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 in the weeks ahead our Austrian correspondent Patrick Melbler will be catching up with ALL of them. Today he talks with Daniel Testa, who is singing the song “Something in the Way”.
Hello Daniel! Thanks for taking the time to talk, and congratulations on making the Top 20 in Malta!
Thank you so much!
Your song is called “Something in the Way”. Can you tell us about it?
The song is written by Charlie Mason and Mans Ek. It was chosen from about 70 songs which my publisher received throughout the year. ‘Something In The Way’ is about this girl who in her day to day life does things which one would not really expect to see. For example the first line of the song is, “You’re chilling out in the rain with a kite”. Will all these ‘ways’ make me like her and want her? One must also note the Charlie Mason was one of of the writers for ‘Rise Like A Phoenix’ which won ESC last year.
Our readers want to know a little bit more about your life off stage. Has life changed since you first competed at MESC?
I’m a 17 year old student. I work around music, I’m a radio presenter, DJ, drummer and singer. Since Eurovision life has not changed much, however I’m really busy!
You were a big favourite last year – and you almost won! Does that add pressure on you? And will that help you this year?
Last year was my first time in the Eurovision Song Contest, and being a favourite was a good thing. However, as many know, results are never the same as they are on polls. Achieving third place with ‘One Last Ride’ was great. Now I’m hoping to get an even better result this year. However, there is no pressure.
What’s the difference between “One Last Ride” and “Something in the Way”?
‘One Last Ride’ was more classy, started slow, then pumped up to the end. ‘Something In The Way’ is more me. I prefer singing happier songs in general. It has the feel-good singalong factor which I love in songs.
When and how did you start your career as a singer?
I started singing when I was 7. I used to take part in these small festivals which were held in hotels around Malta. A few weeks later I was chosen to represent France at the Te Amo singing festival in Romania. The song was in French too. I had no idea what I was singing. Also it was pretty tricky to learn the lyrics.. However, all went well and I placed amongst the winners.
In the past you were an actor in some musicals. What do you like more – singing or acting? And why?
I prefer singing as I feel more comfortable doing it.
What does Eurovision stand for in your opinion?
Eurovision in Malta is in my opinion the biggest platform us singers have. It is what I look forward to mostly during the year. I think without it most Maltese singers would feel a bit empty.
Have you heard the other songs in MESC? Which songs do you like the most?
Yes, I’ve heard all the songs. They’re all great in their own way.
Why should Malta finally win the ESC and do you think you could manage it?
Malta has been applying for ESC for a long time now and we have been very close at times. I think with a young fresh singer we could possibly hit the spot!
Do you have a special message for your fans and followers on wiwibloggs?
Hi guys! Hope you like my song as much as I enjoy singing it.
It was an honour to speak with you. Good luck to you and maybe that “Something” in your way is Eurovision!
Thanks a lot!
Do you think Daniel Testa will represent Malta next May? Leave your comment below!
Picture Source: PBS Malta
The song is instantly likeable which is important because many voters will be hearing it for the first time in the semi final. Daniel puts in a great performance too.
So we have a catchy song & a great singer. That’s a winning combination. Malta should do well if Daniel goes to Vienna.