Back in February he stormed to victory at Depi Evratesil — Armenia’s national selection for Eurovision — with his authentic, Armenian-language ballad “Qami” (Wind).
And now Sevak Khanaghyan blows into our consciousness once more with the song’s official music video.
Scroll down for music video
Fans of the entry’s national final staging will be well pleased, as the clip maintains many key elements. Once again, the scene is dark and brooding.
Our hero is trapped between two gigantic parallel walls. However, midway through the video, a gentle nudge from the crooner is enough for them to move apart.
He is magically transported to an underwater world where he encounters a mysterious maiden, last seen on his Depi Evratesil LED screen.
But her presence is only fleeting, and the three-minute film ends with Sevak stranded on a rocky outcrop surrounded by water. A desolate looking mountain range lies on the horizon.
In addition, we also get to hear the final version of “Qami”. It remains largely unchanged. The production is tighter, resulting in a slicker end-product.
Sevak Khanagyan “Qami” Official Music Video
The video is directed by Arthur Manukyan, a man who is no stranger to Eurovision. His previous work includes clips for Betty’s “People Of The Sun” (JESC 2014), Mika’s “Love” (JESC 2015) and Artsvik’s “Fly With Me” (Eurovision 2017).
Speaking in the official press release, the director explains his vision.
When I first heard the song I instantly thought that the music video should reflect Sevak’s inner world – his emotions and feelings.
There aren’t any excessive elements in the video – it is minimalistic, yet very expressive. I wanted to keep it simple and concentrate the attention on Sevak and his song.
And it seems like the main man is happy with the results. Sevak says:
This is my first cooperation with the Public TV Company of Armenia and I must say I really enjoyed creating this music video. We had an amazing professional team that worked effortlessly to bring our vision to life.
Arthur is an amazing director: he was able to show my inner world to the audience through the lens of the camera. I was very honest in this music video, as I am on stage, and I tried to express and share my feelings with the audience. I hope that my fans and viewers all around the world will experience this emotional journey with me”
The team behind the music video also included DOP Suren Tadevosyan, stylist Aram Nikolyan and lighting designer Vahagn Miqayelyan.
What do you think of the “Qami” music video? Does this storm blow you away? Let us know in the comments below.
Great song! Hope he qualifies!
Where is resemblance between ”shouty ballads” and this song, I don’t see it? This is very beautiful ballad, powerful voice, I can see points from juries and probably good performance, Armenia usually have very good performances.
I think that it’ll get to the final over much better entries in that semifinal and this thought just makes me hate this song. Perhaps the diaspora votes won’t be enough?? I really hope so, cuz I have so many favorites in the first semifinal. 🙁
I like it, but I still feel like something’s missing here, idk
Albania 2017 was dated but this is more modern production wise.
This will stand out in the first semi which contains not so many ballads.
This is the weakest Armenian ESC entry after “Boom Boom” disaster of 2011. It reminds me of Albania 2017 which I didn’t like too.
You forgot the 2013 disaster. Also, in contrast to the Boom Boom lady, Sevak can sing – in fact I think he’s the strongest vocalist Armenia has sent after Inga and Anush whom I miss very very much.
I know there’s more words but when he’s singing the song it sounds like it was written by someone who only knows one word in Armenian and the lyrics end up to me sounding (especially near the end) like QamiqamiqamiqamiqamiiiiiiiiiiiIIIIIIIIIIqaaaamiiqamiqami… idk whomst tf was voting out in Armenia but if you think about how good like literally every Armenian entry ever has been, this is unfortunate
Reading comments and get surprised with the level of some people. I can understand trolling, personal taste but calling someone ugly is really cheap.
Taking into account short dates – video is really well done. Yes semi 1 is very and everything may happen.
I have no doubt that Sevak gonna deliver this song live as needed. He has great stage charisma and presence. With good staging i think he may make some surprises. Hopefully staging will be on the same level it was in 2016 and 2017.
These Eurofans never learn: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Greece, Russia and Romania only do not qualify if they send something very bad (GREECE 2016), badly sung (ARMENIA 2011 – and the televote was going to pass). Greece 2017 went to the final because it was nice, these countries with more or less material goes to the final, others do not. On Sevak, who is already in the final, he only has a zebra that does not have good music, but he has more chances than Croatia, Switzerland, Macedonia, Albania and others.
Greece 2017 went through because of Cyprus’ votes! Without Cyprus, Greece wouldn’t have qualified.
I do really not understand why people are underrating this ?
Such a strong voice and the melody is really overwhelming. I mean this will qualify and actually it’s a dark horse
I do miss Artsvik. Best of luck to Armenia this year – but to be honest I hope it won’t qualify because there are so many good and interesting songs in SF1 that needs to qualify – we are getting enough mediocre ones from SF2 into the Final.
the song is not bad, and i see that he puts a lot of emotions, but somehow I Don´t really connect with it, I Don´t really know why.
also, stop saying he is ugly, you may not be attracted to him but that doesn´t make him ugly (I personally find him astonishingly handsome), You have no right to insult him lol, the funny thing is that all of those who are insulting him are actually saying that Netta “slaaayyys and is a queeeeen yassss honeeeeey”, please stop with the hypocrisy!
It’s all double standard in a lot of these comments Alvaricomg. It is a SONG contest after all, not a Beauty Pageant. He is very handsome though! that beard! Wow
He’s going straight to the final.They didn’t struggle with “Fly with Me”, they won’t again with “Qami”, which is a far superior song.
Armenia will qualify. Armenian entries are never songs, they are performances. I never rate an Armenian entry until I see it on stage.
Personally I like the song this year. Kudos to Armenia for changing it up a little, and rather sending a beautiful woman with some sort of ethnic-art performance they have sent a man (I find him quite handsome) singing in their native language.
This will qualify people, they’ve qualified with worse and then we do still have to see the “performance” in may.
This might be a very positive year for a lot of struggling countries to see how some countries that are considered automatic/ definite qualifiers fail to to reach the final. It would be encouraging and just to see that happen.
(Nevertheless, many thanks to Armenia for sparing us that awful, talentless clown they had in their NF)
This song is a cheap copy of successful Balkan ballads.Nothing original and he is not attractive at all
idiot
Still better and more original than Azerbaijan
This beautiful, but very dramatic song is not for Eurovision content…
It’s not a a masterpiece but it’s not a bad song either. Not my personal favourite but think it can reach top 10.
This is so good, the song, the video, everything.
I usually like this kind of ballads. But this one does absolutely nothing to me. In fact Lithuanian, Irish ballads are much better. Maybe it’s the language?? I don’t know, but I it won’t do well in the first semifinal for sure.
This is what I call quality. People are being jelaous because it’s not generic pop which will be good in bookies. Armenia, Italy, Greece have the most beautiful songs this year, which has message, quality, and they actually CAN SING ))) Haters, get a life!!!
Totally agree
The best comment actually )))
Great song and wonderful singer….has been and remains in my top 10! Appreciate it even more that it’s sung in Armenian. I’m sure the juries will appreciate this! 😀
It just doesn’t connect with me. I’m from Armenia and I can tell that whenever we go for a democratic selection, it ends up with a disaster.
Many people in Armenia think that it’s the Voice, not a song contest. They will be punished soon.
Eurovision requires radio-friendly hits. We had two, but both got eliminated because the voters have no idea about the modern trends at Eurovision.
Yet in both 2016 and 2017, quality songs with superb singers triumphed those so called radio-friendly songs and won the contest. Eurovision is highly unpredictable these days. If he can deliver the song, he will do very well.
Totally agree with you, Ron 🙂
I still think that 2016 was political. Otherwise, Lazarev would easily have taken the trophy. 2017 was full of pop, so Portugal stood out not necessarily for having the best song. Also, people felt positive to support Portugal after so many of struggle to win. The PR also helped. However, knowing the ‘winner’s effect’ we must have predicted that this type of song won’t stand out anymore. We should have gone the other way around and send a radio-friendly song. Our public is simply unaware of this contest and it’s out Public TV’s fault. They should have open discussions beforehand,… Read more »
I literally have no idea what you’re talking about but to summarize what you said pretty much goes – everyone is wrong because I didn’t agree with their decision and the results. Just because you didn’t like the winning entry in 2016 or in Armenia, you shouldn’t look for scapegoats. The fact is both international jury – who have no connection to Sevak chose him as a winner and the Armenian public by a massive margin elected him. So, honestly, at this point, you going around trying to find an excuse as to why your favorites didn’t win is naive.… Read more »
Stop being so self-defensive. You always try to hype up Armenian entries. Let’s be honest…it’s just bad. If you haven’t got the meaning of my previous message, go and read it again. Be open to criticism. Your responses are getting annoying, man.
I’m not being defensive at all. You wrote a whole summary about some TV program and how they didn’t mention the losers of the contest and I have no idea about that. I’m sorry if it came across as rude, I do better when I use emojis and I’m fully caffeinated. But if I’m completely honest with you, I actually, genuinely like Sevak’s song. In fact I like it far more than the oriental effort of last year. I rank this as my 6th favorite Armenia entry after: 2016, 2009, 2008, 2014 and 2010. But, one thing I agree with… Read more »
It’s only a “winner’s effect” if Armenia had gone on to do an internal selection and decide to replicate a previous winner’s efforts, which in this case it isn’t.
Besides, many of the entries in this year’s edition are “radio-friendly”, with a bigger ratio of “bops” to ballads and only about 13 countries out of 43 are singing in languages other than English, which still makes the latter the dominant language in the contest.
Once this song is over, I can’t remember anything about it… a non-qualifier indeed.
Out of curiosity…did you remember the Portuguese song once it was over? Because, I for one, have heard it at least 10 times and can’t remember a single thing, but that didn’t stop the song from winning the contest. So, I don’t think you not remembering the song is a proper assessment of whether it will qualify or not.
Why are you being so pro-Armenia;everytime somebody criticizes Armenia’s song,you try to proof them that they are wrong?Even on the other articles;this is is just what people think and I think you have to respect their ideas.
Thank you for expressing your opinion. The same way you have the right to express yours, I have the right to express mine and as part of expressing your opinion, you should also exercise your ability to challenge other peoples’ opinions and views. You’re more than welcomed to challenged the view I expressed instead of attacking me personally – which by the way, in law we call a logical fallacy.
Ron, don’t do basics with some people. They don’t have that. 😛
Are you comparing Amar pelos dois to this wack cover of Bote? Serving next level delusion.
@Polegend Godgarina – nope. Not comparing at all. But, i do remember last year, in this exact blog people were complaining about the Portuguese entry being forgettable and dull. In your comment you said “can’t remember the song/forgettable song -> no final” what I said was, many people felt the same way about last year’s entry, yet it won the contest. So, the fact that you can’t remember the song doesn’t mean it’s not going to qualify or win for that matter.
@Ron Don’t you ever dare to compare a masterpiece like “Amar pelos dois” to this cliché eurovision ballad!! -_-
Qami, Qami, Qami, Qami…. That’s what I remember – it’s ok but I hope it won’t qualify and leave other really good or more interesting songs behind. SF1 is so important to make the right choise if you have the privilage to vote. I can’t – have to vote in SF2. A lot of mediocre songs will qualify in SF2 so we need the interesting ones from SF1 in the Final.
choice
By the way on youtube @polegend writes positive comments about armenian songs each year, but when it comes to wiwibloggs… hmmmm
There are no “like” buttons on this blog…maybe that’s why?
Who knows axper jan, who knows? 😛
I like this song quite a lot! Specially because it’s personal, real material such as Portugal, Spain and Slovenia, not a manufactured product as si many entries. It’s also in Armenian, struggling to keep their identity and not falling to the UStrends. Hard work in first SF but I hope people take into account these features before voting.
Slovenia?!
Because Spain’s song isn’t manufactured, just like the “love” these two have isn’t manufactured HA!
Get informed before talking. The Spanish entry was composed when the author saw the development of their story on the TV music school. He, absolutely unknown as a composer, got inspired by them. So, nothing more personal.
Everyone here is so jealous, because they understand that Sevak is not playing around, he is strong singer with a lot of power.
Sure, Jan.
artsvik’s director? i guess there arent any melodifestivalen costumes for males..
The director is not necessarily the person in charge of the costumes. That would be the designer’s job
He’s so hot with that dark hair and those strong ethnic features. Why can’t my fake-masc boyfriend look more like him? And by the way, what’s with the hate for Armenia and Albania? They like this dark romantic stuff and it’s actually kinda hot! I wish someone would sing all these melancholic songs about me. I’m lucky if my guy sings about my behind.. never mind the wind! 😀
hahaha what do you mean by “fake-masc” dude?
He was reffering to the imagined bf of his.
Hahahaha I meant he tries to look straight by working out and leaving a beard, but still can’t look manly enough like Sevak. Sevak is really masculine, even for a straight guy. It’s the hottest thing ever!
Azerbaydjan is better.
Demy is back and she want back her cheap song from Aisel!
Even ‘This is Love’ is better than Sevak’s song.
Although Demy couldn’t hit that one note live.
I wouldn’t say “X My Heart” is better than “Qami”. I would say “Qami” is much original and better musically but I actually enjoy “X My Heart” much more.
We want to National/Native language song. Not Cheap English song again.
If we got 43 songs like that ratings would plummet. Let us have the bops along with that.
Even though most of the comments are negative regarding this entry, but I’m sure it will have its own fans, too. A lot of people like this kind of ballads I think. But I don’t see it doing well in the contest. The first semifinal is too strong.
Armenia should be proud. The song is great and the performer delivers.
Haters are just being jealous. Or… maybe they like cheao music with chicken sounds.
They really do
The video still doesn’t make the song any better. I think this will struggle with staging it really requires LEDs. I know they can bring them to stage but think it would be looked down on.
This revamp is just a total disaster! What are you doing Armenia?! First you throw away Tamar (who would’ve easily gotten top 5 this year) in the semis and then you pick this over Asmik in the final? I prefer Ireland and Iceland to this. I hope this get’s last in the semi, it deserves it. Armenia needs to rework their national selection because as it is now: it’s just a disaster.
Tamar can’t sing live the same applies to Asmik because their live perfromances were bad. Sevak did well, and deservedly so.
If Tamar couldn’t finish top 5 in a relatively weak semi-final, how do you think she was going to deliver a top 5 finish in Lisbon?
I love this song …one of the best in my opinion!
Is this the best Armenia could do? No, but it’s miles better than many other entries and it’s commendable that Armenia has decided to send a song entirely in Armenian. I have full faith in Armenian Broadcaster that they will do a fantastic staging – in the past 2 years, the Armenian songs came alive after the staging was revealed. This will be no exception.
Obviously!! It’s one of the worst Armenian entries ever.
I would say after 2017, 2008, 2009, 2014 and 2010 this is Armenia’s best entry or worst entry depending on how you want to view it.
Also not 2017, but 2016. I didn’t like 2017.
I just cannot understand the hype behind this song! Sure, it’s an Armenian, but so what? It sounds just like any Balkan ballad Albania has sent for years. People always complain with those that it sounds like the women are just screaming, but Sevak doesn’t get the same criticism. Two words to that: Double. Standard. I’m sorry, Armenia is almost always in my top 10, but this year I hope they don’t qualify. This is so lackluster and the background vocals sound more interesting than the main melody
There is no hype about this song, man. Calm down lel.
No one ever speaks about it, what hype are you talking about?
By “hype” I mean that people think this deserves any more than bottom 5. Even calling this middling or “not bad” is an overstatement. Sorry, but I absolutely *hate* this song
Bottom 5 in the semi you mean?
Many people here like to compare Armenian and Azerbaijani entries every year. And this is one of the few years when Armenian entry is so much stronger than Azerbaijani. The singer tells his story and you automatically move to another world. I love it! And this song has a soul. But, above all, I’m pleased to finally hear the song entirely in Armenian language at Eurovision.
Good luck from Ukraine, Sevak!
Caucasian countries are weak this year. But if we compare Azerbaijan and Armenia, then Azerbaijan’s song is at least catchy, you can sing along some parts of the song, but still it’s pretty generic. And Armenia is like other Eurovision ballads, screaming shouting, but at the end it feels artificial. I think neither Armenia nor Azerbaijan deserve the finals this year.
After Dihaj’s song I thought all the Caucasian countries would be encouraged to come back with modern entries. But in opposite they all came up with dated, old-fashioned stuff this year.
What’s modern will be dated in a few years time.
First thing I thought: Albania 2017! And I see that others have mentioned it too. Both songs are really good and building for like 2 min and then there’s a high note for the rest of the song that goes nowhere and it kinda turns me off. Let’s see if Armenia will have the same fate as Albania last year!
One of better songs in 1st semifinal and it means a lot because 1st semi doesn’t have a lot of good songs.
Are you serious? The first semi is definitely stronger!
It’s like Lindita’s “World” as someone else already mentioned. We had such power ballads in Eurovision many times before. But they’ll probably qualify because the diaspora. That’s so unfair though.
These comments from below are so hysterical. Give a sedative to these people lol.
I have heard that this music video was made in 2 days , lol. This is great.
The singer has powerful voice , he will slay in semi for sure . And I think it will grow for people who disliked the song in the first time.
Actually , Aram MP3 Not Alone’s karma works. I remember when everyone hated Aram’s song first time. But then = 4th place in the final.
I also like Qami, but comments like yours really bug me. Not alone karma? Aram’s song was hated? Stop using those stupid arguments when everyone knows that Not alone was the contender since its freaking release
This song is like male version of Albania 2017. Typical shouty eurovision ballad. There’s no way he’s getting that qualification.
Did Sevak shout during the entire three minutes? He started belting out as he reached the last third of the song.
I will be so mad if he makes it to the final over songs like from Lithuania, Austria, Cyprus, Macedonia etc etc. ffs
Armenia is not qualifying this year, who agrees with me?
Dream 🙂 There can be miracles when you believe!
There is over 10 better entries in the same semi. But it will qualify, because it’s Armenia…it makes me sad..
There’s something about the singer which is off-putting. I don’t like him. The song isn’t bad, I like the slow parts, but the ending kinda messed everything up IMO.
I didn’t like the previous version and now they made it even worse. The ending is too messy now. They seriously dont deserve the finals this year, there are so many good songs in the 1st SF. That would be unfair. :/
I think this is GOOD. I don´t understand the complaints.
I don’t care about the video but What did they do to this song? The original was powerful and moving, this revamp isn’t reaching me. I’m disappointed 🙁 It’s really like a wind – gone with the warm memories. Please go back to the original version.
They only removed the piano intro and a rockier element was added in the last third but nothing much else changed. Whatever revamp it underwent, it was only minimal.
Can’t tell about that, not so good at picking this kind of differences. I just know i get different feeling listening this and the original one. So there’s something. Though agree some moments it felt as good as the orginal but not so good, powerful anymore as a whole song. The original song and Depi Evratesil live were matching each other quite well but this revamp isn’t somehow.