Ukraine’s alyona alyona and Jerry Heil: “Teresa & Maria” is a reminder that who we become is our responsibility

They’re two singers with incredibly different styles. But when alyona alyona and Jerry Heil come together, it’s pure magic. That’s one lesson we’ve taken from their Vidbir 2024 song “Teresa & Maria,” which has emerged as a huge fan favourite in Ukraine’s Eurovision 2024 national selection.

Ahead of the song contest, they sat down to take some questions about their collaboration, their vision, and why they want to perform at Eurovision. Here are the highlights.

Ukraine’s alyona alyona and Jerry Heil: “Teresa & Maria” interview

Alyona, in the past you have said that your style isn’t suited for Eurovision. But now you are competing in Vidbir. What made you change your mind?

alyona alyona: I haven’t actually changed my mind. As you can see, I’m not competing in Vidbir alone, so I still can’t imagine participating as a solo artist. However, I am confident that with Jerry Heil, we will present a fantastic song and deliver an amazing performance. Together, we make a great team.

Alyona, what made you want to collaborate with Jerry on this Eurovision project?

alyona alyona: First and foremost, she is an exceptional singer. The lyrics of her songs resonate with me deeply, and I feel like we’re on the same wavelength when it comes to our song choices or opinions. So, if someone were to ask me who the best Ukrainian singer to collaborate with is, I would undoubtedly choose Jerry. Her voice, style, and energy align perfectly with mine.

Jerry, what made YOU want to collaborate with alyona alyona?

Jerry: Synergy. I adore the power that Alyona translates, and in combination with my “softness,” it transforms into perfectly balanced energy on stage.

What can you tell us about your Vidbir entry and its message?

Jerry: No one was born holy — we all came here as human beings, so who we become is our responsibility. The rules of today’s reality game are all about taking responsibility. If you want the change — be the change.

What was the writing process like?

Jerry: I love writing with Alyona for the same reason that I love to perform with her. We would never create such a thing apart from each other. It’s chemistry, the result of the reaction of talents.

We met at the studio knowing that we are creating for Eurovision. This song has to inspire. And it has to inspire us in the first place! I started with the harmony and the “oooh” part at the beginning, and it sounded sooo “holy”… like we were rising above the sky listening to it. That’s where we realized what this song has to be about. And then Alyona came out with her fast flow part where she raps about the strength of the modern woman, that despite everything knows what she wants and takes responsibility for doing it! 

Alyona, what was it like for you?

alyona alyona: The writing process was fantastic! The three of us – Jerry Heil, Ivan Klymenko (my sound producer, who also works with Jerry), and I – gathered to create something special. Jerry Heil laid down some harmonies on the piano, and we started thinking about the message we wanted to convey in our song. After creating a loop, each of us sought inspiration independently. We spent about an hour working on lyrics, and when we reconvened, the synergy was incredible. Surprisingly, our initial ideas usually turn out to be the best.

Some people may wonder, “How can their different styles work together?” What is your answer?

Jerry: Matching different styles is my purpose in life, honestly. All the styles were already created, so working on just one field per track is boring. Only fusion gives me the feeling that I create something unique. 

Alyona: Our diverse styles are our strength. We bring different dynamics, not just monotone sounds, but varied flows and melodies. We’re like a mix of M&M’s (laughs). I feel that working in synergy results in something entirely new and intriguing.

Who of you has more creative control in this project — not just the music, but also with staging? Or is it really 50-50?

Jerry: 50/50. This has to tell you something about Ukrainians, I guess. We share the work, and then we share the result.

alyona alyona: The whole control is in Ivan Klymenko’s hands (smiles). He guides us in the right direction, considering both Jerry and I are highly creative and emotional. While he doesn’t dictate things we don’t want to do, he provides a solid direction for making the right decisions. But jokes aside, I’d say it’s about 33% for each of us.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has impacted every Ukrainian. As artists, how has it affected each of you? Does it change how you make music?

alyona alyona: The war has infused our songs with new messages. People now seek more hope, truth, and ways to release emotions such as anger, grief, or sadness through music. Sometimes, they just need to dance as if it’s their last opportunity, and we aim to provide that through our music. Our personalities have also changed. Music feels louder and stronger now because every song could be the last for someone. Deciding when to release a song takes on a different meaning; we don’t overthink it as much as we used to. It’s like we have to seize every opportunity here and now, as it might be the last.

In these difficult times, how do you persevere and stay strong?

Jerry: I don’t stay strong. I’m not fearless! I’m scared, I cry, I want just a normal peaceful life. But if I stop doing what I do — I stop being helpful for this country. And I need you to understand what this country means for me. It’s not just the motherland. It’s not just the land. It’s a heritage that is a part of every cell in my body and soul. My cosmos sounds like a Ukrainian folk song. The main reason why we are standing for Ukraine is that we are Ukraine.

Finally some sillier questions. Alyona, we read that you were once a kindergarten teacher. What is more difficult: teaching children or rapping and why?

alyona alyona: Teaching children is undoubtedly more challenging than rapping. It’s like becoming a mother figure to them, teaching not only school lessons but also instilling an appreciation for beauty, kindness, happiness, and peace. While we teach them, they, in turn, teach us about pure, unconditional love. It’s a reciprocal process. Regardless of your problems, appearance, or attire, they still love you.

Jerry, at Vidbir 2020 you sang about baby carrots and tofu. Please tell us: Are you vegan and what is your favorite food?

Jerry: I am! Here’s the “funny” story. My mother and dad used to be butchers, so I heard the scream of another pig that was about to become meat in the backyard every single day. And ate that meat and everything until I was 23. Then something just changed in me. Nothing special happened, but I just couldn’t eat it anymore. When the big invasion happened, I said to my mother that I’d like them to stop killing animals because there’s already enough violence in the world. And to my big surprise, they agreed! That also meant that my parents wouldn’t be able to get money for a living anymore, so I took responsibility for that, and my father became my tour driver since then, and my mother is now finally doing music, as she was dreaming for all her life.

Thank you both for speaking with us!