Brooke: “Golden expresses the importance in pursuing what the heart ultimately wants” (Maltese candidate – Interview)

ESC+Plus has talked to Brooke, semifinalist of the Maltese national selection for Eurovision 2016, MESC. The singer will perform “Golden”, composed by herself, Christian Schneider, Aidan O’Connor and Sara Biglert, in the semi-final set on January 22.

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

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

I began singing at the age of 5, thanks to my brother whom introduced me first to music. Since then, I have studied vocals, achieved a Higher Diploma and lived in London for six years to gain experience within music. Whilst in London, I gained experience by performing live at some of the most prestigious venues in London those being; Ronnie Scotts, Proud Camden, Half Moon Putney, Indigo O2, O2 Islington and many more. Whilst there, I had also song written with some very talented songwriters from South America and the UK.

E+: What impelled you to take part in “Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2016”?

It was a last-minute decision made around 3 weeks before the deadline. So unplanned, but it worked out so well! I met incredible people along the way, flew out to Sweden to record vocals, visited Stockholm for the first time and I even wrote a song that I’m very fond of, both lyrically and musically. I must admit, the song “Golden” is what gave me the last push to enter the Maltese preselection for the Eurovision Song Contest.

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

Not at all. I knew I had a good song and a song that I believed in, but until they call your name and hear your song , you wouldn’t know for sure you made it through. To be honest with you it still feels as surreal. I still need a constant reminder.

E+: What it would mean for you to represent Malta? 

It would be a big responsibility and an even bigger commitment to make Malta and the Maltese people proud. On a personal level, winning with “Golden” means the message has found its way to the listeners and viewers.

E+: Can you tell us about your song? What is the story behind the lyrics?

Golden is about not letting people’s opinions of you become your reality. It is very easy to fall in a trap of wanting to be someone else or feel uncomfortable with who you really are, due to society. Golden expresses the importance in pursuing what the heart ultimately wants, together with being happy within your own skin.

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

I think Golden has a very positive and strong message for those people who are afraid of doing what they love, or of being who they are, in fear of how society will judge them. Golden empowers anyone to do what they really want and to not let anyone put them down. On that note, I think Golden would be a good song to be selected for Stockholm, just because the world needs more peace and love.

E+: How are you preparing your performance for “MESC 2016”? Can you reveal us anything about the staging?

Don’t want to reveal loads, but my attention on stage will be based upon the song and the message of the song, Golden.

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

I never missed a Eurovision. I consider it as a family gathering, or at least it is in our family. We invite a couple of friends over and we watch the Eurovision with snacks, coffees etc. Till this date, my favourite song, interpretation and presentation has to be Euphoria.

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

Celine Dion by far 🙂

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

First and foremost my importance and my full attention is on Eurovision, after that I have some local events that I will be performing at and hopefully writing an album with the writers of Golden. On the other hand, I will definitely be busy balancing time out between work and music. If there’s anytime left I would love to unpack some more of the boxes I brought with me last summer from London, when I moved back to Malta lol.

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

I would like to thank all those that are cheering for me and my song Golden in the Malta Eurovision Song Contest. Your messages, support and comments are always incredible, thank you so much.

E+: Thanks for your time and good luck!