ESC+Plus has talked to Kristel Aaslaid, semifinalist of this year’s Estonian national selection for Eurovision along with Cartoon. They will perform “Inmortality” in the first semi-final of “Eesti Laul 2016” set on February 13.
ESC+Plus: Hello! First of all, thank you so much for your time and congratulations on having been selected to take part in the Estonian national selection for Eurovision 2016!
E+: Can you tell us about you, your musical career and important achievements?
I have been singing as a hobby for almost 13 years now. I’ve been in different bands and writing songs for the last 7 years. I used to compete in national singing competitions, where I did quite good – once I won the Grand Prix in Noorte Solistide Konkurs (Young Soloist Competition) and I’m still quite proud of that. But I haven’t studied it specifically – it just has always been in my blood.
E+: What impelled you to take part in “Eesti Laul 2016” with Cartoon?
I’ve worked with them before and when it was about the last time to start working on a song, I told the guys about an idea I had. Next thing you know, we had “Immortality” in our hands 🙂
E+: How did you feel when you knew you had qualified for the semi-final? Did you expect it?
I didn’t, because I had tried about twice before to get into the competition, but never got to. I was super excited, since this has been one of my dreams. I just love the excitement that comes with it. And you get to meet and hang out with a lot of interesting and cool people.
E+: What it would mean for you to represent Estonia?
It would mean so much. I have competed before, represented my country, but never like this and never with singing. The Eurovision Song Contest is a huge deal, and to be a part of it. That would blow my mind, literally.
E+: Can you tell us about your song “Immortality”? What is the story behind the lyrics?
Immortality was inspired by a poem, where it says that to love someone and not get loved in return, kind of gives you immortality – it hurts so much, but never kills you. Kind of gloomy and deep, but that is what that word represents.
E+: Why do you think your song has to be selected for Stockholm? What are you strengths to reach the top in the competition?
We have a good team, that knows what we’re doing. We’re very passionate about music and would love to share that passion with Europe.
E+: Have you started to prepare your stage performance for “Eesti Laul”?
Yes, and it’s going to be very interesting, I believe 🙂
E+: Do you usually watch Eurovision? What are your favorites songs in the history of the competition?
Yea, we gather around with friends and watch it all together. It’s a fun thing to do – listen to music and get all hyped. I remember me and my sister memorized the 2000 Eurovision song contest, so we practically knew all the songs. One of my favourites from that year was from Russia: Alsou – Solo. The first song that popped in my head right now aswell 🙂
E+:If you could choose a Eurovision former participant to sing along with, who would it be?
I think Celine Dion, just because she has an amazing talent plus that something extra that made her into an international superstar. I’d love to learn from her.
E+: Besides Eurovision, what are your plans for this year?
This year, I’m going to get more involved in the music scene and get more done. Make more music on my own and just research my own soul a bit.
E+: Finally, can you send a message for our readers and Eurovision fans?
Don’t forget to be good towards each other. Love is so important these days and we need to share it more!
E+: Thanks for your time and good luck!