When I heard his voice for the first time I stopped and listen speechless, even now I feel the same when I listen his songs, his voice has a unique sensual depth compared to Barry White’s and Leonard Cohen’s, he is a true artist and a real Gentleman, he is Serhat Hacıpaşalıoğlu. I am very honoured because it’s given me the chance to present you one of the most marvellous artists I have ever met. Serhat is incomparable, an art by himself, the most popular TV presenter in Turkey, successful producer and very famous singer across Europe. The story of his life begun in Istanbul, Turkey, born in a traditional family Serhat took his first education in his hometown, he graduated from Faculty of Dentistry of Istanbul University. In 1994 he established his own production company, End Productions, and TRT with the Quiz Show “Riziko!” (the Turkish version of America’s legendary “Jeopardy”) was his first victory, except the production he was also the host of the Show. A year later in 1995 he receives two Golden Butterfly awards, one for "Best Male Host of the Year" and one for "Best Quiz Show of the Year" for “Riziko!”. Next steps in television were “Hedef 4”, “Altına Hücum”, “Serhat'la Rizikosuz” and “Kalimerhaba”, all with big success and numerous distinctions. At the end of 2009, he created a dance orchestra called "Caprice the Show" composed by 18 musicians made numerous performances in the following years. His singing career was started in 1997 when he was released two songs in Turkish language "Rüya" and "Ben Bir Daha." In 2005 the massive hit "Total Disguise", a beautiful duet with the French singer Viktor Lazlo, made him one of the most discussed artists of the year. The same year he recorded "Chocolate Flavour", three years later he collaborated with Russian/Georgian singer Tamara Gverdtsiteli in "I Was So Lonely", "No No Never" and "Ya + Ti" the Russian version of "Total Disguise". His fifth single was released in 2014 under the title "Je M'Adore" with a music video directed by Thierry Vergnes in Paris. The single became one of the most popular in Europe, number 1 for 5 weeks in a row on Deutsche DJ Black/Pop Charts, number 1 on Black 30, number 2 on British Dance Charts, number 8 on French Dance Charts and number 9 on Swiss Dance Charts. 19 years ago Serhat founded the National and International High Schools Music Contest and has since been guiding and coaching talented young musicians. Megahit-Mediterranean Song Contest held in Turkey is another international success of Serhat, where he was the opening act 3 years in a row as the guest star and presenter.
As I said, Serhat is a true multitalented artist, always fresh and ready to give the 100% of his strength to make his dreams reality, he is the Turkish King Midas, whatever he does he make it of gold!
Before this conversation take place I want to say a huge “Thank you” to Serhat for this interview and I hope you enjoy it as I! It was truly a big honour and a dream to host him in our site 12points.gr.
So Serhat, I like to start this conversation from your childhood, you always wanted to be a singer? What was your dreams as a child?
To be honest even as a child I knew that I’m gonna do something special in the future. At that time, it was not defined as singing, acting or anything else. Maybe you know I studied dentistry. But all my friends at the university were more sure than I that I will be not practising as dentist. They were right. After having big success at television as presenter and producer of the quiz show Jeopardy I wanted to go a new global way. So I’ve started singing.
Which artists influenced you as a child and who affecting you even today?
My childhood was the best years of disco music. I grew up with “I will survive” and many other songs like this. Of course this has an influence on my music taste. Donna Summer, Grace Jones are special names in my music lists. Of course Michael Jackson, George Michael, Tom Jones, Madonna, Leonard Cohen. Very good and legendary musicians. Today I listen to many different styles from different countries. I like especially Jesse J, Robin Thicke, Maroon 5 from international market, but also names which are popular mostly in their own countries like Alejandro Fernandez from Mexico, Joana Jimenez from Spain. I am in love with Greek music. So if I start to mention all the Greek songs and artists I appreciate, this interview can’t have an end Greece has a big tradition and colour in music.
You are gifted with an amazing voice and lots of talents. Do you remember, who was the first person which believed in you and helped you develop your “gifts”?
Thank you very much for your kind comments. I am honoured. I always worked on my talents to improve them. It’s a hard work but nice at the same time. I like challenge in life. Always choosing difficult paths to go. For me is the success after difficult ways is more satisfying. The first person who believed in me is my dear sister Hülya. She is also a very talented person in music and arts. And she opened to me all the ways as I was a child because she saw something special in me for the future.
Do you remember what your first “contact” with Eurovision was?
I remember exactly. 1974 Eurovision Song Contest. As a child I watched it with my sister at TV. It was the first ESC transmission in Turkish television. I was impressed at this age of the concept that so many different countries are competing with their music. And Abba won. What a lucky start for me with Eurovision Song Contest. Since then I never missed any contest. And my first time in the audience was Stockholm 2000. What a coincidence, after 16 years I will be at the same arena but now on the stage representing San Marino.
Serhat and San Marino, how this cooperation happened? Can you describe us your feelings about this opportunity that San Marino gave you?
It is really a unique and unusual story. San Marino TV paid attention to the success of my latest single “Je M’adore” at international dance and DJ charts. They contacted my Italian manager Marco Vannuzzi because of ESC. As Marco told me about the possible collaboration I was surprised too. But at our meetings I ‘m convinced totally by the idea. So we made our plans, fixed the targets. Now I am very glad and honoured to be a part of this collaboration and to represent San Marino. Yes, it sounds unusual but unusual things are making our life much beautiful.
The song that you will sing in the stage of Eurovision in Stockholm this may is not being chosen yet, how difficult is to choose a song for this contest?
We are still working on the song. And I am very satisfied with the result. To be honest, it was not difficult for me at alI to choose the song. I knew from the first moment on which song I would like to sing. More than 3 years we are working on my album and I have beautiful songs. This song is a very personal song for me and I believe in it from the first time I hear it only with a guitar demo.
Unfortunately, Turkey decided not to participate in Eurovision the last years, what are your feelings about this situation?
As you said, “unfortunately” is the right word. ESC is the best platform to bring all the European nations together under the umbrella of music. How nice to see all the nations competing but also having fun together and enjoying this peaceful atmosphere full of good energy and love. Turkey is one of the most colourful countries at the ESC history. We had a lot of success, nice memorable songs. I really wish and hope that Turkey will return to the contest 2017. This year, with me, Turkey will be there too. I have responsibility of 2 beautiful countries: San Marino and Turkey.
You have a long career in television and singing, what are your expectations from the 61st edition of Eurovision Song Contest?
My first expectation is to enjoy this unique experience and to make a memorable performance. ESC stage is a perfect way to get mutual with European audience. I am sure for any artist is a big privilege to perform on this stage in front of millions.
In Greece your songs are all hits and you became a beloved artist, what are your emotions about Greece and Greek people?
Greece is the very first country in the world which loved and supported my music. How can I forget it? So it has a very special place in my heart. It’s my second home. I feel so good whenever I am in your beautiful country. And in all those years I am sure I’ve been there more than 100 times Greek people have a very distinguished taste of music. I think it’s in your genes because you have a great culture. Whenever I go in Greece I always listen at least one of my songs. Especially Total Disguise or Chocolate Flavour. As you already know in many songs of mine Nektarios Tirakis wrote the lyrics, he is for Greece a very important lyricist and music man, but for me, apart from all his talents, he is my “beloved brother”.
The words are not enough to show my gratitude for this interview, Serhat is one in a million, I like to thank him again and wish him the best in the first half of the first semi-final in the 10th of May.
He is one of the biggest musical minds of Greece, he counts dozens of gold and platinum albums, his creations become hits played by all radios and Clubs of the entire country. His songs remains unchanged over time and certainly some of them belong to the category of your favorites. At the age of 19 he discovers and creates as a composer, producer and arranger the absolute Greek Pop Star Sakis Rouvas. With his first single wins the first prize in composition in the unique song contest “Festival Thessalonikis”. In 2001, the advertising campaign of Opel Italia carries the signature of his music and the contract lasts for 2 years. Three, till now, of his compositions excelled in the Eurovision Song Contest, starting in 1995 with the song “Pia Prosefchi”, lyrics by Antonis Pappas, performed by Elina Konstantopoulou. In 2001 again with the lyrics of Antonis Pappas and the song “Die for You” gained the 3rd place with the band “Antique”, the song become triple platinum in Greece and Scandinavia, cult in ESC, and beloved throughout Europe. In 2004 gained again the 3rd place for Greece with Sakis Rouvas performs the song "Shake it", lyrics by Nektarios Tyrakis, the song become the best-selling single in the career of Sakis Rouvas and no1 Dance Hit of the summer. The song “Ti zitas?” (Nour El Chams) is one of the songs used to accompany the soundtrack of the film "Spy Game", starring Robert Redford, Brad Pitt and Todd Boyce. His creations also found in soundtracks of many Greek television series. He started as exponent of Modern Greek Music to become today a multidimensional creator and musician whose musical horizons do not know limits.
Ladies and Gentlemen, we are honored to host in 12points.gr the innovative musician and composer Mr. Nicos Terzis.
Our long friendship allows me to address you in the singular form. Well Nicos, thank you very much for having responded to my call for this interview. I must tell you from the bottom of my heart a huge thank you because I know that you rarely gives interviews. Well let's start:
Can you remember one of your first impulses to music from your childhood? I'll tell you my first, I was at the age of three, three and a half years old and I remember my godfather taking my hand and lead me to watch, for the first time, the performance of “Vaptistikos” in Opera house. I can still remember it, because, being three years old and found suddenly in a room with a huge live orchestra, and living that feeling where the sound comes live by a full symphony orchestra and not just from two speakers, it stigmatized you!
Which artists influenced you as a child and who affecting you even today? The artists that influenced me as a child ... First I want to say that when you get older the artists are changing, new artists appear to join the earlier and also changes the type of music. The first artists who influenced me was not from a certain kind of music but of different kinds, and perhaps this is why my thinking and my creative horizons are multidimensional and became very creative in various genres. My favorite were the bands Pink Floyd and Queen, because I considered that they give the dimension of rock differently, Pink Floyd are more psychedelic and atmospheric and Queen more traditional, they blend classic and new music together. Generally I like music that has difficult harmonies and clever orchestration, that’s what I always looking for. I liked and the simple Hits, but since my childhood I had the innate tendency wanting to explore the music that was not something simple, the complicated things was stimulus for me! Pink Floyd and Queen are two examples of the artists who influenced me and of course still affect me till our days, that’s why they were so good, because they continue to affect not only me but lot of people. Even someone that he have never heard none of them will actually discover that they give new dimension to the music. This means that many years to go, and taking examples from classic artists such as Mozart or Beethoven who wrote music long before those I mentioned, even today their work remains unchanged as first-written and loved by the next generations.
They say that music is the expression of the soul, but it is practically one of the starting materials in shaping human existence, what is music for you, how do you perceive it? You ask me perhaps one of the most serious questions that I have ever been asked, this question is my own life, and to be more precise, I divide my day into two parts, the first part of creating music for six or twelve hours, for example, and the second part again creating music for six or twelve hours respectively. In the first part I create music to cover the needs of some people or required. What I mean, people want to be entertained, so you must create on a type of music to entertain people, and you do it. The second part is very different, it's the time when the music comes as divine gift from the universe. The music for me, without reject any kind, is the magic moment when you close the door and you are alone, and I say this because I feel it and anyone who writes music can understand me, suddenly you feel around you an incredible atmosphere, feel a huge cosmic beam automatically leads your mind and hands to create melodies that come from nowhere, this is for me the most magical moment that I would not change ever, and I feel really blessed that I can write music, I could not think of my life without music creation. Music is comparable with the universe, comparable to our very existence. Math = music, music = harmony, harmony = universe, because without harmony the universe would collapse. Music is waveform, frequency, frequencies are everywhere, inside and outside the Earth borders. You give me also the opportunity this your question to separate something important. We often get confused and we identify music with the song, and the song is music, but music is not the songs. And to be more understood, the songs are part of the music, but not music. Music is something free, something much more creative than we imagine, it is a mental nurse, is a source for all its listeners, it is magic, is therapy, is everything!
Do you remember your first attempt at composing a music track? I remember ... but this memory is best remembered by the teacher of my piano lessons. First I remember myself eight to nine years old when I pulled my mother by her hand asking her to send me to the Conservatory to learn the piano, and I remember her telling me “you are still kid.” Finally I found a way to persuade her when I was ten to eleven years old. Through the first tunes I learned, Chopin and others who had to play, I found my first attempt to start rearranging. So I remember one day, because I didn’t had a piano at home, I went early in the downstairs of my teacher to study, and while I was studied suddenly she walks into the room and said, “Very nice the music that you play, but this version is not like Mozart composed it”, and I replied “I’m not interested in performing music of other artists, I would rather make my own projects.” That time I discovered that I was not born to reproduce work of other artists, but to create my own, that was my first indirect synthesis. My first normal composition came at the age of twelve, it was a classic piece that I had the joy and creation to carry this out many years after with great orchestra situated on my first solo album entitled “Through my own world.”
What is the driving force that urges you write music even today? There is not only one but different, many ... A driving force is that I can use the music as expressive means, what I have to say I'll say it through music, I can create feelings to others, writing something I can do others think, fall in love, enjoy, dance, rebel, even rebound. This is the driving force in what concerns me towards others. There is another driving force that has to do with my personal health, is my therapy, I create music that I understand it, do good to me the time to write, and it is not necessary to be published. So, two are the main driving forces, the first heals the one who writes it and the second with its turn help the composer heal others.
Your name is interwoven with many and great successes in the Greek music scene, what was your first album and how your subsequent successes influenced Nicos as a person and as an artist? My first official work as a composer was the song “Pes to me ena fili” performed by Keti Garbi, and my first full album was the album of Sakis Rouvas “Par’ ta”. The song “Pes to me ena fili” was my first success, it was a song that nobody thought that it can be a success, that came spontaneously without waiting it. The success did not affecting me at all, not the style nor the type of success. For me it is not true that by making success with a particular style of music remain there and continue nor that I pause to rejoice in my success, and proof of this is that at some point I stopped receiving my gold and platinum records, I made them gift to my mother. Generally I do not think a composer standing to admire his success, go below and creates, and continues to create because he thinks what his success is too small and go below, always go below. I must admit that I do not have influenced by success, always I wrote what I dare to say that was innovative even I found difficulties, and I will continue to write what I consider innovative. I never said that because I did a Hit with “Pes to me ena fili” I will make a similar song because the music companies wanted and considered it as a sure success, I explained very simply that the success was because it was something new and had not copy the style of something else, so we have to do again something new. So you understand that the successes I've done so far is just a stone in the career that everyone makes and nothing more, I have never invoked my successes for my advantage.
Your artistic path led you to the Eurovision Song Contest, do you remember what your first contact with the competition was? My first contact with the contest was as a performer in the Greek participation in 1993 by Keti Garbi and the song "Ellada Hora tou fotos." I watched the Eurovision from very small, it was something that I saw in two dimensions on TV but in my experience as a performer, I lived it in all its dimensions and especially on stage because the day of live broadcast I felt the energy of millions of people that follow the show that day. Actually I spent too nicely around the time that we were there, I felt like I was something between valid excursions with the school but professionally, had a seriousness and a carefree, I found myself for the first time with people from all over Europe that had the same common, music. I have been with musicians, and everybody knows that musicians are a "different" case, we like other things, we are happier, we prefer the light from the darkness and generally outside of musicians was fan from various countries who had come because they love the music. So you know that I was then in a place that I could talk, to revel, to exchange views and to have a common love of the music, I rocked. I swore then within me that in this contest I will give my best songs and I want to see my country win the first prize. This was the stimulus for my next attendances.
When did you decide to deal with the Eurovision as a composer for the first time and why? As I mentioned before, after my first experience as a performer, the contest "touched" me, so I wanted to make a beautiful song. My first impulse was that I would write a song to represent a whole country, but representing your country, this is the most meaningful for me because Eurovision Song Contest is not just a simple competition. So I decided to work to see if I and my own music can go outside the borders of Greece and loved by most folks and most cultures. Furthermore, music has not losers, only winners! My first contribution as a composer was in 1995 with Elina Konstantopoulou and the song “pia prosefchi” lyrics by Antonis Papas.
“Ke gar evoylonto myanai tin gin taftin. Mi gignoskontes tin ybrin, in epioun ...”is the introduction of “Pia Prosefchi” in ancient Greek, in 1995. A song ahead of its time, when you listening it today, 20 years later, what do you think about this participation? I'll tell the truth about this participation to know exactly what I mean "the truth", I remember that when we decided to send our participation in the Greek National Broadcaster ERT, with Elina Konstantopoulou I'd sit with Anthony Pappa, who would write the lyrics, and there I asked him various questions, and I urge lyrically that I didn't want the song talks about love man to woman, it'd be something that would have implied but essentially talking about Greece. We knew that this is a bit dangerous, you know how I say, is dangerous believe me, but it was the smaller debt that I could do for my country to something that I knew It will be heard everywhere. So you understand that because the influence on my thematic verse finds accomplice with Anthony Pappa, I enjoyed it very much, is one -of the entries I've enjoyed immensely. And of course it is one of the entries I had luck and "bad luck", you can understand. I was fortunate because the Eurovision contest is music and not that I want to win or I want to do well myself, but I want to have a very good song that says and do what I want. But I also had the good fortune to participate in the year of my favorite song, was the Secret Garden with "Nocturne." Actually when I heard the rehearsal went nuts and say how lucky I am to be in this group participate at that date. There, you can really understand how a musician thinks and how he loves music. Music is not championship, music is a feast!
2001 and “Die for You”, the biggest hit of Antique is classic for the institution of Eurovision. You wrote history with Antonis Pappas then, how do you see today, 14 years after this particular song? This particular song I continue to love it, and I imagine and those who loved it ever since continue to love it, was also composed with my heart and soul, and has strange story this song. I had seen Elena accidentally in a music station, if I remember well in Germany, and if I'm not mistaken Antique have done then the song “Dinata, Dinata.” Coming to Greece I was looking for the band that made this arrangement that I had seen on TV. During those days I received a letter from a manager who was looking to meet me to get permission to make remakes of two songs of mine, and he was the manager of Antique. Look now a situation, where I gave permission for two songs, one of them was “Mou lipis”, we talked and I told to the manager that I have a very good song that I think we could send it at the Final for Eurovision in Greece, “You want to try it?”, I said. Once the producers heard it were thrilled, they wanted to release it immediately, I explained that I wanted to participate in the final for Eurovision in Greece. So all it happened with a coincidence, because it was not only a successful song but Greece met Elena, and this is very important!
Three years after "Die for you" troubled the waters with Nektarios Tyrakis and the double platinum "Shake it." The best-selling cd single in the career of Sakis Rouvas boosted across Europe and also became one of the most classic songs of Eurovision, perhaps, Nicos Terzis is Mr. Eurovision Greece? This question now that you do ... (embarrassed) no .... If I was Mr. Eurovision though I still would not feel Mr. Eurovision (laughs), nor would I know that I am Mr. Eurovision (laughs). So I want to tell you in short, now if I mention it because I have a particular concept when I do something, because from that you know and "Die for you" and "Shake it" are two of the Greek holdings Voted from all countries, we didn’t receive "zero" from a country. Which means that it is a proof that break and the supposed ghetto if needed. No, the song just wants recipe is not so simple, the song for Eurovision for me, and I continue to insist on what I say, it wants "cooking." The cook knows how to do the Chef, when I do a food to like and sit down to eat and I have to table an American, an African, a Moroccan, a Swede, and a Greek to like the taste, because they are accustomed to different, I should have a food that has something of their flavors, smart media, you might not know no one, subconsciously, and make them like it. It is this competition, so it makes too much time to create something. In this competition if you have in mind that we will do a song that you like throughout Greece and the radios, you lost. If you do a song that will not care whether you like in Greece and only in the radios, you won. In short I want to say that the # 1 radio hit in Greece is not the criterion that this song will bring us good place in Eurovision. The Eurovision wants other things and clearly I advise many other colleagues and not to other holdings, because I always like to advice for going things well.
There is finally the notorious "recipe" to be follow someone to compose a song for Eurovision; I said just before, huh? Of course there is, but that does not mean that the recipe will step on to another recipe, this is rejected! The recipe must be original and must catch the sounds and cultures of peoples, something different. For example, in "Die for you" if I did not use the bouzouki and I put violins, that everybody would put, would not have this curiosity. The English would not use bouzouki, so it is a strangeness for them. What you use and what not clearly plays a role, as well as terrible role plays for me, orchestrating a song, from the first second to the last the song must have build up, cleverly points, and should simultaneously in three minutes to win and one who has not heard it before. This is my recipe.
At this point I will adopt the question that Sotiris Hartzoulakis, our partner, made to your colleague Efthivoulou Theocharous, do you still believe that Eurovision creates international careers? Look I think that nothing creates international careers, I think that Eurovision is a contest, a fact which track a lot of people, and if you work at Eurovision with a talented way you have chances to create career. Because any producer from any country can see the contest and find something in you. Like me, many times I have seen people and interests that might not finished high or not gave no importance and I discovered things on them. The career is certainly anywhere expose, and at Eurovision the artists exposed to too many people, certainly have potentials to make a career. But not always mean that the one who won would make a career, do not get confused, career does almost never the one who wins, as in talent Shows, career makes the eighth, the tenth ... Career will make the talent, anyway!
Apart from 1995, 2001 and 2004, how many other times you took part in Greek Final? You represent a country other than Greece with your music? Yes, in 2002 with the song "2 be together" with MLV, in lyrics of Pappas Antonis also adored, one of my favorite song. In 2007 with Tamta and the song "With Love" in the lyrics of Posidonas Giannopoulos which was a mid-tempo song, Balkan ballad as characterized, and many ask me then, as it involved all the times with up tempo and with other things , that I chose mid-tempo, made the impression. If you remember well I had said then that this year at Eurovision win Balkan ballad and so it happened than you remember, was the year of "Molitva" by Marija Šerifović. It's a part of my recipe will tell me now? It is a place that I see things, that the Eurovision, because some call Eurovision a carnival, for not being a carnival within a decade will have to do three or four light songs but it should at times more specific to expose things more seriously. So the year 2007 had to show something more mature like "Nocturne" of Secret Garden. I guess that year would won Balkan ballad and I'd said it, this was my reason. I certainly think and circumstances brought the thing so not happened. And in 2005 I represent Belarus with my music and the song "Love me Tonight" with Angelica Agurbash in lyrics of Nektarios Tyrakis.
The past of every man is his story, and yours has several chapters. Leaving the past coming to today, where is Nicos Terzis today, what are your interests? My music interests these days are turned into a large "library" of compositions on a little more different things, orchestral primarily. I do an openings right now in music subjects that have to do with cinema, music games, series etc. Overall I love this “places”, especially the orchestral, I prepared an orchestral album in more Lounge - Chill Out form, first, and brew and other things. With my colleagues we are preparing at this time performances, from small to very large. And while preparing I write songs for artists.
Being creative artist, you plan your future or do you prefer the spontaneous and unconventional? I prefer the one that go ... what I mean, I do not like anymore, whereas previously I could do it, be forced to construct songs that do not have a good time when I create them. With few words, and economic profit to have from something I do with difficulty if I do not like it, I do not feel well, I prefer to do things that I like a lot and my future to determine my needs. My needs define my future!
The next question is on behalf of our partner Spiros Kitsos, the winning song of 2014 "Rise Like a Phoenix" is one of my very favorite, not only because of the performer but mainly for the music and lyrics, what you thought of as creator and what songs you stand out from the 60 years "life" of Eurovision. Firstly this song I liked it very much because it is singing with music rather than special effects and impressive sound constructs, and as a musician is natural to me to like a song that has more music. He was very nice interpretation, because a song is not the music or the lyric itself, are three components as pricey as coffee, coffee water and sugar. Must be correct dosage to make a good coffee, so is the song. A good song without proper interpretation or good lyrics or good music, if lacking something it is not good song, something's missing. I thought it was very nice, serious, was also a year that should have won something musician and generally I stand too many songs in Eurovision, not one or two, is a lot that may have passed unnoticed. This year, let's say, I liked the song of Latvia, went nuts with this piece was one of my favorites, very atmospheric with smart instrumentation and great audio production for me. As pricey and "Nocturne" is one of my favorites, the participation of ABBA, I cannot pick and limit myself to one - two. I think the Eurovision every year has very nice songs and tragic, those I don’t like does not mean that they don’t deserve to be there, all the songs have soul and beautiful and ugly like people, and the beautiful and the ugly have soul!
And finally, you will compose music again for the Eurovision Song Contest or this chapter belongs to the past? Look, you cannot say that it belongs to the past, because I'm not a footballer to say that I cannot run at the stadium. I think that a man as time passes matures more and can do more amazing things than when you are at an earlier age. The chapters that has to do with the music never closes, they will close when I close my eyes, all my chapters will be closed then. Of course I would do it but I'm just a man who is consistent, what I mean, when I passed from the competition and have seen things, I will want to have the control in what it is and how it will be. I would not go to serve something or to spend my time. If I go back I will go to offer something very important to Greece and to the people who love this competition, so it will be a song which will let its own history.
Ladies and Gentlemen that was the astonishing Mr. Nicos Terzis, we like to thank him once again because he gave us a bit of his valuable creative time to make this wonderful interview, this wonderful journey in the universe of Nicos Terzis.
Thank you!
In closing I would like to thank Nicos and two of my colleagues, Spiros Kitsos for the valuable assistance from the creation of 12points.gr and Sotiris Hartzoulakis for its unique 'look' that always knows how to deepen the substance of the song contest of Eurovision.
Loïc Nottet is the representative of Belgium in the 60th anniversary of Eurovision Song Contest Vienna 2015 with the song “Rhythm Inside.” Loïc is a young and complete artist who is already conscious of the universe he wishes to create. He is known for his participation in the most watched talent show in Belgium, “The Voice.” Loïc is a rare artist; he participated in the total conception of Eurovision’s project. He composed the music, melody, collaborated the choreography, co-designed the look and visuals that will be used during the presentation in Vienna. An interesting new talent ready to conquer Europe under the “Rhythm Inside.” Entrancing and primitively majestic, “Rhythm Inside” reminds us that the mechanism of our hearts is invariable. Only our individual decisions will decide what mark we leave on this world. Don’t force yourself to conform to the cadence of another, find your own inner rhythm ... you’ll see that you do not walk alone. "Rhythm Inside" is produced by Luuk Cox/Shameboy (Stromae, My Little Cheap Dictaphone, Eva De Roovere, Girls in Hawaii) and mastered by Stuart Hawkes - Metropolis Studio in London (Sam Smith, Charli XCX, Lorde and Amy Winehouse). The lyrics were written by Beverly Jo Scott.
Ladies and Gentlemen, we have the great honour to host in our site the amazing new talent; Mr. Loïc Nottet.
Loïc, what are your influence to start walking the path of music and singing? One of the reasons why I went on this way was The famous MJ (Michael Jackson). He was my first influence.
Do you consider yourself a Eurovision fan? Honestly, not really. I just knew the name of the contest. So when I was selected for it I learned about it and now I think it’s a great concept to make a huge show like that where a lot of European countries can make a show together and have fun together so I think it’s a great idea, a great concept.
Being a representative of an entire country is difficult? What do you feel about it? It's not difficult. It's funny and make you feel proud!
It was easy to write a song for Eurovision Song Contest? I didn't write a song for this contest. I wrote a song for me. My goal was not to write a song in the way of the Eurovision. I mean to write a song to win the contest. I've just been honest with myself and my universe.
This year Eurovision counts 60 years, what are your favourite songs from Eurovision? I think it was "The common linnets" from The Netherlands last year. I really like it because it's really simple. I really like acoustic songs :) I can feel emotions when I hear acoustics sounds. The fingers on the guitar rope is just amazing.
Have you listened the other competing songs? If so, what do you think about Greek entry? I didn’t listen to the others. I made that decision because I don’t want to stress and have pressure. I know “Rhythm Inside” is different, it is not a typical Eurovision song. I don’t want to listen to the other songs because I don’t want to compare my work with the other artists and suddenly have a huge stress.
Greece is known for her natural treasures, have you ever visit Greece? What do you think about our country? I went to Greece once. It's was an amazing trip I really love history and Greece has a lot.
You are a very young talented artist, except composing the music of “Rhythm Inside” you cooperate in entire project of your performance, do you want to tell us some words about that? I did the choreography, I worked on the screens and I drew the costumes which will be on stage I wrote the script of the official video too
Will you release an album? If so, will it have a similar sound to “Rhythm Inside”? Yes I will :) And of course it will sound the same because Rhythm Inside is me. It's really my universe and not just a song.
Efthivoulos Theocharous was born in Cyprus. He studied music, piano, technology music and production at the Five Towns College of New York, and he has worked as a composer and piano soloist in New York, Germany, Athens and Cyprus. He has composed music for well-known Greek singers. Besides composing, he has orchestrated, produced, planned and sound recorded albums for major Greek artists, including the 2005 ESC finalist Helena Paparizou, and winning several gold and platinum record awards. Within 2014 he undertook the production, orchestration and sound recording of Maria Elena’s first album as the winner of last year’s “The Voice of Greece”. At the same time during the past few months he has been working for musical productions, as a vocal and music professor, and as a director and piano soloist at Maria Elena’s concerts.
We had the opportunity for a sincere and warm conversation with the composer of the Greek participation Efthivoulos Theocharous.
Efthivoulos what means for you the contest of EUROVISION? I was whatced by little the contest, my parents was woken me to see the results. Today I have the same feelings as then, especially now that I deal with music. So I waited for the right moment to participate in this contest. I had requested occasionally but I expected the appropriate timing. When I was called by the Greek Music Corporation Minos EMI to work with Maria Elena Kyriacou I was very excited.
What will make our participation to stand out? We wrote a song beyond Eurovision recipes, it is a storyline through our heart. We did not think we were favorites in the evening of Greek selection. Our great asset is the voice and the interpretation of Maria Elena.
Do you think Eurovision creates even now international careers; I think it is a matter of luck, a producer can listen an artist through the Eurovision and will give an impetus for a career outside the borders of his country. The fact is that we have not seen in recent years some artist from the competition to make an international career.
I personally try to rejoice this experience. I was afraid at first, but now I feel confident that I give something good to the world while I feel the responsibility and pride that I am holding the Greek flag.
Thank Efthivoulos Theocharous for this frank conversation we had and we gave appointments when Greece pass to the Grand Final.
Electro Velvet is the band that will represent United Kingdom in the 60th anniversary of Eurovision Song Contest. Alex and Bianca will sing the electro - swing "Still in Love with You."
Alex was born in Welwyn Garden City, from an English father and a Greek mother. Alex’s passion for music began at the age of 15 when he received a copy of the Oasis album (What’s The Story) Morning Glory. From that moment on, Alex was transfixed and from then on knew that all that he wanted to do was play guitar, write and sing. A self-professed fan of the Rolling Stones, Alex is currently lead singer for tribute group The Rollin’ Clones, one of the biggest Rolling Stones tribute shows in the world. Alex has toured the UK and internationally with The Rollin’ Clones and absolutely loves every minute of being with the band, the music and performing as Mick. Alex’s musical tastes are much broader than just rock and he has recently worked with Big Beat pioneer Cut La Roc on his album Larger Than Life, which also featured the talents of Ice-T collaborator, Donald D and Snow Patrol frontman, Gary Lightbody. Outside of performing, Alex has taken all the musical experience he has gained over the years and used it to educate the next generation of budding musicians, working part-time in a primary school, imparting all the tips and tricks he’s learned from writing, singing and performing, plus teaching ukulele and recorder too. Last year, Alex was privileged to work in a special needs school with children and young adults with profound to severe learning difficulties. He found it to be one of the most incredible, rewarding and fun things he has done in his life.
Bianca Nicholas was born in Beckenham, Kent and from an early age was interested in the performing arts. At just five-years-old, Bianca played the lead role in the Cannes Film Festival award-winning short film, ‘Is It the Design on the Wrapper?’ and in her early teens, she appeared alongside Johnny Depp in the Hollywood blockbuster, Sleepy Hollow. But at 15 Bianca decided she was determined to follow her true passion, music. Bianca went on to sing at a string of high-profile charity events which has seen her duet with Will Young, tour with Classical Brit winners ‘Blake’ and perform for Princes William and Harry as well as the Duchess of Cambridge. Bianca also sang at the turning on of the Regent Street Christmas lights in 2011 where she performed her debut single “Hold On To Your Dreams” which was a top 100 single and number 1 on the iTunes Vocal Chart - a huge achievement for an unsigned artist. The single re-entered the vocal chart at number 2 in 2013 when the Heart FM Breakfast team played the song on air as part of their ‘Have a Heart’ charity appeal and more recently, Bianca appeared on The Voice UK in 2014 and her blind audition has now amassed over 250,000 views on YouTube. Since The Voice UK Bianca has kept busy with gigs and live session radio performances. All of which has led to her representing the UK alongside her friend Alex at the Eurovision Song Contest 2015.
In this point I must like to share some words about the Joint Songwriters and Producers of "Still in Love With You."
David Mindel has had a successful career in song-writing working with the likes of Olivia-Newton John, Barry Manilow, The Shadows, John Travolta, Mud and Musical Youth to name but a few. Following a successful song writing career, David embarked on a new chapter - writing and recording some four thousand TV and radio commercials, including penning the themes for BBC One’s National Lottery and Euromillions TV shows.
Adrian Bax White is a classically trained multi-instrumentalist whose eclectic music career has spanned pop to fusion jazz with everything in between. Adrian has worked with a multitude of singers from multi Grammy award winners such as John McLaughlin and Narada Michael Walden to underground indies such as Blue Orchids and acid jazz godfather Lonnie Liston Smith.
Ladies and Gentlemen we have the honour to host Electro Velvet in our site.
You are both great artists, how did you get interested in music, who or what was your influences to walk the path of singing and music? Alex: I was actually a bit of an actor when I was younger. I got into music when I was given the album (What’s the Story) Morning Glory by Oasis. I put that album on the stereo over and over until I could sing in tune and I taught myself to play the guitar as well. Bianca: I was always into music for as long as I can remember really. When I was growing up I loved Christina Aguilera but I also loved old school music like Etta James and Marilyn Munroe.
Do you consider yourselves Eurovision fans? Alex: I grew up with Eurovision. My mum is Greek and my dad is British so there was always a friendly rivalry whenever the competition came on the TV to see which country would finish higher! Bianca: I was always excited to watch Eurovision when I was younger because it is a great fun family show. Plus I was always allowed to stay up late so I have very fond memories of Eurovision from when I was a little girl.
How do you feel about competing in Eurovision? Alex: I am incredibly proud and humbled to be representing the United Kingdom. I am really excited to get out to Austria and spend 10 days in Vienna - I think it is going to be wonderful. Bianca: I am so proud to be taking part in such a big show, I am honoured to be representing my country this is like a dream come true for me.
“Still in love with you” makes the difference in the Eurovision 2015, what do you think about your song? Alex: I love our song. It is different but it is fun and catchy. It is a party song for a party year, the 60th anniversary of the competition so it feels right. Bianca: There are so many ballads in the competition this year so we are hoping that it stands out as it is catchy and upbeat and fun.
What are your favourite songs from Eurovision? Alex: A favourite of mine this year is the entry by PKN who are representing Finland. I have worked with children with learning difficulties and I think PKN are a fantastic inspiration. Also I do love the song as I am a big fan of punk and the song reminds me of the Sex Pistols and the Clash. Bianca: I really like Australia’s entry by Guy Sebastian. We have met Guy a few times now and he is a really nice person and can sing really well live. It’s another upbeat song like ours so I think it will do well.
Greece participates with a ballad this year; have you listened “One last breath,” what do you think about the song? Alex: It is a beautiful song. We were lucky enough to spend some time with the Greek delegation at one of the pre party concerts in Amsterdam last month and we all got on very well. The Greece delegation are such lovely people and we wish them all the very best for the competition. I also got to practice my Greek with them so that was fun! Bianca: Maria Elena Kyriakou has a very powerful voice and is a beautiful girl, we really like her and the song and send our love to our friends in Greece.
Greece is very popular for her natural treasures, have you ever visited Greece? If so, what do you think about Greece and the Greek people? Alex: I go on holiday to Greece every year and also have family who live in Piraeus so I spend a lot of time there. I’ve been to the Parthenon and the Acropolis of Athens and I just love the culture of the country. It is a beautiful place, the people are very warm and friendly plus the food is fantastic! I am very proud of my Greek roots. Bianca: I visited Greece on holiday when I was younger. I was very young at the time so don’t remember a lot but I do remember the beaches being beautiful and having a lovely time with my family there.
Was your performance in “Eurovision Song Contest's Greatest Hits” a hint for Vienna’s stage? Alex: We do have something spectacular and eye catching planned for our performance but can’t say anything more than that at the moment, it is a surprise! Bianca: We loved performing at the Greatest Hits Concert but in Vienna the staging will be different as we have something very special and different planned for the big night, you will have to watch and see!
Will you release an album? If so, will it have a similar sound to 'Still in love with you'? Alex: We are definitely going to release another single and as fate brought Electro Velvet together and into Eurovision we are going to let fate dictate our future path as well. There will definitely be some more music from us! Bianca: Yes we are looking forward to working together in the future for sure, but right now we are fully committed to doing our very best in Vienna and getting the party started!
I want to thank Electro Velvet from the bottom of my heart for this great honour and I wish them Good Luck to the Grand Final!
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