Aminata: “I won’t change the performance as it was in the Latvian selection” (Latvia 2015 – Exclusive Interview)

ESC+Plus has had a little talk with Aminata from Latvia. She will represent her country after winning “Supernova” 2015.

Check what she has told us below!

ESC+Plus: Hello Aminata! Firstly congratulations on having been selected as Latvian representative for Eurovision 2015.

What was the first thing that came off to your mind when the result was announced by the host? What does representing Latvia at Eurovision mean for you?

The first thing that I felt was shock. There were no thoughts, just emotions and fireworks. It felt like I was blessed and heard. Representing Latvia for me is a great honor. It means that my country believes me, believes IN ME, believes that I am able to represent it and also I feel big support and love from my country and people who voted for me.

E+: How did you decide entering the Latvian national selection? How did you experience the whole selection process?

To be honest, I wasn’t sure that I should participate in the national selection in the beginning. I thought that maybe I was not ready… That my songs do not fit to the Eurovision format. I was not writing the song specially for Eurovision and wasn’t planning to participate. But then my friends told me like: “Come on! Try! You have nothing to lose…” and so on… And I decided to participate. I send the song “Love injected”, because this was the song which was ready at this moment. I loved this song, because it expresses my feelings and my thoughts about love the most important and powerful thing in the world. But I wasn’t expecting anything. Then came the first performance – I was surprised that people voted for me and I got the 1st place, I thought that it won’t happen again… But it happened! And then the final… and I won!!!! 😀 But You know, I wasn’t thinking about the victory while performing. I just wanted to do my best on the stage, to feel every note and word of a song and let it go from the inside and through me. – Not sure if I made it, but I still hope to do my best in Vienna!

E+: Can you tell us about your song “Love Injected” and the story behind the lyrics? How was the composition procedure?

Love injected… this song is special for me. This song was composed at night… about 3 o’clock. I sometimes like to sit in my bedroom, next to the piano at this time. I don’t remember what happened that day, but I was in a tender mood. That moment I felt feminine, insecure in some way (but in a lovely way), like I know there is someone who loves and protects me, and guards me. Someone who knows each part of me, and accepts me as I am. And I felt loved. And then, I started to play some small riff on the piano (just a couple of notes..) And the lyrics started to come out of my mouth. And after less than an hour the song as ready :D.

I usually record my songs to a Dictaphone and then bring them to the studio, so it was with this song. The next day we started to work with this song.

E+: Are you going to revamp the song for Eurovision? If yes, what kind of arrangements would you like to listen in the final version?

No. I like the arrangement now. The author of arrangement is Kaspars Ansosns and I like what he does. He feels what I like and makes the arrangement even better than I expect.

E+: What are your plans to prepare your Eurovision performance? What kind of staging would you like show in Vienna?

In general I won’t change the performance as it was in the Latvian selection. We will work with video on the screen behind, as well as change the dress.

E+: Are you going to shoot an official clip so as to introduce your song?

Yes. It took some time to find the best people who could film the video and reflect all the emotions of this song. And official video will come just before the big contest. 🙂

E+: What can your music contribute to the Eurovision competition? What are your expectations in Austria?

Love. 🙂 Simply, love. I think that nothing is possible without it. Love is the greatest power and we are limitless if we love and are being loved. My expectations are one of my biggest dream coming true. I always dreamed to perform on such a big beautiful stage, like it is in Eurovision, when so many people listens to you at one time.

E+: Have you thought about going abroad to promote your song abroad? Will you attend the Amsterdam’s Eurovision in Concert?

Yes, I have thought of course! It would be my pleasure to come, to meet new people, new musicians and a great experience. I have never been in Amsterdam before, so I am very excited about that 🙂 And yes, I will come to Amsterdam!

E+: Have you watched Eurovision before? What are your favorite songs in the history of the competition?

Yes, I watched Eurovision, especially when I was younger. My favorite songs in history… let me think. I liked the song of Magdi Ruzsa – Unsubstantial blues in 2007. I even sang this song in song competitions for children that time…

E+: What singers, bands and musicians inspire your music?

I like so many different kind of music. One of my favorite singers is D’angelo. I love his voice, songs and the groove. I like neo soul very much: Erykah Badu, Music Soulchild, India Arie… Of course I like Beyonce. And also I like some electronic music, like Daft punk. I actually like a lot of music, much more than I mentioned. Earlier, I was a big fan of metal and rock music (especially System of a down), and at the same time, I was studying at music school, where I played flute and listened to classical music… I liked Bach as well – my favorite from him is “Kyrie eleison” from Mass.

E+: Can you send a message for our readers and fans of Eurovision?

I wish everybody to follow their dreams and never give up! Even if these dreams seem to be unreal. Just do what You love and enjoy the life. And remember that LOVE is above ALL! Love is the biggest strength on earth.

E+: Thank you very much, good luck and see you in Vienna!

Aminata will perform the song “Love Injected”, composed by herself, in the Second Semi-Final set on May 21.