ESC+Plus has talked to Raiven, semifinalist of this year’s Slovenian national selection for Eurovision. The 2016 runner-up will participate in the EMA’s second semi-final set to take place on February 18th.
ESC+Plus: Hello! First of all, thank you so much for your time and congratulations on having been selected to take part in the Slovenian national selection for Eurovision 2017!
Can you tell us about you, your musical career and important achievements?
Raiven: I’m Raiven, a singer and harpist from Slovenia. I currently study opera singing at the Academy for music in Ljubljana. My career as Raiven started about 2 years ago. I became more known after participating on National selection for Eurovision 2016. I placed 2nd. My musical genre is electronic pop with classical elements.
ESC+Plus: What impelled you to take part in “EMA 2017”?
Raiven: Since I almost won last year, I figured it would be wise to try again.
ESC+Plus: How did you feel when you knew you had qualified for the semi-final? Did you expect it?
Raiven: Of course I was very happy, but yes, I must admit expected it.
ESC+Plus: What would it mean to you to represent Slovenia?
Raiven: It would mean I would have the opportunity to expand my career abroad. And that has always been my goal.
ESC+Plus: Can you tell us about your song? What is the story behind the lyrics?
Raiven: The song is very powerful but still quirky. The music was made by Jernej Kržič and Tadej Košir, I wrote the lyrics myself. It talks about confidence, finding your own voice and not being afraid of being heard.
ESC+Plus: Why do you think your song has to be selected for Kiev? What are you strengths to reach the top in the competition?
Raiven: I am different and people notice me and my music because of that. And I think that is very important. Eurovision has a huge stage and strong musicians. If you want to suceed, you have to be interesting and you have to stand out. And I am not like the others. My music is different, I’m a professionally trained musician, I play harp in I always make sure my outfits and stage performances are interesting and something that has not been done before. All that, combined with my pink hair is I think my key for winning 🙂
ESC+Plus: How do you remember your participation at the last year’ Slovenian final, when you came second behind ManuElla?
Raiven: Last year Ema was actually the start of my career. I am soooo greateful for this experience. It really has changed my life and I hope this year will be even better.
ESC+Plus: Do you usually watch Eurovision? What is your favorite song in the history of the competition?
Raiven: Yes I usually do. My favourites are Love injected by Aminata and Love Wave by Iveta Mukuchyan.
ESC+Plus: If you could choose a Eurovision former participant to sing along with, who would it be?
Raiven: Probably Iveta Mukuchyan.
ESC+Plus: Finally, can you send a message for our readers and Eurovision fans?
Raiven: Firstly, thank you for reading this interview. If you want to stay tuned throughout my journey to EMA 2017, you can follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat – @raivenofficial. Can’t wait to share more of my music with all of you!