LATVIA
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PeR are representing Latvia with the song “Here we go”. PeR is short for (Please Explain The Rhythm) and is Latvian beatbox and vocals formed by two singers Edmunds and Ralfs. Following their second dress rehearsal here in Malmo, PeR said their rehearsal was “epic” and seem very pleased with everything on stage. They mentioned that this was the fourth time they tried to represent Latvia at Eurovision and they finally made it, in what was a very strong National Final. Ralfs is blown away by the Swedish organisation and Eurovision as a whole, he thinks that Eurovision should not be typical “euro” songs anymore, but let all artists across all genres of music compete to show each countries wide variety of music. One journalist asks why Latvia who has entered 14 years now, but only won once .. They replied by saying “the saviours are here now” and PeR are hoping to be the next Eurovision stars. How was this song created? Ralfs tells us that the beat came first and then the rest followed.
Now the press conference turned into a concert as Ralfs & Edmunds stood up sang their hearts out with an upbeat dance number .. Waking up the whole room as they got faster and faster with their words and music .. Fantastic display of their music talent. New band name “Eurovisoners”.
SAN MARINO
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Valentina Monetta represents San Marino with the song “Crisalide” (Vola). This is Valentina’ second attempt in Eurovision after singing in the 2012 contest with the song “Social Network”. Unfortunately she never made the finals last year but has teamed up again with one of Eurovision’ legend composers Ralph Siegel and hopes to bring San Marino to the finals for the first time since they started participating in the Eurovision Song Contest. After her second dress rehearsal Valentina looked rested and well. She seems very pleased with how everything is going on stage, with the lighting and with her vocals. Valentina was asked why her songs are in complete contrasts. Last year’s entry was meant for another artist, and this years song was written especially for her and her vocal ability. This 2013 experience is very personal, the story she tells on stage is a “breath of life” – it’s all about her, in her own words. Valentina was asked what her dream of this years Eurovision was .. She replied “to reach the heart of the people”. Valentina has said that Vola has her soul in the song, it’s more than music.
Ralph Siegel was asked about the key changes within the song .. He replied that the key changes show how Valentina’s voice can fly higher and higher to a dramatic end. Ralph also tells how “Vola” would not have happened if Valentina had not participated last year, because he got to know her and Ralph developed “Vola” based on her unique voice. An American journalist asked Valentina how she looks so young for her age? Valentina replied “It’s love”.
Lys Assia had placed Valentina’ at the top of her list for potential winners of the Eurovision Song Contest 2013. Valentina was truly humbled by this admission. Good luck to San Marino for Thursday’s final.
FYR MACEDONIA
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Esma & Lozano represent F.Y.R. Macedonia with the song “Pred da se razdeni” (Before the Sunrise). Esma is very famous for her victory of the very first gypsy world festival, which was held in India in 1976 and has been associated in donating a lot of her money from concerts to charity. Esma is a member of the city council and vice president of Romany organisation, Human rights and no borders are her strongest political interests. Lozano started his music career in the talent show Mak Stars back in 2007. He is very well known for performing traditional Macedonian songs which are a huge part of Macedonian culture. After their second dress rehearsal Esma & Lozano seem very satisfied with how everything is going on stage, with the lighting, stage and with their vocals. Esma has been singing for 55 years now, almost as long as the existence of the Eurovision Song Contest and Lozano is proud to be with Esma on stage and grateful to MRTV for making this possible. Esma told us that she wrote her first song when she was just 9 years old. Apart from her love for music she also has said humanity is her love. She has raised 48 children (47 boys & 1 girl). One of their backing vocalists this year is actually the girl that she has raised. Lozano was asked why they didn’t sing the song in English this year, he responded by saying that the song suits better in Macedonian than in English, maybe English will follow in future contests.
Esma then was asked to sing her most famous song (Chaje Shukarije)… to which the journalists gave a huge applause .. Truly amazing song. The question about “Imperija” arrived … why did they decide not to select this song ? It was because it was the decision of the people and it was important to send the song that the Macedonian people wanted. Helena Luca has designed the dress that Esma will wear on Tuesday night and features a lot of red to represent warmth and passion of life. Finally Esma was asked about her previous attempt at entering Eurovision which was back in 1971 when it was the Former Yugoslavia, the National final took place in Slovenia and Esma placed 2nd . Good luck to F.Y.R. Macedonia in Thursday’s semi final.
AZERBAIJAN
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Farid Mammadov represents Azerbaijan with the song “Hold me” . Farid is just 21 years old and was raised on traditional Azerbaijani folk music and a very complex vocal artist. “Hold me” is composed by world famous composer “Dimitrios Kontopoulos” who has previously produced Eurovision songs for Ani Lorak & Sakis Rouvas. Following on from the Azeri’ second dress rehearsal today, Farid has told us that he is very happy with his performance, but he did have a few technical improvements to make with the glass box and the male dancer. Also the issues with the dress’ 20m train are now solved and everything works as we hoped. Farid came to the conference with an Azeri and Swedish flag … the Swedish flag is in honour of Loreen for her bringing the contest back to Sweden, a country where Farid always wanted to visit. Farid was asked about the large Greek influence in his song and he told us that bringing together professional musicians from around Europe is what music is all about and Farid was noticed in a talent show in Azerbaijan and Dimitrios/John wrote a song for Farid .. “Hold me” was born.
After hosting the 2012 contest, Farid was asked what his impression of change were in Azerbaijan since the past year? Farid answered that the main development was that the Azeri people like Eurovision a lot more now. Farid was asked what his plans are after Eurovision? He answered by saying his mind is only on Eurovision right now, but he will most likely continue singing and sports. Good luck to Farid in Thursday’s semi final.
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