Martina Majerle: “I am going to be alone on stage with small movements, everything will be minimalistic” (Slovenian finalist – Interview)

ESC+Plus has talked to Martina Majerle, participant of the Slovenian selection for Eurovision 2015 “EMA”. Martina, who was also Slovenian entrant at Eurovision 2009, will sing “Alive” in the final set on February 28.

ESC+Plus: Hello Martina! Can you tell us about you, your musical evolution and important achievements?

I made my first serious steps into the world of music as the lead singer of the Rijeka band Putokazi.  I continued my musical career as a soloist in the ambient-electro-pop band Atmospheric. I also worked for Croatian RTV orchestra in projects regarding the Croatian national broadcaster.

As a back vocalist, I performed at many concerts at home and abroad. I accompanied many famous musicians from the region. Amongst them were Oliver Dragojević ‘s concert at Royal Albert Hall, UK;Tereza Kesovija and Zdravko Čolić at Olympia, FRA; Nuša Derenda,  Severina, Massimo, Nina Badrić, Vanna, Toni Cetinski, Parni Valjak, Novi Fosili and many others.

As a lead singer I performed at Split Festival, Croatia in 2011 and released a cover of Tony Esposito’s single Kalimba de Luna. I also collaborated with Slovene songwriter Dare Kaurič on singles Čokolada In Vanilija and Luna Nad Obalo. I founded my own project “Passione Mediterranea” performing mediterranean music  such as portuguese fado, french chanson, italian, spanish and croatian music as well as russian gypsy songs.

Besides my musical achievements I have a Degree in Economics from the University of Rijeka, Croatia.

 

 

E+: Why did you decide to take part in EMA 2015?

I did not think entering any national preselection until Andrej Babić sent me his song “Alive”. From that moment I fell in love with the song and decided to record it. So we sent it to EMA and just waited to see what will happen. And we entered Slovene national selection.

E+: You have been in Eurovision many times before: main vocalist in 2009 representing Slovenia and backing singer of Croatia 2003, Montenegro 2008 and 2013, Slovenia 2007, 2011 and 2012…. What memories and experiences do you keep from those editions? What was the most important one for you?

Eurovision is technically in the highest quality range of events I ever participated. I was shocked in a great way in Latvia, 2003 performing for Claudia Beni and I always point out that year because it was my first ESC. The stage was magnificent each year, sound and light effects also. Afterwards there were Slovenian and Montenegrin delegations all great to me but also very different in style, behavior and mentality. I enjoyed them all. Some countries I have seen only because of ESC, such as Azerbaijan, and I will always be grateful for that.

 

E+: How do you face this new Eurovision attempt?

I am definitely very excited. The first time I will be completely alone on stage as a soloist on such festival. The adrenaline will be high I know already. It would mean so much to me professionally and emotionally.

E+: What it would mean for you to represent Slovenia at Eurovision for the second time?

I would strongly appreciate the chance to represent Slovenia in Eurovision again. This country was the one I sung the most for on ESC. The people are nice. The delegation itself very dear. I hope they would be proud of me. I could go to ESC pension afterwards. 🙂

E+: Have you ever thought about represent Croatia, your country of origin, at Eurovision?

I was born in Croatia and I live in Croatia too. The fact me and my team worked so much in Slovenia is pure coincidence. We supported Slovenian musicians because of our skills and performances and there is also close distance in geographical sense between Ljubljana and my hometown Rijeka in Croatia

E+: Can you tell us about your song “Alive” and the story behind the lyrics? How was the composition procedure?

The author of music and lyrics is Andrej Babić my dear colleague and old friend. We collaborated a lot, so working together is a natural thing for us. The song is love ballade, sad one, in which I am heartbroken after ending a relationship, but I am still searching for my baby and hoping to become alive again. The producer is Branko Berković also known as Mr. B.

E+: How are you preparing your stage performance? Can you reveal us anything about it?

I am going to be alone on the stage with small movements. Everything will be minimalistic.

E+: What are your main strengths so as to get the juries and televote support to reach Eurovision?

Quality of the song, because it is strong and also quality of my vocal performance that should be on it’s top.  The career in Slovenia I do not have, also not so many fans since I am mostly background vocalist. Therefore it will be difficult but hopefully not impossible.

E+: If you win the Slovenian competition, would you sing in Slovenian or in English at Eurovision?

Definitely in English. The song is originally written in English and I don’t see any other language that would suit it better.

 

E+: Do you have any favourite song among the other EMA finalists?

All the Ema’s songs and singers are good this year. It just depends of what music genre you prefer. I don’t think it would be professional of me to highlight any participant at this stage of competition. But I do have my favourites.

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

Yes I do. My favourites from recent times are Euphoria and My Number One, from more distant times definitely Hold Me Now, Željo Moja, Nocturne and Prisluhni Mi.

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

I would like to record a summer song this year for Croatian market . There are also summer festivals in Croatia I am participating each year and there is Massimo, famous Croatian singer I am singing background vocals for.

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

Like I always say enjoy good music and don’t let life‘s worries bring you down!

You can follow Martina Majerle on her Official Facebook Page.