ESC+Plus has talked to Vitaly Kozlovskiy, semifinalist of this year’s Ukrainian national selection for Eurovision. Vitaly will perform “I’m your light” in the 3rd semi-final set to take place on February 18th.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abqt08ZgOKk
ESC+Plus: Hello! First of all, thank you so much for your time and congratulations on having been selected to take part in the Ukrainian national selection for Eurovision 2017!
Can you tell us about you, your musical career and important achievements?
Vitaly Kozlovskiy: My musical career started 13 years ago, in 2003. Since childhood I was a creative child and made my best to find my way: I danced, sang, led the school activities and wrote the scripts for school events. And in 2003 my career on the big stage started. Over these years I have released 7 albums. The latter was released at the end of December 2016. It’s called “My desire.” Right now I m travelling around the country with concerts in support of the new album. And at the end of the year a big show at the main stage of the country will take place. Over the years there were many awards, but I don’t consider them to be my main goal. My main reward is the love and acceptance of my fans and the opportunity to tell people what I feel, what I live for. I can truly say that I sing my life.
ESC+Plus: What impelled you to take part in the Ukrainian selection for Eurovision 2017?
Vitaly Kozlovskiy: In my repertoire there are no random songs. “I sing my life”. I use to work hard in studio while creating a new song, choosing every word and every note. I’m not trying to fit such thing as “format”. It is important for me that my songs were close to me and my listeners. But when the song “I’m your light” appeared in my repertoire, I decided to take part in the preselection. This song is an amazing combination of high-quality sound and very deep text that will not leave anyone indifferent.
ESC+Plus: How did you feel when you knew you had qualified for the semi-finals? Did you expect it?
Vitaly Kozlovskiy: I’m happy to be in the semifinal. It means for me that my song is liked, that it has potential and I have a chance to pass the selection and the opportunity to present my music to a wider audience.
ESC+Plus: What would it mean to you to represent Ukraine?
Vitaly Kozlovskiy: It’s a big responsibility and pride for me. I would like to show the world that Ukraine is a country of talented, hardworking people. They do not give up, despite all the difficulties that they honestly and accurately do their job and live their lives. I m happy to work over my new song with talented people and I m sure that one-way their names will be known all over the world. They deserve it. And I would really like on my own example to show all people, especially young people, it is very important to believe in your dream and in love, to work hard and never give up – this way the dream will come true.
ESC+Plus: Can you tell us about your song? What is the story behind the lyrics?
Vitaly Kozlovskiy: The song is called “I’m your light”. That’s what I want to give to my listeners. Life is never simple, each person has his own problems and difficulties, but belief in the dream and in love allows to overcome adversity. Sometimes after one of my concerts, people come to me and admit that my example and my songs inspire them for great things: a major decision, a right choice, a try to change their lives for better. You can’t imagine what I feel when I hear such words. This means that my life has a great sense and my message is heard. And I have no right to disappoint my fans or to deviate from his path. On the contrary – I have to find the strength to inspire, to surprise and to see positive traits in everything.
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?
Vitaly Kozlovskiy: I want the selection to be won by the best and the most worthy song, which will represent Ukraine at a high level. The jury and the audience will make their choice. If people like my song – I’ll be extremely happy and will do my best.
ESC+Plus: Have you thought about your stage performance?
Vitaly Kozlovskiy: My team and I are working on the stage performance. I will not disclose all secrets, but I will say that we are planning the performance, which will match the name of the song and become an organic extension of it s meaning.
ESC+Plus: Do you usually watch Eurovision? What is your favorite song in the history of the competition?
Vitaly Kozlovskiy: Every year I watch the Eurovision song contest. It is not only a great experience for me as for a singer, but also an opportunity to enjoy talented artists, good music and original performance. As a rule, in the semi-finals I define my favorites. My favorite song in the history of the competition is Euphoria, Loreen.
ESC+Plus: If you could choose a Eurovision former participant to sing along with, who would it be?
Vitaly Kozlovskiy: I would love to sing along with Loreen – she has a beautiful bright appearance, stunning vocal and seems to have a good taste.
ESC+Plus: Finally, can you send a message for our readers and Eurovision fans?
Vitaly Kozlovskiy: I wish all the fans of the Eurovision song contest a memorable contest, impressive show and good songs! The main goal of every singer is to “bring the light” and to give pleasure with his music! I wish everyone much pleasure and love!