ESC+Plus has talked to Kat Frankie, member of Keøma, finalists of this year’s German national selection for Eurovision. The duo will perform “Protected” at the final of “Unser Lied für Stockholm” set on February 25.
ESC+Plus: Hello! First of all, thank you so much for your time and congratulations on having been selected to take part in the German national selection for Eurovision 2016!
Can you tell us about you, your musical career and important achievements?
Our band is a duo, myself (Kat Frankie) and Chris Klopfer. We met in Chris’s hometown of Köln a few years back. Outside of KEØMA, we are both established solo artists in Germany, and when we met we had a ‘battle’ over who wrote the saddest songs. I won’t say who won, but we’ve been friends ever since. We started to write songs together and it was so much fun that before we knew it, we had a whole album.
E+: What impelled you to take part in “Unser Lied für Stockholm 2016”?
Chris is really excited about playing our music in front of lots of people, and I’m a huge fan of Eurovision. I watch it every year, and I think it’s actually really beautiful how Europe comes together once a year to simply share songs (with a few dance moves thrown in). The whole show is so fascinating – certainly from a cultural perspective – but it’s also a hell of a lot of fun just to watch the voting!
E+: How did you feel when you knew you had qualified for the final? Did you expect it?
We were in the middle of the video shoot for ‘Protected’ when we found out. I think we were both a bit shocked!
E+: What it would mean for you to represent Germany?
We’d love to represent Germany with a stage performance that will be beautiful and honest and melancholic and real.
E+: Can you tell us about your song? What is the story behind the lyrics?
Our song is a little bit different in that it’s quite intimate and almost introspective. It’s about being attracted to; or falling for someone – but knowing in your heart that it wouldn’t work. It’s about knowing what you need, and having the strength to walk away from something that isn’t right.
E+: Why do you think your song has to be selected for Stockholm? What are you strengths to reach the top in the competition?
Firstly, we have a song that we’re very proud of: it’s a mix of synths and Casio beats, with a very sincere and soulful vocal line. Our subject matter might be a bit more emotionally mature than the other entries. Certainly the lyrics are. And we’re not trying to be anything we’re not. We sing about what we know: and that’s about love, desire, the things we need and the things we can’t have. I think a lot of people can identify with that.
E+: Have you started to prepare your stage performance for “Unser Lied für Stockholm 2016”?
Yes we have! I think it’s going to be very beautiful and dreamy. But I can’t tell you more right now.
E+: Do you usually watch Eurovision? What are your favorite songs in the history of the competition?
We both do, but I’m more dedicated than Chris. Loreen’s ‘Euphoria’ was easily the best Eurovision entry since years. But I also have a soft spot for Alexander Rybak’s ‘Fairytale’ (2009) because I have no idea how you can jump around stage with such a huge grin on your face and still keep it together!
E+: If you could choose a Eurovision former participant to sing along with, who would it be?
Harel Skaat from Israel performed a really dramatic song, ‘Milim’ in 2010. He didn’t win, but it was so passionate, I still remember the melody. I don’t speak Hebrew, but it would be cool to sing with him.
E+: Besides Eurovision, what are your plans for this year?
Our debut album is out! We worked on it for the past year and a half, and it was released in Germany on 29th January. We are also going on tour in March, which is our favourite thing to do.
E+: Finally, can you send a message for our readers and Eurovision fans?
Dear Eurovision fans, later tonight, when you’re at home, and the world is quiet, and you’re chilled out on the couch, or you’re warm in bed; take a few moments to slow down and listen to our song, ‘Protected’. We hope you like it.
E+: Thanks for your time and good luck!