Interview: Aarzemnieki (Latvia 2014) talks to ESC+Plus!

ESC+Plus.com has talked to Katrīna Dimanta violinist and vocalist from Aarzemnieki! Check what she has told us below:

ESC+Plus: Congratulations on winning the ticket which will lead you to the Eurovision Song Contest representing Latvia and thanks for giving us the chance to have a little talk with you.

As well all know, Dziesma 2014 was a large and hard process, how did you guys experience the whole thing? How did you decide entering the competition?

Katrīna (Aarzemnieki): With our music we want to make people happy and to sing along. Is the Eurovision Song Contest not a little bit the same?  We thought it is, so the new song would be ideal for the ESC. We believed in being successful, but we didn’t believe to win the National Finals, because there were a lot of well known Latvian artists, so we are very honored for having so big positive feedback from our Latvian fans! The competition between different national musicians was a good experience for us and although not comparable with the big ESC in Denmark, but still good enough to show us, that we can make it so far.

E+: What was the first thing that came off to your mind when the result was announced by the hosts? What does representing Latvia at Eurovision mean for you?

Katrīna (Aarzemnieki): As the result was announced, we thought: „What did he say? What did he mean by saying „Cake to bake“? Do we have the 3rd place?”  We are so happy representing Latvia, it is the biggest honor for us. Thank you very much for all the support!

E+: Can you tell us what your song is about? What’s the story behind the lyrics?

Katrīna (Aarzemnieki): The song says – don´t be too proud to admit to your fails or lack of knowledge, go and ask for help and learn something new. Basically – everything is possible, like to melt the ice of the polar caps, for instance 😉 (a line from the song)

E+: Are you going to revamp the song for Eurovision? If yes, what kind of arrangements would you like to listen in the final version?

Katrīna (Aarzemnieki): We are going to keep our song as it was and perform basically the same way, just with more quality. We feel good with our song.

E+: You have released an official video­clip to introduce your song but how was the shooting of the clip?

Katrīna (Aarzemnieki): It was shoot in the Open Air Museum of Latvia in Riga. We invited people to come and sing with us. It was a fun day!

E+: Now that you’re determined to attend the contest in May, how will you be preparing your way to Copenhagen?

Katrīna (Aarzemnieki): It is a serious work behind it. We are very busy with rehearsing, making contacts, giving interviews. However it is an exciting time of our lives and we are so looking forward to this event!

E+: As for the performance, are you going to add any element or are your guys will play alone on stage? What kind of staging would you like show in Copenhagen?

Katrīna (Aarzemnieki): We are gonna perform alone – 4 people, like it was at the National Final. Our plan is to enjoy our song on the stage and to transfer it to the people in arena and next to TV.

E+: Tell us what can your music contribute to the Eurovision competition? What are your expectations in Denmark?

Katrīna (Aarzemnieki): Music is like opportunity to entertain, motivate and thrill the people. With music – you give something. It doesn´t have to be a serious message, though you can „hide“ that message behind a catchy melody and witty lyrics. This is what we want to achieve. In Denmark we wish to share our music and happiness with the people of all nations and to tell Europe about Latvia.  We have a special perspective to show, all the more exciting from the eyes of “foreigners”!

E+: Have you watched Eurovision before? What are your favorite songs in the  competition’s history?

Katrīna (Aarzemnieki): Jöran´s connection to Latvia started because of Eurovision. He was a 13 years old boy by then,when he  saw the band Brainstorm, who represented Latvia in the 2000. After hearing their song “My star”, he bought 2 of their CDs and it was the moment he became a true Eurovision and Brainstorm fan. His favourite ESC song is from the 1997 „Love Shine A Light“, from UK.

Katrīna Dimanta: I was at the National Finals in Latvia too. I participated in year 2009 with a band named “Camillas”, we had a song “Time goes”, which ended up 6th.

E+: Have you listened to the other cake song to be performed in Copenhagen (Belarus’ Cheesecake)? What do you think about it?

Katrīna (Aarzemnieki): We have listened to all of the ESC Songs. We don’t understand why TEO doesn’t want to be a sweet cheesecake. Actually it is a nice nickname. If this name is free (since TEO refuses being called like that) maybe we should name one of our band members like that? 🙂

E+: Tell us about the history of the band. When was it created? Which are the most important achievements you have reached until the date?

Katrīna (Aarzemnieki): “Aarzemnieki” began as a German guy, Jöran Steinhauer wrote a farewell song to the Lat currency, aptly naming the song „Paldies Latiņam!“ (“Thank you, Lat!”).  Later, the video became a Youtube sensation.  The popularity surrounding the song was so large that Joran decided to pack his bags and make his way to Latvia with one thing in mind – “let’s see what happens next!” However Jöran has actually been connected with Latvia since 2005 as he was an exchange student there. Later he volunteered at a children’s center and in the German church of Riga. The story behind the “Aarzemnieki” (Foreigners) group’s name is quite precise due to Joran’s status in Latvia. The word’s complicated pronunciation reflects each foreigner’s struggle to integrate into the local society. In the fall of 2013, the group grew from a solo act with three new members – violinist and vocalist Katrīna Dimanta, drummer Raitis Viļumovs and pianist Guntis Veilands. Winning the Eurovision contest in Latvia has been our biggest accomplishment until now.

E+: What singers, bands and musicians inspire your music?

Katrīna (Aarzemnieki): We wouldn´t say that concrete musicians are our inspirition. Each group member is so different, so are our inspirers. Our idols are  Queen, Renars Kaupers (band Brainstorm), Billy Joel, Reinhard Mey, Udo Lindenberg, Guus Meeuw, and many more.

E+: How is a free day in an Aarmzemnieki member? Do you usually go out together?

Katrīna (Aarzemnieki): Each of us is very busy making music, though we love to meet and play together. The best way to relax is to escape the city life and go for a trip to countryside.

E+: One word which describes each member

Katrīna (Aarzemnieki): Wild, silent water, dinamite, sunshine. Who is who? 😉

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

Katrīna (Aarzemnieki): Dear readers and fans of Eurovision, we have one thing that we have in common: We love the Eurovision Song Contest, that is a wonderfull competition that unites countries. We want that you enjoy the concert in Copenhagen – this is the time when Europe forgets all the conflicts for a moment and is celebrating the music.

We wanna celebrate with you!

E+: Thanks for your time and see you in Copenhagen, good luck guys!