My flying reporter Robert sat down with Rona Nishliu from Albania who has the most amazing vocals ever to grace the Eurovision stage. He talks with her about her song writing process, Kosovo, the other entries and her way of preparing for performances. And how did she train her voice? Fascinating lady indeed!
What were your thoughts when you first
heard your song Suus?
The writing process of Suus was a bit
special one. It wasn't the usual way that you go to a studio and
composer plays it to you. It was of my request only a few piano
chords that I could then do my vocal line and everything was built on
that. Basicly it was interaction, it was a lot of talking involved in
the process because I wanted to show and share my feelings of that
moment. After that I was able to write my lyrics. All in all it took
more than a month.
You have a very powerful voice that can
blow a listener away. What have you done it with so far?
Singing for me is more than just going
on stage and performing. It's absorbing what life brings me and being
able to and fortunate to share it with everybody. I didn't do
anything particular with my voice, never had any training or study
singing at school. Maybe it's just a natural talent. I have been
singing since 2004 when I took part in a talent show on TV in Tirana.
I got into top-10 and eventually finished 5th. That was
my first time in front of a big audience.
And do you perform regularly now?
Time to time. When I decide to perform
it has to have a special meaning to me. I need to be prepaired
psychologically and emotionally, not only physically and
teachnically.
So singing in a press conference or
so here is a bit difficult for you?
No, because prior to coming here I
tried to understand what is this process and what are the main
characteristics and I just prepaired myself. I know I may have to
sing anytime anywhere and for me it's very important to know how
things work so I can adapt myself to that situation. We should adapt
to the happenings of life and not the other way round. Thay way we
are often surprised my things life brings to us.
Why Eurovision? What do you hope to
achieve here career wise?
This is the best, a great experience,
something I value a lot. The greatest moment of my career so far, I'm
here to step on that marvellous stage, to be among the other great
artists in this fantastic hall, to work with these professionals, to
give an interview to you. And of course I'm here for my country, my
people and also to meet all these people, to create a network. But
the greatest thing is those three very valuable minutes and to be
able to share a very personal song that means a lot to me with all
the people in the hall and all those millions of TV-viewers. I feel
honoured and privileged.
You are from Kosovo. Do you think
Kosovo should be one day able to participate in Eurovision?
Yes, definately. I believe Kosovo will
sooner or later participate. I wish Kosovo can soon have its own
festival, there are so many talented artists there waiting to go
beyond the borders and not only show their work in their country.
So you are hoping to see them in
Eurovision. Would you like to participate for Kosovo one day?
Ha ha ha, it's always been hard for me
to answer hypotetical questions :-)
We will see in the future then. But I
don't see you totally negative about it...
… no, no. It would be a good thing!
Absolutely!
Your song is to an average viewer maybe
a bit difficult. Did you think about that, what can you do to make it
a little easier to digest and make them vote for Albania?
This is my thing. The thing I think I
do best. The way I felt at that particular moment when we were
creating this song with the composer. I just don't know. First of all
I don't think it's a difficult song! I just know what's difficult in
music :-)
I think with your voice you will
perform it so convincingly that people will buy it anyways. That's
what I think (Me, too! Ed. note)
In October it will be nine years. So
8,5 years more or less.
I was very impressed with the video and
you in a sort of box dress (Me, too. Ed.note) How come we won't see
it here?
Ha ha ha, how do you know I won't have
the black box? Or me in it? It's something that belongs to the video,
to a particular setting and phase of a process. Suus is a
process. Finalization of this process will be on stage here in Baku.
That's why we won't bring back the box.
What other of these 41 songs could you
adapt to your repertoire?
Time has been a problem lately. After
the festival in Albania I went to the States to record the final
version of Suus. Then we were in the process of creating the video,
it took a lot of energy and time, a lot of effort and love. So I had
very little time to listen to the other song but I guess, I could do
any of them mine! Yes, I could do my versions! I'm sure there are
many good songs like in previous years. Eurovision gives a chance to
artists to bring something they do best. This is a platform of
diverse artistic works
Last question: Why should people vote
for you?
Oh, if they feel my song, if
they really like it, they love it. If my music and interpretation
says something to them I'd be very grateful to get their vote!
Thank you so much Rona and good luck
next Tuesday. See you in the final!
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