ESC+Plus has talked to D Base, finalists of this year’s Slovenian national selection for Eurovision. The group will perform “Spet živ” (Alive again) in the final of EMA 2016 to take place 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.
Can you tell us about you, your musical career and important achievements?
Our members have been in our music scene for a long time. David has released two EP albums, 3 music videos and has worked with some of the most prominent Slovenian rap artists. Nejc has released one album, 12 music videos and some singles. As from last year, he is working with Menart Records, one of the largest record labels in our music space. Benjamin has been performing at Slovenia’s got talent (he’s been trough all the way to the semi finals). He placed second at Turkish Olympics (135 country entries) music festival and has worked with some of the best singing teachers.
E+: What impelled you to take part in “EMA 2016”?
We were in the making of a new song when the EMA public tender came out. It was a great opportunity, so we said – why not? It was just a glimpse of an idea.
E+: How did you feel when you knew you had qualified for the final? Did you expect it?
The feeling was pure surprise and satisfaction. We quickly said we now have to take this chance and try to be better than we were ever before. As I said we did not expect coming all the way trough.
E+: What would it mean to you to represent Slovenia?
It would surely mean that we would have reached our target and a great success for us and our rap culture. It’s supposed to be an alternative music genre, but now, we can show everyone rap can be commercially very successful.
E+: Can you tell us about your song? What is the story behind the lyrics?
Our song is positive and catchy and the rap parts make it quite different from all the other songs. The story is about our childhood and all the stuff we miss about it nowadays, how life changed since then and how it is now.
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 are a trio that you don’t usually see in the music industry. Our song is made from pure emotions and positive vibes and I think that if we put that into an amazing performance, we will surely have a great chance.
E+: How are you preparing your stage performance for “EMA 2016”?
We rehearse our song every day, including all the backing vocals.
E+: Do you usually watch Eurovision? What are your favourite songs in the history of the competition?
Yes, I (Benjamin) do every year. Probably Euphoria or Belive from Dima Bilan and I really liked Molitva (Serbia).
E+: If you could choose a Eurovision former participant to sing with, who would it be?
Hmm.. Loreen because of all the energy she gives when she performs. She’s wonderfull.
E+: Besides Eurovision, what are your plans for this year?
9ka is going to release their new album this year, probably in summer. I have a lot of projects coming up with some new artists that are very talented.
E+: Finally, can you send a message for our readers and Eurovision fans?
Remember your childhood dreams and try to reach the most of them in the future.
E+: Thanks for your time and good luck!