Rafaela Truda: “I want my song to be the alcohol in the party” (Finnish semifinalist – Exclusive Interview)

ESC+Plus has talked to Rafaela Truda, semifinalist of this year’s Finnish national selection for Eurovision, “UMK 2016”. Rafaela will perform “Rise Up” in the second semi-final 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 Finnish national selection for Eurovision 2016!

Can you tell us about you, your musical career and important achievements?

I am a happy and social women with positive energy. I have a big heart for my family and friends and for everybody that is supporting me. On the stage I like to be a bit sassy and confident to encourage people to be strong and independent, but in reality I am very sensitive, and I laugh and I joke a lot. I am a very new artist so this is my very first song just for the ESC, but lots of more songs will come out later and in many different styles. I really hope I can do music for a living and also have some acting jobs in the future, I want people to feel my music, dance to the dancing songs and relax to the relaxing songs.

E+: What impelled you to take part in “UMK 2016”?

I always wanted to take part in the Eurovision song contest, and specially to represent Finland. That’s Always been a dream , and I belive I have something new for us.

E+: How did you feel when you knew you had qualified for the semi-finals? Did you expect it?

It was amazing, and no we didn’t expect it at all.

E+: What it would mean for you to represent Finland?

It would be a dream come true, I really think my song is something new and catchy for Finland, and I am really doing this from my heart

E+: Can you tell us about your song? What is the story behind the lyrics?

My song is a mix, a little bit of Balkan style with the saxophone, then tropical house, pop and rap. So we wanted to create a catchy mixed song. And the lyrics is about that we all belong together no matter where we are from, also to enjoy our life and never give up. My verse tells that I love dancing and that I have passion for what im doing, and that we should all rise up after we fall. My rap is mostly about proving the people who doubts us and don’t belive in us that they are wrong I also want people to dance when they hear the song. “I want my song to be the alcohol in the party” I want people to love to dance without any alcohol and specially when they hear “Rise up”.

E+: Why do you think your song has to be selected for Stockholm? What are you strengths to reach the top in the competition?

Because we are comprehensive, and passionate. I belive it would do very good in the finale.

E+: Do you usually watch Eurovision? What are your favorite songs in the history of the competition?

Yes , since I was four. It has always been a family thing to do every year. There has been so many amazing song in the ESC but Helena Paparizou’s song “Number one” was my favourite as a child. Now It is Måns Zelmerlöw, Loreen and many others.

E+: If you could choose a Eurovision former participant to sing with, who would it be?

I guess it would be Måns Zelmerlöw that I would like to sing with

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

My plans are to make more songs and apply to a school for now

E+: Finally, can you send a message for our readers and Eurovision fans?

I want to thank everyone that is supporting me and will be supporting. We have many different styles and this is only one of them so there is so much more. The song represents us all being together and to never give up. Music brings us together no matter where you are from. “We all belong our day will come, got to live it to the limit, don’t give up tonight”

E+: Thanks for your time and good luck!