Stefan Galea: “Light Up My Life represents my style of music” (Maltese semifinalist – Interview)

ESC+Plus has talked to Stefan Galea, semifinalist of the Maltese national selection for Eurovision 2016. The singer will perform “Light Up My Life” composed by the Swedish sisters, Ylva and Linda Persson.

ESC+Plus: Hello! First of all, thank you so much for your time and congratulations on having been selected to take part in the Maltese national selection for Eurovision 2016!

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

I am 19 years old and currently a university student, I studied vocals under the direction of Madeleine Dargue, and at present I am being vocally trained under the direction of Gillian Attard and Christine Gauci at La Voix Academy.

My career kick started back when I was one of the 20 finalists for the Malta Junior Eurovision in 2009. Last year my single ‘Escape’ charted on 89.7 Bays Malta Top 10, and the song was also a finalist in the Malta Hit Song Contest were I placed 2nd in the Maltese song category.

E+: What impelled you to take part in “Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2016”?

Well it was always a dream and goal of mine to be part of it, mind you… I have always been a Eurovision fan and I follow it very closely every year. I’m the type of person who would get a Chinese takeout whilst watching the show on the night. I felt that this experience would open up so many new doors being the biggest event on our island. The fact that this year I’m going to be one of the soloists makes it even more special.

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

I was overwhelmed. I was the very last finalist to be announced. I was beginning to think that it was the end of the road, which explained my priceless reaction on Xarabank, because I really wasn’t expecting it at that time, since unfortunately so many talented and worthy competitors were still left waiting. The tele-viewers surely noted this.

E+: What it would mean for you to represent Malta? Can you tell us about your song?

“Light Up My Life” is a happy pop tune, I believe it puts forward a catchy element which is very easy on the ear, it’s about a teenage story of someone who dreams to be with his crush, in a way that he is explaining his feelings towards the person throughout the whole song, but in reality one can still interpret the message according to his own views and perspectives.

The song is written and composed by the super talented Swedish duo Ylva & Linda Persson, it has been an absolute pleasure working with them, I instantly knew that Light Up My Life was the track for me when I first heard it, because it represented my style of music.

E+: What is the story behind the lyrics?

The lyrics speak about a romantic metaphor towards a crush or a loved one, it is about someone who believes that he has found true love (if that even exists), and that he longs to be with this person to share the love that lights up his life.

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

I believe that its always nice seeing fresh new faces compete, and I strongly believe that Light Up My Life could do well in the European market and in Scandinavia given the Scandi – Pop elements that it has, it has that typical eurovision vibe and its also catchy in terms of melody which is why I feel that it would easily get the crowd up on their feet.

I am a very determined person, I work hard for what I believe in and I do have a message to tell, I am quite a bit of a perfectionist which could be an asset in some way or another.

E+: How are you preparing your performance for “MESC 2016”? Can you reveal us anything about the staging?

At the moment I am getting lots and lots of vocal technique training, because on the night we would like to deliver the best vocal performance possible, so yeah you can say that my main focus is definitely the vocals. We are working very hard on my stage presence and the general feel of the performance, I am not going to reveal much but I will definitely have a great team accompanying me on stage.

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

Of course, every single year! I am the type of person to order a Chinese take out whilst sitting in front of the TV with my friends and family to watch the show, its kind of like a tradition.

My favourite songs would be Euphoria by Loreen, Heroes by Mans Zelmerlow, Rise Like A Pheonix by Conchita Wurst, Everyway That I Can by Sertab Erener.

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

Either Loreen or Mans Zelmerlow

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

After the Malta Eurovision I am planning to get back to the studio to work on my new single aswell as my EP, besides continuing my academic studies.

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

Thank you for all the fantastic support! You’ve been amazing so far and I do hope that you enjoy Light Up My Life as much as I enjoy performing it 🙂

E+: Thanks for your time and good luck!