Tayanna was the close runner up in the 2017 Ukraine national selection. Here she talks to Eliana Goncharova for ESC Covers –

At the beginning of your career you have been known to spectators and admirers as Tatyana Reshetnyak. Tell me, how did receive the nickname Tayanna?

-When we had already started cooperation with Alan Badoevym, he suggested I use the alias Tayanna, explaining this choice so that my name and I associated him with a secret. I got this nickname, I certainly liked it and it seemed very warm, consonant with my real name. Now my personal and public life delineated: Tatyana Reshetnyak is a person and Tayanna creative path.

When was your first introduction to the world of music?

-With the music I met while still quite small. From early childhood, Grandma and Dad taught me the love of music by singing lullabies. Later I began to sing: performed for my mother’s friends, becoming the Chair and taking into the hands of an impromptu microphone as Combs. Already then I knew I had a lot of songs, and one of the most beloved Christmas carols were. Even when she was older, coming to her grandmother, sang them on Christmas.

My love for music led to what is already in the 13-14 years, I know who I want to be in life and began professional vocal. At 17 years I came to Kiev to study at the Kiev National University of culture and arts.

Recently in Kiev ended the Eurovision 2017. Eurovision theme was and still remains one of the most discussed not only in Ukraine but also in Europe. And how long ago did you hear about this contest?

-Quite a long time. Even before the victory of Ruslana, which was in the year 2004.

And who did you for at Eurovision 2017?

-I liked the representative of Italy, the representatives of Belarus are very cheerful and energetic guys and of course I supported my country, Ukraine.

Many people around the world love your song “I Love You”, with which you participated in Ukrainian national selection for Eurovision 2017. Do you plan to participate in the selection of next year?

-I am very pleased that the people support me and want to see a musical contest. But while I don’t want to guess. If at the time of the qualifying round next year I should have a song, I feel that when it is my time, I might try their strength. But I’m not sure. Maybe it will be in 2 or 3 years.

But the dream of the Eurovision Song Contest?

-Contest was my goal this year. But I until I reach my goal, winning (she smiles).

 Your child’s dream came true recently, you performed the main vocals in the ballet “The Great Gatsby.” Tell us about this project?

-“The Great Gatsby” was a wonderful project-Ballet-vocal. It is a subtle art that wakes you feeling through visualization. Do you see how people body movements to transmit the story? Their dance is so slim and graceful that you immediately become hostage to this art. Earlier I was not fascinated by Ballet, but already after the first rehearsal I reviewed many productions with well known artists and realised that today is exactly what art you want to promote. In addition, Ballet something resonates with musicals, I have childhood dreams of singing.

I am grateful to Alexander and Ken Field, producers of the project, for the opportunity to be part of this ballet and this amazing story.

“The Great Gatsby” already conquered Ukraine, it sold out in four major cities of the country. Plan to deliver abroad?

-Yes, in June we fly to Kazakhstan. But even organisers plan to tour in Europe.

And about what you have dreamed of as a kid?

-Since I was a child I wanted to learn to play the three musical instruments: harmonica, guitar and piano. And this desire I still plan to implement. Still I dream to find their mission in this world. For me it is not enough just to live, sing, do something else. I want to be useful to the world and make a meaningful case, which will remain in the history. Also I really want to write and release a collection of lullabies and fairy tales. The last, by the way, I already wrote.

In general, since childhood I have a lot of what I dream. Some of my desires are material, others highly spiritual. I’m trying to balance them so that they can be implemented.

For fans of your creativity, you are an Idol and an example for others to follow. And whom do you admire from Ukrainian or foreign artists?

-Frankly, I prefer foreign music: Rihanna, Beyonce, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, the Bee Gees, James Brown, the Beatles. They are all great people, who have left their mark in history. In our country, I respect musicians, who themselves write the kind of music that will be relevant not only today, but also through the 10-20 years. This Is Ivan Dorn, Monatik, Max Barsky. It seems to me that Max’s album “Freudian slip” is eternal.

Do you have a favourite book and favourite movie?

-There are so many. I’m not going to say just one, I can’t be limited to something. I read a lot, I especially like books on esoteric. As for the movies, from recent memory Diary “I Loved” and “Lion”.

Many creative people have their mascots, which help them in life and career. Do you have them?

-The main mascot of my life is my son. Together with him for me the world is beautiful even in the terrible storm. It seems to me that moms don’t need any charms, because children are the best and most reliable amulet. In General, the mascot we can do with our own hands-just pick up any object and charge it with positive energy. Then this thing will help in life.

Thank you, Tayanna

You can see hear Tayanna’s 2017 Eurovision national final song I Love You below.

INTERVIEW BY ELIANA GONCHAROVA