. I’m so happy I got to be a part of this, and now I’m lucky enough to be in the freakin’ final!! I just can’t believe it. And even though the song is different from what I normally do, I couldn’t be more excited!

 If you could cover any song, what would it be?

This was a tough one. There are so many songs I would like to cover. Right now I have ‘Versace On The Floor’ by Bruno Mars on my mind. I’ve been singing it since the day he dropped his album. Old school! I dig it! But I’ve also fallen in love with Rihanna’s ‘Love On The Brain’. 

Which artist (dead or alive) would be a dream duet for you?

I don’t even have to think about this. HANDS DOWN…MICHAEL JACKSON!! My hero, my inspiration, my everything. His initials are tattooed on my body for a reason. I’ve always had a dream singing ‘I Just Can’t Stop Loving You’ with him.

Thank you very much, Saima. Lots of luck with the In Fusion girls in the MGP final.

Interview/Alisa Kozhikina/Russian

интервью – Aлиса Кожикина – Россию на Детском Евровидение 2014

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Alisa Kozhikina {copyright: de solitto}
Alisa Kozhikina {copyright: de solitto}

Aлиса Кожикина, которая представляла Россию на Детском Евровидение 2014 с красивой и мелодичной песней “Мечтатель” дала интервью сайту “EscCovers”.

1. Привет, Алиса! Можешь рассказать о своём опыте участия в Детском Евровидении, и о том, что ты чувствовала, когда представляла свою страну?

– Участие в Детском Евровидении было очень волнительным и интересным одновременно. Я чувствовала ответственность, так как мне выпала честь представлять мою страну на таком конкурсе. Но все волнение сразу же прошло, после того, как я увидела множество людей среди зрителей, которые поддерживали меня, и я чувствовала, что моя страна тоже меня поддерживала.

2. Мечтатель – это красивая баллада. Ты предпочитаешь исполнять баллады или танцевальную музыку, или поёшь в разных стилях?

– Я люблю петь песни разных стилей, но мне ближе всего рок.

3. Ты победила в шоу “Голос Дети”. Можешь нам рассказать об опыте участия и о песнях, которые ты пела во время проекта?

– Участие в шоу “Голос Дети” для меня было, как сказка. Я даже не могла поверить, что это случилось со мной. Я наблюдала за взрослым шоу “Голос” и мне было интересно, что чувствуют участники во время прослушиваний, когда наставники не видят их, и еще мне было интересно, развернутся ли они ко мне. Мне было любопытно попробовать себя там. И, конечно же, я не рассчитывала, что могу победить в финале. Это была фантастика. Песни, которые я пила во время проекта, выбирал мой наставник вместе со мной, он мне очень помогал. Времени на подготовку к каждому выступлению было очень мало, но мне удавалось это делать.

4. Кто является вашим кумиром?

– Я считаю, что в первую очередь ты должен быть самим собой. У меня нет кумиров, но есть певцы, которых я слушаю, и которые, так или иначе, оказывают на меня влияние. Например, мне нравится Лара Фабиан. К сожалению, мы не смогли попасть на ее концерт в Санкт-Петербурге, потому что я болела, но я уверенна, что в следующий раз обязательно попаду на него.

5. Расскажи подробнее о своей музыкальной карьере. Ты уже выпустила альбом?

– Мой первый альбом вышел прошлой осенью. Сейчас я работаю над новыми песнями, которые будут в новом стиле, и готовлю большой сюрприз для слушателей.

6. Где пользователи могут купить твою музыку?

– Мои песни доступны в Интернете только на платформе Google Play.

7. Поддерживаешь ли ты связи с другими участниками Детского Евровидения 2014?

– Во время конкурса царила очень дружеская атмосфера. После конкурса у нас даже была вечеринка, где мы танцевали и пели, но сейчас я связей с другими участниками не поддерживаю.

8. С кем бы ты хотела спеть дуэтом?

– Я еще не думала об этом.

9. Ждет ли нас выход новой музыки от тебя в 2017 году?

– Как я уже сказала, я работаю над новыми песнями, и люди смогут их услышать скоро, во время моих сольных концертов. Это будет совершенно новая Алиса!

10. Смотришь ли ты взрослое Евровидение? Если да, то есть ли у тебя какие-нибудь любимые песни оттуда?

– Да, конечно! Я обожаю смотреть Евровидение каждый год. Это красочное музыкальное шоу с огромным количеством зрителей! Евровидение с каждым годом становится всё популярнее, и, вероятно, потому, что музыка объединяет. И когда мир находится на грани гибели, музыка спасает нас. У меня нет любимых песен, но если песня мне понравилась, то мое мнение, в основном, совпадает с мнением других зрителей, и эта песня занимает высокое место. Я жду новые музыкальные тренды, потому что хочу попробовать принять участие в конкурсе еще раз, или не просто попробовать, а принести победу своей стране.

Paula/interview

Interview: Paula (2017 Eurovizijos dainų konkurso nacionalinė atranka – Lithuania)

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Paula {copyright: facebook.com/PaulaMusicWorld}
Paula {copyright: facebook.com/PaulaMusicWorld}

Paula is progressing very well in the 2017 Eurovizijos dainų konkurso nacionalinė atranka national finals selection in Lithuania with her song Let U Go. Here Paula talks to ESC Covers –

Hello Paula. Many congratulations on making it to the semi-finals of the 2017 Eurovizijos dainų konkurso nacionalinė atranka. Could you tell us something about your song ‘Let U Go’ and what it is about and who composed the song?

Thank you so very much! I co-wrote ‘Let U Go’ with Lithuanian singer-songwriter Echoes, who also produced ‘#BLCK’, the latest album of Donny Montell. It all started when we were jamming on guitars in the recording studio. We wrote it really quickly and moved on to mixing and mastering the record in various studios across Europe.

‘Let U Go’ is basically about people reaching for their dreams. No matter how hard it gets it’s up to us to make it all happen. Participating in the Eurovision Song Contest, performing the music I love, writing songs – it’s me reaching for mine. All it takes is to be determined, work hard and believe that everything is possible!

2. Is this your first attempt at competing at Eurovision?

It is!

3. ‘Let U Go’ has a good vibe and I am sure can be big on the dancefloors of Europe. Is this the style of music you normally perform?

Since it is my first record it’s too early to tell. But it sure is the kind of music I love.

4. Have you participated in any music festivals or competitions in Lithuania or abroad? If so, can you tell us about them.

Eurovizijos dainų konkurso nacionalinė atranka (Eurovision) is the first one for me.

5. Will there be a music video for ‘Let U Go’?

I think not. I’m thinking about doing a music video for my next song…..

6. Do you have any plans to release an album this year?

Honestly, I don’t think about that kind of stuff. Right now I’m just in the moment… enjoying. I’ll keep working hard and writing music so who knows? Maybe by the end of the year I’ll have enough material for the album.

7. What are your favourite Eurovision songs from the past?

‘Rhythm Inside’ by Loïc Nottet (2015 ESC Belgium) is my favourite one yet.

8. Do you have a website or a page on social media where our readers can learn more about you?

Of course! You are more than welcome to join me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PaulaMusicWorld/ !

Thank you very much Paula. We wish you lots of luck wish you lots of success with ‘Let U Go’.

You can see Paula perform Let U Go below.

Source: ESC Covers

Alisa Kozhikina/Interview

Interview: Alisa Kozhikina (2014 Junior Eurovision Song Contest – Russia)

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Alisa Kozhikina {copyright: de solitto}
Alisa Kozhikina {copyright: de solitto}

Alisa Kozhikina represented Russia at the 2014 Junior Eurovision Song Contest with her beautiful and melodic song Dreamer. Here Alisa talks to ESC Covers about her musical career so far –

1. Hello Alisa. Could you tell us about your experience of the 2014 Junior Eurovision Song Contest and how did it feel to be representing your country?

Participation in the JESC is very exciting and interesting at the same time. I felt responsibility on me, because I had the great honour to represent my country at such a competition. But all the excitement had passed, when I saw a lot of people among audience who support me and I felt that my country support me too.

2. ‘Dreamer’ is a beautiful ballad. Do you prefer to sing ballads or upbeat music, or do you like to sing both styles?

I like to sing songs of different styles, but now I gravitate more to the rock style.

3. You won the The Voice Kids Russia. Could you tell us about this experience and can you tell us some of the songs you performed in the tv series?

Participation in the Voice Kids Russia for me it was like a fairy tale. I was and still can’t believe that it happened with me. I was watching the adult The Voice, and I was wondering what do participants feel when tutors do not see them and wonder whether the tutors will turn about to me. I was curious to experience myself. And of course, I didn’t expect that I will go to the final and win. It was fantastic. The songs that I sang there, were chosen by my tutor and me together, he helped me. Time to prepare for each stage was very small, but I managed.

4. Who are your musical influences?

I believe we have to primarily be yourself. I don’t have idols, but there are singers that I listen to, and which, one way or another, have influenced me. For example, I like Lara Fabian. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get to her concert in St. Petersburg, because I was sick, but I’m sure that the next time I will definitely go.

5. Could you tell us about your recording career so far? Have you released an album yet?

My first album was released last autumn. Now I am actively working on new songs that are in a completely new style, and I am preparing a big surprise to my audience.

6. Where can readers buy your music?

My songs are available only on the internet on digital platforms such as Google Play.

7. Do you keep in touch with any of the kids from the 2014 Junior Eurovision Song Contest?

During the contest was a very friendly atmosphere, after the competition, we even had a party where we danced and sang. But after the contest we don’t keep in touch with any of the kids.

8. Who would you like to sing with as your dream duet?

I haven’t yet thought about it.

9. Do you have any new music coming soon in 2017?

As I already said, I’m working on new songs, which are coming soon my audience will hear what perform in my solo concerts. It will be a completely new Alisa!

10. Do you watch the adult Eurovision Song Contest? If so, do you have any favourite Eurovision songs?

Yes, of course, I’m very happy to watch this competition every year. It’s really a very colourful, musical show, with such a huge audience! Eurovision is becoming more popular with each passing year, and probably rightly so, because music unites. And when the world is on the verge of cataclysm, the music will save us. I probably don’t have favourite songs, but there are singers and songs that I like, and in most cases, my choice coincides with the opinion of the audience and the performer gets high scores. So I’m looking for new musical trends, because I want to try my hand in the competition once again, and not just try, but also bring the victory to my country.

Well, thank you very much, Alisa. We are excited to hear your new music and hopefully see you one day on the Eurovision stage again!

Thank you very much.

You can see an official video of Alisa performing her song Ya ne igrushka (I am not a toy) below.

Interview/Greta Zazza

Interview: Greta Zazza (2017 Eurovizijos dainų konkurso nacionalinė atranka – Lithuania)

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Greta Zazza - 'Like I Love You'
Greta Zazza – ‘Like I Love You’

Greta Zazza is currently having success at the 2017 Eurovizijos dainų konkurso nacionalinė atranka national selection in Lithuania. Here she talks to ESC Covers –

1. Hello Greta. Many congratulations on your success so far in the 2017 Eurovizijos dainų konkurso nacionalinė atranka. Could you tell us something about your song ‘Like I Love You’ and what it is about and who composed the song?

Thank you so much. There’s still one more step left until the final but now it’s closer than ever. ‘Like I Love You’ is written by a Swedish composer Jonas Thander, who also wrote the Donny Montell song ‘I’ve Been Waiting For This Night’ for the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest for Lithuania. It’s a great modern, catchy song. It’s about that feeling that we probably all have experienced when you really start to fall for someone but you’re very unsure and you’re afraid to say it. Although you find the strength to shout it out loud and that makes you a winner.

2. Is this your first attempt at competing at Eurovision?

Yes! Pretty good first try hah? 🙂

3. ‘Like I Love You’ is a song that I can imagine on the radio and the dancefloors of Europe. Is this the style of music you normally perform?

I’m in the process of finding my own style but it’s definitely the type of music that I listen to and enjoy performing.

4. Have you participated in any music festivals or competitions in Lithuania or abroad? If so, can you tell us about them.

I’m pretty new to the popular music scene so Eurovision preselection is the biggest thing so far. But hey, this is just a beginning 🙂

5. Have you released any other songs? If so can you tell us about your music?

A couple of years ago I started to release my music. A couple of my songs were successful on the radio. But as I mentioned earlier I’m in a process of finding my sound. Living in Stockholm really helps.

6. Will there be a music video for ‘Like I Love You’?

There might be. Time will show 🙂

7. Do you have any plans to release an album this year?

Right now I put all my energy on ‘Like I love You’ and Eurovision. After the contest it will be easier to make plans. I sure hope so.

8. What are your favourite Eurovision songs from the past?

Definitely Loreen with her incredible ‘Euphoria’.

9. Do you have a website or a page on social media where our readers can learn more about you?

I would like to gladly invite people to like my Greta Zazza’s FB page and my Instagram account @gretazazza where I try to update people with fun stuff that I do.

Thank you very much Greta. We wish you lots of luck in the finals of Eurovizijos dainų konkurso nacionalinė atranka

Thank you so much 😉

You can see Greta Zazza perform Like I Love You below.

Source: ESC Covers

Elené Mikiashvili/Interview

Georgia: Interview with Elené Mikiashvili

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Elené Mikiashvili {copyright: Shotie Blackmore}
Elené Mikiashvili {copyright: Shotie Blackmore}

Elené Mikiashvili is one of the contenders in the 2017 Georgian Eurovision national selection with her song Fighter. Here Elené talks to ESC Covers about her song and music career so far –

1. Can you tell us something about your song ‘Fighter’?

My song’s composers and lyric authors are Swedish twin duo Ylva and Linda Persson, and the instrumental music author is Will Taylor. The lyrics are about the girl who is never giving up and always fighting for success like me.

2. What would it mean to you if you were to represent your country at the Eurovision Song Contest?

It’s very important to me and it would be a big responsibility, because it is my dream to represent my country at Eurovision, now I have a chance and I am going to do my very best.

3. You successfully participated in The Voice of Georgia. Can you tell us something about your experience in the show and songs you performed?

The Voice was the biggest experience for me, it was for me the first TV show and of course was a big challenge, and it is such a big competition. My first blind audition song was ‘Proud Mary’ by Tina Turner, which is my favourite song. The second battle song was ‘Love On Top’ by Beyonce and it was a different and interesting version and I won the battle third round knockout where I took a golden card from my mentor, then there were the live shows where I sang ‘Vogue’ by Madonna and I had a great stage show with dancers and on the second live show my song was ‘My Man’ by Barbra Streisand from the movie ‘Funny Girl’.

4. Your mentor was Anri Jokhadze (who represented Georgia at the 2012 Eurovision). What was it like working with him and have you spoke to him about entering a song for the Eurovision selection in Georgia?

Anri is my great friend, teacher and mentor and everything!! He always helps me and tries to give me good advice, of course he knows about Eurovision and he likes my song!

5. What are your favourite musical tastes? Who are your musical influences?

I like everything that is good, I can listen to classical music when I am in the mood or alternative rock or pop, etc. My favourite singers always were Barbra Streisand, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson and favourite group is Coldplay.

6. You have recently been collaborating with DJ Giga Papaskiri. Could you tell us about this and the songs you have released.

Giga is a very talented and good boy, we are working together and already have our original songs and some covers, people like our music and we are doing our best, we have already made our first music video which will soon be published and we are working on a second one.

7. Do you have any favourite Eurovision songs from the past?

Yes, my favourite songs are Eldrine – ‘One More Day’ (ESC 2011 Georgia), Nina Sublatti – ‘Warrior’ (ESC 2015 Georgia), Loreen – ‘Euphoria’ (ESC 2012 Sweden), Aram mp3 – ‘Not Alone’ (ESC 2014 Armenia) and Mørland & Debrah Scarlett – ‘A Monster Like Me’ (ESC 2015 Norway).

8. Did you watch the Junior Eurovision Song Contest this year? What were your feelings about the win for Georgia and Mariam Mamadashvili?

I think Mariam Mamadashvili is a very talented young girl who has a huge future on the stage. When I first listened to the song I was shocked how beautiful she was singing , and when she won I was very, very proud!

9. Is there anywhere where readers can listen to your music?

Yes of course, on youtube I have several videos and on my Soundcloud channel.

Thank you Elené ….we wish you good luck with your participation

Thanks for the interview, best wishes

You can listen to Fighter below.

Source: ESC Covers

 

Sofia Rol/Interview

Interview: Sofia Rol (2016 JESC Ukraine)

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Sofia Rol {copyright: NTU}
Sofia Rol {copyright: NTU}

Sofia Rol will soon represent Ukraine at the 2016 Junior Eurovision Song Contest with her song Planet Craves For Love. Sofia talks to ESC Covers about here –

1. Hello Sofia. Many congratulations on winning the Ukrainian Junior Eurovision national selection. What were your feelings like when you realised you had won?

If to be honest, I didn’t expect that. I even don’t remember properly the moment when I was named the winner of the Ukrainian national selection. I was absolutely delighted.

2. Tell us about your song ‘Planet Craves For Love’.

There is a message to spread. With my song I pray for peace in Ukraine and in the whole world. I hope that many people hearing my song will stop for a while and think what good things they have done and could do to make our planet better.

3. You have released a beautiful video for your song. Can you tell us something about it?

I am very happy that you like it. This video is a result of a really hard work of my team. We wanted to make something that would not disturb from the song and at the same time –pleasant to watch.

4. Have you participated in any other music festivals or tv shows either in Ukraine or other countries?

I don’t remember myself not singing. I started when I was four. I went then to my first vocal and choreographic ensemble. Two years later I had recorded my first album – a collection of songs for children, which gave a considerable circulation for charity. After that I took part in various singing competitions and festivals. I have won medals. No, no! I am not showing off, just answering the question (I am really singing all the time).

5. Who are your musical influences and your favourite styles of music?

I have a lot of influences. I listen to very different music depending on my mood. Also – always researching for something new. I aim to know all musical novelties.
However, I am a big fan of Svyatoslav Vakarchuk and Jamala if we talk about Ukrainian music. As for foreign artists I love Whitney Houston.

6. How do you feel about the Eurovision Song Contest being held in your country next year? Will you be going to the shows?

I am looking forward to Eurovision in Ukraine. I am very proud that the contest will be held in my city. I will attend it for sure. As I have already mentioned I am a big fan of Jamala, so for me it’s a double pleasure that particularly she has brought Eurovision to Ukraine.

Believe me, there are so many things you must know about Ukraine. It’s beauty, amazing people, delicious food, great nature, colouring. Eurovision will be a great opportunity to show all this to many people from all over the world.

7. What are your favourite Junior Eurovision Songs from previous years?

I am a big fan of Destiny Chukunyere (2015 JESC Winner – Malta). Her voice is absolutely amazing.

8. Where would you like to be in say 5 years time with your musical career?

I am looking forward to singing on the stage in Malta. It should be the highlight of this year and my life so far. For my career it is very important and I hope that in five years I might be a part of a senior Eurovision!

Anyway, good luck to you Sofia. We wish you all the best in Malta.

You can see the official video for Planet Craves For Love below.