Ira Losco: “I felt this was the right time to return” (Maltese semifinalist – Exclusive Interview)

ESC+Plus has had the chance to talk to Ira Losco, Maltese semifinalist and representative at Eurovision 2002. After being selected to compete in the semi-final, the young singer will perform two songs “Chameleon” and “That’s Why I Love You”.

Check what she told us below:

Hello Ira! 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!

ESC+Plus: Can you tell us about you, your musical career and important achievements?

I’m a singer songwriter from Malta . My music career started just a few years before I represented Malta in The Eurovision where I came 2nd in 2002 with 12 points away from the title. I haven’t stopped much since then, releasing around 10 publications including 4 studio albums , 3 of which have won best album at the music awards alongside other awards, 2 remix albums , an unplugged album , a full length DVD which was also in the cinemas for 6 weeks and as a 400 page book. I’ve performed over 125 shows outside of Malta as well numerous significant shows in my own country, and had the pleasure to perform alongside various artists such as Elton John, Maroon 5, Akon, Bob Geldoff, Duran Duran, Enrique Iglesias , Katie Melua and many more . Also had numerous collaborations with various international artists . The most recent being with X factor USA finalist David Correy in collaboration with Coca Cola for the World Cup anthem song . One of my singles ‘UH OH’ from my 2nd album was also partially used in Kelly Clarkson’s HIT song ‘Don’t waste your time’.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0b3ywwJMZLQ

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

Various things. Since I represented Malta in Eurovision and got a 2nd placing I was asked several times to return . My answer was consistently ‘never say never’ 3 years ago I released my previous album ‘THE FIRE’ which was ‘pop’ in genre . It was very well received both in terms of reviews as well as ITunes charts where it retained it’s 10 position since it’s release in 2013 and enjoyed a number 1 spot in the MALTA iTunes for several weeks . This was very encouraging for me . 2-3 years ago I was asked to co-host Malta’s selection for Eurovision with Gianluca . I must admit I really felt the warmth of the audience and that’s when I started to re-consider this . Last year I also reached out to my fans on my fan page and also asked for their feedback with regards to my possible return to Eurovision. These last 3-4 years I have noticed a shift from Kitsch songs to proper Pop songs with the likes of Loreen . Since my genre is pop music and my album is due for 2016 I felt this was the right time to return.

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

Needless to say I was very happy but I am not one to jump with joy mainly because I take nothing for granted. It’s still a long road ahead and equally do not expect anything in return . My only expectation is the one I impose on myself . To be the best version of myself I possibly can and give my utmost best.

E+: What it would mean for you to represent Malta? Can you tell us about your songs?

it is expected for an artist / entertainer to deliver the goods after people would have spent money on a concert ticket or voted for the artist in some awards or contest .The pressure adds up because it is a competition unfortunately and someone has to win and someone has to lose. This part I am not fond of but truthfully it’s not that different to how the music industry operates. You release an album and hope for the best and the one which has the best songs takes the number 1 spot. I guess the pressure comes from public perception cause ultimately music is about unity and I see Eurovision more as a celebration of different countries who come together for this yearly event . it would of course mean all the above , excitement and more . I actually have 2 songs in the semi finals . ‘Chameleon’ is a mix of both electronic and organic sounding. It starts off dark and moody which then opens up in the chorus and further opens up when the dance beat kicks in . There’s a lot of peaks and drops in the song which would work very well for a TV show imo . We also have a 7/4 time signature in the middle section which hints the end catchy melody but it’s not a giveaway. This is done beautifully through an orchestral string arrangement alongside a small touch of middle eastern influence . Most pop songs are normally in 4/4 rhythm and occasionally 3/4 or 6/8 so it was interesting to have this time signature part in .’That’s why I Love you’ is a power ballad with a good feeling . I love the good feeling it has In the chorus . it’s also very anthemic imo and brings out the feeling of a band performing it live . So they are 2 different songs with 2 different visions. Unfortunately 1 song is allowed to pass to the final and depending on the highest number of votes that song will pass .

E+: What is the story behind the lyrics?

‘Chameleon’ is about one of human’s best attributes . Our species has survived so much throughout the years also managed to evolve because we are very capable of adapting . Sometimes we forget this and limit ourselves because accepting change can be scary at times . So I’m using the chameleon to bring across this symbolic attribute alongside being there for others, hope and feeling invincible. The other song is purely based on the strongest feeling of all – Love. In fact it’s called That’s why I Love you or ‘Twily’ as we like to call it . I think the title is self-explanatory 😉

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

To be honest this is a hard question for me to answer for obvious reasons. I think my strengths might possibly be experience I’ve gained throughout my career , not being a new comer to the EV stage and I am proud to say I have a very professional team who know how the industry works. I am a very determined person but well grounded . I also see myself as pragmatic so I don’t exclude anything . People tell me I am very unpredictable and I guess they’re also right. If I had to win there would still be 4 months to go so anything can happen and change including the song. But first I have to get to the final as the only thing certain is that I am in the semi final with 2 songs.

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

The preparation is no different to how I would prepare for my concert. The difference is that instead of 2 hours I have 3 mins per song. Also this year the stage might be smaller as it’s not being done in the same venue so I still need to see what can be done . I also believe just as music videos , the strength is understanding your foreground, your middle ground ( if any ) and your background and how they compliment each other without being an overkill . Less is more sometimes . It all depends on the stage set design. It can determine a lot of things.

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

I must admit I have watched it more recently than in previous years . I saw Loreen in the Swedish finals and I knew she was the winner before seeing the other contestants. Her performance and song were flawless . Same thing with last year’s winning song , Heroes, which was visually the right marriage with the song and the charismatic artist. Same thing in the previous year , Conchita had the perfect story and a fantastic voice to match that story . It could have easily been worthy of a James Bond soundtrack .

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

Any of the above would be welcomed collaborations and a pleasure. Respect to all 3.

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

Releasing 2 more singles and videos as well as the album unless I feel I’m still missing something in the album . I am currently working on my 5th studio album due for release in 2016 which will also include a track featuring Destiny who won the Junior Eurovision 2015. I absolutely love her. I also have another unusual surprise lined up .

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

Absolutely! I am thrilled and excited to be back on the Eurovision stage. It is of course always an honour to represent my country and if I had to win the Malta final this would be my 2nd time . However I have to confess, this would not be the only honour I would carry. Globalization is under attack, minorities are still under attack in some countries such as LGBT rights ,same thing applies to bullying which has taken a turn to the worse with cyber bullying as well as women in power who are still very small in numbers . These are issues which I strongly believe in , I have fought for in my country and will continue to fight for and the fact that I would be part of a global event which proudly shows off how different countries and cultures can come together regardless of country of origin, culture, language , sex and diverse beliefs is a victory in this own right and an honour to be part of. You will always have a special place in my heart and I will do my best not to let you down.

E+: Thanks for your time and good luck!