ESC+Plus has talked to Žan Serčič, finalist of this year’s Slovenian national selection for Eurovision. The singer will perform “Summer Story” in the final of EMA 2016 to take place 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!
Can you tell us about you, your musical career and important achievements?
I started with my music career when I was 15 years old. It was in 2010 when I entered Slovenia’s got talent and earned my place all the way in the finals. Afterwards, I started to make my own songs and even tried writing my own lyrics. Since then, I became the author of mostly all of my song’s music and lyrics.
E+: What impelled you to take part in “EMA 2016”?
I always wanted to take part at EMA at some point of my career, it was just that I was waiting for the right song to happen. When I wrote this song, I knew that I had to perform it on a stage where a lot of people could hear my music and even go international – which is still a dream for me.
E+: How did you feel when you knew you had qualified for the final? Did you expect it?
I think no one in the finals was expecting it, but all of us were hoping to perform our song on EMA. However, I was really happy and excited, and still am, that I got picket into the top 10 from more than 60 songs that were sent for the competition.
E+: What it would mean for you to represent Slovenia?
It would mean the world to me. I would really like to represent my country, because I want to show the world what Slovenia is capable of – since I think my song is something new. However, that comes with a lot of responsibility since the whole country is cheering for you, but I’m all up for it.
E+: Can you tell us about your song? What is the story behind the lyrics?
My song for EMA contest is very catchy, so beware to sing it for the next week after hearing it for the first time.. 😛 My song has a story in both lyrical and instrumental parts and a direct message for the listener. However, the feeling in the song is loose, groovy and makes you wanna dance.
E+: Why do you think your song has to be selected for Stockholm? What are you strengths to reach the top in the competition?
I think that I made a good song to represent Slovenia at ESC, I am also a show maker and I don’t sing so bad either. My biggest strength to reach the top is that I really want it. However, we can all hope for the best when it comes to the selection.
E+: How are you preparing your stage performance for “EMA 2016”?
The preparations for the performance is taking place almost everyday, so far I’m preparing on my own and making plans on how the stage is going to look, how many people is going to be on it, and so on..
E+: Do you usually watch Eurovision? What are your favourite songs in the history of the competition?
I usually watch Eurovision. I have to say that one of my favourite contestants is Alexander Rybak with his “Fairytale”, maybe because I am also a young singer with an instrument on stage.
E+: If you could choose a Eurovision former participant to sing along with, who would it be?
I think that would be Maja Keuc, just because she is also from Slovenia and is already one of the best singers I know.
E+: Besides Eurovision, what are your plans for this year?
My biggest plan for this year has to be making my first album, with my original music. I also want to record a few videos for my songs and record a duet with the former ESC participant Eva Boto.
E+: Finally, can you send a message for our readers and Eurovision fans?
Dear ESC+Plus readers, thank you all for your support at EMA, hope you like my song, if you do, let me know on Facebook or insta! Love, Žan!
E+: Thanks for your time and good luck!