They’re among the most celebrated husband-and-wife duos the Eurovision Song Contest has ever seen, and they’ve introduced Slovenian music and culture to countless Eurofans across the world.

And now, after a two-year break from releasing their own songs, the musical power couple Maraaya — that’s Marjetka Vovk and Raay — are back with a gorgeous music video for their new song “Obujam Nove Čevlje”.

The coronavirus pandemic has been devastating for people all over the world. If there’s any sliver of a silver lining, it’s that it gave some people time with their thoughts. Speaking with us on the day of the song’s release, Maraaya say their latest song was born of that era.

The English-language version — “New Face” — will drop later this year. The lyrics of the chorus will give you a sense of the song’s message of empowerment: “I’m putting on a new face, look whose laughing now, I found my happy ending I always dreamed about.”

You can watch the music video and read our Q&A below. Fans of Eurovision will love this detail: Marjetka’s make-up artist for the video is none other than Emperatrizz from Eurovision 2002 trio Sestre.

“Obujam Nove Čevlje” — Maraaya feat. Luciano Plazibat

For those of us who don’t speak Slovenian, what’s the song about?

Raay: The song is about putting on a new face — in Slovenian it’s used as a metaphor and literally means: “Putting on new shoes.” So Marjetka’s got new shoes, but the song is about new challenges in life, life changes, new beginnings, a positive mindset, and not accepting routine. So basically it’s very autobiographical in this way.

Marjetka looks very comfortable singing on top of a roof. What is this building? And is the video filmed in Ljubljana?

Marjetka: Yes! This is our beautiful Ljubljana. I had some problems climbing on the rooftop with heels, but once I was there I enjoyed every minute. I hadn’t ever seen Ljubljana from this perspective. It’s one the highest buildings in Ljubljana. It’s a big shopping tower in the very centre of Ljubljana — and the rooftop is breathtaking.

What’s the idea behind the music video?

Raay: It’s very simple — the point of the song is shown through two different but similar stories. The main role is the mechanic (my co-worker in the video) who is not happy, and we discover his passion is dance. On the other side there is a ballerina searching for a new passion and becoming the mechanic in the end…so flipping.

Could you tell us about Luciano? Why do you think he is so popular and what do you like about his work?

Marjetka: We met Luciano when Raay started to collaborate with the most popular channel of influencers in Croatia — Joomboos. He is a dancer, choreographer, TikToker… he’s got the X-factor, humble energy, amazing talent…I mean, since I am a judge on Slovenia’s Got Talent, I’d probably hit the golden buzzer if he came with this amazing vibe! At first he was meant to be only the dancer…but after seeing the footage we decided to do the first featuring of a dancer in this region. So let’s say he is for us what Maddie Ziegler was for Sia [laughs]. Oh! Not to mention he is a big fan of Eurovision as well — watching it every year, so the decision was quite easy.

I think it’s been about two years since we heard new music from you. Has parenthood been keeping you busy?

Marjetka: We were parents even between Eurovision so that was never the problem. We love our kids and they have been an inspiration always. For the last few years there were ALWAYS deadlines for our artists from Raay Music. We developed our music production and management beyond expectation…either BQL or Nika Zorjan or Luka Basi or Alya or others…something always came up…so the world HAD to stop in this corona quarantine in the spring…only then, alone, could we find the sparkle, the inspiration to create over 15 songs! So yeah, this was the moment where we put on our new shoes or new face…I started to write my own lyrics after lots of life experiences — all the stories are from my life, my friends’s life or my family’s life. Every story that I’ve put lyrics in is inspired by real-life stories.

Is a Eurovision comeback on the cards? Are you testing a  “new sound” with this song for Eurovision?

Marjetka: We had an amazing life experience in Vienna that we will never forget…”Here for You” brought us an amazing few months and lots of unforgettable memories. And it would be a sin to destroy these memories with another story not knowing how it would end. But if you ask Raay, he would probably find at least three to four songs from our upcoming releases to be proper Eurovision contestants. Never say never: who knows what future will bring!

Finally, in the music video we see Raay snapping his fingers once again. Is this an Easter egg for Eurovision fans?

Raay: Well I guess this is the only move I truly mastered. So I better stick to it [Laughs].

5 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Jimmy Smit
Jimmy Smit
3 years ago

Marjetka looks so happy and full of life. What a glow up. Nice to see!

Jimmy Smit
Jimmy Smit
3 years ago

No headphones?!

Ria van de Velde
Ria van de Velde
3 years ago

I like Maraaya and the song very much and I would be very happy if they represent their country again in the future.

Milan
Milan
3 years ago

What a great voice!

T.J.
T.J.
3 years ago

There are artists who are MADE for Eurovision. Maraaya is among them. Send them again !