Sympho-Nick: “Zlata revealed us very special vocal training secrets” (Exclusive Interview)

ESC+Plus.com has exclusively chatted with the Ukrainian representatives for Junior Eurovision 2014. Find out what they have told us below:

Hello girls! First of all, congratulations on having been the winners of the Ukrainian national selection for Junior Eurovision!

ESC+Plus: How did you feel when you were named as the Ukrainian representatives 2014? Did you expect such an awesome moment?

Sympho-Nick: Since the time when we decided to form a trio for taking part in the national selection for JESC-2014, we worked hard to show the best result and to perform on stage on the best possible way not to upset our team that helped us to prepare. Of course, deep inside we hoped and dreamt of the victory. When we were named the winners and the representatives of Ukraine on JESC 2014 we were overwhelmed with emotions. It was something unbelievable we were about to jump of happyness and we wanted to hug and kiss our parents, team, fans, viewers and the whole country.

E+: How did you decide taking part at the Music Academy of Eurovision 2014? Did you know each other before the contest?

S-N: It was the second season of this project. We watched the first season of it. We liked the idea very much. This project gave the opportunity to gain stage experience, increase your professional level as a singer, to learn to work in a team and also to meet new friends. By the way, we met together on this project and became the best friends during it.

E+: Tells us more about your Music Academy of Eurovision participation, how did you experience the whole show?

S-N: It was a very interesting project where the representatives from three countries took part, such as: Ukraine, Russia and Kazakhstan. We were competeing in three thematic nominations: “Hit of your country”, “World Hit”, “Song of your choice”. So, each of us performed three songs. All the contestants worked in good conditions (stage, light, sound, special-effects facilities, the opportunity to perform with the dancers). Professional jury not only assessed the performances but also gave very useful advice concerning the vocal part, stage performance and stage image. The hosts created a very cosy and comfortable atmosphere on the stage. All the viewers were delighted to meet the contestants and supported them with the applause. In general the impressions and the memory from the project are positive and pleasant. Moreover, exactly during this project we got acquainted with one another.

E+: After winning the Music Academy of Eurovision you chose Mikhail Nekrasov to compose your song, why did you choose him? Did you choose Zlata Ognevich as vocal coach as well?

S-N: We addressed Mikhail Nekrasov for the help because we knew what a wonderful songs he created for the ESC participants of the previous years (Sofia Tarasova, Zlata Ognevich). And we weren’t mistaken. We have a very tender, magic song. We like it very much. And the jury members as well as the viewers liked our song, too. The voting results is the proof of it. We are very grateful to Mikhail Nekrasov that he agreed to cooperate with us. It’s a big honour for us and at the same time responsibility to work with him. Zlata Ognevich also agreed to assist us as a vocal coach and helped us to get ready for the national final. It was an unforgettable time spending during that classes.

E+: How did you prepare your national final performance? How did you spend the weeks before the final?

S-N: We have prapared for the national final for 5 weeks. We came to Kyiv quite often since we are living in different parts of Ukraine. We had vocal classes in Kyiv, also classes with the choreographer, work on sound in the studio, meetings with the stylist.

E+: In 2013, Zlata revealed us that she has very special vocal training methods; did she teach you some of them? Which ones?

S-N: Yes, sure. Zlata revealed us her very special professional vocal training secrets. We liked to worked with her very much. We hope that she also liked working with us.

E+: What do you do just before going on stage? Do you carry any lucky charm during your performances?

S-N: Before going on stage we are getting ready for it. We have a tradition with girls, before the performance we put our hands together and call our slogan “Sympho-Nick” loudly. Each of us her own lucky charm (mascot), that is connected with many stage performances. Sofiia has a small and fluffy puppy named Shusha. Amalia is wearing a cross on her neck. And Marta always prays before coming on stage.

E+: Your song is about spring but, is that your favourite season? What is the thing you most like about spring?

S-N: Yes, our song “Spring will come” is about spring. In the country where we live when spring comes the nature awakens from her long winter sleep and everything starts to blossom. It’s time when young green leaves appear on the trees and bushes, young green grass starts to grow on fields and meadows, first flowers start to blossom, birds start to sing. It is really a fabulous season.

E+: You prepared a very special staging-choreography for the Ukrainian final; does it have any special message according to the song’s lyrics?

S-N: Yes, the stage performance is really very interesting. It reflects the main message of the song. When spring comes everything awakens and comes to life. The same happens in Ukraine, that experiences difficult time these days but the situation will become better soon and everything will be fine. We are children and we are the future of the country and we will do our best to bring freedom, independence and prosperity to Ukraine.

E+: Mikhail Nekrasov announced he is going to revamp the song for Junior Eurovision? Will it be more powerful as the second version of “Gravity”?

S-N: We plan to make it more vocally strong and powerful. We will try to impress all the viewers favourably with our song and stage performance.

E+: Zlata released an impressive video clip for her song “Gravity”, have you thought about shooting an official video in order to introduce your song?

S-N: Yes, we would like to make a video for the song “Spring will come” after the final.

E+: It is too soon maybe but, have you already decided about how your stage performance will look like? And the costume you will be wearing?

S-N: We are getting ready for the final, rehearsing our stage performance and our stage images. We hope that our performance in general will impress the audience and will be interesting for the viewers.

E+: Do you follow the senior Eurovision? What are your favourite Eurovision songs? Would you like to take part in the future?

S-N: Of course, we follow the adult ESC and are dreaming to take part in it in future. As for our favourite songs, there are a lot of them and particularly a song “Gravity” of Zlata Ognevich. That’s why we addressed Mikhail Nekrasov and Zlata Ognevich for the help.

E+: What do you expect from your Junior Eurovision experience? What do you think it will mean for your musical career?
S-N: Junior Eurovision is a music festival. We expect a lot of positive impressions, meeting new friends and the most important is to gain new stage experience that couldn’t be compared with anything else.

E+: Tell us more about yourself, your favourite music style, favourite school subject, hobbies, musical career….

Marta Rak: I am Marta Rak, I am 13 years old, I am from Novoiavorivsk town which is in Lviv region. I like music very much, my favourite music styles are jazz, pop music. I am a winner of many national and international song contests. I am an A-grade pupil at school. My favourite subjects at school are English, Ukrainian and literature. I also attend music school and learn to play the piano, learn the music theory and attend dancing classes. I also try to be a presenter of children programs on Ukrainian TV channels.

Sofiia Kutsenko: I am a 7 year pupil at school and have a lot of friends. I am a creative personality. I play the piano, try to create music piece, paint pictures, make beadwork, dance. I adore skiing and cycling. I’ve participated in many vocal contests were became prize winners. The last contest I took part in was San Remo Junior 2014 (Italy) where I received an Organizer’s Prize (A first Prize in my base group). I like to listen to different music and my favourite music style is pop and I like to sing jazz. In 2012 I took part in the contest which is held in Turkey and became LITTLE MISS WORLD 2012 having received a gold crown of the winner.

Amaliia Krymska: I am a 7 year pupil at school. I like dancing, playing the guitar and piano. I like to spend time with my family and friends. I have been the winner of many contests, such as “Music Academy of Eurovision – 2014”, “Mini-Miss of Ukraine 2008” and many others. My favourite music style is RNB. I dream of performing together with Christina Aguilera on one stage. My motto in life is always reach your aim.

Since 2003 girls attend the producer’s centre “Paradiz” where they have vocal classes, acting classes and choreography.

E+: Can you send a message for our readers and Junior Eurovision fans?

S-N: Trio Sympho-Nick sends the most sincere greetings to all the readers of ESC+Plus and Eurovision fans and also we wish everybody to live happily in welfare and peace, to have faithful friends, positive emotions. And let all your dreams come true.

E+: Thank you very much for your time and see you in Malta!

Trio Sympho-Nick will represent Ukraine at Junior Eurovision 2014 with the song “Pryyde vesna” composed by themselves and Mikhail Nekrasov.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_7RFAeB-L4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3f5-Hx8Ufp0