Anja Baš: “My song is a power pop-ballad with impelling rhythm and emotional message” (Slovenian finalist – Exclusive Interview)

ESC+Plus brings you another interview from the Slovenian national selection, EMA 2016! This time we have talked to Anja Baš, who will be singing the song “What If” in the final set on February 27.

ESC+Plus: Hello! First of all, thank you so much for your time and congratulations on having been selected to take part in the Slovenian national selection for Eurovision 2016!

E+: Can you tell us about you, your musical career and important achievements?

Hi! My name is Anja Baš, and I’m an artist – singer and songwriter. The main reason I’m a musician is, I’ve had a painful experience with bulimia in my teenagerhood. Music was the only thing I wanted to live for back then, and it gave me strength to heal. Ever since then, I’ve written my songs, and I’ve also written some for other Slovenian singers. Creativity is what I’m best at and it’s what I live for.

I’ve been a backing vocal on EMA for four times and I also had a pleasure of singing on other TV shows hosted by our national television. I recorded numerous backing vocals for all the best Slovenian singers and I’ve had gigs with lots of other professional bands all across Slovenia. For three years, I was also a frontgirl of a successful Slovenian band called Rock Partyzani.

In march 2015, I decided to start my own music career (not as a frontgirl of other bands anymore) and released my first album (all the songs are written by me). I’ve got my own band now and I cannot imagine my life without being on stage.. In december I released my first book about my experience with bulimia, because I really want to help young people who suffer because of eating disorders. I also paint in my free time.

E+: What impelled you to take part in “EMA 2016”?

I really wanted to do this since I was a girl, but I always wanted to go to EMA with a song that I wrote by myself. I tried many times before, but the timing wasn’t right, I guess. Now that I’m in, I’m even more proud of myself because I didn’t conform by singing someone else’s song. I’m really looking forward to this competition, no matter the result. Still… I have this dream of going to Eurovision for as long as I can remember. 🙂 I’ll really do my best to give my best performance, and it really is a challenge.

E+: How did you feel when you knew you had qualified for the final? Did you expect it?

I didn’t have the time to think about it, and that was a good thing, because usually I’m such an over-thinker. Writing the book took all of my time and attention, so I just kind of let go. That’s why I was even happier when they informed me about being selected. I didn’t expect it, but I hoped for it.

E+: What it would mean for you to represent Slovenia? Can you tell us about your song? What is the story behind the lyrics?

It would literally be a dream come true and I’ll do above my best to get there. 🙂 The song is a power pop ballad with impelling rhythm, strong vocals and emotional message. The title is “What if” and as usual, lyrics are connected to what I’m experiencing.

My song is about (not) depending on someone who keeps on emotionally draining you out, takes all you have, gives nothing in return and leaves you empty every time. It’s about longing for them to give you the very thing that you should’ve given to yourself.  It’s a song about taking your power back by leaving such a person behind. And about your heart not listening to your mind rationalizing.

E+: Why do you think your song has to be selected for Stockholm? What are you strengths to reach the top in the competition?

I believe in my song, its message, and I believe this is what people can relate to. And most of all, I believe that I survived for a reason, and what could be a better reason than Eurovision 😉 People also say that I have a beautiful, powerful vocal, but if I say that myself, I’ll sound arrogant, so let me just say I’m happy to be blessed with this talent. And, I cannot wait to fully express my imagination and give you a really enjoyable performance! 😀

E+: Have you started to prepare your stage performance for “EMA 2016”?

I’m just starting now. I have some ideas and I’m still brainstorming, but I think it’ll be minimalistic, elegant, sexy.

E+: Do you usually watch Eurovision? What are your favourite songs from the history of the competition?

Usually I do. My favourite one was by Lordi (Hard rock hallelujah), Alexander Rybak (Fairytale) and Conchita Wurst (Rise like a phoenix).

E+: If you could choose an Eurovision former participant to sing with, who would it be?

It would be Celine Dion.

E+: Besides Eurovision, what are your plans for this year?

Music (writing, singing, performing), books and painting and combining all of those in performances and storytelling evenings… I’ll also do my best to write my second album, write songs for other Slovenian artists and translate my book into English.

E+: Finally, can you send a message for our readers and Eurovision fans?

I can’t wait to meet all of you! One way or another 🙂

E+: Thanks for your time and good luck!