ESC+Plus has talked to Kat Mahon, participant of the Irish selection for Eurovision 2015 “Eurosong”. Kat will sing “Anybody Got a Shoulder” in the final set on February 27.
ESC+Plus: Hello Kat! First of all congratulations on having been selected to compete at Eurosong 2015. Can you tell us about you, your musical evolution and important achievements?
I have always sang from a young age and have been in many bands over the years. My original band “Lilac BLues” got to the semi finals of “The All Ireland Talent Show” in 2008, I have played many large festivals with the band “Jukebox Gypsy” including Electric Picnic, Body and Soul and Helium. I am currently a contestant on “The Voice of Ireland”. Music is my passion!!
E+: Why did you decide to take part in Eurosong 2015?
I was asked by Paul Guerny (plays piano on the track and was recorded in his studio, Real World Studios, Longford) If I would be interested in recording a song for Charlie mc Gettigan, I jumped at the opportunity to work with somebody so accomplished and successful, I also fell in love with the song and thought it could do very well in the competition. I will always take a chance 🙂
E+: What it would mean for you to represent Ireland in Vienna?
It would be an absolute honour to represent my country in the Eurovision, I grew up, like many young people, watching it every year, excited to hear all the songs, and see all the dresses and hear the big productions, its amazing that I’m this close to doing it myself!!It would mean so much!
E+: You will sing “Anybody Got a Shoulder” at the Irish final. Can you tell us about your song and the story behind the lyrics? How was the cooperation with the composer, Charlie McGettigan?
The song is about heartbreak and the naivety of young love, a story we can all relate to, like the theme, the song itself is vulnerable, there is nowhere to hide from a vocalists point of view. Everything is stripped back with just piano, guitar, violin, double bass, and then the voice. Working with Charlie has been an absolute pleasure, he is extremely easy going!his guidance through this whole experience has been very helpful, an absolute gentleman
E+: Have you started preparing your stage performance? Can you reveal us anything about it?
I can’t reveal everything!! But the production will be simple, we feel that this song should be the main focus 🙂
E+: What are your main strengths so as to get the jury and people support to win the contest?
I believe that with this song, the important thing is to remain transparent and open as an artist, I will be exposed and vulnerable on the night and I hope that will win them over!! It will be an honest performance
E+: What can this competition contribute to your musical career?
It is an amazing platform, and a very unique experience, you will never, in your lifetime, play to that many people…..scary but exciting!! It will help me connect with other people in the industry, around the whole of europe, as well as Ireland
E+: Do you have any favorite song among the other Eurosong finalists?
I love them all!! I don’t like picking favourites 🙂
E+: Do you usually watch Eurovision? Do you have any favourite song in the history of the contest?
I LOVED Dana’s performance in 1970, with “all kinds of everything” , I had the opportunity to meet her once and she really is such a lady!!
E+: Besides Eurovision, what are your plans for this year?
I hope to keep working away with music, I am a contestant on the Voice of Ireland, so hopefully I do well in that!This year has been amazing, I have been very lucky 🙂
E+: What is your favourite music style? Do you have any favourite singer?
I love anything jazz and Blues, I love Jeff Buckley, Nina Simone and Johnny Cash
E+: Finally, would you like to send a message for our readers?
Thanks for all of the support and following our progress, it’s been amazing! Thanks for reading and wish us luck 🙂
You can follow Kat Mahon on her Official Facebook Page