Zlata wants to plunge the viewers into a fairytale

by Alexandru Busa 404 views

The next stop in our Europe-wide journey to interview the participants of the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest is Ukraine. We talk to Zlata Ognevich, who will perform Gravity in the first semi-final on 14 May in Malmö.

1. Can you tell us more about yourself? What should the European audience know about Zlata Ognevich?

I am a dreamer. This is why I love fantasy. My favourite books are Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings novels, my top-choice movie would be Avatar. I am a traveller. I am still willing to explore Italy, France, Japan and Australia. My favourite country for vacations is Thailand where I’ve been five times already. I am a copycat. I can imitate sounds of various animals, specifically birds. I am a sports enthusiast. I practice classical ballet, cycling is my passion. Of course, first of all I am a musician. Since I can remember, I’ve always been singing, imitating the sounds of nature, singing after my favourite artists and creating my own music.

2. What about you r collaboration with Mikhail Nekrasov for the song Gravity? How did it happen?

I was invited to his recording studio as a backing vocalist for one of the Ukrainian artists. From time to time he would invite me for that kind of job to his studio. After a while Mikhail made me an offer to start a vocal project together which is now called Zlata Ognevich. It was a life-changing deal for both of us. Mikhail is the author of all of my songs.

3. How does it feel like to represent Ukraine in the Eurovision Song Contest?

I feel very honoured for the credit which I have been granted by the Ukrainian people. Ukraine has been so far one of the most successful countries in the Eurovision Song Contest. Of course, for me it means an extra responsibility as I would have to justify hopes and expectations of the country.

4. Are you a regular fan of the show? How much do you know about it?

Yes, I have been following the contest since Ukraine joined it in 2003. My all-time favourite singer Celine Dion became first known after her victory in Eurovision. It means a lot to be part of the same competition.

5. The European Broadcasting Union introduced a couple of changes in the format of the contest. This year, the running order of the countries will be determined by the producers of the show and you have been given slot 7 in your semi-final. What’s your opinion about this change?

To me it doesn’t make any difference and wouldn’t have any influence on my performance. They say seven is the lucky number! We shall see.

6. Very soon you will be presenting Gravity on the Eurovision Song Contest stage. Can you reveal anything about the performance?

I have to keep it secret until the first rehearsal! I can say that my show will be directed by the top class stage director in Ukraine, who designs the likes of X-Factor, So you think you can dance and other TV shows in Ukraine. Four backing vocalists will help me in my performance. Our main goal is to make the TV viewers plunge into a fairytale in those three minutes.

7. Do you plan to go on a promo tour? What countries would you like to visit before the show takes place?

I am only going to visit Amsterdam and participate in the Eurovision in Concert. Other than that, I am not planning any trips so far. I have way too many rehearsals and would like to concentrate my efforts on my main appearance in Malmö.

8. You also took part in the Ukrainian final last year with Kukushka. How do you now feel about it, and has it given you help in preparing for this year?

In my personal opinion, Kukushka would have been an interesting entry to the contest. It is a unique musical composition, which has got the whiff of the woods about it which reminds me of the place where I grew up in Crimea. I remember it had a very strong support from the Eurovision fans in Europe and it gives me confidence this year.

9. Your country is one of the most successful nations in the recent history of the contest. Who’s your favorite Ukrainian entry in the Eurovision Song Contest?

Of course, I can’t help but say it is Ruslana. We have one great thing in common – and that is Mikhail Nekrasov who was the co-author of Ruslana’s winning entry.

10. Finally, do you have any message for the readers of esctoday.com?

I am very excited to meet all of the people who are packing their bags for Malmö. I am very much open for new acquaintances. So don’t hesitate to come up for pictures, parties and simply celebrating Eurovision in Sweden. See you soon!

The team of Esctoday.com wishes you the best of luck in Malmö!