TAYANNA will take part in the Ukrainian 2018 Eurovision national selection with her song Lelya. She is a highly respected artist and amongst the frontrunners in this year’s competition. Here she talks to ESC Covers –
1. After taking part in Ukraine selection in 2017, how determined are you to succeed this year?
– It was a very productive year. My new album “Trymay mene” (Keep me) in Ukrainian language was released. It consists of seven songs, they are very different. Each song like a new day. All songs about love. But they are not minor. All songs about love. Each song shows the changes which were in my life this year like a mirror.
The album “Trymay mene” received positive reviews and from audiences and from critics. Also we made several video clips. I also received a prestigious Award “Breakthrough of the Year” award! It means for me that my music has a review in the hearts of people! It means I’m in the right way.
2. How your song “Lelya” was born?
– The song was born in the shortest possible time. Before the selection Ukrainian fans voted for my songs and chose the song “Kvitka” (A Flower) for Eurovision. It’s song from my album “Trymay mene”. But I sang this song during the festival “Chernomorskie igry” (Games of the Black Sea) in summer 2017. It violated the rules of the Eurovision. So I had to look for a replacement and to write a new song. I think we got an amazing result! The song “Lelya ” is very positive. I hope all Europe will dancing with my song!
3. Who is Lelya. Is she close to you?
– All my songs are female lyrics. All my songs are about me. Lelya is the Goddess of Love. Her love remained unrequited and she cried a lot of tears but she continues to give her love and is looking for her man. I wish all of you don’t despair and believe in a
meeting with the main man in your life. And the main message of my song: dear girls, you should to be like Lelya, give your love and keep the light of your love!
4. Will you be releasing an album this year? If so what can we expect from the album?
– Our team has got so large plans for this year. There will be a lot of diverse work. It will be the work which no one has done before us. But now all our forces are concentrated on a preparation for the Ukraine National Selection 2018. Follow us, it will be interesting!
5. What would it mean to you to represent Ukraine at the Eurovision Song Contest?
– I would like to say, music for me is not a competition, it’s a powerful charge which helps me to convey emotions and the energy. I feelthis year I have what I can to say to the audience. I want to convey something new and so powerful. It’s very important for me that my creativity has penetrated into the hearts of the audience. And they with the judges will decide who will represent Ukraine at the Eurovision 2018.
6. The famous Ukrainian singer Alekseev also wants to participate in Eurovision 2018 (but as a Belarus representative). Your producer Alan Badoev also works with him and makes video clips for him. What do you think about it?
– Alekseev is very talented singer. He has got a unique vocal and makes popular music. I like so much the video clips which Alan made for him. His participation at the Eurovision will make this holiday of the music more interesting. So I wish good luck to him.
7. Many people are interested about your performance during the Ukraine National Selection. Can you say something about it?
– My performance will have so much energy like my song “Lelya”. And the rest of the information is a secret!
Listen to Lelya below.
Interview by: ELIANA GONCHAROVA