Tag Archives: Interview

Interview: Sebastian Calleja (winner of 2016 OGAEvision Song Contest)

24 August 2016 Ian Fowell 2 Comments

Sebastian Calleja {copyright: facebook.com/sebastian.calleja}

Sebastian Calleja is a promising young singer from Malta and he recently won the 2016 OGAEvision Song Contest in Berlin, Germany. Here he talks to ESC Covers about that experience and his music.

Hello Sebastian. Congratulations on winning the OGAEvision Song Contest. Could you tell us how you got involved in this contest and what song you performed?

First of all thanks for this interview and for your praise I really appreciate. Well I got involved in this contest since the organizers contacted my mentor Glen Vella and told him about this contest and the organizers suggested me to represent Malta. I accepted this challenge and we really worked hard as a team. The song that I had represented my country Malta with was ‘Golden Boy’ originally sang by Nadav Guedj. We had chosen this song as my entry since it is an energetic song and we were looking for something different and the best song was ‘Golden Boy’.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and about any songs you have recorded?

I am 18 years old from the village of Hal Qormi in Malta. Currently I am a student of the Financial Services within MCAST college. Back in 2014 I had the privilege to represent my country in Sanremo Junior with the song ‘If Tomorrow Never Comes’ by Ronan Keating and also in the same year I had took part in Microfono D’Oro in Italy which I placed 2nd, one point away from of the first place, with another Eurovision entry ‘Era Stupendo’.

This year I was a resident singer on one of the most popular Maltese game shows called Hadd Ghalik presented by the talented Angie Laus, where I had record a lot of songs like ‘Karma Chameleon’, ‘Shake It’ and ‘Chasing The Sun’ performed with Glen Vella. Maybe those who would like to see and listen to some of my songs they are all uploaded on YouTube.

Are you a fan of Eurovision music? If so, what are your favourite Eurovision songs from the past?

Yes, I am a big Eurovision music fan There are a lot of songs which are my favourites but if I had to choose three songs;

Nadav Guedj – Golden Boy (ESC 2015 Israel)
Il Volo – Grande Amore (ESC 2015 Italy)
Loreen – Euphoria (ESC 2012 Sweden)

Do you have plans to submit a song for the Maltese Eurovision selection in the future?

Yes, currently there are plans for the future for me to submit a song for the Maltese selection but we are still discussing it, so yes in the nearby future I will be submitting songs and hopefully they will pass for the Maltese Selection.

What do think of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest? Did you ever consider entering this when you were younger?
Junior Eurovision helps a lot of children to establish their talents on stage and this will help them for the future and to get more professional in their career.

If I had the chance yes I wanted to take part but unfortunately when I was younger and when I started my career Malta had stopped taking part for two years and then PBS had started to choose our entry by Internal Selection.

Have you participated in any other song festivals either in Malta or abroad?

Yes, as mentioned before I represented my country twice more abroad apart from the OGAEvision Song Contest in Germany.

I took part in Sanremo Junior where I had the privilege to perform with the live orchestra of Sanremo which was an unforgettable experience. I had performed the song originally sung by my idol Roan Keating where I had placed in fourth place among all the countries taking part.

Also in the same year 2014 I had been chosen to represent my country in Microfono d’oro in Mirandola Italy. Where I placed in second place with the song ‘Era stupendo’ one of the Eurovision entries back in 2008 which had represented Switzerland by the famous singer Paolo Meneguzzi.

Who are your musical influences?

So, my individual preferences which had left an impact on me in my singing career are Whitney Houston and Ronan Keating.

Anyway we wish you good luck with your career. Keep ESC Covers informed of your news about singing.

You can see Sebastian perform the OGAEvision Song contest song, Golden Boy, on Hadd Ghalik show in Malta below.

Source: ESC Covers

Tilda Anvemyr/Orden Hänger Kvar'

Tilda Anvemyr releases ‘Orden Hänger Kvar’ …and talks to ESC Covers

23 April 2016 Ian Fowell Leave a comment

Tilda Anvemyr - Orden Hänger Kvar — Tilda Anvemyr – Orden Hänger Kvar

Tilda Anvemyr is a promising talent from Sweden. She has a brand new song Orden Hänger Kvar (The words will always linger on). The song will compete in Svensktoppen Nästa Västmanland. It is composed by Ylva and Linda Persson, who have had several songs in Eurovison national selections around Europe in the last few years. Also, Peter Bengtsson was a composer and producer. Text is by Dan Attlerud. Violinist is Isabelle Andö and guitarist is Patric Skog.

With Svensktoppen Nästa Västmanland there is a semi-final which is broadcast on the radio. If Tilda progresses to the final it will be held in Vasteras on the local P4 radio station. There are P4 radio stations in all the counties/regions of Sweden. The winner of the local final will qualify for the grand event in Gothenburg and then one of the acts will make it to the Melodifestivalen. Tilda made it to the final in 2015 with In Too Deep also composed by Ylva & Linda.

Here Tilda talks to ESC Covers.com –

1. Good luck with Svensktoppen Nästa. Can you tell us about your song ‘Orden Hänger Kvar’? What is it about and what is the translation mean in English?

Thanks a lot! For me the text of the Song is about young love and that it is hard to know if it is the real LOVE or if you don’t say what you really mean The Words Will just be hanging in the air and never be told. Also that you have to be careful with what you say because words can be like a scar in your heart – they will never fade. If you translate the the title it will be something like “The words will always linger on” .

2. Where can we hear and purchase ‘Orden Hänger Kvar’?

You can listen to the song on Youtube, Spotify and iTunes – Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/6OoLoiFO0WrgCCEVeUtvrZ; iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/orden-hanger-kvar-svensktoppen/id1104766639?uo=4

3. You also took part in the competition in 2015 with ‘In Too Deep’. Can you tell us about that song too?

That song was about when you are so much in love that it is almost too much. You’re in too deep.

4. Have you participated in any other festivals or competitions?

I’ve been competing in many competitions around Sweden since I was 10 years old. It’s has been a very good school – I’ve learned a lot.

5. Did you ever try for Junior Eurovision?

I was one of the six finalists in the Swedish Junior Eurovision national selection in 2013. Even though I did not win I got really great feedback from Christer Björkman – it made me very happy!

6. Have you recorded any other songs? If so can you tell us about them?

I have mostly recorded covers – I love musicals so it has been a lot of those kind of songs. In the future I hope to record more songs that are really mine.

7. Have you heard the Eurovision songs this year? If so do you have a favourite?

Yes, I have. My family is totally crazy about the Eurovision! I like Australia, Russia and France but it is always different to hear the songs live – anything can happen.

Thank you Tilda…and good luck with Svensktoppen Nästa and everything else.

Thank you!

You can hear Orden Hänger Kvar below.

…and this is Tilda performing In Too Deep from the 2015 Svensktoppen Nästa with Ylva and Linda as backing vocalists.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSpXRddfKG8

Jamala/Interview/2016 ESC Ukraine

Interview: Jamala (2016 ESC Ukraine)

1 April 2016 Ian Fowell Leave a comment

Jamala {copyright: NTU/Jamala PR photos}

Jamala will represent Ukraine at the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest with her song 1944. Here she talks to esccovers.com.

Hello Jamala. Congratulations on being selected to represent Ukraine at the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest. What were your feelings when you realised you had won?

When I was standing on the stage while the jury were announcing whom they have chosen, I was thinking that probably Eurovision is not my cup of tea. So, when I heard the results of people’s voting I didn’t realise that I won. I was confused a little bit. Of course I feel happy and proud now. I’m grateful to people that voted for me and I’m sure that I’ll represent Ukraine in the best way.

‘1944’ is about the deportation of Crimean Tatars in the 1940s. What inspired you to write this song and enter it for Eurovision?

I wrote it a year and a half ago. The origins of it are in my childhood. It’s inspired by a story that my great-grandmother told me when I was small. So this topic is very personal for me. The song is about the tragedy that happened to our family and all Crimean Tatars in 1944. I mean the deportation of Crimean Tatar people from Crimea to Central Asia, the crime made by Soviet government. They packed all people to the freight trains like beasts for a few weeks with no food and water. Those who couldn’t survive were thrown out and left lying on the ground. My great-grandmother lost her daughter as well. But ‘1944’ concerns all people that had their own horrible tragedies in the past, such as Holocaust. We should always remember and never forget them to avoid like this in the future. I want to deliver this message to as many people as possible.

You recently played a concert in Kiev. How was this show and what type of songs do you sing in your concerts?

Thank you for this question! My show went very well. It was sold out and the audience was really nice. Most of all I performed songs from my latest record ‘Breath’ that was released in October 2015, but of course there were several songs from my previous albums ‘Thank You’, ‘All or Nothing’ and ‘For Every Heart’. And at the beginning of the encore I performed ‘1944’ and people just got crazy. It was really nice, my fans are the best!

Do you plan to make a promotional tour to other countries to promote ‘1944’ for Eurovision?

No, I don’t have such plans. But I’m going to perform in Amsterdam at the Eurovision party.

Do you have a new album coming? If so when will it likely be released?

My new album has been released less than half a year ago. I want to live with it for a while. But I’ve already started to write new songs.

Have you participated in any other music festivals in Ukraine and abroad?

Of course! I participated in hundreds of festivals of different musical genres in different countries. For example I’ve been headliner on opera festivals in Ukraine and Italy, jazz festivals in Ukraine and Russia, folk festivals in Ukraine and Turkey, rock festivals in Ukraine and Turkey etc.

Have you heard the other songs in Eurovision this year? Do you have any favourites at this time?

I’ve heard all the songs. I mean, I’ve watched all the video clips. Of course the live sounds different, but I can recognize a good song nevertheless. I choose France, The Netherlands, Sweden, UK and Greece, because their entries have such handsome guys)))))))
I’m just kidding. They have really good songs!

Do you normally watch Eurovision each year? Do you have any favourite songs from previous years?

I watch the show every year. I don’t have any particularly favourite ESC song. I usually pay attention to performers, musicians, vocals and musical background. These are a few songs that I like: Raphael Gualazzi – ‘Madness of Love’ (2011 ESC Italy), The Common Linnets – ‘Calm After The Storm’ (2014 ESC The Netherlands) and Loreen – ‘Euphoria’ (2012 ESC Sweden – winner)

Anyway thank you and good luck Jamala.

You can see Jamala perform 1944 below.

Source: www.esccovers.com

Zoë/Interview/2016 ESC Austria

Interview: Zoë (2016 ESC Austria)

1 April 2016 Ian Fowell 1 Comment

Zoë will represent Austria at the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest with her song Loin d’ici. Here she talks to esccovers.com.

Hello Zoë. Many congratulations on winning the 2016 Wer singt für Österreich?…and therefore representing Austria at the Eurovision Song Contest in May. How did it feel when you realised you had won?

When I heard the hosts say my name out loud I couldn’t believe it, I was completely overwhelmed and it felt quite surreal to me but when I started realising it I was extremely happy!

Can you tell us what ‘Loin d’ici’ is about?

The song is about the search for paradise, it is not necessarily a real place, more like an imaginary paradise, a place where you simply feel happy. Everybody has his own paradise, for me it is being on stage.

Will there be any other language versions of ‘Loin d’ici’ (for example German or English)?

Maybe, but now we don’t have anything in mind.

Your album ‘Debut’ was released last year and all the songs are in French. I presume German is your natural language. What inspires you to sing in French? Do you have some French background?

My father and I, we both went to a French school, so we learned French from a very young age , still we never had planned to write French music together. One day I came home from school and my father and I started jamming together, suddenly I sang some French words, and it sounded natural and I felt good with it.

Have you heard the other Eurovision songs from this year? Do you have any favourites at this time?

I’ve listened to all of them , but I could not pick a favourite for the moment, I think I need to see the final performances first, but of course there are songs which got more stuck into my head than others.

Who are your musical influences?

I get inspired by all kinds of music, there is no specific artist who inspires me, I think what inspires me the most are singer songwriters who really spread the passion and energy that they put into their music.

Anyway thank you and good luck Zoë in May in Sweden.

You can see the official video for Loin d’ici below.

Source: www.esccovers.com

ManuElla/2016 ESC Slovenia/Interview

Interview: ManuElla (ESC 2016 Slovenia)

24 March 2016 Ian Fowell 1 Comment

ManuElla will represent Slovenia at the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest with her song Red And Blue. Here she talks to ESCCovers.com –
Hello ManuElla. Many congratulations on winning the EMA competition and therefore representing Slovenia at the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest in Sweden. Can you tell us how you felt when you realised you had won?

Hello. Thank you so very much. When I won Slovene national selection for ESC I was completely overwhelmed. So many emotions ran through me at that moment, it is even hard to describe it. I felt so much gratitude, joy and excitement and I can still feel it all!

‘Red And Blue’ is a feel good pop/country song. Is this a style of music you normally like to perform?

I like performing many different genres, but I feel pop/country is a style of music where I can show my emotions and passion for singing. I find myself in it and I think that’s very important for a singer and performer.

Will there be any other versions of ‘Red And Blue’ (for example a Slovenian version or remixes)?

So far there are no plans for a Slovenian version or any remixes, but we did record a newer version of ‘Blue And Red’ with small changes that you’ll all hear on the ESC.

Do you have any plans for a tour to other countries to promote your song?

We are still arranging the last few details about the promotional events. I think the first one is held in Amsterdam, so I hope to see you there!

Can we expect an album of your music soon?

Yes! I was working on my first album before EMA 2016, it is on hold for now of course, but after the ESC, I’m going back to the studio and to writing new songs.

Have you heard the other Eurovision entries this year? If so do you have any favourites at this time?

If I can be completely honest, I haven’t had a chance to listen to all of them yet. As soon as things calm down a little bit, I will. There are so many good artist every year, I am sure this year is no different.

Anway good luck ManuElla in Sweden.

You can see ManuElla perform Red And Blue below.

Source: www.esccovers.com

Beatrice: Interview (O Melodie Pentru Europa 2016)

Interview: Beatrice (from O Melodie Pentru Europa 2016 selection)

24 February 2016 Ian Fowell Leave a comment

Beatrice {copyright: Beatrice/Olga Capatina/trm.md}

Beatrice will perform Save My Heart For You in the O Melodie Pentru Europa 2016 second semi-final on 25 February. The song is composed by Nicklas Säwström and Christian Löwenborg Wahlström. Here Beatrice talks to esc.covers.com.

Hello Beatrice. Congratulations on making it to the O Melodie Pentru Europa 2016 semi finals. How did it feel when you heard you had made it to the semi-finals?

Hello Ian. Thank you. I was very excited at that moment. At first, I couldn’t believe it, but then I’ve started to realise how much responsibility this involves and began making plans about my performance on the scene.

What was the audition process like?

It was more like an exam for me, with lot of different emotions.

What would it mean to you to represent Moldova at the Eurovision Song Contest in Sweden?

It would mean a lot of responsibility for me to represent my country at the Eurovision Song Contest in Sweden. But I’d also be very proud and thankful for giving me this chance. That’s why I’m working every day to make my three minutes song unrepeatable and wonderful.

Can you tell us about your song ‘Save My Heart For You’ and what it is about?

The song is about love. Love is all around us and I think that this is the most beautiful thing that people can feel. This amazing song is also about enjoying the moment, trying to love with all our heart , unchaining our true feelings and not missing the chance we were given to love and to be loved.

‘Save My Heart For You’ is composed by Swedish songwriters? How did you get involved with them for O Melodie Pentru Europa?

Yes. They are Nicklas Säwström and Christian Löwenborg Wahlström. Well, my voice teacher, Viorica Atanasov, told me that there is such an opportunity to participate at the National Eurovision Song Contest by taking part at the project “O melodie pentru Europa”. So we listened to many songs, but this one I liked as I heard the first chords and we decided that it also fits perfectly with my temperament and my voice.

I’d like to say “Thank You” to the songwriters Nicklas Säwström and Christian Löwenborg Wahlström for the ‘Save my heart for you’ song, which I love for already three months since I’m in this Eurovision “fever”. ))

Can you tell us about your background in music? Have you recorded any other songs?

I started my musical education at the kinder garden, when I represented it at a national competition. From that moment, music came to my life and has stayed there till now, while I’m participating in different competitions, concerts and sing various covers.. Yes, I’ve tried to record some songs of my own, but I havent’s found my style yet.

7. Who are your musical influences?

I used to listen to all kinds of music especially Sting, Beyoncé , Celine Dion, Christina Aguilera, Mark Anthony. Recently I’ve made a passion for Within Temptation. I like different styles, and the emotions they evoke.

8. Have you participated in any music festivals either in Moldova or abroad? If so can you tell us something about them?

I didn’t take part in any music festivals abroad, but I have great future plans and expectations and I wish a growing musical career.

9. 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. In 2005, my favourite song was ‘Bunica bate toba’ by our Moldavian Zdob and Zdub band. Other songs that are on my favourite playlist are: Aram (Armenia) – ‘Not Alone’ ESC 2014, Loreen (Sweden) – ‘Euphoria’ ESC 2012 winner, Marija Serifovic ( Serbia) – ‘Molitva’ (2007) winner. There are and other good and memorable songs. And I think that actually this is the magic of the ESC, that the whole of Europe can discover new talents and wonderful songs from all the corners of our continent.

Anyway good luck at O Melodie Pentru Europa.

Thank You and wish You all the best.

You can listen to Save My Heart For You below.

Source: www.esccovers.com

Saulenė Chlevickaitė/Interview

Interview: Saulenė Chlevickaitė (2016 Eurovizijos contestant in Lithuania)

1 February 2016 Ian Fowell 1 Comment

Saulenė Chlevickaitė {copyright: mieste.delf.lt}

Saulenė Chlevickaitė performed Strong in the third show of the 2016 Eurovizijos selection in Lithuania and qualified for the next round. Here Saulenė talks to esccovers.com.

1. Hello Saulenė. Congratulations on making it to the Eurovizijos 2016 shows. How did it feel when you were selected to participate in this competition?

Hi all! To participate in this competition was a really old dream of mine. I think there is always a time for certain things in your life, so I was just waiting for the right moment, feeling and of course SONG. Not going to hide, but at the moment I’m quite nervous at the same time this feeling is pleasing and positive.

2. Was there an audition process?

Toughest moment was preparation, picking the right song… I’m really happy that I had chance to perform this song and I’m really thankful for Aidan O’Connor and Fred Endresen who are the authors of the song.

3. What would it mean to you to represent Lithuania at the Eurovision Song Contest in Sweden?

If I would get a chance to represent my country, it definitely would be an honour and a huge responsibility. I think Lithuania is going there step by step , our people are very supportive and of course still having discussions about that one day our moment will come! I would be very pleased to be part of it.

4. Can you tell us about your song ‘Strong’ and what it is about?

‘Song’ is about human strength, about this inner power which helps us to move all fears from our way so we can achieve the things we really are dreaming about. The most important message about LOVE, the one we all have inside of us as an energy, power which can even heal…

5. Can you tell us about your background in music? Have you recorded any other songs?

My relationship with music started from my very early days. Mostly I was all into jazz, I feel really comfy emotionally and can express myself quite easy with this genre, that’s what I love about it. Later on I started to explore much bigger audience so naturally came to the POP scene. One of my favourites which I also wrote by myself is ‘Nauja diena’ (New day), you can tell that the message behind it is really similar to ‘Strong’.

6. Who are your musical influences?

I grew up humming songs by Erykah Badu, Zapp Mama, Jamiroquai, Sade and many others. I adore them, because they are unique and genuine to what they do. We don’t have a big audience for underground artists, let’s say different kind of music styles. But my inspirations are from these kind of musicians. Talking about bigger scene I would need to mention Beyonce, for me she’s example of a perfect performer.

7. Have you participated in any music festivals either in Lithuania or abroad? If so can you tell us something about them?

Besides Lithuanian festivals I’ve attended Jazz music camp in Latvia, was an unbelievable experience and later on had the chance to be in “Saulkraste Jazz Festival” which was also in Latvia.

8. Do you watch the Eurovision Song Contest on tv, and do you have any favorite songs from over the years?

I always watch it and interested in this competition tendencies. From all winners so far I adore Loreen (Sweden ESC 2012), she’s really amazing! Last year I was captivated by Belgium singer Loic Nottet – ‘Rhythm Inside’ and also Latvia’s singer Aminata, I think both performances were strong.

Thank you Saulenė – good luck at Eurovizijos.

Source: www.esccovers.com

Milda Martinkėnaitė/Interview

Interview: Milda Martinkėnaitė (2016 Eurovizijos contestant in Lithuania)

1 February 2016 Ian Fowell 1 Comment

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

ManuElla/Interview

Interview: ManuElla (2016 EMA finalist Slovenia)

8 January 2016 Ian Fowell 1 Comment

ManuElla has made it to the final of the 2016 EMA Eurovision national selection for Slovenia to be held on 27 February. ManuElla talks to esccovers.com here –

1. Hello ManuElla. Congratulations on making it to the EMA 2016 final. How did it feel when you heard you had made it to the final?

Thank you for your kind words. When I heard for the results I was very happy, somehow fulfilled.

2. Are you able yet to tell us anything about your song? For example what style will it be, and what it is about?

Yes of course… I love pop-country music so the song is also written this way. The story is quite simple, “It’s all about love and the colours in it”…

3. You participated, and did very well, in the Slovenian Eurovision selection Misija Evrovizija? Can you tell us about your experience in that competition?

Misija Evrovizija gave me a lot of good memories, now these days for sure it’s easier for me to be more comfortable in front of TV cameras…

4. What have you been up to since Misija Evrovizija? Have you released any music?

I was participated at Slovenia’s greatest pop music festival “Slovenska popevka”, performing with a live orchestra, but after that I wasn’t able to continue my music career. I wanted to take care for my father who became seriously ill and, unfortunately, died recently.

5. Who are your musical influences?

I am open for all good music, but lately I prefer pop-country. I love Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, LeAnn Rimes, Reba McEntire and also a little of The Cranberries.

6. Have you participated in any music festivals either in Slovenia or abroad? If so can you tell us something about them?

As I mentioned before I was at “Slovenska popevka” in 2013 and recently I performed in Croatia at “RetrOpatijski festival”, among the greatest Croatian and Serbian artists, like Tereza Kesovija (1966 she represented Monaco and 1972 Yugoslavia at the Eurovision Song Contest), Novi Fosili (1987 they represented Yugoslavia at Eurovision) and others.

7. Do you watch the Eurovision Song Contest on tv, and do you have any favourite songs from over the years?

Yes of course, I’ve always been a big fan of ESC. When I was just a small girl I was standing in front of TV, had some sheets on me and I pretended I am there on the stage… (and I still do, ha ha ha). Songs that I remember specially are Fly On The Wings Of Love – Olsen Brothers (2001 ESC Denmark), Euphoria – Loreen (2012 ESC Sweden), Calm After The Storm – Common Linnets (2014 ESC The Netherlands), Take Me To Your Heaven – Charlotte Nilsson (1999 ESC Sweden), A Million Voices – Polina Gagarina (2015 ESC Russia) and many more.

Anyway, good luck ManuElla at the 2016 EMA.

Thank you so much, I really appreciate your support!!!

Source: www.esccovers.com

Anna Trincher/Interview

Interview: Anna Trincher (2015 JESC Ukraine)

9 November 2015 Ian Fowell 1 Comment

Anna Trincher will represent Ukraine at the 2015 Junior Eurovision Song Contest with the song Pochny z sebe (Start With Yourself). Here Anna talks to esccovers.com about her music and career so far.

Hi Anna. First of all many congratulations on being selected to represent Ukraine at the 2016 Junior Eurovision Song Contest. Can you express what it felt like when you won the national selection?

My first reaction was that I could not believe it. When I was standing on stage and everybody was congratulating me. I did not understand what was going on around me, whether I was sleeping or not. I was extremely happy as I was waiting for something like this for so long. My team and I tried our best to reach this aim and I realised it should be now or never.

Can you tell us something about your song Pochny z sebe and what it is about?

The song is about changes. If a person wants to change something in life, first of all we should start with ourselves. For example, I am being a child can help a grandmother to cross the street or to give a place up for an elderly person on public transport. These are small things and actions a person can do everyday and it means we should start with ourselves if we want to change our world for a better place to live. Besides this the song has a philosophical meaning. Speaking about stage on stage performance I am talking on behalf of nature conveying the sacred idea of harmony and existence reminding a person about love in all it’s meanings. There will be a lotus flower on stage which symbolises enlightenment.

Have you watched previous Junior Eurovision shows on tv, and do you have any favourite songs from the contest?

Yes, sure I watch JESC every year. I have never missed the Ukrainian performances. I really think that all the Junior Eurovision songs are hits, every child artist is unique and charismatic. I like the winner of JESC 2014, Vicenzo for Italy. He has a strong voice and is really good. I like the representative from the Netherlands last year, Julia. She had a nice and joyful song. I like Gaia Cauchi from Malta, the winner of 2013 JESC, very much and many others.

Have you released any previous singles and videos? If so can you tell us about them?

Yes, sure, I have several video clips and cover versions of songs such as by One Direction (‘One Way Or Another’ and ‘Some Nights’), ‘Kraina mrii’ (the country of dreams), ‘Who’s Loving You’. I have a video clip for the song ‘Nebo znaie’ (the sky knows). I participated with this song at the 2014 Ukrainian national JESC selection. I also have my own You Tube channel where I upload the cover versions to different songs and also I have a video blog where I tell about my life. You can visit my You Tube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk9qO_FlPd0zKv66mgVdQ8Q

Have you participated in any other music contests or festivals?

I have participated in many other music contests such as Stolytsia zaproshuie (Capital invites), Solntse za nas (Sun is for us), Kiev Art Time. I also participated in the tv project – The Voice – Kids 2, 2014 JESC Ukraine national selection, New Wave Junior, 2014 Brighter Than Stars, Turkish OIympiad, Soloveiko Ukrainy (Nightingale of Ukraine).

Who are your musical influences?

In music I focus on Beyonce. She is very charismatic and energetic. She is alone like the whole show. Though I have never been at her concerts but even through the video from different concerts I can feel her energy, she inpires me much.

Did you watch the Eurovision Song Contest this year? Did you like the winning song ‘Heroes’ and what other songs did you like?

I like the song, ‘Heroes’, the winner of 2015 ESC in Austria. I 100% agree with the result of ESC 2015. I liked the idea of stage performance, it was really interesting. I also liked Polina Gagarina for Russia. Her song ‘A Million Voices’ is also in my top 3. Also, I liked the song by Loic for Belgium, ‘Rhythm Inside’. I really supported this song. Actually, I think all the songs from ESC and JESC are great hits.

We wish you lots of good luck in Sofia, Anna. Enjoy every minute of your experience.

You can see Anna perform Pochny z sebe below.

Fans of Eurovision Song Contest cover songs