San Di Ego: “We are one of the most promising rock bands in our country” (Slovenian finalist – Exclusive Interview)

ESC+Plus has talked to San Di Ego, finalist of this year’s Slovenian national selection for Eurovision “EMA 2016”. The band will sing “Without You” in the final set on February 27.

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 2016!

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

San Di Ego is the Slovenian hard rock band, composed of four experienced musicians: Sergej Škofljanec (lead vocals, acoustic guitar, piano), Matic Ajdič (guitar, backing vocals), Jure Doles (drums) and Martin Rozman (bass, backing vocals). Formed in Ljubljana in early 2013, has published since now eight singles and six music videos. The adaption of the Bee Gees group’s hit “Stayin Alive” represents San Di Ego band’s great success. Their first album was released in the year 2014, the second one is running to be published at the end of 2016.

The Slovenian rock scene is confirming the high position of young group San Di ego, which is ranging as one of the best live rock bands and one of the most promising rock bands in Slovenia.

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

Taking part in EMA 2016 is the logical step in the process of growth, it is the consequence of the former group’s achievements. We wish we could have larger audience, actually, we are looking forward to conquer the fans of the rock music in Slovenia, Europe and worldwide, and all others as well.

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

We do believe in that we’re doing, nevertheless we did not want to expect too much. The criteria for the selection of EMA has been unknown and we didn’t know anything about the other groups. When we heard the great news we were not really surprised, but very pleased.

E+: What it would mean for you to represent Slovenia? Can you tell us about your song? What is the story behind the lyrics?

It would be a great pleasure for us to represent Slovenia. All members of the band are Slovenians who like very much the Slovenian language, so our song for EMO is having Slovenian text.

The song “Without you” is talking about immense happiness when we love somebody but at the same time it describes the desperation if the loved gets lost.

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

We think that we have a good song as much as a good stage presence and …a great singer!

E+: Have you started to prepare your stage performance for “EMA 2016”?

We have not started yet, but we ‘re dealing with some hot ideas.

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

If having time, we always watch Eurovision. It is very difficult to highlight just some of our favorite songs. But being the rockers we can’t ignore Lordi and their Hard Rock Hallelujah. ☺

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

ABBA of course!

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

It is all about our second album that should be released this year, but we wish another successful concert season as well.

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

Listen to the music, keep loving the music, and do never forget the Rock and roll, feel it as an important part of human being!

E+: Thanks for your time and good luck!