Ida Bois: “I’m very raw and natural as a performer” (Finnish participant – Interview)

ESC+Plus has talked to Ida Bois, participant of the Finnish national selection for Eurovision 2015 “UMK”. Ida will sing “Kumbaya” in the third semi-final set on February 21.

ESC+Plus: Hello! First of all, congratulations on having been selected to compete at the Finnish selection for Eurovision 2015.

Thank you!!

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

I’ve been writing songs since I was a little girl, but in the past 10 years I’ve really tried to grow as an artist and found my own sound and the way of saying things. I’ve had a little record deal before, and I’ve made with them 3 records. During these past years I’ve had some great experiences, especially when I got an opportunity to warm up Harlem Gospel Choir, when they were in Finland for the first time, in sold out Finlandia-hall.

E+: Why did you decide to take part in UMK 2015?

We had always joked that someday we’ll entry, when we have a right song and the time feels right. And last spring when Kumbaya was ready, me and my band thought that it’s a great kind of eurovion-ish song and the lyrics match perfectly too. So we send it in, and got the change to be a contestant!

 

 

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

I’m very proud to be Finnish, I think we have a beautiful country with an interesting culture and a very exotic language. I think it would be a good time to try a modern song in our own language again, and also the meaning of Kumbaya is something that everyone anywhere can relate to!

E+: Your song is called “Kumbaya”. Can you tell us about the song and the story behind the lyrics?

“Kumbaya” is saying “the world has always been like this. Why bother and do anything? Lets just sing “Kumbaya”.” But really is an ironic song and it’s not hard to find the real meaning in between the lines: that the world is NOT going to change on its own and it’s NOT going to be a better place, if we do nothing. So it’s really just encouraging everyone to see people near them and just doing the little things that matters.

E+: How was the composition procedure?

I made the song and the lyrics by myself, but after it was ready I played it to my band and send it to my producer Kalle Mäkipelto, who made the arrangement. Then we send it to the contest and got in. After that we had a privilege to produce it to its final point with the Fried Music, which was a great experience!

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

Well maybe the most important thing that I’ve been doing is just not think of the performance too much! I’ve practiced my best and took a good care of myself, but really the best thing I can do, is just to relax and enjoy this experience 🙂 But I will promise that the performance won’t be plain, even though I want it to be natural!

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

I’m very raw and natural as a performer. So I’m hoping it will stand out, because at the end of the day, music is all about moving something inside people’s souls and stopping in that moment.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6fyRXRyRTg

 

E+: Do you usually watch Eurovision? What is your favorite song in the history of the competition?

Yes, of course I watch Eurovision contest every year! I have to be plain and boring, but the best performance for me was of course Lordi in 2006 😉 But also the one that stuck to my mind is Loreen, because the song was just absolutely amazing!

E+: Do you have any favourite song among the other UMK participants?

They are all so great!! In the UMK-contest is so many great bands and artists that really I feel sorry for myself 😀 I love them all, but at this point I’ve really got into Aikuinen, because the song and the video is just so crazy in the best possible way! But yeah, if I should select my favorites, I should have to list all of the contestants!

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

Well now we are making new music, going to release it soon and then just having gigs around the Finland and living life to the fullest! My life is a pretty hectic now, so I’m just trying not to think about the future too much, and just go with the flow 🙂 My main goal is to be happy and make this year the best musical year of my life so far!

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

Look around, there’s a beautiful world around you and it looks even more beautiful, when you look it while listening to good music!! 🙂

You can follow Ida Bois on her Official Website and Official Facebook Page.