Alexandra Rotan (KEiiNO): Eurovision is an arena for creative people - NOT an arena for political decisions to be made.

The northern lights are guiding us towards a new interview, this time I got the chance to ask some questions to one of my favorite acts in MGP 2019. Here are Alexandra's answers:
Name: Alexandra Rotan
Birthday: 29.06.1996
Height: 170cm
Favorite color: Red or black
Favorite food: TACO!!!! 
Where are you right now? In my sofa, relaxing after a looong day
What’s your strangest talent? I love doing impressions of different singers. For example Shakira!!! 
What is the strangest thing you have in your room? A scary sleep-mask.
What are you really good at? Being happy and I love thinking I rock at cooking food aswell. 
What are you really bad at? Keeping my closet clean and nice. I’m so lazy!!!
Childhood idol: Celine Dion for sure!!
Childhood memory: Hiding under the table when Santa Claus walked towards our house on Christmas Eve, and the sound of grandpas slippers
Celebrity crush: The young Leonardo DiCaprio or Chris Hemsworth!!!! Can’t decide.
What were you afraid of when you were a child? The dark, and being under water. 
Tell me something no one knows about you: I hate doing my make up, and I’m suuuuuuper allergic to animals!!! 
What would you do if you were invisible? Steal candy from the store and go on a plane to somewhere warm. 
Favorite movie: Titanic of course!!!
Favorite TV series: The Blacklist, Pretty Little Liars, You, 24, Designated Survivor, etc etc etc.. 
Who would you cast to play you in a movie about your life? Anne Hathaway!! 
What would the title of that movie be? Clumsy me 
What is your guilty pleasure? Popcorn!!!!
If you were a boy for a day, what would you do? Wishing I was a girl 
Can you recommend us a song (old or new) from a Norwegian artist? Emotions by Astrid S or any song by Sigrid!! 
Can you teach me some interesting words in Norwegian? Hei, jeg er verdens kuleste person!!!!! 

Hello Alexandra, Welcome back to MGP!
Thank you, it feels good to be back!!! 

How would you describe yourself as an artist?
I would say that I’m versatile - I love doing any genre! I also love being on stage, that’s what I love the most!! 

You participated in MGP last year, what did you learn from that experience?
I got a lot of stage experience, I got to meet a lot of new people in the industry, I got to work with a rapper for the first time, and this year I know exactly what I can ask for from the production team in NRK ;-) ;-) 

You are back this year with KEiiNO. How did it all begin?
It all started with Tom Hugo and his husband wanting to write a song inspired by historical struggles to be accepted for who you are, regardless of ethnicity, gender and orientation. They included an amazing rapper and songwriter from the northern part of Norway, and created Spirit In The Sky. They asked me if I wanted to join them - of course I wanted to!! So together we made some changes, and ended up with what we have now.

Describe the song with 4 words:
Power, historical, dance, flames!!!

What can we expect to see on stage for the performance?
Hihihi... it’s a secret ;-)

What do you like about Eurovision?
I LOVE that everyone gets to be themselves, anyone is accepted, everyone gets to express their stories through their music for the entire Europe!!!  And I love the glitter, glam, party and the happiness that Eurovision is all about!!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE!! 

What do you dislike about Eurovision?
I dislike that some people have a really political view on the contest. ESC is an arena for creative people - NOT an arena for political decisions to be made. ESC should be all about the music!!! Let’s appreciate each other for that!! 

Tell me the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word:
Northern lights: Blue, green, spirits, sky, dancing
Alan Walker: Me on stage with him on Eska Music Awards in Poland a couple of years ago!! 
Nightmare: Clowns...
Flowers: My grandmas garden! (or kitchen table) 
Stage: MGP 2019 and ESC 2019!!!!
Dreams: Representing Norway in ESC 2019 with KEIINO!!!!!!!!!!

What are your plans for 2019?
Visiting European countries performing with KEiiNO! Releasing more music, have live performances, go on vacations, watch great movies, being happy! 

Is there anything you want to say to close the interview?
Thank you for interviewing me! On behalf of KEiiNO I just wanted to say thank you for all your support! We can’t wait to show you our live show on the 2nd of March! See ya! 

Thanks to Alexandra for the interview, cannot wait to see KEiiNO's performance!

Facebook: alexandrarotan / keiinomusic
Instagram: alexandrarotan / keiinomusic
Twitter: keiino

Czech Republic 2019: Lake Malawi

Here is the song that will represent Czech Republic in Tel Aviv, "Friend of a friend" by Lake Malawi:

Just heard the song for the first time and it was very listenable but I wonder if it's voteable? I don't think I would vote for it unless the performance is amazing and this is not an easy song to stage so I hope they can surprise me in may.

France 2019: Bilal Hassani

The winner of Destination Eurovision 2019 is...Bilal Hassani with the song "Roi":

I gotta say that I like Bilal, he has a very special light and energy around him but I don't like his song, don't get me wrong I like the idea behind it but I wish it was less cheesy and more powerful.

Shout out to my favorite:

Silvàn Areg

Edgars Kreilis: “Cherry Absinthe” was born by three creative minds collaborating and building fresh vibes

Photo: Lauris Vīksne

Time to post a new Supernova 2019 interview, here are Edgars' answers:
Name: Edgars Kreilis
Birthday: 29.10.1991
Height: 180cm
Favorite color: Maroon
Favorite food: Avocado salads
Childhood idol: Michael Jordan. When I was younger I loved basketball and back in those days my favorite movie was "Space Jam". Those who know, his jersey number was #23 and that is one of the reasons why my Ice-Hockey jersey has #23 on it.
Childhood memory: '''Tags'
Celebrity crush: Justin Timberlake
Favorite movie: Any movie with Kevin Hart in it.
Favorite TV series: ''Lucifer''
What's your strangest talent? I can make loud melodic clicks with my tongue.
What is the strangest thing you have in your room? Actually nothing strange.
What are you really good at? Being always on time.
What are you really bad at? I'm bad at relaxing. Always I'm up with something, even when I'm on Vacation.
What were you afraid of when you were a child? Darkness.
Tell me something no one knows about you: My mother and grandmother are Polish. My father is Latvian and my first grandfather is Ukrainian but my second grandfather is Russian.
What would you do if you were invisible? Act like a ghost.
Who would you cast to play you in a movie about your life? Kevin Hart.
What would the title of that movie be? 'Right Lefty', because my surname Keilis means - Left-handed, but I'm writting with a right hand.
If you were a girl for a day, what would you do? I would go to gym and chill in the girls shower room all day. Well, not because of nudity, but because of rumors that they have better water obviously.
Can you recommend us a song (old or new) from a Latvian artist?Instrumenti - Visa par daudz
Can you teach me some interesting words in Latvian? If you want to learn some individual words, here you go: Uzdrīksties sapņot – Dare To Dream!

Photo: Lauris Vīksne

How would you describe yourself as an artist?
As I'm a full-time employee it's only fair to be little bit self-rigorous. Meanwhile I'm a seeker and punctilious person. I guess I have found my vibe as a songwriter, but I'm still looking for the right sound, cause I would love some changes and improvements as well.

You are one of the participants of Supernova 2019. How did it all begin?
It all began in the songwriting camp “RIGaLIVE”. There were many different teams and I was selected together with a producer Arnis Račinskis and musician Jūlijs Melngailis. “Cherry Absinthe” was born by three creative minds collaborating and building fresh vibes. After the first positive feedback's, in the creative process we decided that contest “Supernova 2019” will be a perfect place to introduce this song to a wider audience. 

"Cherry Absinthe" is the title of your song, what's the story behind it?
"Cherry Absinthe" is a song about New Years Eve, where two people fell in love at a great party. In other words, it's about the moment when you forget the absence of the last year and embark on the new one with new goals, wishes and emotions, enjoying the time that we are given.

Describe the song with 4 words:
Confidence, freedom, power and love.

What can we expect to see on stage for the performance?
We have worked and continue to work to prepare an interesting and enjoyable stage performance. I hope this will be the case. To learn more, I invite you to watch Supernova on January 26th and support “Cherry Absinthe”. 

Photo: Ivo Buģis

Have you heard any of the other songs in the competition? Any favorite?
I have heard all of them and my favorite is Double Faced Eals - Fire.

What do you like about Eurovision?
It's not just a simple song contest. It's a great project which unites countries through music.

What do you dislike about Eurovision?
I guess it sometimes involves politics and that's what I don't like about it.

Tell me the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word:
Bed: DORMEO
Fruits: Cherry
Nightmare: Paranormal activity
Puppy: Golden Retriever
Clones: Olsen twins
Stage: Wambley stadium

What are your plans for 2019?
One of my goals is to build an audience by releasing songs in Latvian language. I must say, I still haven't created a viral hit song, but I'm looking forward to do so. If everything will continue successfully I'll release my first EP as well. Meanwhile - I have some upcoming concerts and festivals planned and who knows, maybe I'll seek for some opportunities abroad.

Thanks to Edgars for the interview! All the best in Supernova!

Facebook: EdgarsMusic
Instagram: edgarskreilis
Twitter: Edgars_Kreilis

Double Faced Eels: We want our song to be something positive, a mantra to people who are striving towards a goal, to be better

Photo: Roberts Āboltiņš

Let's start the day with a fiery interview from one of the Supernova 2019 semifinalists! Here are Reinis's (Lead singer of Double Faced Eels) answers:
Name: Reinis Straume
Birthday: October 4, 1988
Height: 192 cm
Favorite color: Black
Favorite food: I love me a bowl of ramen!
What do you do in the band? I’m the lead singer for our band’s more recent stuff and I also play guitar and samples. In terms of songwriting, I am in charge of lyrics and I co-write the music. Production is single-handedly taken care of by bandmate Mārtiņš “Marka” Gailītis.
What is the strangest thing you have in your room? I own a cast iron realistic chicken statue. I have no idea where it came from; I’ve had it forever.
What are you really bad at? Cars. I’m useless when it comes to something more than changing a tire or checking fluid levels.
Childhood idol: Billie Joe Armstrong from Green Day
Childhood memory: I remember going on a trip with my parents to some rural area when I was really small, then being left alone in the car (because I was asleep) and waking up to the whole car being full of wasps. I’m talking twenty-thirty wasps in a small car (this may be an exaggeration from my then-young mind, but it’s how I remember it). There was a gap in the window and for some reason this swarm of wasps had flown into the car. I was afraid to move an inch so I laid there until my parents came back to the car and opened the door (which was locked since I was left alone) and let all of the wasps out.
Celebrity crush: I used to be really into Jennifer Aniston (I’m a huge “Friends” nerd).
What were you afraid of when you were a child? Did you read the wasp story? ☺
Tell me something no one knows about you: I freakin’ HATE dill. It’s a big deal if you live in Latvia.
What would you do if you were invisible? Fight crime, naturally.
Favorite movie: Favorite childhood movie is “Back to the Future”. Is used to own the trilogy on VHS and I would watch them back to back.
Favorite TV series: Friends. I’ve competed in a couple of “Friends” trivia competitions with my friends, and even won one of them.
Who would you cast to play you in a movie about your life? I think Nicholas Cage has taken on stranger roles…
What would the title of that movie be? Reinis Straume and the Song that went to ESC 2019 (I’m a huge Harry Potter fan).
If you were a girl for a day, what would you do? I have absolutely no idea, but it would be an enlightening experience, I’m sure!
What is your guilty pleasure? Losing track of time on YouTube. I’ve been following some channels FOR YEARS already!
Can you recommend us a song (old or new) from a Latvian artist? Old, 2002! The Hobos – Walk All Night
Can you teach us some interesting words in Latvian? Idritvaikociņ (translates to something along the lines of “goshdarnit” – a very mild swear). A variation – idritvaimicīt.

Hello guys! Welcome to the Eurovision universe! How are you doing? Thanks
Fantastic! Very happy to be in the running. Right now, we’re in the middle of preparing for the national semi-final.

How would you describe the band?
We’re a modern rock/indie/pop outfit with roots in punkrock and poppunk.

How did you all meet?
We’ve been a band since 2009 and met through mutual friends.

Tell us about the name of the band:
Mark used to date this girl, the father of which owned a venue where Double Faced Eels were playing. For some reason the father did not like Mark and called him a two-faced eel (in Latvian). Mark liked this and it ended up being the band’s name (albeit slightly mistranslated).

You are one of the participants Supernova 2019. How did it all begin?
We had written “Liesma” for our 2018 EP and the song also had an English version (“Fire”). We figured that it would make a good contender for ESC, since it’s not typical and we could bring a more alternative vibe to the performace.

“Fire” is the title of your song, what’s the story behind it?
It’s about having a driving force inside you that doesn’t let you give up. No matter what your obstacles are, you will get over them if you keep that light inside you lit. The world is so fucking negative right now; we want our song to be something positive, a mantra to people who are striving towards a goal, to be better. “I’ve got a fire burning deep inside. It illuminates my way even when there’s no light. Whatever comes my, I’ll be alright.”

Describe the song with 4 words:
Energy, power, light, determination

What can we expect to see on stage for the performance?
Our song is fire-related, so we’re thinking of incorporating that side of it somehow. I’ll leave the specifics a secret, though ☺

Have you heard any of the other songs in the competition? Any favorite?
We’ve only heard other contenders for the national title. We love a few of them (and Mark has produced two others, Reinis wrote lyrics for one other)!

What do you like about Eurovision?
It’s such a rich experience – impossible to be bored at this show, because each performance brings something else to the table.

What do you dislike about Eurovision?
That it’s over so fast!

Tell me the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word:
Cold shower: good morning!
Fangirling: must-have
Socks: folding
Pancakes: and maple syrup
Nightmare: forgetting the words right before you have to sing
Live music: a good time

What are your plans for 2019?
We’ll see where our Supernova (and possibly ESC) adventure takes us. We plan on releasing our English EP and going on tour.

Is there anything you want to say to close the interview?
Thank you so much for reading and we’ll see you in Tel Aviv!

Thanks to Reinis for the interview! Good luck in Supernova!

Facebook: doublefacedeels
Instagram: doublefacedeels

Silvàn Areg: "Allez leur dire" is a song that should bring a little sun into our lives

The Destination Eurovision 2019 final is on Saturday and I got the chance to interview one of my favorite acts from the 8 finalists. Here are Silvàn's answers:
Name: Silvàn
Birthday: 18/05/1979     
Height: 178 cm
Favorite color: Blue
Favorite food: Mashed potatoes
What’s your strangest talent? Sensitivity
What is the strangest thing you have in your room? My home studio
What are you really good at? Trying to do my best
What are you really bad at? Lying
Childhood idol: American basketball players and rappers
Childhood memory: Happiness
Celebrity crush: Jessica Alba
What were you afraid of when you were a child? No particular fear
Tell me something no one knows about you: if nobody knows about it, it must remain so ☺ 
What would you do if you were invisible? I would go to the Eurovision juries box to listen to what they say
Favorite movie: Once upon a time in the bronx
Favorite TV series: Gomorra
What is your guilty pleasure? Pancakes with ice cream and whipped cream
If you were a girl for a day, what would you do? I would sing and record an album directly
Can you recommend us a song (old or new) from a french artist? Stromae (Formidable)
Can you teach me some interesting words in french? Altruism (altruism), Bienveillance (kindness), Sourire (smile)

Hello Silvàn! Congratulations for making it to the DE final! How are you doing?
I'm fine thank you, excited by the final approach but super happy

How would you describe yourself as an artist?
I am a chameleon artist, multi-faceted, after rapping under the name "casus belli", and being a lyricist I embark on this new musical adventure.

You are one of the participants of Destination Eurovision 2019. How did it all begin?
Destiny I suppose, I had not planned to participate in this show but my song fell into the hands of one of the people who was in charge of casting. Magic and life did the rest ;-)

“Le Petit Nicolas” is the title of your song, and it’s written by you, Mamadou Niakate and Erick Ness. How was it to work with them?
Unfortunately we had to change the title of the song for legal reasons. the name of the song  is now "Allez leur dire"
I work with Mamadou Niakate and Erickness who are the composers of the music. On my side I write lyrics and melodies but for simplicity and because we are a team we declare ourselves the three as songwriters. This song has arrived I do not know how, it is a little magical creation, in any case it gives happiness and makes you smile and that is the most important.

What’s the story behind the song?
This song is about going to the end of your dreams, listening to this little inner voice that pushes us to push our limits. The connection with this inner voice is a key to being fulfilled and happy.

Describe the song with 4 words:
Joy, pleasure, smile, pushes its limits

How do you feel about the reaction from the audience with your song and performance?
I am very happy with the feedback. I get messages of support from all over Europe and it's great. Beyond that it's a song that gives pleasure and brings people from all walks of life. It's a song that should make us have a good time, bring a little sun into our lives.

Let’s talk about the performance, the staging was incredible (I loved it), who came up with the idea?
I have to thank all the team that had this idea especially Marika. When she offered me this idea I said we go for it. I always liked the scene and the live and I really enjoyed myself.

Can we expect any changes for the final?
We will refine some details but the general form will remain the same. We will try to take even more pleasure and then this time the public will know the song completely. I hope they will be there to support me and sing with me.

Have you heard any of the other songs in the competition? Any favorite?
There are very pretty music, everyone is happy to be there and that's the point. I have a small preference for Chimène Badi, Seemone and Doutson.

What do you like about Eurovision?
Communion between people and countries. It is an event that brings people together and works for peace. We are all humans first and foremost.

What do you dislike about Eurovision?
Criticism is too easy with disrespect to the show. People do not realize the work behind it.

Tell me the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word:
Nightmare: loss of voice
Water: life
Noise: silence
+18: reality
Prof de sport: pleasure
Dreams: conquer the world with my music

Thanks to Silvàn for the interview! All the best in the final!

Facebook: silvanaregoff/
Instagram: silvanaregoff/
Twitter: silvanaregoff

Spain 2019: Miki

Europe! We have the 2nd song of the year and it is "La Venda" by Miki:

When I heard the full songs for the first time this one and Muerdeme were my favorites so I am very happy with the results. I think Miki did a good job on stage tonight but we all know how lazy and clueless TVE is when it comes to Eurovision so they better start working very hard on the staging to make this shine on may cause. They have a nice song with a very charming performer dont put all the weight on his shoulders, sure this is a song to have fun and sing along but it needs something else that wasnt there tonight and that is a good visual performance.

Big shout out to my other 2 favorites:

María

Julia

Bella Santiago: Army of love is a song about fighting for freedom to love and to be loved!

Hola! Im back and what better way to start the year than posting an interview with the winner of X Factor Romania 2018 and one of the biggest favorites of Selecția Națională 2019! Here are Bella's answers:
Name: Bella Santiago
Birthday: December 1 1989
Height: 5'3
Favorite color: Red
Favorite food: Seafood
3 things that make you happy: Singing, dancing, family
What is the strangest thing you have in your room? Lots of pillows
What are you really good at? Cooking
What are you really bad at? I dont know how to be bad 😂
Childhood idol: Whitney Houston
Childhood memory: Helping my grandmother cleaning the house and cooking
Celebrity crush: Channing Tatum
What were you afraid of when you were a child? Ghosts
Tell me something no one knows about you: If nobody knows why should I tell u 😜
Favorite movie: The Notebook
Favorite TV series: The Walking Dead
Who would you cast to play you in a movie about your life? Beyonce
What would the title of that movie be? Fighter
What is your guilty pleasure? Eating junkfood
If you were a boy for a day, what would you do? Go to toilet and try how to pee standing
Can you recommend us a song (old or new) from a  Romanian &/or Filipino artist? Anak - Freddie Aguilar
Can you teach us some interesting words in Romanian/Filipino? Voce de aur! Masarap!

Hello Bella! Welcome to the Eurovision universe! How are you doing?
Im happy that I am part of Eurovision 2019

How would you describe yourself as an artist?
Im an artist who is different on stage and off stage in a good way

You are one of the participants of Selecția Națională 2019. How did it all begin?
I wrote a song with Alex Luft and also wrote a philippine rap on it and luckily there was a wildcard that gave me a chance coz I was busy on Xfactor Romania at the time for submitting the songs .

“Army of Love” is the title of your song, what’s the story behind it?
Army of love's story is about fighting for what you love and not quitting no matter how many trials you had in your life. With all the problems that are happening now in our world, love is one of the weapons that we all have to be united and understand each other no matter what you are...a child, the youth, a woman, a man or those who have the wild hearts, wild love no matter what...we are all humans that know how to love and accept each one of us for a better world and for a better future! Army of love is a song about fighting for freedom to love and to be loved!

Describe the song with 4 words:
Love, freedom, acceptance, fighter

What can we expect to see on stage for the performance?
A suprise

Have you heard any of the other songs in the competition? Any favorite?
All the songs are nice and the artists are all good

What do you like about Eurovision?
That we can sing our original songs

What do you dislike about Eurovision?
Competition of great songs

Tell me the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word:
X Factor: Accomplishment
Freedom: Stage
Dog: Bestfriend
Nightmare: Sad
Girl power: Strong woman
Dreams: Working hard

What are your plans for 2019?
To have my own song be heard all around the world

Is there anything you want to say to close the interview?
Thank you so much...Lets stop the hate! Lets make love and not war "army of love"

Thanks to Bella for the interview. All the best in the selection!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bellasantiagoo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellasantiagoresciebelle/