Tag Archives: Interview

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.

Sebastian Calleja/Interview

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

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

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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.

Jamala/Interview/2016 ESC Ukraine

Interview: Jamala (2016 ESC Ukraine)

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Jamala {copyright: NTU/Jamala PR photos}
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)

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Zoë {copyright: gmx.at/ÖRF}
Zoë {copyright: gmx.at/ÖRF}

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)

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ManuElla {coyright: manuella.eu}
ManuElla {coyright: manuella.eu}

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