Earlier this week, we published our latest new music roundup where we featured Eurovision 2011 winner Eldar Gasimov’s new track “Catch If You Fall”. And now, the Azeri star has revealed that this song was among the top three tracks shortlisted to become Azerbaijan’s Eurovision 2020 entry.
Although the song was not eventually chosen, with “Cleopatra” being picked for Efendi instead, Eldar tells wiwibloggs that he’s still determined to achieve his current dream of being a Eurovision composer.
Eldar’s “Catch If You Fall” shortlisted for Eurovision 2020
Speaking exclusively to wiwibloggs, Eldar revealed that his current ambition is to write a song that can compete at Eurovision:
“Since winning The Eurovision Song Contest in 2011, my most asked question has been “Would you return?”. This has been a difficult question for me to answer. I have been a major fan of the show long before my participation, and my fans often write to me saying that they want to see me performing on that stage again.
Eurovision is a major part of my life. I am a part of this big wonderful welcoming family, and I often fly out to watch the show live in whatever country it’s in, and to hang out with other fans of the contest.
As a Eurovision winner, and a Eurovision presenter, my next dream is to be a Eurovision composer.”
ELDAR – “Catch If You Fall”
Having written “Catch If You Fall”, the Azeri singer-songwriter decided to submit the song to Azerbaijan’s Eurovision 2020 internal selection process, where it was shortlisted to the top three. However, Eldar notes that the original version of the song had a slightly different sound to the final product recently released:
“Two years ago, I wrote ‘”Catch If You Fall” with emerging Azeri composers Farhad Musayev and Omar Abdulkarimov . It sounded different to the final mix we hear today. We were going for an Azeri sound on a pop track, so Farhad Musayev mixed and mastered the broadcaster’s version with balaban and other traditional Azeri instruments.
İctimai Television then had a tough job of shortlisting over 700 submissions. After several weeks during this blind audition process, it climbed into the top three position.”
Despite not ultimately being selected for Eurovision, Eldar remains proud that his song was the only entry on the shortlist to be composed solely by Azerbaijani songwriters:
“When Efendi was announced as the chosen vocalist, the track was later rejected. And I totally understand why — firstly, it is not suited to her style of music, and secondly, this track was written from the perspective of a male vocalist.
Nonetheless, I am especially proud of “Catch If You Fall” because it was the only locally composed and produced track to make it on the Azerbaijani shortlist, and as a result, signals a step closer to my Eurovision songwriter’s dream.
Therefore, I chose to release it myself despite several offers from other performing artists wanting to purchase the song.”
“Catch If You Fall” is a mid-tempo ballad that would have done justice on the Eurovision scoreboard. Fortunately, it now serves as the perfect vehicle for showcasing emotion in Eldar’s radio-friendly pop voice. Love is the main draw and also the biggest downfall here: “I won’t let you fall down / Can’t make you face the cold hard ground…again / I’ll catch if you fall, I’m there for you”. Such lyrics tug hard on your heartstrings.
This bittersweet love theme is explored deeper in the music video. Eldar plays the role of a man who’s trying to save his lover — by all means necessary— from the claws of a drug pimp mafia boss. Video directors Ganbar Mammadov and Omar Abulkarimov intersperse violent physical action and arson with the emotional offerings of a love song. In true Azerbaijani style, the video is shot in multiple Baku locations. Definitely Eldar’s most ambitious music video yet — the story telling here is cinematic, gripping and keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout.
Although this ballad is made in Azerbaijan, it has an international sound. Similar to Scandipop radio offerings, it offers a helping hand to those battling with physical and mental difficulties. “I’ll catch if you fall, I’m there for you” – these lyrics offer hope, support and confidence.
At the end of our phone call with Eldar, he concludes: “It’s easy to turn a blind eye and to pretend everything is fine. It is cowardly. There are people who need us, our words, our support. It would be great if everyone in this world demonstrates the strength and ability to help someone else.”
Lyrics: ELDAR – “Catch If You Fall”
It’s easy to go, so easy to leave but I never could let down
So don’t be afraid, it’s price that I’ve paid for loving you and now
My heart is bleeding but I’ll never show you why
So I put my wings on to make you believe that I…
I won’t let you fall down
Can’t make you face cold hard ground…again
You think you are lost
You’re trying to find a way back home…it’s dark…
You’re not alone
I’m helping you through to fight a storm in your heart
My heart is bleeding but I’ll never show you why
So I put my wings on to make you believe that I…
I won’t let you fall down
Can’t make you face cold hard ground…again
I’ll catch if you fall, I’m there for you…
What do you think of Eldar’s latest single “Catch If You Fall”? Do you prefer it to Efendi’s “Cleopatra”? Let us know in the comments section below.
Heaven forbid!
Parts of it are good. I like the hook and the percussion is great but I think it’s a bit too slow and plodding in places to have impact as an ESC entry. Having said that, I much prefer it to “Cleopatra”, obviously.
Eldar keeps making quality music. Good job.
I respect him more for this song than I do for anything about 2011.