Alisa Kozhikina represented Russia at the 2014 Junior Eurovision Song Contest with her beautiful and melodic song Dreamer. Here Alisa talks to ESC Covers about her musical career so far –

1. Hello Alisa. Could you tell us about your experience of the 2014 Junior Eurovision Song Contest and how did it feel to be representing your country?

Participation in the JESC is very exciting and interesting at the same time. I felt responsibility on me, because I had the great honour to represent my country at such a competition. But all the excitement had passed, when I saw a lot of people among audience who support me and I felt that my country support me too.

2. ‘Dreamer’ is a beautiful ballad. Do you prefer to sing ballads or upbeat music, or do you like to sing both styles?

I like to sing songs of different styles, but now I gravitate more to the rock style.

3. You won the The Voice Kids Russia. Could you tell us about this experience and can you tell us some of the songs you performed in the tv series?

Participation in the Voice Kids Russia for me it was like a fairy tale. I was and still can’t believe that it happened with me. I was watching the adult The Voice, and I was wondering what do participants feel when tutors do not see them and wonder whether the tutors will turn about to me. I was curious to experience myself. And of course, I didn’t expect that I will go to the final and win. It was fantastic. The songs that I sang there, were chosen by my tutor and me together, he helped me. Time to prepare for each stage was very small, but I managed.

4. Who are your musical influences?

I believe we have to primarily be yourself. I don’t have idols, but there are singers that I listen to, and which, one way or another, have influenced me. For example, I like Lara Fabian. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get to her concert in St. Petersburg, because I was sick, but I’m sure that the next time I will definitely go.

5. Could you tell us about your recording career so far? Have you released an album yet?

My first album was released last autumn. Now I am actively working on new songs that are in a completely new style, and I am preparing a big surprise to my audience.

6. Where can readers buy your music?

My songs are available only on the internet on digital platforms such as Google Play.

7. Do you keep in touch with any of the kids from the 2014 Junior Eurovision Song Contest?

During the contest was a very friendly atmosphere, after the competition, we even had a party where we danced and sang. But after the contest we don’t keep in touch with any of the kids.

8. Who would you like to sing with as your dream duet?

I haven’t yet thought about it.

9. Do you have any new music coming soon in 2017?

As I already said, I’m working on new songs, which are coming soon my audience will hear what perform in my solo concerts. It will be a completely new Alisa!

10. Do you watch the adult Eurovision Song Contest? If so, do you have any favourite Eurovision songs?

Yes, of course, I’m very happy to watch this competition every year. It’s really a very colourful, musical show, with such a huge audience! Eurovision is becoming more popular with each passing year, and probably rightly so, because music unites. And when the world is on the verge of cataclysm, the music will save us. I probably don’t have favourite songs, but there are singers and songs that I like, and in most cases, my choice coincides with the opinion of the audience and the performer gets high scores. So I’m looking for new musical trends, because I want to try my hand in the competition once again, and not just try, but also bring the victory to my country.

Well, thank you very much, Alisa. We are excited to hear your new music and hopefully see you one day on the Eurovision stage again!

Thank you very much.

You can see an official video of Alisa performing her song Ya ne igrushka (I am not a toy) below.