Tag Archives: Interview

Interview: Lorela Sejdini (Festivali i Këngës 56 candidate)

15 December 2017 Ian Fowell 1 Comment

Lorela Sejdini is a new and promising and talented young singer who will participate in the Festivali i Këngës 56 festival later this month with her song Pritëm edhe pak with the hope that she can represent Albania at the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest.

Lorela has been speaking to ESC Covers –

1. Hello Lorela. Congratulations on being selected to take part in the Festivali i Këngës. How does it feel to be taking part in this great event?

Hello Ian! Thanks a lot for this interview, it is a pleasure!

It is a huge honour and emotion to be part of Festivali I Këngës, as you may know it is a very important national competition in my origin country. I always watched Festivali I Këngës since I was a little girl and so this is to me a childhood dream come true.

2. Could you tell us something about your song ‘Pritëm edhe pak’?

‘Pritëm edhe pak’ is a pop song with soul elements. It talks about love but a sort of love game which is very beautiful to sing about. I interpret it in this way: the girl is the subject and sings to a boy, who is giving her a lot of attention but even if she likes him plays a bit to be sure he is the right one.

I think the song is very catchy and rhythmic and I have lots of fun singing it.

3. What about your singing career so far? Have you taken part in any festivals or released any previous songs?

I started to sing when I was 12 years old and since then I never stopped, I took part in different competitions locally and after that I participated in The Voice Of Albania. It was one of the best experiences of my life, I was very young, just 15 years old and I never really studied canto or any instruments before.

Then I started to study in different musical institutes canto and piano so I could be prepared on more music genres.

Now I am studying jazz-soul in Turin and I am working on my first album.

Festivali i Këngës is the very first festival in which i’m participating and I couldn’t be more happy than that!

4. Who and what are your musical influences?

I love all kinds of music but I have a peculiar taste as well. The genre that I enjoy the most listening to is a mix of pop, alternative, soul and ethnic (all cultures, especially eastern). To me ethnic music combined with other genres is perfection.

An artist that I appreciate in particular is Loreen, I really love her voice and her style, she is unique!

5. What are your favourite Eurovision Song Contest songs?

I love Eurovision, I remember myself watching it since I was a little girl and my favourite entries are ‘Euphoria”’by Loreen (2012 ESC winner – Sweden) and ‘Every Way That I Can’ by Sertab Erener (2003 ESC winner – Turkey).

6. If you could cover a Eurovision song from the past what would it be?

I think ‘Suus’ by amazing Rona Nishliu (2012 ESC Albania).

7. Do you have a Youtube channel where readers can follow you and listen to your music?

Yes, sure. Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9YE1CW-5AWb04dBDS0GWjQ?view_as=subscriber

Good luck Lorela. ESC Covers wishes you all the best in the Festivali i Këngës!

Thank you, ESC Covers

You can see a video preview of Lorela singing Pritëm edhe pak below.

Source: ESC Covers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-e4ZFGrSfs8

Marli Le Grange/Interview

Interview: Marli Le Grange from South Africa…singer of Jodel!

21 October 2017 Ian Fowell 1 Comment

Marli Le Grange {copyright: facebook.com/MAD Entertainment/Marli Le Grange}

Marli Le Grange is a promising new talent from South Africa and she has just released Jodel (an Afrikaans cover of Yodel It! by Ilinca & Alexa Florea 2017 ESC Romania).

Here Marli talks to ESC Covers –

1. Hello Marli. First of all congratulations on Jodel and your brand new video clip for the song. What was the experience like making the video? Can you tell us something about this?

Hi Ian, thank you so much. I had so much fun making the video, the story is about a girl who is always alone in the background, reading and of course observing, you know looking at people wishing it was her. And then this guy comes along reading the same book as her and decides to get her out of her shell and they end up reading together. It’s actually based a little on my life and also a friend who has never been on an actual date with a guy. She’s too scared and that’s what I was trying to show.

2. Have you ever yodelled before? You do it very well.

Thanks. Well believe it if you will, I had to learn to yodel for the song. I enjoyed learning the new vocal style, I have found great respect for the style as well as people doing it.

3. Have you watched the original Eurovision Song Contest performance of Yodel It!? What were your opinions of the song and performance by Ilinca & Alexa Florea?

Yes, I watched it a couple of times, first the music video and then the performances on the Eurovision stage to see Ilinca’s technique and energy. I really think that Ilinca and Alex did a great job and I admire them both for what they’ve accomplished. To think that Ilinca with that small build at the age of 19 can give such a big performance with such a big voice, that is truly mind blowing. I really hope to meet both of them one day.

4. Would you like to record any other Eurovision songs? If so, what songs would you like to record?

Yes, I am busy with two more Eurovision songs, both are translated into Afrikaans. The first one is ‘If Love Was A Crime’ (Poli Genova – 2016 ESC Bulgaria) and the second is ‘Dancing In The Rain’ (Ruth Lorenzo – 2014 ESC Spain). I’m very excited about them as they are both powerful songs by two strong women.

5. Will you release an album? If so, what type(s) of music can we expect?

I am currently working on my album. It’s a little bit of everything, pop, country, contemporary, etc. I like to create a unique sound for my album because I want it to be different. That’s why I chose the three Eurovision songs to give it a feel of strong but fun songs with a fresh sound.

6. Who are your musical influences?

Freddie Mercury, John Lennon, the Beatles, Elvis, Celine Dion and Pink. All of these artists have their own voice and influence especially in society. They will be remembered for decades because of what they believed in and how they stood for their beliefs. I admire all of them for their authenticity and their music, all of them created their own sound that is so different that when you hear the intro of a song you can recognize that this is their song. I hope to be like that one day.

7. Have you performed at any festivals? If so, can you tell us about this and what songs you have sung.

I recently performed at the Strawberry festival, where I had so much fun. I sang some of our Afrikaans hits and did a few covers as well like ‘Breathless’, ‘Dark Lady’ and ‘Mama’s Broken Heart’ to name a few, and then I ended it with ‘Jodel. The Strawberry festival was so calm and different, the people were so warm and welcoming with of course strawberries everywhere. I actually ended up buying 7 Kgs of strawberries. The vibe was just unbelievable for me as an artist to feel part of the community even though not everyone knew who I was.

8. Do you have any concerts or shows coming in South Africa? What would your set include?

I will be performing at a driving range in November as well as a fund raiser market for Feed a Child to name a few. My set list will include ‘Jodel’ as well as a few of my originals, and then the ABBA medley to give a little trip down memory lane.

9. Have you covered any other international hit songs in Afrikaans?

Not yet but I’m considering it. You will be the first to know if and when it happens.

Good luck with ‘Jodel’, Marli. We look forward to hearing more news about you soon.

You can see again the video clip for Jodel by Marli below.

Source: ESC Covers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZOqV0xKVPc

Interview: Ilinca

Interview: A catch up with Ilinca and what has been happening since ‘Yodel It!’

28 August 2017 Ian Fowell Leave a comment

Ilinca {copyright: facebookcom/IlincaTheArtist}

Ilinca & Alex Florea charmed us with their 2017 Eurovision hit song Yodel It! where they represented Romania. The song and the enthusiasm and the charismatic stage performance was magical and exciting. ESC Covers caught up with Ilinca and she tells us about her memories of the Eurovision experience and what she has been up to since May.

1. Hello Ilinca. Thank you to you and Alex for giving us great memories at Eurovision with the awesome ‘Yodel It!’. Now you have had time to reflect, how was your Eurovision experience?

The first thing I realised after coming back home was that ESC had changed me as a person in just two weeks. I felt like an entirely different human being. Everything I learned during Eurovision helped me to grow up and develop as an artist. Besides all of the pressure Eurovision was a lot of fun and made me feel like I was living my dream. I cherish every memory that I have and I am so thankful to have taken part in this amazing adventure that is ESC.

2. Do you have any favourite memories from the promo tours and in Kiev?

I have a “least” favourite memory from the concert in London which was our first promo tour concert and I was extremely tired because Alex and I had been filming our music video for “Yodel It!” the whole day before and been travelling all night to Bucharest and in the morning to London. Now the bad part comes when I decide to drink a glass of wine before the concert… that didn’t go very well!!)) But all of the other memories that I have are my favourites.

3. What have you been up to since Eurovision?

I had my final highschool exams, I’ve been preparing for college, I travelled to Paris and I went to Disneyland, I celebrated my 19th birthday and I’ve been preparing a lot of content for my YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDqKD32wd6xtOo7x7iJMavw )

4. You released your own single ‘Amici’. Can you tell us something about the song and what it is about?

The song “Amici” shows a slightly different side of me. The song is about having to be friends with the person who took your lover away from you. The song means a lot to me because I once found myself in the same position. The music video features Alex because we obviously had chemistry and we thought why not take advantage of that!!) I’m very happy with the way the music video turned out.

5. When can we expect more new music from you, and what sort of styles of music can we expect?

You can expect anything from me I thought that was clear Probably this autumn I will release my next single, which will be in English. That’s all I can tell you so far.

6. What type of music do you like to listen to at home? Who are your favourite singers/artists?

As weird as it may sound I listen to a lot of rap. That’s why one of my favourite songs of all times is “No Diggity” by Blackstreet. One of my biggest inspirations is Michael Jackson but some other artists that I love and I look up to are: Jessie J, Whitney Houston, P!nk, Bruno Mars, Aretha Franklin and… (drum roll) FRANCO CORELLI (greatest tenor of all times in my opinion

7. Where would be your dream holiday vacation destination?

Anywhere with a beach and nice weather with my family and best friends!

Thank you Ilinca….we wish you lots of luck for the future and we look forward to hearing more of your music soon.

Thank you! Love you!

Let us relive the great memory of Ilinca & Alex Florea with their Eurovision performance of Yodel It! below and also the lovely Amici promo video clip below.

Source: ESC Covers

Tayanna/Interview

Interview: Tayanna (2017 Ukraine national selection runner up)

16 June 2017 Ian Fowell 2 Comments

Tayanna was the close runner up in the 2017 Ukraine national selection. Here she talks to Eliana Goncharova for ESC Covers –

At the beginning of your career you have been known to spectators and admirers as Tatyana Reshetnyak. Tell me, how did receive the nickname Tayanna?

-When we had already started cooperation with Alan Badoevym, he suggested I use the alias Tayanna, explaining this choice so that my name and I associated him with a secret. I got this nickname, I certainly liked it and it seemed very warm, consonant with my real name. Now my personal and public life delineated: Tatyana Reshetnyak is a person and Tayanna creative path.

When was your first introduction to the world of music?

-With the music I met while still quite small. From early childhood, Grandma and Dad taught me the love of music by singing lullabies. Later I began to sing: performed for my mother’s friends, becoming the Chair and taking into the hands of an impromptu microphone as Combs. Already then I knew I had a lot of songs, and one of the most beloved Christmas carols were. Even when she was older, coming to her grandmother, sang them on Christmas.

My love for music led to what is already in the 13-14 years, I know who I want to be in life and began professional vocal. At 17 years I came to Kiev to study at the Kiev National University of culture and arts.

Recently in Kiev ended the Eurovision 2017. Eurovision theme was and still remains one of the most discussed not only in Ukraine but also in Europe. And how long ago did you hear about this contest?

-Quite a long time. Even before the victory of Ruslana, which was in the year 2004.

And who did you for at Eurovision 2017?

-I liked the representative of Italy, the representatives of Belarus are very cheerful and energetic guys and of course I supported my country, Ukraine.

Many people around the world love your song “I Love You”, with which you participated in Ukrainian national selection for Eurovision 2017. Do you plan to participate in the selection of next year?

-I am very pleased that the people support me and want to see a musical contest. But while I don’t want to guess. If at the time of the qualifying round next year I should have a song, I feel that when it is my time, I might try their strength. But I’m not sure. Maybe it will be in 2 or 3 years.

But the dream of the Eurovision Song Contest?

-Contest was my goal this year. But I until I reach my goal, winning (she smiles).

Your child’s dream came true recently, you performed the main vocals in the ballet “The Great Gatsby.” Tell us about this project?

-“The Great Gatsby” was a wonderful project-Ballet-vocal. It is a subtle art that wakes you feeling through visualization. Do you see how people body movements to transmit the story? Their dance is so slim and graceful that you immediately become hostage to this art. Earlier I was not fascinated by Ballet, but already after the first rehearsal I reviewed many productions with well known artists and realised that today is exactly what art you want to promote. In addition, Ballet something resonates with musicals, I have childhood dreams of singing.

I am grateful to Alexander and Ken Field, producers of the project, for the opportunity to be part of this ballet and this amazing story.

“The Great Gatsby” already conquered Ukraine, it sold out in four major cities of the country. Plan to deliver abroad?

-Yes, in June we fly to Kazakhstan. But even organisers plan to tour in Europe.

And about what you have dreamed of as a kid?

-Since I was a child I wanted to learn to play the three musical instruments: harmonica, guitar and piano. And this desire I still plan to implement. Still I dream to find their mission in this world. For me it is not enough just to live, sing, do something else. I want to be useful to the world and make a meaningful case, which will remain in the history. Also I really want to write and release a collection of lullabies and fairy tales. The last, by the way, I already wrote.

In general, since childhood I have a lot of what I dream. Some of my desires are material, others highly spiritual. I’m trying to balance them so that they can be implemented.

For fans of your creativity, you are an Idol and an example for others to follow. And whom do you admire from Ukrainian or foreign artists?

-Frankly, I prefer foreign music: Rihanna, Beyonce, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, the Bee Gees, James Brown, the Beatles. They are all great people, who have left their mark in history. In our country, I respect musicians, who themselves write the kind of music that will be relevant not only today, but also through the 10-20 years. This Is Ivan Dorn, Monatik, Max Barsky. It seems to me that Max’s album “Freudian slip” is eternal.

Do you have a favourite book and favourite movie?

-There are so many. I’m not going to say just one, I can’t be limited to something. I read a lot, I especially like books on esoteric. As for the movies, from recent memory Diary “I Loved” and “Lion”.

Many creative people have their mascots, which help them in life and career. Do you have them?

-The main mascot of my life is my son. Together with him for me the world is beautiful even in the terrible storm. It seems to me that moms don’t need any charms, because children are the best and most reliable amulet. In General, the mascot we can do with our own hands-just pick up any object and charge it with positive energy. Then this thing will help in life.

Thank you, Tayanna

You can see hear Tayanna’s 2017 Eurovision national final song I Love You below.

INTERVIEW BY ELIANA GONCHAROVA

Svetlana Agarval/Interview

Interview: Svetlana Agarval (Belarus participant – 2017 Türkvizyon)

17 March 2017 Ian Fowell Leave a comment

Svetlana Agarval {copyright: facebook.com/svetlana agarval}

The fourth edition of Türkvizyon Şarkı Yarışması will take place in September this year in Astana, Kazahkstan. Svetlana Agarval will represent Belarus in the festival and here she talks to ESC Covers –

1. Hello Svetlana. Congratulations on being selected to represent Belarus at the 2017 Türkvizyon contest in Kazahkstan. Has your song been selected yet? If so, can you tell us something about it? Is it upbeat or a ballad?

Thank you very much, I am very pleased to be selected for this contest show. The stars converged so that our Belarusian singer Gunesh, who once participated in this song contest, was engaged this year in the qualifying round, and invited me to try. The organizers of Türkvizyon watched my musical materials and unanimously approved my candidacy. According to the terms of the contest, the song should be in one of the Turkic languages. The composition ‘Meni Anla’ is fast, clockwork, will sound in Azerbaijani language, and I made it with a special Indian flavour! Our show promises to be spectacular, we used the best dancers of the Oriental genre in Belarus!

2. Have you participated in any other music festivals in Belarus or abroad?

Yes, I am a laureate of many music contests and festivals such as the Eastern Bazaar in Yalta, the Festival of National Cultures in Grodno, the Slavic Bazaar in Vitebsk. I will not reveal all secrets yet, but much is still to come)))

3. Could you tell us about your music career so far? Where can readers listen to your music?

A special place in my life is occupied by Indian culture. The first acquaintance with it happened in early childhood, when colourful Indian films riveted to the television screen all Soviet residents. Most of all I remember “Disco Dancer” movie, or rather, the musical side of this film. Being a little girl I sang hotly favourite songs, absolutely without understanding words. Much later, I began to learn the Hindi language to perform songs meaningfully, took vocals lessons from professional teachers. Receiving a second higher education at the Belarusian University of Culture and Arts, I surprised the selection committee with singing in the Indian language (laughs).

In 2010 my debut song ‘Dil Ko Nahi Pata’ was recorded in India, and fruitful work continued. I recorded songs in Russian and Indian languages, participated in various TV projects. Now I finish work on two albums: in Russian and Indian languages.

I have an official site www.agarval.info where fans can listen and download songs and videos, read the latest news and interviews, find out events and TV shows. In social networks all the information is also available.

By the way my compositions are on the air not only in radio stations of Belarus but also in Russia, India, the United States and the United Arab Emirates.

4. Have you made any music videos?

Yes, I have video clips in my arsenal, some were shot in picturesque Indian landscapes, as well as with the participation of professional actors and dancers. Shootings of the video for the song ‘Anjana’ took place in the heart of Bollywood – in the city of Mumbai, in one of the filming pavilions, where famous Indian movies are created. And for the main role were more than three hundred applicants! Indian clipmakers predicted this video a bright future, so it is now being rotated not only in Belarus, but also in India and the countries of near and far abroad!

5. You appeared in an Indian Bollywood movie? Could you tell us about this experience and what the movie is called?

In fact, Bollywood movie we called one of my video clips called ‘West to East’. It was shot in a kind of fairy-tale style, the main character of which finds a lamp of Aladdin. And according to the plot, the genie suddenly appeared from the lamp runs after a girl all the days attracting attention with expensive cars, then with some of its awkward antics. And the main character just wants love – big and real like in Indian cinema)))
But seriously, there are already offers for shooting in real Bollywood movie. Recently I was sent a new script for review, and who knows, maybe our next interview will be not only with the singer, but with actress Svetlana Agarwal (laughs).

6. Who are your musical influences?

As they say – do not create an idol! But I love the creativity of Russian singer Alla Pugacheva. These are the songs on which I grew up and which I listened. They have a life story and meaning. Songs like these I try to take in my repertoire. I respect the music of Michael Jackson, Lara Fabian, Beatles, Enrique Iglesias. Well, I try to follow the modern stage and the younger generation.

7. Do you watch the Eurovision Song Contest, and do you have any favourite songs from the contest from previous years?

It has become a good tradition to gather for three May nights to watch Eurovision)) I want to mention Ruslana, Polina Gagarina, Loreen. They have artistic charisma, full-fledged and harmonious images, that even after the competition their performances remain in memory.
It is difficult not to single out Conchita Wurst, Lordi and Buranovskie grandmothers – they forced all Europe to talk about themselves. Is it not the main thing? They are remembered!

8. Have you heard the Belarussian entry for the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest by Naviband? What are your opinions of this song?

Of course I know. Excellent guys with a song in Belarussian language. Sincerely I will be rooting for them, because now I understand their excitement and responsibility before the whole country more than ever.

9. Do you have any plans yet to promote your Türkvizyon song? Will you make a music video for the song?

We have plans, and at the moment they are in implementation. Now we are already actively show the song in our performances – and I’m so glad that people like it. And it’s a great idea about the video – perhaps I’ll use it! (Laughing).

Thank you, Svetlana. ESC Covers wish you lots of luck.

Thank you too. It was very nice to give you an interview.

Check out Svetalana singing Yeh mira dil below.

Source: ESC Covers

Interview/Alexa Niculae

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

16 March 2017 Ian Fowell 1 Comment

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)

2 March 2017 Ian Fowell 1 Comment

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)

1 March 2017 Ian Fowell 1 Comment

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)

28 February 2017 Ian Fowell 1 Comment

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

25 February 2017 Ian Fowell 1 Comment

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.

Fans of Eurovision Song Contest cover songs