Hi Nathan, thank you for taking some time out from your schedule to talk to us about your Eurovision experience so far. Firstly could you tell our readers a little bit about yourself and how you became a singer?

- My name is Nathan Trent, I’m 24 and I’m a singer and soangwriter from Austria. I was raised bilingually, Italian and German and I’ve always loved the theater. I recently finished my studies in musical theater and I have been writing a lot of songs in the past years. I have been singing since I was a child and at the age of 11 I started writing my own songs. Through the years I figured out which genre I felt the best in and after a lot of writing, I decided to release my first single „Like It is“ back in June 2016.

Could you tell us how you were chosen to represent your country in Kyiv?

- I was asked by Eberhard Forcher, if I wanted to participate at the internal pre-selection and of course, I said yes! After months of writing and recording, the ORF made the decision to choose „Running on Air“ as their entry, which made me incredibly proud!

Foto: ORF/Thomas Ramstorfer

Since being chosen as the Austrian representative, has your life changed much? Is there something that is completely new maybe?

- Well, I’d say there are definitely more cameras in my life right now and people ask me more questions than usual ;). But I’m very honored and happy that my music creates such an interest, I feel incredibly honored! I’ve been receiving a lot of love and support from all over Europe! I’m so happy that people like my song and I’m more than grateful to be able to experience that my music is being heard all over.

You released your song back in February, What is the meaning and the message of your song and what does it mean personally to you?

- The title “Running On Air” is more like a metaphor for enjoying and appreciating life with its ups and downs. I wrote this song during a moment in my life, where I wasn’t really sure which career path I was going to take. I needed something to remind me of my strengths and something that would motivate me. The lyrics came very naturally as well as the melody. I hope that people will be able to relate to this song.

Could you perhaps give us an insight as to what we are to expect from your performance and show in Kyiv? Or will you keep everything a secret to surprise us?

- Unfortunately I can’t give away anything, but I can tell you that we found something that suits the song in the best way. Let me surprise you!

What is your earliest memory of Eurovision and how did you first hear about the contest? Do you perhaps have any favorite songs from past editions of the contest?

- Back in 2010 when Lena Meyer-Landrut won. That was the moment I realized how great the ESC is! I’d say Euphoria by Loreen is my all-time favorite!

You asked fans to help you decide on four Eurovision entries for you to cover in an acoustic live session. How did you come up with the idea and why did you decide to do it?

- I wanted to honor the contestants from the past years and celebrate this incredible journey by singing Eurovision songs. I still can’t believe how lucky I am to be able to participate in such an amazing event and I couldn’t be more grateful to represent my country with my own song.

Thank you so much once again Nathan for answering our questions – we wish you the best of luck in May. Do you perhaps have a message for your fans and our readers?

- Thank you so much for your interview! To all the readers and supporters: Thank you for supporting and believing in me and the song! Also thanks taking your time and getting to know me a little more! I wish you all the best and I’m very thankful to celebrate and share this incredible experience with you! Yours, Nathan

Look at the official video of Nathan’s song: „Running on Air“! 

FORUM: Austria 2017.

Zdravo Nejtane, hvala ti puno što si odvojio svoje vreme da odgovoriš na nekoliko pitanja i da podeliš svoje evrovizijsko putovanje sa nama. Najpre, da li možeš malo više reći o sebi i kako si odlučio da postaneš pevač?

- Zovem se Nejtan Trent (Nathan Trent), imam 24 godine i pevač sam i kompozitor iz Austrije. Moje detinjstvo je bilo dvojezično, na nemačkom i na italijanskom, i uvek sam voleo pozorište.  Nedavno sam završio studije u muzičkom pozorištu i u poslednjih nekoliko godina napisao sam dosta pesama. Pevam od detinjstva, a sa napunjenih 11 godina počeo sam da pišem svoje pesme. Nakon nekoliko godina, shvatio sam kakva muzika mi odgovara kada pevam i posle mnogo stvaranja, odlučio sam da objavim svoj prvi singl „Like It Is“  u junu prošle godine.

Možeš li nam ispričati kako si izabran za predstavnika svoje zemlje u Kijevu?

- Eberhard Forher, muzičar iz Austrije, pitao me da li bih hteo da učestvujem u internoj selekciji za Austriju i naravno da sam rekao da! Nakon nekoliko meseci stvaranja i snimanja, austrijska televizija ORF je izabrala pesmu „Running on Air“ za put do Kijeva, zbog čega sam veoma ponosan.

Foto: ORF/Thomas Ramstorfer

Posle izbora za predstavnika Austrije na Evrosongu, da li se tvoj život puno promenio? Postoji li nešto što je potpuno novo za tebe?

- Rekao bih da definitvno ima više kamera u mom životu i ljudi mi postavljaju više pitanja nego pre ;). Međutim, osećam se veoma ponosnim i srećnim što moja muzika budi interesovanje i čast mi je zbog toga. Primio sam mnogo ljubavi i podrške iz cele Evrope! Veoma sam srećan što ljudi vole moju pesmu i zahvalan sam jer sam dobio priliku da doživim da mnogi slušaju moju muziku.

Objavio si svoju pesmu u februaru ove godine. Možeš li nam ukratko reći koja je poruka tvoje pesme i koliko ti lično znači?

- Naslov moje pesme („Running on Air“) je više kao metafora koja govori o doživljavanju i uvažavanju života kroz uspone i padove. Napisao sam ovu pesmu u trenutku u kom nisam bio baš siguran kakvu karijeru da izaberem. Bilo mi je potrebno nešto da me podseti na moje prednosti i nešto što bi me motivsalo. Tekst pesme je došao sasvim prirodno, kao i melodija i nadam se da ljudi mogu da se poistovete sa mojom pesmom.

Da li možeš da nam daš mali uvid u ono što možemo da očekujemo od tvog nastupa u Kijevu?

- Nažalost ne mogu ništa otkriti ali mogu da vam kažem da smo našli nešto što se uklapa sa pesmom na najbolji način. Dozvolite mi da vas iznenadim!

Koje je tvoje najranije sećanje na Evroviziju i kako si prvi put čuo za takmičenje? Da li možda imaš neke omiljene pesme sa prošlih izdanja Evrosonga?

- Kada je Lena Mejer-Landrut pobedila za Nemačku 2010. godine, to je bio trenutak u kome sam shvatio da je Evrovizija dobra stvar! Rekao bih da je Lorinina pesma „Euphoria“ moja omiljena.

Pre nekoliko dana si pitao fanove da ti pomognu da odlučiš koje četiri prethodne evrovizijske pesme da obradiš akustično i predstaviš ih uživo. Kako si došao na ovu ideju i zašto?

- Hteo sam da odam počast prethodnim učesnicima Evrovizije i da proslavim ovaj neverovatni put pevanjem evrovizijskih pesama. Ja i dalje ne mogu da verujem koliko imam sreće i što sam dobio mogućnost da učestovujem u nečemu ovako velikom, kao što je Evrovizija.

Još jednom puno hvala na odgovorima i želimo ti sve najbolje u Kijevu i ubuduće. Da li imaš neku poruku za tvoje fanove i naše čitaoce?

- Hvala vam puno na razgovoru! Želim da pohvalim sve čitaoce i pristalice za podršku, za to što verujete u mene i u moju pesmu! Takođe, zahvalan sam zbog toga što ste odvojili vaše vreme da me upoznate!  Želim vam sve najbolje i mnogo sam srećan što ću moći da proslavim i podelim ovo neverovatno iskustvo sa vama!

Vaš, Nejtan.

Poslušajte pesmu „Running on Air“!

FORUM: Austrija 2017.

Hello Timebelle, thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions and to share your Eurovision journey with us. Firstly, what emotions did you feel when you were announced as the winner of the national final in Switzerland?

- The emotions we felt were strong and unique. But we have worked for the result and it was the moment we expected the most. It’s amazing to have your work rewarded with something like this.

Since winning the national final in Switzerland, how have your lives changed?

- We haven’t really have so much time to think about it because we always do something. It’s either rehearsing, or doing interviews and T.V. shows, concerts or writing emails, there is always something going on. And we absolutely love it and fully enjoy it!

Could you briefly explain the message behind your song and what it means personally to you?

- The message of „Apollo“ is very simple and very deep at the same time: follow your dream. Whether that dream is a person, a job or a career, a dream that you have from your childhood, just follow your inner voice. For us in particular, our dream is to make music. Apollo is the god of art in the Greek mythology. When we sing in the chorus „I follow you, Apollo“ is equally saying „I follow you music“.

What is your earliest memory of the Eurovision Song Contest? Do you perhaps have a favourite song from the history of the contest?

- One of our favorite songs is „Heroes“ from Sweden from two years ago. And also Sebalter’s song from Switzerland we love very much. It’s very original.

What are your plans for the contest? Will you have similar staging to the National Final, will you make changes or will you keep most of the details secret?

- We would rather prefer to keep it secret. It’s more interesting that way :) 

How have you been preparing for the contest so far? Do you plan to visit any countries for the promo-tour prior to Kyiv?

- Yes, we have already visited Romania when we performed at the National Final there. Next countries are Holland, Israel and many others.

Thank you so much once again for answering our questions and we wish you the best of luck in Kyiv and for the future.  Do you have a message for all of your fans and our readers?

- Thank you for the support and all the love that you send us every day through your messages and pictures! We absolutely adore you and we honestly say a big THANK YOU to you :)

Take a listen to the official video of Timebelle’s Apollo! 

Zdravo Tajmbel, hvala vam puno što ste odvojili malo vašeg vremena da odgovorite na nekoliko pitanja i podelite vaše evrovizijsko putovanje sa nama. Najpre, kako ste se osećali kada ste proglašeni za pobednike u Švajcarskoj?

- Emocije koji smo osetili su bile jake i jedinstvene, ali puno smo radili za ovaj rezultat i to je bio trenutak koji smo najviše očekivali. Neverovatno je da kada vaš rad bude nagrađen sa ovakvom ishodom.

Nakon pobede na nacionalnom izboru, kako se vaš život promenio?

- Nismo baš imali vremena da mislimo o tome jer uvek imamo nešto što moramo da uradimo. Da li je to proba, davanje intervjua ili gostovanja u TV emisijama, koncerti, pisanje imejlova, uvek se dešava nešto. I mi to potpuno volimo i uživamo o tome.

Možete nam ukratko reći koja je poruka vaše pesme i koliko vam to lično znači?

- Poruka Apolo-a je jako jednostavna, ali jako duboka u isto vreme: sledi svoje snove. Da li su to snovi o osobi, o poslu ili karijeri, iz detinjstva, samo treba pratiti svoj unutrašnji glas. Za nas je ona posebna, naši snovi su napraviti muziku, Apolo je bog umetnosti u grčkoj mitologiji. Kada pevamo refren: “I follow you, Apollo” (Pratim te, Apolo) mi u suštini pevamo “Pratim te, muziko”.

Koja su vaša najranija sećanja na Evroviziju? Da li možda imate neku pesmu koja je za vas posebna?

- Jedna od naših omiljenih pesama je „Heroes“ iz Švedske od pre dve godine. Takođe smo mnogo voleli pesmu Švajcarske iz 2014. od Sebaltera. Veoma originalna pesma.

Kakvi su vam planovi za Evroviziju u vezi sa nastupom u Kijevu? Hoćete li da zadržite nastup kao na nacionalnom izboru, ili ćete da napravite neke promene, ili možda planirate da nastup na Evrosongu ostane u tajnosti?

- Mi bismo radije da ostane tajna, zanimljivije je tako :)

Da li planirate da posetite neke zemlje kako bi promovisali vašu pesmu?

- Da, već smo bili u Rumuniji gde smo nastupili na nacionalnom izboru. Naredne zemlje su na redu Holandija, Izrael i još mnogo toga.

Još jednom hvala puno na odgovorima i želimo vam sve najbolje u Kijevu i ubuduće. Da li imate neku poruku za vaše fanove i naše čitaoce?

- Hvala za podršku i naklonjenost koju ste nam slali preko vaših poruka i slika. Mi vas obožavamo i kažemo iskreno, jedno veliko HVALA  :)

Poslušajte pesmu „Apollo“!

The show was held in Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland and featured 5 other acts alongside Timebelle who had been selected after the “Live Check” round where a panel of 20 music experts chose 6 acts to advance to the final.  The results were announced by host Sven Epiney and were determined by the Swiss public:

1. Nadya – Fire In The Sky
2. Ginta Biku – Cet Air Là
3. Michèle – Two Faces
4. Freschta - Gold
5. Shana Pearson – Exodus
6. Timebelle – Apollo

Switzerland will compete in the second semi-final along with Serbia on the 11^th of May.  Take a listen to the Swiss song below!

Od 2011. godine, Švajcarska organizje nacionalni izbor “Die Entscheidungsshow” kako bi izabrala predstavnika na Pesmi Evrovizije. Ovogodišnje izdanje ovog takmičenja je održano u Cirihu.

Osim „Timebelle“-a, na takmičenju je nastupilo još pet takmičara koji su bili izabrani posle druge runde izbora koja je nazvana „Live Check“.  U ovoj rundi je 20 muzičkih stručnjaka izabralo 6 pesama za prolazak u finale. U finalu su nastupili:

1. Nadya – Fire In The Sky
2. Ginta Biku – Cet Air Là
3. Michèle – Two Faces
4. Freschta - Gold
5. Shana Pearson – Exodus
6. Timebelle – Apollo

Domaćin večeri bio je Sven Epiney. Glasanje publike je trajalo 15 minuta, a publiku je tokom glasanja zabavljao Sebalter, predstavnik Švajcarske na Pesmi Evrovizije 2014. u Kopenhagenu.

Švajcarska će nastupiti u drugom polufinalu Pesme Evrovizije, zajedno sa Srbijom, 11. maja 2017.  Poslušajte predstavnika Švajcarske:

ŠVAJCARSKA 2017 – FORUM

How did it arise that you would be the representative in JESC and how did you feel when you heard the news?

SBS and their production partner, Blink TV selected me internally. They then contacted my music label, Universal Music Australia who contacted my parents. I was really surprised when I heard but so happy as this opportunity means the world to me. I get to represent Australia. That’s just crazy! It makes me so ready and determined to make Australia proud. I get the opportunity to meet other kids from other countries who love singing. It’s going to be a lot of fun.

Could you tell us what the meaning of your song is and what it personally means to you?

I love this song. It is uplifting and sends a positive message to everyone that if you are feeling sad or alone, there is always someone who will be by your side and look out for you. It’s about saying that we don’t need money or nice things, it’s about friendship, feeling empowered and inspired. I feel relaxed and happy when I sing it and hope that it makes other people happy too.

How have you been preparing for JESC? Has your daily life changed during the run-up to the contest?

My daily life hasn’t changed that much. I have still been going to school and doing normal things. I try and keep my life as normal as possible leading up to when I perform. I listen to all my favourite singers and watch their videos. I take it all in and run through my song in my head ensuring I am well prepared. I have been watching JESC on YouTube to see what they did last year so I know what to expect during the lead up to the show.

Had you heard about Eurovision or JESC before you were asked to compete?

I’m familiar with Eurovision because I watched Conchita Wurst perform and I thought the performance was truly great. I also watched Dami Im perform this year and I thought her performance was spectacular. I watched Junior Eurovision last year and really enjoyed listening to all the performances. I loved Destiny’s song in particular.                  

How do you think being on The Voice Kids has prepared you for JESC?

TVK taught me a lot. I learnt so much in terms of preparation, diction, delivery, how to use the stage and how to handle the pressure. I was only ten when I was on the show and I hadn’t had any formal vocal lessons before so I made sure to listen and learn as much as I could from my coach, Delta. It was important to me to be positive, relax, laugh and just enjoy the whole experience. I have made some wonderful friends.

Most of the songs for the contest have been released with still a couple more to go. Have you listened to any of the songs from the other countries and do you have a favourite?

I have listened to all the songs from the other contestants. It’s going to be great that we can all come together in Malta through our love for music and singing. I love the girl groups Kisses and Dancin’ from the Netherlands and Water of Life from Russia. Everyone is so talented … let’s party together!

Could you tell us a little bit about what we can expect from your performance in Valletta?

I don’t want to give too much away, but I hope it’s a performance that is inspiring and one that people will remember. I definitely won’t be dancing as it’s not that sort of song!

What is your goal for JESC? What would you like to achieve from your performance in Malta?

My goal is just to do my best and sing well. I want to make Australia proud and I can do this by ensuring I put everything into my performance and giving it my all. It’s another part of my journey and I want to be able to look back at my experience and performance with pride.

Thank you for giving up some of your time to answer our questions, we wish you the best of luck in Malta. To finish, do you have a message for all of your fans and readers?

If you have a dream; pursue it. Don’t give up – even when it gets tough. Enjoy each day as you never know what is around the corner. Believe in yourself and don’t let others discourage you from achieving your goals.

Have a listen to Alexa’s song, „We Are“ below.

Zdravo Džejmi-Li, hvala ti puno što si odvojila malo svog vremena da odgovoriš na nekoliko pitanja i podeliš svoje evrovizijsko putovanje sa nama. Prvo, kako se promenio tvoj život nakon pobede na „Unser Lied für Stockholm” (Našoj pesmi za Stokholm)?

- Mnogo se promenio. Ljudi me prepoznaju na ulici, i nemam više vremena da idem u školu.

Možeš li nam ukratko reći koja je poruka tvoje pesme i koliko ti lično znači?

- Poruka pesme je da par koji je raskinuo, oseća da je duh veze još uvek sa njima, želeći da ona i dalje opstane, bez obzira na to što u srcu znaju da je kraj.  Malo je tužna, ali ponekad moraš shvatiti da sve ima svoj kraj.  Pesma mi mnogo znači, zato što mi je prvi singl i bila je na top listi u Nemačkoj. Takođe smatram da je kompozicija važna jer bi svi mogli da se povežu sa pesmom zbog toga što su možda nešto slično doživeli ili će doživeti u budućnosti.

Ko te je motivisao i šta te je ohrabrilo da nastupiš na nacionalnom izboru i predstavljaš Nemačku na Evrosongu u Švedskoj?

- Dan posle pobede na takmičenju „The Voice”, moja producentska kuća me pitala da li bih volela da učestvujem na nacionalnom izboru, što je naravno bila velika prilika za mene.

Kako te je iskustvo sa takmičenja „The Voice” pripremilo za Evroviziju i kako bi uporedila „The Voice” sa Evrovizijom?

- Smatram da je „The Voice of Germany” (Glas Nemačke) bila dobra priprema, jer sam naučila da nastupam pred milionima ljudi, a ne samo u studiju pred nekoliko kolega. Šou “The Voice” je trajao skoro godinu dana i imala sam priliku da se upoznam sa drugim učesnicima.  Razlika između „The Voice” i nacionalnog izbora je to što u Kelnu nisam poznavala druge pevače dobro i zbog toga sam se fokusirala uglavnom na pobedu.

Posle pobede na nacionalnom izboru u februaru, bila si favorit fanova i kladionica za pobedu na Evroviziji.  Osećas li kakav pritisak zbog toga ili ove prognoze nisu baš uticale na tebe. 

- Zaista mi je čast što ljudi to misle.  Ne osećam da imam neki pritisak.  Umesto toga, osećam da sam još više motivisna da dam sve od sebe i pokažem svima da mogu da napravim dobar nastup.

Koje je tvoje najranije sećanje na Evroviziju i kako si prvi put čula za takmičenje?

- 2010. kada je Lena pobedila – videla sam je u finalu na televiziji, jer sam čula od prijatelja da nastupa neko iz Hanovera, koji je u mojoj blizini, i od tada sam zainteresovana za Evroviziju.

Iako si još mlada, imaš hrabrost da nastupaš na velikim scenama pred milionima ljudi.  Kakav savet bi dala mladim ljudima koji su možda previše stidljivi da rade nesto kao ti?

- Dobro je početi malo po malo da vidiš kako se osećas, pa onda da se oprobaš na većim binama. Tako ćeš se osećati sigurnije kada nastupaš.  Ponekad je teže da se nastupa spontano ispred jednog čoveka nego pred velikom publikom.

Koje zemlje planiraš da posetiš kako bi promovisala svoju pesmu „Ghost“?

- Trenutno sam u studiju gde snjimam svoj album „Berlin”.  Zbog toga neću moći da putujem u druge zemlje, ali volela bih da posetim puno država posle takmičenja.

Sve pesme sa ovogodišnje Evrovizije su već objavljene. Da li si imala priliku da poslušaš neke kompozicije? Ako jesi, kakvo je tvoje mišljenje o drugim učesnicima?

- Slušala sam pesme samo nakratko, jer hoću da idem u Stokholm bez predrasuda.  Takođe, pesme često zvuče drugačije u studiju nego kada se izvode uživo.

Imala si veoma zanimljiva izvođenja na „Unser Lied fur Stockholm“ sa dimom, senkama drveća i zelenim laserima. Da li ćemo tako nešto slično videti i u Stokholmu ili ćes napraviti nešto novo?

- Sačuvaću generalno taj izgled, ali naravno razmišljam kako da poboljšam nastup u celosti, pa možete tome da se nadate.

Šta misliš da Evrovizija može da učini za tvoju karijeru s obzirom da si već puno postigla. Osim toga, šta bi uradila ako pobediš?

- Biće naravno jos više ljudi koji će me prepoznavati, posebno u drugim zemaljama, van Nemačke. Ako bih pobedila, napravila bih žurku sa drugim učesnicima i nadam se da ću biti uspešna u raznim državama sa svojom muzikom.

Još jednom, hvala ti puno na odgovorima i želimo ti sve najbolje na Evroviziji. Da li imaš neku poruku za fanove i naše čitaoce?

- Poželite mi sreću i glasajte za mene! Jedva čekam da upoznam vaše predstavnike.  Nadam se da ćete se zabaviti gledajući Evroviziju.

Poslušajte pesmu „Ghost“!

Hello Jamie-Lee, thank you for sharing some of your time to answer some questions and to share your Eurovision journey with us.  Firstly, since winning “Unser Lied für Stockholm” how has your life changed?

- It has changed a lot. Now people recognize me on the street and I don’t have time to go to school anymore.

Could you tell us briefly, what the message of your song is and what it means personally to you?

- The message is this: There was a couple, who broke up, but the ghost of the relationship is still there and they both want it to go on; but they know that it just doesn’t work out anymore. It’s a bit sad but you need to let go. The song means a lot to me because it’s my first single and it was also on the charts. It’s also important because everyone can relate to the song because they have experienced it or will experience it.

Who motivated or what encouraged you to participate in the national final in Germany and to represent your country in Sweden?

- After I had won The Voice of Germany, the next morning my record label asked if I wanted to take part in the national selection which of course was a huge opportunity for me.

How has your experience on “The Voice of Germany” prepared you for Eurovision and how do the two compare to each other? Have you found one more challenging than the other?

- I believe that The Voice of Germany was good preparation because I learned how to be on stage in front of millions of TV viewers and not just in the studio in front of few people. The Voice of Germany lasted almost a year and I got to know many people and made friends there. The biggest difference with the national selection was that I didn’t know everyone so well and therefore I was more focussed on winning.

Since winning the national final in Cologne back in February, you have been one of the fan and bookmaker’s favourites to win the contest. Do you feel any pressure because of this or are you not fazed by the odds?

- I’m really honored that people think that. It doesn’t make me feel like I’m under pressure. Instead it makes me feel even more motivated to give my all and to show everyone that I can really do it.

What is your earliest memory of Eurovision and how did you first hear about the contest?

- In 2010 – when Lena won – I saw the final on television, because I heard from friends, that someone from Hannover is participating – which is close to where i come from – so I was interested in watching it.

At such a young age you have the courage to perform on huge stages in front of millions of people. What advice would you give to young people who are maybe too shy to do what you do?

- It’s good to start little by little and see how you feel about it and then proceed to bigger stages. Then you start to feel more comfortable with it. Sometimes it can be more uncomfortable to sing spontaneously in front of one person than to give a prepared performance to big audience.

Which countries do you plan to visit to promote your song “Ghost”?

- I am currently in the studio, recording my album called „Berlin“. That’s why I won’t manage to travel to any other countries, but I hope I can go and visit many countries after the contest!

 All of the songs for this year’s Eurovision Song Contest have been released. Have you listened to any of them and if so what are your opinions on the competition?

- I have listened to the songs only shortly because I would like to go to Stockholm with an open mind. Often the songs differ from the live performances.

You had very intricate staging in “Unser Lied fur Stockholm” with the smoke-machine, shadowy trees and green lasers.  Is this something similar to what we are to see in Stockholm or will you do something different?

- I will keep the general look but of course I am thinking about how to enhance the whole performance, so you can look forward to that.

What do you think that Eurovision can bring to your career considering you’ve already achieved so much? Furthermore what will you do if you win?

- There will be definitely more people that will know of me and especially in other countries than Germany. If I win I will have a party with all the other participants and hope to be successful in other countries with my music.

Thank you very much once again for answering our questions and we wish you all the best for your Eurovision Journey and finally, to conclude this interview, do you have a message for all of your fans and our readers?

- Wish me luck and vote for me! I’m really excited to get to know your candidates. I hope you have a great time watching the contest!

Have a listen at Jamie-Lee’s song for the upcoming Eurovision song contest – „Ghost“

Hello Rykka, thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions and to share your Eurovision journey with us. Firstly, what emotions did you feel when you were announced as the winner of the national final in Switzerland?

- It felt great! I always work to visualise positive things, but at the Swiss selection I wasn’t thinking about winning anymore. I was just having a great time because everyone backstage was so wonderful and it felt like family. It means a lot to me to represent Switzerland because Eurovision connects so many great people. It’s so amazing to meet so many amazing people who are connected to Eurovision in some way. Also, I’m so proud to represent Switzerland because it’s really in my heritage and I love it here so much.

Since winning “Die Entscheidungsshow” how has your life changed?

- Being part of Eurovision is such a special adventure, I’m meeting so many new amazing people!

Do you think that your previous experience in singing and your journey through “Die Entscheidungsshow” has prepared you for Eurovision? Furthermore how does the national final compare to Eurovision so far?

- I don’t think there is a formula to win. I think there is a place for everyone, and that maybe some things work better at a certain time than others. That doesn’t mean that something is better or worse for eternity, just maybe at that particular second in time. At the moment I’m working hard to extra-strengthen the basis of my voice. Going back to what I learned when I first started singing professionally and really making everything strong from the ground up. I’m also visualising a lot, as I do, to prepare mentally.

Could you briefly tell us what the message of your song is and what it means personally to you?

- The message of „The Last Of Our Kind“ is to always stand up for love above all. Stand up for yourself and for people and other beings who can’t stand up for themselves. Standing up for love also sometimes means to go against your own ego and really search to find the truth.

Is there something interesting about you that maybe lots of people are unaware of?

- I consider change an important part of my life and I’m big into visualization.

What do you think that Eurovision can bring to your career and what do you hope to do afterwards?

- I consider Eurovision a very exciting adventure in my career, that brings a lot of wonderful people together. After Eurovision I’ll release my brand new record and tour with my band.

What is your earliest memory of Eurovision and how did you first hear about the contest?

- Because I grew up in Canada I’ve only been following the ESC for a few years now. I find it so amazing that so many people grew up with it and have such a special connection to the ESC.

Which countries do you plan to visit to promote your song “The Last of our Kind”?

- Yes, I will be attending the promotional events in Riga, Moscow and Amsterdam.

What are your plans for Eurovision with regards to the staging in Stockholm? Will you be alone on stage, have back-up singers, or will it be similar to the national final?

- Of course there will be surprises in my staging! I’ve had meetings with the team at the Swiss Television SRF and worked on the style and mood and what will happen on stage with them. It was really a team effort, and it was so great to be so involved, I love that stuff! I’m also working on a dress with LYN Lingerie, it will be a collaboration. LYN x RYKKA! Tanja Dankner, Nyssina and Brandy Butler will be singing with me in Stockholm. They’re all amazing singers and I’m so excited to have them on board.

Thank you very much once again for answering our questions and we wish you all the best for your Eurovision Journey. Do you have a message for of all your fans and our readers?

- I want to thank everyone for their amazing support! It’s such a dream to share this crazy experience with all of you. Sending love out to everyone!

Take a look at Rykka’s video message to Serbian fans:

Take a listen to Rykka’s song for Eurovision – „The Last Of Our Kind“!