NORTH MACEDONIA – It seems that from all the desperate copies released so far across Europe and Australia, North Macedonia saves the day with a powerful ballad titled HERE I STAND and performed by Vasil G.

The singer-songwriter describes the process of crafting his second Eurovision Song Contest entry:

“In the middle of the chaos and whirlwind of disappointments last year, I wrote ‘Here I Stand’ in one breath without any specific aim or focus. I think it rose out of one of those special and rare moments in life when you are at one with yourself and able to let emotions flow in their purest form without self judgment, freely and sincerely.”

Borche Kuzamovskia (of the Skopje-based rock band Nokaut) and fellow Macedonian musician Davor Jordanovski have worked alongside Vasil on the arrangement and production, which was partly recorded with a live symphonic orchestra in the nation’s capital.

Backing vocals have been recorded in the United States by former members of the Chicago Children’s Choir, in which Vasil participated as a child.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Born in Strumica, North Macedonia, Vasil immigrated to the United States with his family at the age of 12, and it’s his globe-trotting history that has given him his unique musical perspective.

As a teen, Vasil joined the Chicago Children’s Choir and sang as an ensemble member and soloist on some of the most prestigious stages in America, collaborating with many world-class musicians.

At 18, he continued his vocal education at a private academy in Milan, Italy for one year, followed by four years on a full vocal scholarship to the Glenn Gould School at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. He finished his studies with honors at the prestigious University of Toronto Opera School.

As a sought-after leading operatic baritone, Vasil has played over 50 roles with performances in Italy, Canada, Germany, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States, and France. He has also participated in prestigious music festivals, such as Britten-Pears in the UK, Grachten Festival in Amsterdam, and the Marlboro Music Festival in the United States.

In 2018 Vasil’s musical journey came full circle; returning to his home country to concentrate on a pop career and promoting Macedonian heritage and arts.

LYRICS

There are times when I remember back
The child about to crack
I’ll tell him, “Wait, you won’t be long
Trust your heart and just stay strong

‘Cause baby, they all tried to break us
Not knowing it’s what makes us
This is how we found our way
Now here I stand
There’s no pretend
My walls are down, my heart’s in your hand
Unchain my wings
And the oceans of tears will fade to black
With the song of my years, ooh-ooh-ooh

Woah-oah

They all tried to break us (Tried to break us)
Not knowing it’s what makes us (They don’t know)
This is how we found our way (This is how we found our way)
(Herе I stand)
My walls are down, my heart’s in your hand
They all triеd to break us (To break us)
Not knowing it’s what makes us (They don’t know)
This is how we found our way

There are times when I remember back
And all I do is smile
All for you

(They all tried to break us)
(Not knowing it’s what makes us)
(And this is how we found our way)