Markus Riva: “I hope people will get my emotions during my performance” (Latvian participant – Interview)

ESC+Plus has talked to Markus Riva, participant of the Latvian selection for Eurovision 2015 “Supernova”. Markus will sing “Take Me Down” in the second heat on February 7.

ESC+Plus: Hello Markus! First of all congratulations on having been selected to compete at “Supernova 2015”.

Hello! It is my pleasure! I am very happy that my song has this opportunity to take part and fight for the ticket to Vienna.

E+: Can you tell us about you, your musical evolution and important achievements?

I was 6 when I started music school, but before that I was entertaining my family with shows in my bedroom. Now from bedroom concerts I have come a long way to perform on big stages. It is what I have always wanted to do and always will. I love to write and produce, I love to perform and throw parties as a DJ as well. I have done 2 solo CDs and one of my latest big projects was prime-time TV show “Want to Meladze” which was filmed in Moscow and aired in Russia, Ukraine, Belorussia, Kazakhstan and other countries. I did it till the last final show and ended up at 2nd place, which is a big achievement for me. You can check my appearance in the reality show here.

 

 

E+: Why did you decide to take part in “Supernova 2015”?

We ( me & my management) thought it would be logical step to go further with brand “Markus Riva”. We are a great team this year and lot of good people want to help me with my music. No matter what, this year is going to be very exciting for my fans and me.

E+: What it would mean for you to represent Latvia in Vienna?

I kind feel that this is “now or never” moment. But, never say never… I keep thinking very promising and positive. It is going to be very exciting if I will represent my country this time. I keep my faith!

E+: Last year you took part at “Dziesma 2014”. How did you experience it?

Last year was first time for me as a soloist and I was kind of fresh for this. But after a year I got more experience and self-confidence to do better and perform better.

E+: Your song for this event is called “Take Me Down”. Can you tell us about the song and the story behind the lyrics? How was the composition procedure?

“Take Me Down” is something different from everything I have done before. I love this song so much! During rehearsals I got so emotional by singing it over and over again. It is epic and mystic in the same time. I hope people will get my emotions during my performance.

 

 

E+: Can you reveal us anything about your stage performance?

Yes! It is going to be quite simple for the first show. We are going to launch music video after the first show and preview of it you will see already on this Sunday. So it is emotional connection between the video and me on the stage. I am not going to do ballet (laughing). Music video was made by iconic director from Kiev, Ukraine – Alan Badoev who has filmed a lot of music videos for the biggest stars in Ukraine, Russia and elsewhere like Dan Balan, Polina Gagarina, Kazaky, Lara Fabian, Filip Kirkorov, Loboda and many more.

E+: What are your main strengths so as to get the people and juries support to win the contest?

My international fan base have grown quite a lot over the past few months and it is all because of my success at TV show “Want to Meladze”. I have this great team that will do the best show for “Take Me Down” in Vienna.

E+: What can this competition contribute to your musical career?

It could open new doors and new horizons for my music and me. I always want to open new borders and stages.

 

 

E+: Do you have any favorite song among the other “Supernova” candidates?

I always watch it all together; in Eurovision it is important to have the whole package. So I want to see all contestants and then decide.

E+: Do you usually watch Eurovision? Do you have any favorite song in the history of the contest?

Yes, I always try to watch; it is fun and exciting TV show. My favorites are always from Sweden and Ukraine. They always bring good package.

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

My other plans are to finish my 3rd music album in English and release new singles for Russian spoken audience. “Take Me Down” has a Russian version that is going to be available very soon.

E+: What is your favorite music style? Your favorite singer?

I listen it all. It changes with my mood. I listen a lot of dance music, house music because of my other job – Djing. Also I love some classic jazz and classical music.

E+: Finally, would you like to send a message for our readers?

I hope this world will live in peace and people will try to understand each other more often. We are big family with different nationalities, religions, but we all are living in one beautiful house that is the Earth.

You can follow Markus Riva on his Official Website and Official Facebook Page.