Maria Yaremchuk: I want fans’ hearts to go Tick Tock with me

Maria Yaremchuk’s “Tick Tock” was the first Eurovision 2014 song we heard back in December, and ever since then we’ve been addicted. Both Maria and her song have gone through quite the transformation, meaning her final Eurovision song is a far cry from the song that won the Ukrainian National Selection last year. What’s been going on? Thankfully Maria, who is currently leading our search for Eurovision’s Next Top Model, sat down with us to explain all of the changes. Here are the highlights.

First of all, congratulations on winning the Ukrainian National Eurovision selection. How did you feel when you heard the news?

Thank you! I’ve felt very exited and proud! Finally, I’ve done everything to win and to make my dream come true – to sing at the best European stage! I was taking part in a National Selection previously but I think now was the right time for me to win and to sing for my country in Copenhagen.

Ukraine was the first country to select its song and contestant. Did you feel extra pressure because of this?

No, I think the more time Eurovision fans get to listen to the entry song the better. So I guess it’s all for the best.

Your song has changed a lot since the National Selection. Why was this and how do you feel about the final version?

I feel really great about final version – now Tick-Tock is all I ever wanted it to be. I’ve written this song some time ago and from time to time I’ve thought about changing the lyrics and arrangements. And when I’ve got a chance to collaborate with Sweden vocalist, songwriter and composer Sandra Bjorman, I’ve took it and we’ve made all the changes you hear now. Hope you like it as much as I do.

Many say the music video for “Tick Tock” has a Michael Jackson vibe. Do you take inspiration from him?

I respect Michael Jackson, he was an amazing musician, one of the best so I think I’m proud that you are comparing me to him. Thank you!

Who are your main musical influences?

I’m listening to the all kind of music so every genre got its influence on me. But the most important is my father’s work, his music, all his soul he put in music. I can’t even start to imagine what a singer I’ve became if it wasn’t for his music in my life.

Of all three versions of Tick Tock that we have heard, which one has been your favourite?

The final one! That’s the best version.

What is the message behind “Tick Tock”?

This is a love story of young and confident women. She has always tried to find real love, spent so much time on it and when it’s finally came along it was a real surprise. We are never prepared no matter how hard we try and for how long we seek one true feeling. It hits us and makes our hearts tick-tock like nuts!

What can we expect from the staging when you perform in Copenhagen?

I’ve got a lot of surprises for you so let’s wait and see.

http://youtu.be/dRQjUY3cf48

Have you always loved Eurovision? 

I’ve been a Eurovision fan since the first time I saw this Contest. I think it happened when Ukraine started to participate. It was one of my childhood dreams – to take on Eurovision stage, to sing for millions of people all over Europe. Every year I’ve got a few favorites but now my favorite Eurovision song is last year’s winner “Only Teardrops”.

The Ukrainian representative for 2012, Gaitana, faced a lot of racist comments before her appearance in Baku. How did you feel about this?

I think that everyone is equal, especially in music world. We are all the same; we speak the same language – language of music.

Do you have a favourite song from another country this year?

I haven’t had time to listen to everyone’s songs yet but I’m aiming to do it as soon as possible.

What’s your dream placing at Eurovision?

I’m not dreaming about places, I’m dreaming about stage performance, about making all Eurovision fans’ hearts go tick-tock with me. I want to make my country proud so it isn’t about winning, it’s all in singing.

The political situation in your country is pretty desperate at the moment. What do you want to happen in Ukraine?

I want the most important thing for all Ukrainian people – peace. We are strong and unite nation and I hope we will found the best possible outcome.

Do you think the current political situation will affect yours and Russia’s final placing at Eurovision?

No, I strongly believe that music got no boundaries and that Eurovision is not about politics, it’s about song, artist, stage performance, having the time of our life.

You’re one of the most beautiful women at Eurovision this year. Do you have any health and beauty secrets you could share with us?

First of all, thank you! I’m spending a lot of time at open air, traveling, climbing, and trying to swim whenever I’ve got time. But I think that the most important beauty secret for any women is sleep and I can’t get enough of it, especially now.

Do you have a message for your fans on wiwibloggs.com?

Stay strong and support your favorite during Eurovision Song Contest 2014! See you in Copenhagen!

Katie Wilson contributed this story from the U.K. Follow her on Twitter at @katiewillfly and like our Facebook page to keep up with the latest Eurovision news and gossip.