INTERVIEW: GAITANA (UKRAINE ESC2012)!

Crónicas de Eurofestivais: How did your career started?

Gaitana: My career started in 2001 when I signed a contract with the most famous Ukrainian music holding - Lavina Music. My producer Edward Klim believed in my music, talent and saw that I had great chances of becoming famous artist. I’m very grateful to him for that. I always respect, appreciate and admire that person. Due to his support I have come to such heights. At first I sang at the restaurants and jazz festivals, where I was invited to perform as a backing vocalist. But that wasn’t enough… When I signed a contract with Lavina Music my real Gaitana’s career started. I remember how happy I was when we shot the first music video and released the first album. I’m thankful to destiny and God that everything happened in such a way! I recorded and released five albums as well as 20 music videos within 10 years of my career, became a producer and author of music album “Kukabarra” for children, which was created together with the most talented kids from the whole Ukraine. I was awarded with such titles as: the “Showbiz Award” for best European Star the Ukrainian Music Award for "Best Female Singer of the Year" and for "Best Album of the Year" for the album "Secret Desires", became a winner in the nomination “Star in Commercials” with “Warmth of Words” video by KyivStar.

Crónicas de Eurofestivais: Who are your musical inspirations and what kind of music do you generally listen to?

Gaitana: I remember, when I was a child I wore my mother’s red shoes, backcombed my hair and sang favorite songs by Diana Ross with a comb in the hand and really enjoyed it. This artist has always inspired me with her voice and music. She is genius and I can’t stop repeating that. When my dad presented me the first album of Diana Ross I was incredibly happy. I also adore Sade, D'angelo, Mary J, Estelle, Prince, Barbra Streisand.

Crónicas de Eurofestivais: Are you a regular follower of Eurovision, an ESC-fan? It has been a dream to go to Eurovision to represent your country?

Gaitana: I’ve been following Eurovision all the time, though I’m not really a fan. Sometimes I didn’t have a chance to watch the whole contest, because of specific circumstances, but the most outstanding performances I always watched in the internet.   Frankly speaking, it wasn’t my dream. Quite the contrary, the decision was rather impulsive. When the song “Be my guest” appeared I understood that it couldn’t exist only within one country. I’ve had a desire to call the whole Europe for friendship. I filed an application for participation at the last moment. I performed, won and now my dream to unite the whole world comes true – I’m going to implement my idea from the stage of Eurovision 2012.

Crónicas de Eurofestivais: What's the song that has marked you most in the history of Eurovision?

Gaitana: Most of all I was impressed by Marija Šerifović, who won in 2007. Her song “Molitva” amazed me completely. Such a strong voice together with unbelievable melody fascinated and astonished. I was happy that she was the one, who won.  Also, Ruslana’s performance remains in my memory. Her song “Dyki Tantsi” (Wild dances) with its incredible energy astonished everyone. She rocked Eurovision totally.

Crónicas de Eurofestivais: About your song, what could you tell us about it?

Gaitana: First of all, I want to share my love and energy of my heart with the whole Europe. My song choice wasn’t spontaneous. I have an intention to invite the whole world and Europe to be our guests. I wish all people to become friends and share their joy, smiles with each other. On behalf of all Ukrainians I would like to say – dear friends, we’re waiting for you. The story of song creation is really incredible. At the end of 2011 I met talented guys from "Kiwi-project". They wrote me a letter and told that they had a great song idea and they believed I should write lyrics and melody to their music. When I heard the motive of the composition I began to dance from the first seconds. Unbelievable feeling of happiness showed up and the words “Be my guest” came to my mind.

Crónicas de Eurofestivais: About your performance in May, do you have something already planned?

Gaitana: On May, 14 I fly to Azerbaijan together with my delegation. We’ll spend 2 weeks in Baku. There’re so many plans. The schedule is rigid. Concerning my performance, I intend to impress the whole Europe. I won’t go into details; I could say that the show is going to be created by the best directors.

Crónicas de Eurofestivais: What would be your feelings if Ukraine is one of the 10 qualifiers on semi-final 2?

Gaitana: To tell you the truth, my main purpose is to pass the message of the song and the idea of my performance. The audience should decide who the best is and should I be one of the 10 qualifiers on semi-final.

Crónicas de Eurofestivais: Consider you winning the great final of Eurovision 2012, what would it mean for you?

Gaitana: I believe that firstly we should win and then answer to this question. I’m sure that victory brings happiness to every person…

Crónicas de Eurofestivais: Have you heard any of the other songs in competition? What’s your favorite?

Gaitana: I follow Eurovision 2012 contestants with interest. I’m sure that a lot of incredible and outstanding performers will represent their countries. In my opinion, competition will be fierce this year. I love representatives of Sweden and Lithuania and I’ve also got favorites – Loreen and Donny Montell. Furthermore, Nina from Italy has a great song and some others artists from Denmark, Albania, Croatia etc. They are all worthy of attention.

Crónicas de Eurofestivais: What do you think about the song that Portugal will send to the Eurovision ("My Life" by Filipa Sousa)?

Gaitana: The song is really beautiful, thrilling voice and charming melody. Filipa Sousa is a bright and fascinating artist.

Crónicas de Eurofestivais: After Eurovision, do you have any projects?

Gaitana: Of course, there’re many plans. This year Ukraine is a host country of Euro 2012. This event is incredibly important for every Ukrainian.  Due to the fact that I’m Official Friend of Euro 2012 and the author of number of sport anthems, I’m really looking forward when everything happen. This year after Eurovision 2012 I plan to release my 6^th album, which was created by the best musicians and sound producers, who collaborate with the most outstanding stars of the world - Narada Michael Walden (Jeff Beck, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey), Eric Daniels (Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson), Rob Hoffman (Christina Aguilera), Robert dumper (Kenny G). The album was recorded in San Francisco, Seattle and Los Angeles. I believe everyone will love my new album.

Crónicas de Eurofestivais: Would you like to return one day to Eurovision?

Gaitana: I don’t even know… I’m sure that I would incredibly enjoy everything that is going to happen at the Eurovision Song Contest. However, I always try to move forward whatever happens. Eurovision will be my next stage and I would think of it with smile. I believe you know that first impression and first emotions are the brightest and the sweetest. When you try to repeat doing something - you’re disappointed, because nothing repeats twice.

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05/05/2012