EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH NINA SUBLATTI!

Nina Sublatti is the big favourite to take the crown in Georgia and represent her country in Vienna. I was fortunate enough to speak with her about her latest projects. Enjoy!

Jack - Firstly, I'd like to say a massive thank you for agreeing to do this interview. I'm a big fan! 

Nina - Thank you too for being that cute! 

Jack - Why did you decide to enter the Georgian selection? 

Nina - Taking part in the Eurovision is very important thing for Georgia. I’ll try to explain why: Georgia is very small country, there are many talented people here who’s trying hard to go out and work in Europe. So I think that project is great chance for Georgian artists to show their work to the world. To be honest I was not interested to take part in the national final, I was working on my second album but my fans asked me to write some song for Eurovision. They were asking me to do that about 6 months, so I did that.. After several years of watching the Eurovision, I have developed an opinion about how to present Georgia so I hope that people will give me a chance to do that.

Jack - Can you tell us some information about your song? Did you compose it especially for Eurovision?

Nina - I wrote the song about me and generally about Georgian women. If we look at the history of Georgia, we see that women have always been important figures. They simply sought to be good women, good mothers, good teachers. The Georgian woman has to be able to control her temper and raise her child as a warrior. So, she became a warrior. In Georgian I chose the title “Mother Man”. Unfortunately, this word does not exist in other languages, and because of this I called it “Warrior”. I created the song ”Warrior” — the text, music and everything else belongs to me. I had to submit several versions for the competition, but none were satisfying. They didn’t have enough salt. At 4 o’clock at night, when I thought that all hope of writing the song was gone, I decided to write the last one. And if I didn’t like that one I would not take a part in a competition. I started to meditade. I gethered all my energy and I sang a melody with its lyrics. I liked it. I spent approximately 30 minutes on its structure. At last I sat down and by 7 o’clock I had finished it. I spent a few days thinking about the song, because the Eurovision format is different from my genre, which is ambient, psychedelic and alternative. So it took me a little time to rearrange it as pop music.

Jack - Your song is the clear favourite to win the Georgian selection, what does it mean for you to have so much support from people across Europe and the whole world? 

Nina - Well, let's see. National final results will be published on 14th January. As I said it's very hard to go out and work in Europe for Georgians. We work hard, we try hard but there's still huge distance between me and you... For me, as an artist the main thing is to make people listen my music. I was born to share my creature. That's why I decided to take part in national selection of Eurovision. I really would like to go out in Europe and take new experience.

Jack - If you do win the Georgian national final, can you reveal any details about your performance in Vienna?

Nina - Let's just wait and see what will happen 

Jack - What would it mean for you to represent your country in Eurovision? 

Nina - Oh, that would be taking responsibility to show your best without any budget. That's very very hard! 

Jack - Are you a fan of Eurovision? Did you watch the 2014 contest?

Nina - I started watching Eurovision from the first Georgian singers performance, don't really remember the date. So i did watch 2014 contest. I will watch 2015's too.

Jack - Could you tell us something about yourself that people won't necessarily know? 

Nina - Oh well, there's too many things to tell. My latest news is that I'm working on my second album and preparing to open my own fashion clothes and accessories line. Besides that I'm a vocal coach and imagemaker. I was studying in art school, than in Tbilisi state academy of art, now I'm in Tbilisi State Conservatoire, learning music technologies.. No really! There's too many things! 

Jack - It's been an absolute pleasure, Nina! I wish you the best of luck! Thank you so much..

Nina - Thank you very much! for the interview and for warm wishes! Good luck!

The Georgian representative will be chosen on 14th January. Enjoy Nina's song below:

Interview 2015: Krystal Mills!

Krystal Mills is a Welsh singer-songwriter aiming to represent The Emerald Isle in Eurovision 2015. She narrowly missed out from competing in the Romanian national final earlier this year with Mircea Cioclei and their beautiful ballad Every Time I See You. Krystal also entered the Swiss selection with Bang Bang Bang but now has her eyes set on flying the Irish flag in Vienna. I was fortunate enough to speak to Krystal about her new single, Conchita Wurst, hunky cowboys and her experience in Romania!

Jack - Why do you want to represent Ireland in Eurovision and not the United Kingdom?

Krystal - Well I wanted to submit a song for Eurovision either for UK or Ireland and just felt that “Hometown” is more suited for Ireland as it has a huge Country Music Fanbase. After I entered for Romania and Switzerland last year I wanted to try closer to home. My nan who passed away was Irish and felt maybe with the luck of the Irish In my blood that I maybe 3rd time lucky.

Jack - Last year, you entered the Swiss and Romanian selections with Bang Bang Bang and Every Time I See You respectively but what song do you prefer? 

Krystal - I love both songs as they were both different genres and shown my vocal versatility and each song opened up new opportunities for me. “Bang Bang Bang” was my first ever solo entry which I produced and written and put forward as my Swiss entry for 2014 which had a James Bond Theme to it. However “ETISY” was a beautiful Duet Piano Ballad and gave me an opportunity to travel to Romania and work with some amazing people and songwriters. So out of these I would have to say I love the songs equally for different reasons.

Jack - You toured Romania with Mircea Cioclei to promote your entry earlier this year - how was that for you?

Krystal - It was a great and exciting time for me. It was the first time I had visited Eastern Europe and discover their culture. I was greeted very warmly into their country and gained a lot of respect from the public. It was a long trip to get there and traveling back, but it was defiantly worth it. 
(In total it took me about 15hrs to get from Cardiff to Braila as it was a 4hr coach journey traveling with national express coach from Cardiff central station to London Heathrow Terminal 5. Then an extra 2hrs going through security and waiting at the gate. Then 3hrs on British Airways Flight to Bucharest Henri Conda (Otopeni) Airport).

Once I arrived at Bucharest I did feel a little anxious and worried but was warmly greeted my my Eurovision Duo Mircea Cioclei. It was strange as we had only talked on facebook and flying out alone I know that I had to be brave in this business and go out of your comfort zone. I then had a four hour taxi ride from one of Mircea’s friends who kindly gave us a lift from the Airport to Braila (Mircea’s Hometown).

Local Gigs In Braila.
I managed to find a few venues nearby to have us perform our Eurovision Song “Every Time I See You” AKA “ETISY” and also got to perform my own set of original and cover’s for them that night also which a lot were entertained by some Shania Twain song haha. Also performed at a some venues in Bucharest a couple days before I flew home. On certain nights they would also hold karaoke nights of which were run by Mircea’s friends so would perform our single at their venues also to help promote the song.

TV Apperances.
Me and Mircea managed to get a few contacts interested in our story and out of that we got onto TVH (TV Channel) to promote our own songs and to tell the Romanian public about our announcement of putting a song forward for Eurovision 2014.

This was my first Performance on TV and was a great pleasure to perform for the Romanian Public and see them react in a positive response to my country original songs too as I performed my song “He’s an Idiot” on Live TV.-Link to show is here. When we found out we didn't make it. I received a phone call from home back in Cardiff.... (The night before the announcement I couldn’t sleep as I was so anxious to know the result as many others who entered were feeling the same too) My mum was on the other side of the phone to find out that they called out the top 12 who have made it to the national finals. She told me that we didn't make it.  

I was absolutely gutted and my heart sank in as it hit me quite a bit as we had so much support and worked hard on this track and working with an amazing team we thought it deserved to be in the top 12. About 5 minutes after I had a knock on the door and it was Mircea and he just looked at me and I said “I know”... However we started talking about promoting it and releasing it soon after including a music video and a performance in Bucharest which was organised by our Romanian short term Manager. Invites back to Romania. This then led onto lots more opportunity’s to perform at various concerts including the George Grigoiu Festival in Braila which I represented the UK and had to sing one of my own songs and a song in Romanian. This festival was also televised by TVR2 (Similar to UK Version of BBC 2)
  
Overall Experiance
It was a rollercoaster ride but I will never forget the experience and publicity I had and how it helped me to become a stronger person and take bad news on the chin and to keep working at what you love doing and one day someone will listen and fulfil my dream. I will never forget the opportunity and privilege to explore another country and gaining new fans and friends. The Eurovision experience for me has allowed me to acquire lots of connections through Europe who all got the same passion for Eurovision either as performers or promoters. To this day I and Mircea still keep in contact which I know he has continued to stick to his Dance/Clubland and working on new music releases. 

Jack - Can you tell us some more details about Hometown? Did you write it especially for Eurovision? 

Krystal - Hometown was defiantly made for Eurovision. I knew that I had to plan in advance for 2015 so as soon as the entry date had opened I can send the song in asap. I wanted to choose the perfect song and write the right lyrics for it too as this year I aim for a winning song and hope to sing to 170 million viewers. My swiss entry “Bang Bang Bang” was composed and written by myself however Romanian wasn’t. I want the next song I enter to be written by me. But am proud to be working with another great producer called Russell Steedle based in Hollywood, USA on “Hometown” After not proceeding further with Romania and Switzerland there was no way of stopping me from working harder to get my Eurovision dream to happen into reality and I shall keep at it.

Jack - If you do advance to the Irish national final, what will your performance be like?

Krystal - I have a couple of ideas up my sleeve. I am thinking some hunky cowboys dancers maybe wearing a little waist coat, jeans, Cowboy hat and boots.  Some other ideas but I shall not mention yet.

Jack - Did you watch Eurovision 2014? What song was your favourite?

Krystal - Who didn't watch it? Lol.... I love Eurovision! I got to say I even got my top three right in the finals. I had 

1. Conchita Wurst (Austria)
2. The Common Linnets (The Netherlands)
3. Sanna Nielsen (Sweden)

Jack - Do you think the best song (Conchita Wurst's "Rise Like A Phoenix") won?

Krystal - Absolutely!
The song was a perfect win and May I say had also a “James Bond” theme to it.  Conchita sang the song beautifully! The Stage/Lighting Production team did an amazing job too helping to bring the song to life.

Jack - Have you been to Vienna before?

Krystal - I haven’t myself however my mum went to Austria to compete In Mrs Europe. My mum was representing Wales and her number was “6” so because it’s the 60th anniversary of Eurovision next year I’m hoping it may be a sign I can follow my mums footsteps but instead of a Europe Beauty Pageant it will be a Europe Song Competition. I have seen photos of Austria and looks like a beautiful place. I shall have to brush up on my German If I attend 2015.

Jack - Here are some random questions for my readers to get to know you a little bit better. Where is your favourite place to holiday? 

Krystal - That’s such a difficult one.... I have been to Disney Land Paris, Algarve (Villamora, Portugal), Salou & Barcelona (Spain), Shannon (Ireland) and Bucharest & Braila (Romania) – All holidays have been for different reasons and with different people but I like view architecture and historical buildings and being a real tourist. Its sooo difficult but I will have to say probably Portugal because it was a nice family holiday.

Jack - Your favourite alcoholic drink? 

Krystal - I love a Jack Daniels and Coke!  any day....anytime 

Jack - Can you speak any foreign languages? 

Krystal - Well I can only say my hello’s, goodbye’s and Thankyou’s haha- in French, German, Spanish, Welsh and Romanian. I can say a few swear words in Gaelic and welsh too. Including count to 29 in French and in Welsh. English is my only fluent language...

Jack - Apart from songwriting and singing, what other interests do you have?

Krystal - I like to take my dog out for daily walks. But I am mainly busy promoting and designing posters and publicity for my music including emarketing and don’t have a lot of time for anything else. I am always forward planning.

A massive thank you to Krystal for this!! Enjoy a teaser of her new song below..

Interview 2015: Ása Ástardóttir!

Ása Ástardóttir is Iceland's one and only Youtube Queen, and she's now aiming for Eurovision. Ása competes with the song Don't Stop The Madness - an epic feel-good song with a fantastic video-clip to match! I had the opportunity to speak to her about pink limos, wind machines and being covered in Swiss chocolate!!

Jack - You're originally from Iceland - so why did you decide to enter the Swiss selection for Eurovision?

Ása - Yes, I am Icelandic but I live in Germany and have been traveling around the world. Switzerland offers a great opportunity for independent artist. Their concept of the Eurovision Contest is the most modern and free competition in all of Europe this year. I am very proud to be allowed to send my song to the Preselection in Swiss and to compete with other very VERY creative artist. It´s just so much passion and love in the competition.

Jack - It looks like you had lots of fun filming the video-clip! How was it for you?

Ása - It´s all about fun! When we plan our videos we think of all the fun stuff we would like to see or do or experience. And we just GO FOR IT! I dream of a pink limo – voilá! There is a pink limo and I just jump in! I love old timers! Hello old timer driver, please take me for a ride!!! It´s not complicated making videos. It´s just complicated to get started and go for the things you dream of!

Jack - If you do advance to the Swiss national final and then Eurovision, how will stage your performance? 

Ása - Whatever happens, I will definitely get my wind machine!!! And I might be covered in Swiss chocolate and the beautiful sexy dancers too. Doesn't it sound delicious?

Jack - What would it mean for you to represent Switzerland in Vienna?

Ása - I will be a great representant for Switzerland. I even went to language school to learn Schwiizerdütsch! And I also bring my own big Swiss mountains to the ESC!

Jack - Have you always been a Eurovision fan? Did you watch Eurovision 2014?

Ása - Always, always and forever! The ESC is a never ending glamorous Disco night with friends from all over Europe! There is no life without the song contest! And Conchita just proved my point. What a sensational personality.

Jack - Here are a few random questions for my readers to get to know you a little bit better. Where is your favourite place to holiday?

Ása - My life is one big holiday! I am always hungry for new things and there will always be a place I haven’t been to.

Jack - Your favourite alcoholic drink?

Ása - There is no drink without alcohol in my life. I especially enjoy everything sparkling!

Jack - Can you speak any foreign languages?

Ása - I speak the languages of love and a few others.

Jack - Apart from songwriting and singing, what other interests do you have?

Ása - I am a big girl, and my size and style requests creativity, so I looove designing my clothes and hair decorations. I collect nailpolish and everything in pink or with bling bling!  

Jack - ÞAKKA ÞÉR! Thank you so much - I wish you the best of luck!

Ása - Big Kisses!!!

Y'all can vote for Ása here - and enjoy her song below...

Interview 2015: Kitty Brucknell!

Kitty Brucknell is aiming to represent Switzerland with Yearning. This blogger has been a massive fan ever since her appearance on The X Factor so I am delighted to finally speak to her about her X Factor experience, learning new languages and why Eurovision is so important to her. Enjoy!!

Jack - Thank you so much for agreeing to do this interview, Kitty. Can you tell us some information about yourself, for the readers who might not be familiar with your work?

Kitty - Hi there, thanks for having me!!! Well, I am a singer from the UK, and I am famous because I Did the X factor in 2011, and was pretty controversial, I was a big performer and pretty quirky. I still get recognised in the street from just being on TV for 6 weeks 3 years ago, so I guess I made quite an impression!

Jack - You're one of my favourite X Factor contestants ever - what was that experience like? What was your favourite moment from the show?

Kitty - I loved doing the show, but it's been a real struggle afterwards. I really wanted to do something with the opportunity that Id been given, so I'm so excited about the prospect of entering Eurovision this year. My favourite moment, probably the Sweet Dreams performance. I loved that. It really felt like "me".

Jack - Why do you want to represent Switzerland in Eurovision?

Kitty - Because they really care about their artists and they really want them to win. I need as many votes as possible, and it's so important to vote!!! But genuinely because it gives me the chance to fly the flag for two countries, and I wouldn't get the opportunity at all, the BBC sadly wouldn't allow an XF contestant to take the place of someone from their own show "The Voice". At least, that's what I've been told. It sucks - but it means I have the chance to represent switzerland, and then the UK gets to vote for me if I get through to Vienna!!

Jack - Yearning is already proving to be a fan favourite, it's awesome - can you tell us some information about the song?

Kitty - Ahhhh I'm so excited!!! It's was going to be in a musical, but they cut it from the final line up. I heard and knew right away it was perfect for Eurovison. It's theatrical and shows off my voice as well which is great.

Jack - Do you plan on releasing an official video-clip?

Kitty - I hope to do that, but I need some funding for that really. Making a music video is really expensive and for an independent artist it's almost impossible unless there's funding behind it all.

Jack - Have you heard any other songs in the Swiss selection - and if so, do you have any favourites?

Kitty - I'm trying not to look because I know I'll get really paranoid and lose confidence. Hahaha!!! No, really - I had a look before we signed up and I loved Jessica Suttas song, but it turned out she didn't submit it! The guy with the funny video though about the surgery. Loved that, it's kind of Weird Al Yankovich in a good way, and original too. He's also from Switzerland which probably means he's strong compeition!!!

Jack - If you do advance to the Swiss national final and then Eurovision, how will you stage your performance? 

Kitty - I'm planning on doing something groundbreaking. I really want it to be classy, but also showing off the beautiful Swiss country as well. That's all I can say!

Jack - What would it mean for you to participate in Eurovision?

Kitty - It would mean everything. Literally everything. I have struggled so much to get my music heard, and it's been a huge fight to even get this far. I need everyone's help, because the only way I can do this is by votes.

Jack - Did you watch Eurovision 2014? And did you have any favourites?

Kitty - Ruth Lorenzo!!!! And also the Netherlands as well. Their song was awesome!

Jack - Here are a few random questions for my readers to get to know you a little bit better. Where is your favourite place to holiday?

Kitty Egypt! It's so beautiful.

Jack - Your favourite alcoholic drink?

Kitty - Disaronno and apple juice. Mmmmm.

Jack - Can you speak any foreign languages?

Kitty - If I get through to the Swiss national final, I'm going to make sure I can speak a little of French, German, Italian and Romansh. My mum knows French quite well, and I know a bit of conversational Italian. It means a lot to me that the Swiss people can see I'm dedicated to this.

Jack - Apart from songwriting and singing, what other interests do you have?

Kitty - I'm really into alternative ancient archeology. It's a long story :-)

Jack - A massive thank you, Kitty! You're fabulous and I'd love to see you represent Switzerland! Best of luck :)

Kitty - Ahhh thank you!!! You can vote for me by going to www.votekitty.co.uk :-)

You can vote for Kitty here! And you can also enjoy her latest single below:

San Marino: Valentina Monetta interview!

Valentina Monetta has already represented San Marino in 2012 and 2013, now she's back again - and her mission is to make the grand final! I was lucky enough to speak to her.

Jack: In June 2013, it was confirmed that you would represent San Marino for the third year in a row. Why did you want to participate in Eurovision again.

Valentina: Why not? It would have been a shame to interrupt such an adventure.

Jack: It must have been a hard choice when choosing your entry for Copenhagen - so why did you pick "Maybe (Forse)"?

Valentina: True, it hasn't been easy. I have decided with my production team. As last year our song was well liked , we believed it's good to go on with the same path. Maybe is an evlotuion of Crisalide.

Jack: Regarding Copenhagen, can you reveal any details about your performance?

Valentina: I can only say you will see me smiling a lot!

Jack: Have you had chance to listen to any of the other Eurovision entries this year? If so, do you have any favourites?

Valentina: Germany and Hungary.

Jack: Who would you consider as your biggest rival in Copenhagen?

Valentina: Hard to tell, at this moment.....

Jack: San Marino have unfortunately never qualified to the final, why do you think this is?

Valentina: Maybe because we are a small country and to reach the final, maybe more than just talent is needed??? I don't know....

Jack: What are you plans after Eurovision?

Valentina: To promote my new album Sensibilità and do many, many concerts.

Jack: Who would you like to see represent San Marino in 2015?

Valentina: There are many collegues of mine getting ready for that. Well, we'll see.

Jack: Here are a couple of questions to get to know you a little bit more... Where is your favourite place to holiday?

Valentina: I have fallen in love with a place in south-west of Sardinia. A laguna where I can relax while working, practising kite surf!

Jack: Do you have any hidden talents?

Valentina: I'm a creative person, I paint, create, plan, dance... many the things I would have wanted to done if I wasn't singing.

Jack: What has been the most embarrassing moment of your life?

Valentina: Ha ha ha, I can tell a funny event. When I was just starting with kite surf and not very good with my kite yet.. I took a flight for several meters on water and was ripped off my swimsuit.... giving a good view to several persons nearby, oops!

Jack: Thank you so much for agreeing to do this interview, Valentina! I wish you the best of luck in Copenhagen and fingers crossed you will qualify!

Valentina: Thank you, Jack! Enjoy your life!