Gonçalo Tavares: “I will be playing the piano and singing on stage” (Portuguese candidate – Interview)

ESC+Plus has talked to Gonçalo Tavares, contender of the Portuguese national selection for Eurovision 2015 “Festival da Canção”. Gonçalo will sing “Tu tens uma mágica” (“You Have Magic”) in the first semi-final to take place today.

ESC+Plus: Hello! Firstly, congratulations on having been selected to compete at Festival da Canção 2015. Can you tell us about you, your musical evolution and important achievements?

I started playing the piano at the age of 8 and, a few years later, I won several singing competitions in Portugal. Since then, I haven’t stopped singing and you can check all my achievements on my official web-site. A few years later, I studied 3 years in the jazz school of Oporto making some performances around the country, from the smallest bar to the biggest festivals.

A few years ago, I set up a recording studio where I am the producer and I have recorded original songs. I have already launched two albums: the first one with the music for Song Festival 2010 “rivers” and the second album is having a great recognition because it includes a song of a Portuguese TV movie that will be sold to South America. I’m already recording the third studio album.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhiOeyA7w3c

E+: Why did you decide to take part in Portuguese selection this year?

Being in a Song Festival is always special and challenging for me. This Song Festival is not only a karaoke event, it is also an event where we feature original songs and this is the big difference with all the TV programs I know.

E+: What it would mean for you to represent Portugal in Vienna?

I would be very proud of representing Portugal in Vienna and I believe that my song could make history.

E+: Can you tell us about your song “Tu tens uma mágica” (“You Have Magic”) and the story behind the lyrics?

This song is about a journey of someone who loves deeply and travels around the world to discover the magical energy of her love. People should never forget the power and the magic they own and they often don’t reveal.

E+: How was the composition procedure?

I write songs everywhere, driving or in the shower… It is something spontaneous. This time I made the song and then I invited Jose Cid to write the lyrics with me. Jose Cid has a very strong musical and poetic career and the song has worked very well.

E+: Have you started to prepare your stage performance?

I will be playing the piano and singing on stage. I will play the piano, I am not going to do playback and this year, the Festival will have a band. However, I have a wonderful band you can see on YouTube tipping: Goncalo Tavares ao vivo 🙂

E+: Can you reveal us anything about it?

I will try to breathe music.

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

The choreography will be normal because the main element is the music and it’s what I believe, the rest is temporary and timely. Do not expect me to perform with dancers or mini skirt choirs, the Genesis of this festival is music and I will provide great music to this competition. I want to play and sing very well.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJuKu-T9mHo

E+: What can this competition contribute to your musical career?

It depends on the quality. If the Festival is well-organized and so it has quality, it will be good for everyone.

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

The song I always most like is ABBA’s “Waterloo” and “What’s Another Year” by Jonny Logan.

E+: What is your favourite music style?

Honestly, I like all music styles if they are very well interpreted.

E+: Do you have any favorite singer?

Stevie Wonder, Bruno Mars, Elton John, etc…

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

I am recording my third original album that will be sung in Portuguese and English languages and I am going to try to internationalize it.

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

Yes. Thank to everyone who supports this music festival. This could be possible without you so, I want to dedicate my song to you all.