Nikki Kavanagh: “My song talks about the difficulties of hearing a song on the radio that brings it all back & it hurts!” (Irish finalist – Interview)

ESC+Plus has talked to Nikki Kavanagh, finalist of the Irish selection for Eurovision 2015 “Eurosong”. Nikki will sing “Memories” in the final set on February 27.

ESC+Plus: Hello Nikki! First of all congratulations on having been selected to compete at Eurosong 2015.

THANK YOU!

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

Well I’m a mammy of three, I am an award-winning make up artist and I run my own bridal boutique in Ratoath County Meath! Music started for me as a child, I sang and dances in shows from aged 8, slowly progressing onto singing in bands and gigging all over the country and recording dozens of TV and radio commercials as a session singer.

 

 

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

I was waiting on the right song to land on my lap! And when Johnny sent me ‘memories in melody’ I knew with a few tweaks it was for me! Very talented group of songwriters involved, I’m very lucky!

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

It would be absolutely amazing!

E+: How was your experience in Eurovision 2010 as a backing singer of Niamh Kavanagh?

It was such an amazing experience from start to finish. I’ve always been such a big Eurovision fan so to be out there on that stage having watched it as a child on TV was incredible.

 

 

E+: You will sing “Memories” in the competition. Can you tell us about the song and the story behind the lyrics? How was your collaboration with the composers?

The song was written originally by Leeanna and Elena and then came involvement from Simon, then Johnny & Dimitri from production end of things and then I came in and made a few changes to make it my own. I’m very honoured to be working with these guys! It’s a love song but it has heartache in it, music sparks emotions, memories and they are not always positive ones! The song talks about the difficulties of hearing a song on the radio that brings it all back & it hurts! But we’ve put a positive stint on it!

E+: Have you started preparing your stage performance? Can you reveal us anything about it?

Not yet no, you are quite restricted in the national finals, it’s a very small area and a lot of things are not allowed but they are working with us as best they can. It’s a very powerful song to sing so I’ll be focusing on that! If we win it will be another story in Vienna!

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

I hope pulling off a great live performance will impress, that’s what it’s all about! I just try to be myself and be a nice person, what will be will be after that!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihSUoGDfxRg

 

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

I think ESC is a huge platform for anything you want really and there’s such a good positive buzz about it. Once you look the part, sing well and have fun it can only do good! Spreading your name and voice across the continent in a couple of short weeks is unachievable in any other contest in the world.

E+: Do you have any favorite song among the other “Eurosong” finalists?

I think they are all so different I like them all! I wish them all the best of luck on the night.

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

Absolutely! I loved Ovi and Paula ‘playing with fire’ wow! And of course the Irish winners were fantastic too!

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

I’m very busy at the moment working as a make up artist and I’ve just opened a new bridal boutique…I’m a workaholic!

E+: What is your favourite music style? Do you have a favourite singer?

I love female vocalists like Adele, Emilie Sande and of course the divas like Whitney and Mariah. I’m a huge soul and Motown fan but I also quite like current dance music too, very mixed bag, it depends on my mood!

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

Yes! Thanks so much for reading my interview and if you like the song please share it around Europe for me, I’d be very grateful!

You can follow Nikki Kavanagh on her Official Website .