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Beatrice: Interview (O Melodie Pentru Europa 2016)

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

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

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Saulenė Chlevickaitė {copyright: mieste.delf.lt}
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)

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

Milda Martinkėnaitė performed If Tomorrow Never Comes in the third qualification show of the 2016 Eurovizijos competition in Lithuania and qualified for the next phase. Here Mila talks to esccovers.com.

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

It took me a few years to finally dare to participate in this competition for ESC. I sent the questionnaire the applicants had to fill in and started waiting for an answer. I can’t describe the way I felt – although I’m a huge optimist, I tried to maintain a pessimistic opinion about me participating here, I didn’t want to expect too much. Therefore I was really excited when I received a phone call from the organisers – I asked a few times if they were sure that I’m selected to participate in the Lithuanian competition for ESC. I felt really happy and quite scared at the same time – so many things awaiting me!

2. Was there an audition process?

I sent a few links to Youtube videos of me singing, so I believe this could be counted as an audition.

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

Well, I have participated in many and many contests and ESC in Sweden would be the ultimate competition! It just feels too surreal to participate in the Eurovision. It would definitely mean a lot! It would be a great responsibility not only to make a show, but to represent the whole country!

4. Can you tell us about your song ‘If Tomorrow Never Comes’ and what it is about?

‘If Tomorrow Never Comes’ is a wonderful song! It was written by Hakan Glante and Joacim Dubbelman. The music is very cheerful and the melody is so catchy! This song can be interpreted differently. In my opinion, the song says that we don’t know what will happen tomorrow, and we don’t know what life would be if things were different, but we can enjoy the only thing we have – the moment, the present – leave your worries, let’s celebrate! I’m a dreamer, I love the lyrics.

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

Since primary school I was singing in various school choirs. I started taking professional vocal lessons at the age of 13 and at first it was jazz I was interested in. It did not take long for me to find out that I feel really great singing blues! Aaaaand I have a tiny rocker inside me, too.

At the moment I have a Janis Joplin project and it really helped me grow vocally and emotionally too. Sometimes I appear on stage with “the Bluesmakers” a well-known blues band.

I have a pop song written by Stano and Imantas Reed, called “Get This” (youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVCbuskGTV4 ) This is the first song that was written for me, there are a lot of emotions and moments related to this song, I love it so much and I’m very proud of it.

6. Who are your musical influences?

I used to listen to Aretha Franklin, Etta James, James Brown, Erykah Badu. Now I’m trying to listen to everything as much as possible – I really like Lady Gaga, she is an incredibly talented inspirational woman! I love Arctic Monkeys, The Black Keys, Jack Garratt. Here in Lithuania we have an amazing performer ba. (yes, “b” and “a” with a full stop). I like different styles, and the emotions they evoke.

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

Once I participated in the blues festival “Bliuzo Naktys” here in Lithuania, it was my first time checking the official blues stage. I didn’t have a chance to participate in other festivals as a singer, but I’m a wonderful listener (and dancer!) when I go to the festivals with my friends! 

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

I watch the ESC on tv almost every year. I have two songs that I can remember now, and they were amazing: Aminata (Latvia) – ‘Love Injected’, ESC 2015
Mor ve Ötesi (Turkey) – ‘Deli’, ESC 2008. (and I actually voted for these guys, I can remember that!).

Anyway thank you Milda and good luck at Eurovizijos.

Source: www.esccovers.com

 

ManuElla/Interview

Interview: ManuElla (2016 EMA finalist Slovenia)

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ManuElla_3_splet

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)

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Anna Trincer {copyright: NTU}
Anna Trincer {copyright: NTU}

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.

 

 

Zoë

Interview with Zoë from Austria

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ZOË {copyright: Global Rockstar}
ZOË {copyright: Global Rockstar}

Zoë was a popular act at the recent Austrian national selection Eurovision Song Contest – Wer singt für Österreich? Her song Quel Filou was very popular with fans and eventually finished in third place in the final. She is also participating in the Global Rockstar crowd funding campaign event to raise funds for releasing her forthcoming album.

Zoë has been talking to esccovers.com –

First of all we would like to congratulate you on your outstanding performances on the Wer singt für Österreich selection shows. A lot of fans were hoping you would win and represent Austria at the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest.

1. Could you give me some background on how you got involved with music?

I grew up with music, since my father was a musician and my grandfather has always been a big fan of classical music as well as the typical French chanson. I listened to music all the time and tried to imitate the Queen Of The Night, from the Opera ”The Magic Flute”, at the age of four. Therefore my passion for music has always been inside of me, and it always was my dream to become a musician myself.

2. How did you take part in the Wer singt für Österreich? Was there a casting?

When I first heard that there was a casting for the ”Wer singt für Österreich” show, I was thrilled that I was given the chance to improve myself among 120 other great artists, but I never thought that I would come that far. I always secretly wished to represent Austria at the Eurovision Song contest, but it was never something that I thought could really happen. I participated at the casting for the experience and because of my passion for music, without even thinking of having a chance to get to the next round. Therefore, I was amazed when I heard the news.

3. Who are your musical influences?

My musical influences are among todays music stars like Beyonce and Hoziar, the queen of French music: the amazing Edith Piaf. Her beautiful music is full of ”joie de vivre” but also melancholic, she is a true inspiration.

4. You perform songs in French very beautifully. Is there a reason you like to sing in French?

Thank you very much! There was truly no particular reason for singing in French at the beginning. It sort of just happened whilst writing my first song with my father who also speaks French ( we went to the same French school) . We discovered that the language fits quite well with my voice and also the type of music we like to write . I really enjoy singing in French but that doesn’t mean that I won’t write or sing in English or maybe even German … let’s see !)

5. When can we expect your album to be released and what kind of music styles can we look forward to?

My first album will probably be released in May 2015. For the moment we’re still working on the songs but it will definitely be the music style that you’ve already heard in Adieu and Quel Filou. It will remain a fresh, cheeky and playful kind of music, a mix between the Frensh chanson style and electronic beats.

6. Will there be a promo video for Quel Filou or will you instead make a video for your next single?

I do have many ideas for a Quel Filou video, but nothing is definite yet. I really enjoyed the filming of my first music video ‘Adieu, since I’m also really into acting. But for the moment we’re working on my album , and I’m really looking forward to it’s release .

7. Have you heard any of the songs from the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest yet? If so, do you have any particular favourites?

I did listen to a lot of the songs who will participate at the Eurovision Song Contest 2015, and I really like Goodbye to Yesterday’ from Estonia. But of course I support my fellow musicians , winners of the ‘Wer Singt für Österreich’ show : The Makemakes and their amazing song I’m Yours.

Thank you Zoe…we wish you lots of luck for the future and also hope to see you one day representing Austria at the Eurovision Song Contest.