Danica Muscat: “Frontline speaks about people who tend to gossip, without checking the correct facts” (Maltese semifinalist – Interview)

ESC+Plus has talked to Danica Muscat, semifinalist of the Maltese national selection for Eurovision 2016. After being selected to compete in the live shows, the singer will perform the song “Frontline”.

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!

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

It was in 2006, when I officially emerged into the scene, having qualified through to the final of the Junior Eurosong for the very first time, the song ‘Play Your Violin’ was appreciated, but nothing could beat the message that I submit the following year as she performed ‘Stolen’, based on the disappearance of Madeleine McCann. Despite finishing as the first runner-up, I have never looked back and returned to the competition in 2008, looking remarkably older at a mere 14 years of age. I was one of the few artists who had two songs competing, a coup by anyone’s standards and the beginning of a positive future. In 2010, I also had the opportunity to audition for the show ‘Io Canto’ on Canale 5 and following a series of casting rounds got through to the live shows, met Gerry Scotti and had the opportunity to perform with a handful of internationally renowned artists; Ron, Pierdavide Carone, Ornella Vanoni and The Priests.

Following this experience, I returned to Malta with her head help up high, and made an attempt to get through to the final phases of all leading competitions, succeeding on almost each and every occasion. As a matter of fact, I made it through to the LIVE shows within the Konkors Kanzunetta Indipendenza every year between 2011 and 2015, the Malta Eurovision Song Contest four times between 2012 and 2016, as well as the Summer Hit Song Contest in 2014 and 2015, reaching 3rd place in the latter with “Amour”, a Philip Vella composition.

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

Well, after my participation in November 2014 on that beautiful stage also used for the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, I sat down with my team knowing that I wanted something different. We came up with “Frontline”, something bold, and new.

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

There aren’t any words which can describe that feeling, as your heart starts racing! I always believe in my songs, but you can never expect to qualify, because there is way too much talent in Malta. This year, it was truly breathtaking having been called out towards the end of the reveal.

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

It would be a true honour, being chosen to represent my country!

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

‘Frontline’ is a song close to my heart which speaks about an everyday subject, but I won’t spoil the story of the lyrics, so keep on reading! It is composed by Philip Vella and penned by Emil Calleja Bayliss.  ‘Frontline’ speaks about people who tend to gossip, without checking the correct facts. Unfortunately, this is rather irrational as it does not give the people talked about the opportunity to defend themselves. Nevertheless, in the face of such difficulty, people have to overcome this gossip, and tackle it.

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

It is fair to say that this is completely new territory for me, trying out a mellowed version of “pop” having always taken part in the Malta Eurovision Song Contest with a ballad. I think this change shows versatility, an element which makes this entry stand out.

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

With about 3 weeks to go, we have now officially revealed the team for the stage performances, three male musicians whose names were published through social media. They are Geordie DeBono, former Malta Eurovision runner-up, Klinsmann Coleiro, and my brother, Nicholas Muscat. The rest remains a secret, so I urge you to watch the show on the 22nd February 2016.

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

Indeed! I could not be more of a Eurovision fan, having watched the event with my family and friends every year growing up 🙂 There are quite a couple of favourite songs in terms, including “Another Summer Night” by Fabrizio Faniello (Malta 2001), “Everything” by Anna Vissi (Greece 2006), “A Million Voices” (Russia 2015) and “Stronger Every Minute” (Cyprus 2004).

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

This is simple! I would have to choose Anna Vissi because the depth in her voice is stunning.

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

12 months is a long period, and I am glad that we are still at the very beginning. The plan is to work on a couple of projects for other events that will be occurring during 2016, but at the moment, I am focused on “Frontline” and my participation in the Malta Eurovision Song Contest.

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

Thank You! Without your support, I would not be having as much fun! Watch out for my performance of “Frontline”. Also, if you have some time, and would like to follow my journey towards the Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2016, please LIKE my page on Facebook  and follow me on Twitter.

E+: Thanks for your time and good luck!

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