A few days ago Hungary’s MTV released the songs that will compete at A Dal 2014. New Level Empire, a fresh Hungarian band, is among those competiting in the Hungarian national selection. Their song “The Last One” is already popular in Hungary and critics and fans alike suspect they will qualify for the final. I recently caught up with the four-piece band to discuss A Dal 2014 and of course the Eurovision Song Contest.
New Level Empire is a relatively young band. How it was put together?
Newl (a member of the group) had a vision. He wanted to make a formation like this. He and Peti Krajczár made a song (“Heartbeat”) which debuted in the spring of 2013. They were already using the New Level Empire name, but it wasn’t yet a band. Later, DJ Shizuka and Zola (singer-guitarist) made the band complete.
The Last One is pretty catchy. Why did you choose this song for A Dal 2014?
Well, we wanted to compete with another song, but smarter and more professional people have said that it should be the one because it’s a good one…apparently people love it. We didn’t think that earlier. Thank you for the recognition, but we just wanted to write a song that is intuitive and immediately grabs people. We hope it worked.
What would it mean to you if you’re the band chosen to sing for Hungary?
As a performer or an author, representing your own country is great and honorable thing. We are both at the same time, so it would be double joy. A victory would be shocking to us but an honor and a recognition too. And the commentator might ask: Could “The Last One” be the best one? ?
Some say the Eurovision Song Contest just gives you a brief boost. Do you agree with that or do you see more opportunities stemming from the contest?
It depends on how performers use their notoriety. Eurovision is definitely a good platform to show yourself. If people are not interested in us, then the contest won’t bring us the fame. We are basically a live act. We want to make good parties. Festivals are where we want our career to unfold.
What do you think about the other competitors?
The field is very deep to us. There are different songs, singers and bands. We love that kind of diversity. The funny thing is that the performers are competitors and friends at the same time, but sometimes people think we’re fighting and hate each other. We are glad that Muzikfabrik, Mystery Gang and Depresszió have been included the A Dal 2014.
In the last few years have you watched the Eurovision Song Contest?
Peti (a member of the band) had a lot of songs in the national finals, and all of us watched the song contest in the past.It’s a high-quality TV show with professional performers and a diverse range of music. Every aspect of this show is worth watching!
Have you got a strategy for how you would like to win the A DAL and maybe the Eurovision Song Contest?
We haven’t got strategy but now that you ask maybe we need one.
What do you think about New Level Empire? Would they be a good choice for Hungary? Let us know in the comments section below!
Judit Sebok contributed this report from Hungary. Follow her on Twitter at @sjudy03 You can also keep up-to-date with the latest Eurovision news and gossip by following the team on Twitter @wiwibloggs and by liking our Facebook page.
I love it!
First impression is that if it were on the radio in America, you wouldn’t be able to guess who it is from because many artists sound like the lead singer.