ESC+Plus has talked to Crow Mother, candidate of this year’s Latvian national selection for Eurovision. The band will perform “Demons” in the second heat of “Supernova 2016” to take place today.
ESC+Plus: Hello! First of all, thank you so much for your time and congratulations on having been selected to take part in the Latvian national selection for Eurovision 2016!
E+: Can you tell us about you, your musical career and important achievements?
Crow Mother was formed in March 2012 by musicians who had been friends in numerous different bands for long time before joining their forces and inspiration under the name of Crow Mother. Shortly after forming in 2012, we kicked off recording our first singles “Killing the Love”, “Sugar, Blood & Wine” and “Winterland”. These first records were more like experiment for us to find our own sound that became more individual in our debut album “Changes”, released in the beginning of 2014. After that, we went on tour in UK and Baltic’s and in 2015 workings on the second album started. Actually, the first single from the new album is already out and can be found on music streaming services – its called “Grey Wolf”. Production work on the album is still in process, and the album will be released in the spring of 2016.
E+: What impelled you to take part in “Supernova 2016”?
Mainly, we wanted to challenge ourselves because at the moment of the contest announcement we were a little bored by everyday routine. Besides, the format for local Eurovision song selection was changed to Supernova contest in 2015 and we saw that it was more objective and professional.
E+: How did you feel when you knew you had qualified for the live shows? Did you expect it?
The feeling is good and, knowing that your work has been appreciated and the fact that Demons made it into the final short-list, gives you some additional drive. Actually, when we went for audition we already had a feeling that we could get into the final top 20.
E+: What it would mean for you to represent Latvia?
First of all it’s a great honour and you have to put all your soul into this to be 110% sure that you are representing your country in the best way. You really have only some 3 minutes on the spotlight and this is very challenging to use the time efficiently and make your country proud. Of course, this is a very important event for the band itself as it gives you valuable experience and can open up some long-term opportunities that you must be ready to take advantage of. So, all in all, it would be a really intense task with a touch of great adventure!
E+: Can you tell us about your song? What is the story behind the lyrics?
The song tells about that dealing with your inner demons is a key to a new beginning. These demons can be very individual for everyone, but in most cases, the main thing that holds you back from new challenges and opportunities is the fear from the fact that your life would change and you would have to leave your comfort zone. Demons is the song that encourages everyone to be brave and embrace the opportunities that life throws at you and to forget the fears. You have to acknowledge that changes are good and every day is kind a like new beginning – full of new opportunities where you can fight against the demons that hold you back.
E+: Why do you think your song has to be selected for Stockholm? What are you strengths to reach the top in the competition?
We believe it’s all about the passion – not calculation and adapting to the Eurovision format. We have a real passion for what we do and the music we play. Rock music really makes our blood pump faster and frees up everyone’s wild side. That’s what music is about – being what you are delivering real emotions and energy. We just hope that our music will spark some positive energy in the audience too.
E+: Have you started to prepare your stage performance for “Supernova 2016”?
Of course, there isn’t much time left and we are working on stage set-up the elements of our show. There wont be a big explosion or anything like that but still we want to give a good show for everyone watching.
E+: Do you usually watch Eurovision? What are your favourite songs in the history of the competition?
Sometimes, it depends on who is participating. If it’s the usual bunch of Eurovision veterans, then it’s not so interesting. For some of the last years the contest to select the Latvian artists had gone awfully with the passing time. So, it was actually a nice surprise that last year’s jury managed to select Aminata which performed one of our favourite songs in the contest. If look at the whole history of Eurovision, then probably the best song would be Abba’s Waterloo in 1974.
E+: If you could choose a Eurovision former participant to sing along with, who would it be?
It could be Helena Paparizou as she has a powerful voice.
E+: Besides Eurovision, what are your plans for this year?
We are working on our second album – all the recording process is done and we plan to release it in spring. After that, we plan to look for new adventures going on tour to Baltics and Europe – and, of course, get in some troubles along the way to get inspiration for new material.
E+: Finally, can you send a message for our readers and Eurovision fans?
Rock music is actually the mother of all the pop-culture and it is not dead. Europe, you can prove it!
E+: Thanks for your time and good luck!