ESC+Plus has had the chance to have a talk with the Belarussian star for this year’s Eurovision. IVAN will represent his home land in Stockholm with “Help you Fly” after winning “Eurofest”, the national selection contest.
Check what he has told us below:
ESC+Plus: Hello Ivan! First of all, thank you so much for giving us this interview as Belarusian representative for Eurovision 2016 and congratulations on having been selected to represent your country in Stockholm!
How did you feel when you were named the winner of “Eurofest” getting the right to represent your Belarus at Eurovision? What does representing Belarus at Eurovision mean to you?
It was really exciting! That was an unbelievable feeling! It’s a chance of a lifetime and incredible responsibility to represent Belarus at Eurovision Song Contest. I am happy and proud of it. It is also a great experience and unique opportunity to perform in a global scale event. I will try to do fare the well and to share emotions and feelings with millions of viewers through my song.
E+: Can you tell us about your song “Help You Fly” and the story behind the lyrics? How was the composition procedure?
My song is about freedom and hope. In this song, I aim to inspire and help people who feel despair and who have lost their true selves. Overall, my song has a positive message for people which drives them to a bearing sense, but which is so pleasant for the listening at the same time. It is a very interesting song, rock with a little bit of ethnic tune.
E+: Have you taken a look at the stage design for this year’s Eurovision? What do you think about it?
Of course I saw it! I know that super professionals will be working there and it will be good, incredible and super great! I think we will work on a really modern and cool stage. The audience will have an amazing show!
E+: You have recently revealed the idea to appear naked with wolves on the Eurovision stage. Do you think it will be finally possible to carry out the performance in that way? If they don’t allow you to do it, what kind of adaptations do you have in mind to keep the performance as similar as possible?
We will try to make it till the end ! We don`t have a Plan B. So, if our idea wasn’t accepted, the audience would lose a great performance!)
E+: Tell us what Eurovision can contribute to your musical career. What are your expectations?
I will answer the same as many presenters I think – I will live an amazing experience! It’s a really hard work, but this helps you grow up in a lot of artist aspects. Also, I really want my song to be liked by a lot of people and they will enjoy it, hopefully for many years)
E+: Do you usually watch Eurovision? What are your favourite songs in the history of the competition?
Yes ! I really like watching the Eurovision song contest, I especially followed it when I was a child. I used to saw it with my family and cheer for my country Belarus! Favourite songs in history of ESC ? Oh there are a lot. In this song contest you can find a lot of good music for everybody’s music choice.
E+: Have you met any previous Belarusian representatives? If yes, has she/he given you any advice?
Yes ! I met Teo, Ruslan Alehno… The gave me some advice. Thanks them for this)
E+: Can you tell us about your musical career? What was it like for you to sing in public for the first time?
Inexpressible feelings! I was very young the first time I stepped on a stage. It was a rock concert with the first band I played with! From the first time, I understood that was my area! It was what I wanted to do in my life !!
E+: What do you do in your free time? Do you have any favourite hobbies?
I have no free time. But when it happens, I like reading books of wonderful writer Terry Pratchett. Once in ages I draw. I also do sports.
E+: Besides Eurovision, what are your plans for this year?
The plans are big! I`m going to make my first album! I think it will be cool and hope you will like it.
E+: Can you send a message for our readers?
Always believe in the fairy tales and follow you dreams! Sometimes, the most incredible things are under you feet or close to you, don’t miss them! I also hope you will like my song and it will give some hope and good feelings to you hearts)
E+: Thank you very much, good luck and see you in Stockholm!
Yeah!! Thank you ! And follow the Eurovision!! )