Dinah Nah: “I really believe that my song could be a hit in Europe” (Melodifestivalen participant – Interview)

ESC+Plus has talked to Dinah Nah, participant of the Swedish national selection “Melodifestivalen 2015”. She will compete in the fourth semifinal to take place tomorrow with the song “Make me (La La La)”.

ESC+Plus: Hi Dinah! First of all congratulations on having been selected for Melodifestivalen 2015.

Thank you so much!

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

At the age of 18 I was discovered in a karaoke bar by two producers who were looking for two girls for a euro disco group. The group’s name was Caramell and we made it big in Sweden. The first single sold gold and after that we toured all over the country – we even opened for Backstreet Boys when they did their Millennium tour in Sweden 1999!

2002 I left the group and took a break from the music industry, I needed some time in the background trying to figure out who I wanted to be as an artist, to find my own style in music and what I wanted to represent. In 2006 I got a record deal in Paris with EMA Vibe, so I packed my bags and flew to France where I worked with different producers developing my style and grew as a songwriter. After I got back to Stockholm it didn’t take long before I started to work with the producer duo “Ghost Track” which lead to my two first singles as Dinah Nah: “I am” and “Like You”. But looking ahead I´m fully prepared and really excited to do something I’ve always wanted to do, and that is to participate in Melodifestivalen!

 

 

E+: Why did you decide to enter Melodifestivalen 2015?

Melodifestivalen is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I just haven’t had the right song or the opportunity to do it. When I finally got the chance this year I was thrilled! And to be honest, the timing is perfect.

E+: What it would mean for you to represent Sweden at Eurovision?

Wow.. I can’t even describe what it would mean to me. An honor of course and I would do my absolute best to make Sweden proud of me. And honestly, I really believe that my song could be a hit in Europe.

E+: Can you tell us about your song “Make Me (La La La)” and the story behind the lyrics?

It’s a happy and energetic song about how it feels to be in love, or more about how that person you love makes you feel. I think that love is a topic that never gets out of fashion and with a lot of horrible things happening around the world we could all need a bit more love.

E+: How was your cooperation with the composers of the song?

We had a great time working on the song! It’s the best feeling to work with creative and talented people.

E+: How are you preparing your stage performance? Can you reveal us anything about it?

I will rehearse, rehearse, rehearse and rehearse. I will also take long walks to clear my mind and find inner peace to remain focused. I can reveal that I will have dancers, but that’s all you will get. Haha!

E+: What are your main strengths so as to get the people support to reach Eurovision?

Hmm, tough question. I hope people will see that I truly love performing and that they believe that I can pull of the mission of representing Sweden in Eurovision.

 

E+: Do you have any favourite artist among the other Melodifestivalen participants?

There are a few famous artists participating, but none that I listen to personally. I think Kristin Amparo and Caroline Wennergren are really good singers though.

E+: Do you usually watch Eurovision? Do you have any favorite song in the story of the contest?

Yes! I watch it every year and I often get together with friends to watch it and make some dinner, like a big happening! My favorite Eurovision song of all times is “Ne partez pas sans moi” with Celine Dion who won in 1988. I just love the 80’s sound and the melody.

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

No matter how it goes in Melodifestivalen I will work hard to make my song a hit anyway! It’s to good of a song to just let it pass.

E+: What is your favorite music style? Do you have any favourite singer?

I love all kinds of genres but one genre that’s close to my heart is RnB, which was the only kind of music I listened to as a teenager. But today I listen to everything, as long as it’s a good song I don’t really care about the genre. To name a few favorite artists that I really like; Beyoncé, Mary J Blige, Brandy, Dolly Parton, Whitney Houston and Jessie J.

E+: Finally, would you like to send a message for our readers?

Yes! Love yourself and remember that you hold the key to your own happiness. Take good care of yourself and the ones you love. XO Dinah Nah <3

You can follow Dinah Nah on her Official Website and Official Facebook Page