The Malta Eurovision Song Contest kicks off on November 21, and the semi-finalists are busy perfecting their performances. Twenty artists want the golden ticket for Vienna, and for the past few weeks our Austrian correspondent Patrick Melbler has been catching up with ALL of them. Today he talks with Karen DeBattista who is singing the song “12, Baker Street”.
Congratulations for making the National Selection in Malta! How do you feel?
I am so excited to be part of this year’s Malta Eurovision Song Contest. I have been waiting for this for quite some time now, and I feel so privileged to have the opportunity to perform on such an amazing stage!
Your song is called “12, Baker Street”. Can you tell us a bit about it?
The lyrics of the song tell a sweet love story; boy meets girl, they grow up together on ’12, Baker Street’. Unfortunately one has to leave, but fate brings them back together, again on ’12, Baker Street’. I think the main inspiration behind the title would be the fact that I was still in’ London-mode’, considering that a couple of months before we started working on the lyrics for the song, I had visited London on a holiday.
Can you tell us a bit about your life? What changed since you started participating in the Eurovision selection?
It most definitely changed my life, meaning that the number of commitments I had seemed to double. I am pleased to say that PBS organised an intensive schedule of interviews for us singers as promotion towards the Malta Eurovision, so I had to come up with a personal day-by-day schedule of events to follow. I am also a student studying art and design, therefore I had to make time to keep up with my studies apart from other events in preparation for the Malta Eurovision.
In the past, you participated in many competitions in Malta. How did your career start?
I have been playing the piano since the age of 7, therefore singing came as a natural choice. My first performance was in a school soiree, and from then on I started taking part in concerts and competitions to gain experience.
How would you describe your style of music? What singers/music inspire you?
Not many people know this, but I love to sing jazzy and blues songs. I try to vary in style so as to be versatile as an artist. Two artists who I look to for inspiration are Micheal Buble and Beyonce. Their passion for music is unbelievable, and I hope that one day I’ll be able to have at least a fraction of their success in the music industry.
You will perform 7th in the Semi Final. Are you happy with the draw? Can you already tell us about your performance and staging?
Yes I’m quite happy with the draw because it’s not too early in the competition, and not towards the end either. With regards to staging, everything is already in place, but I’m going to keep it as secret for now. I want it to be a surprise for the Friday night. All I can tell you is that it is going to be a simple but warm performance.
Are you a Eurovision fan? What does Eurovision mean for you?
I am most definitely a fan of Eurovision! Each year I look forward to getting together with family and friends for a night of light snacks, some wine and the Eurovision Song Contest streaming live on television. For me Eurovision is a celebration of music, with each country bringing something different to the stage. It is an example of how music unites different countries at least for one night, despite all the differences that may exist. It is also a means of global exposure for us singers, apart from the experience of performing for such a large audience in a foreign country.
What is unique about you and your song compared to the other contestants?
I consider my song for this year’s Malta Eurovision Song Contest as one with a mixture of genres, all combined together to create a wonderful harmony. In my opinion it is quite a unique song, considering that to my knowledge, there was never such a song in previous editions of the competition. Apart from the music, the lyrics of the song also help to draw in people since it is a sweet love story which shows that if it is true, love will find a way.
Why should Malta finally win the Eurovision and do you think you could manage a victory?
We’ve been trying to win the contest for so many years, and on certain occasions I believe that we should have actually won it. Unfortunately we didn’t! I don’t know about winning the Eurovision for Malta; I believe in my song with all my heart, but I think Eurovision is so unpredictable that it’s hard to say whether I can win it or not. I think it all depends on how the song is received by the audience.
Have you listened to the competition? Do you have any favourites and who could be your biggest competitor?
Yes, I listened to the other songs, and I have to say that this year there is a large number of very good songs. My favourite would have to be Franklin’s song ‘Still Here’. I think my biggest competitor would have to be Corazon’s entry ‘Secretly’ since I think that it’s the one which comes closest to mine with regards to style and feel of the song.
Do you have a special message for your fans and readers of wiwibloggs?
I would like to thank all the readers of wiwbloggs for their constant support throughout this unbelievable journey. I have received so many positive messages and well-wishes, and I really appreciate it because it fills me with courage and energy to continue doing what I love.
Thank you for the interview. Good Luck to you and maybe you can perform on the big stage in Vienna!
Thank you very much! Fingers crossed and let’s hope for the best!
Should Karen represent Malta at Eurovision 2015? Leave your comments below!
YOU CAN FOLLOW ALL OF OUR MALTA EUROVISION 2015 NEWS HERE.
Picture Source: PBS Malta, Claire DeBattista
