ESC+Plus has talked to Alice Way, participant of the Lithuanian national selection for Eurovision 2016, “Eurovizijos”. The singer finished fifth in the first heat on January 9 and she will compete again at today’s show.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyr9gDtEubQ
ESC+Plus: Hello! First of all, thank you so much for your time and congratulations on having been selected to take part in the Lithuanian national selection for Eurovision 2016!
E+: Can you tell us about you, your musical career and important achievements?
Long story short… I say that my career officially started in 2012, when I was asked to perform on ‘Balcony TV’ and chose my stage name – Alice Way. Before that, I played shows as well and studied jazz singing in Lithuanian Music Academy but I usually start telling ‘the story of Alice’ from then. My ‘Balcony TV’ experience was followed by many gigs in all kinds of venues and festivals around the country, a video for my first single “Insane” and a self-produced EP “Wanderlust”, that was welcomed surprisingly warm by fans in Lithuania as well as in other countries. That was a beautiful start and I remember it in warmest colors! Yet, a lot has changed in 2013, when I realized I needed something fresh for my music and started working with Leon Somov, a famous producer, who brought me into the world of electronic music and helped me find my new sound. We’ve released two singles ‘Vanity Fair’ and ‘Home’ and recently finished recording an album. Well… and now there’s “Eurovision” – the new exciting step!
E+: What impelled you to take part in “Eurovizijos 2016”?
Many things, really. It’s a big beautiful show, something I’ve never tried before, something very new and way out of my comfort zone. I wanted to try this new exciting thing and, of course, compete for a chance to represent my country in Sweden. There’s so much to learn from the people who work with the show and this new stage experience is priceless!
E+: How did you feel during your first performance on stage? Did you expect to get the ticket for the next round?
I was terrified! It’s very scary to be the first performance of the night and the first performance of the entire 2016 national selection. I didn’t expect anything, I just wanted to go out there and do my best. I’m very happy I got through to the next round.
E+: What it would mean for you to represent Lithuania?
It would mean so much! I guess it would feel fantastic to have so much trust put in you and have all the people watching and supporting. To be able to represent them would be amazing.
E+: Can you tell us about your song? What is the story behind the lyrics?
Now about the song. My song is about the unsung heroes of our lives. About people who do their work so quietly that no one even notice, yet they are the true change makers. We live in a world that is full of events we can hardly grasp with our minds, events that shock the entire world and make us question what human beings are actually capable of, how is such cruelty and deviousness even possible? In this time of international confusion, it’s the small people who need to rise and say ‘I’m enough. I can be the one who makes a change’. It sounds grotesque, but really, we meet them every day. We also miss them terribly when they leave this world. And sometimes we’re so captured by their power, we even forget they’re human and sometimes they cry.
E+: Why do you think your song has to be selected for Stockholm? What are you strengths to reach the top in the competition?
Mostly, because of the message and the fresh and strong sound that it has. My strengths are my lyrics, my raw emotions and the overall vibe of the song.
E+: Will you change anything from your stage performance for the next stage of “Eurovizijos 2016”?
I want to make the performance less comfortable to watch, a bit edgier, less pretty and deeper. How? Let’s wait and see.
E+: Do you usually watch Eurovision? What are your favorite songs in the history of the competition?
Yes, I watch it! My favorite songs that I can think of right now are ‘Angel’ by Chiara (Malta 2005), ‘Fly on the wings of love’ by Olsen Brothers (Denmark 2000), ‘Calm after the storm’ by The Common Linnets (Netherlands 2014) and ‘Silent Storm’ by Carl Espen (Norway 2014). I also like Mans Zelmerlow’s song ‘Heroes’ that won last year!
E+: If you could choose a Eurovision former participant to sing with, who would it be?
That’s a very difficult question. I guess someone from the list above. Maybe Mans himself, why not!
E+: Besides Eurovision, what are your plans for this year?
I plan to release the album that I recently finished recording, I also want to perform as much as possible. But let’s plan less and keep it exciting!
E+: Finally, can you send a message for our readers and Eurovision fans?
Be the hero in your own sky. Be the hero for those who are closest to you. You are enough to become amazing but don’t run from your emotions. Sometimes it’s hard – accept it and let love and music get you through the tough times!
E+: Thanks for your time and good luck!