Morena will represent Malta in Eurovision Song Contest 2008 with her song Vodka. She was very pleased to answer to several questions for our readers. In the interview you can find how excited Morena is about Eurovision Song Contest. Also you will get to know how she and her team are preparing for the second semi-final which takes place on 22 of May in Belgrade.
Morena, when and how did you start your musical career? Tell us a little about yourself.
I started when I was a little girl, singing in front of the mirror (using a broomstick instead of a microphone!), and organising little festivals for the girls I played with! I must have been six years old I guess. I then got involved in the church choir, and soon after my 18th birthday I was asked to be the lead singer of a band called Spectrum. Nowadays, I’m still the lead singer of Spectrum, but I’m also doing my own solo projects, as you can see. My sister – Georgina – is a soprano, and she makes sure I remain very disciplined and keep on studying. As a person, I’ve been told I’m fun to spend time with. I’m extremely laid back, and try to make the best out of any situation.
Morena, "Eurovision representative for Malta". How doesthat feel?
It feels great! It feels brilliant! It feels wonderful! I don’t think I can find the right adjective to describe my emotions! I’m a Eurovision fan myself, watched the contest as a kid and always dreamt to be part of it. Now that I am Malta's representative…. that feeling is awesome! Sometimes I still pinch myself to believe that it's for real.
What are your ambitions for Belgade?
My goal is to make the best out of this experience. I feel privileged to represent my country, and therefore I feel I am a winner already. Of course I hope that Vodka makes it to the final. It would be a great satisfaction after all the hard work and effort everybody is putting into this. I believe that there are some very good entries and that each one of them can be worthy of winning. My song is in the game just like the others and if I win, I would be more than happy! However, my goal is to give a good performance and sing for a great audience! I want to enjoy this experience and make this moment last a lifetime…
What are your main activities right now? Are you recording an album or touring? Or just preparing for Eurovision?
Yes, we are working on an album. I’m getting some songs done right now by Gerard James Borg, and Philip Vella, who have written Vodka. Meanwhile, I’m attending a whole lot of activities here in Malta, and juggling interviews and appointments with several people. I’m also brainstorming with my team about various possibilities in preparation for Serbia.
What is your favourite entry ever, both Maltese and international?
I have to say that I loved Olivia Lewis last year, Ira Losco with 7th Wonder was also a favourite of mine back in 2002. On an international level, I have to say that I really liked Dana International’s Diva , and also the adorable Finnish monsters with Hard Rock Hallelulja. Maybe I could do a crazy duet with Lordi one day! Why not!
You have introduced some russian lines in your song. Is that because you think that the ex-USSR countries are very important and big in Eurovision voting?
I think you probably have to ask Gerard that question! Well, I can answer myself too. Of course the ex-USSR countries have a very important part in voting, but the Russian lines in Vodka have nothing to do with that. The song was not written for the Eurovision Song Contest to start with. Once it was ready, we all looked at each other and thought it had a great vibe for the Eurovision Song Contest. Since the story was set in "Gorkiy Park", we thought some Russian words would really be cool to add to the song! I think people vote for a song, and a performance, having words in another language are really not enough to get votes. You need a good song they like!
Are there any plans ready for the staging of the song?
At this stage we are brainstorming. We are all pooling in ideas! I have some ideas, Gerard has some ideas, and the rest of the our team! What is sure is that we are having a mix of a Maltese and a Swedish team in Serbia. We are discussing choreography, and also what I will be wearing – colours, fabrics etc.
Maybe you, as the current Maltese representative could give us your thoughts on the last two unsuccessfull Maltese entries? What are the reasons to these bad results? Bad song, bad performance or maybe politics?
I don’t think one can put a finger on just one element! I suppose it is usually a mixture of many little things. Eurovision is like a lottery – you never really know what’s going to happen! Sometimes what can look like an obvious winner really does badly, and other songs just shine! You never really know. I think it would be unfair to give reasons why Malta did badly these last couple of years. Maybe the people did not like the song, or the performer, or it did not shine as the others did. I still believe both songs were very good. Politics might enter the equation too, but they are not everything. Like I said, it is probably a mix of so many small things.
What if you win the contest this year?
If I win the contest this year the following things might easily happen: I’ll do summersaults instead of walking on stage! I can imagine it would be one of the happiest moments in my life. Then the Prime minister of Malta would probably declare the 24th May as a national holiday! And then everybody would roll uptheir sleeves and start preparing for an unforgettable Eurovision under the sun. I would like all the artists who performed in this 2008 contest to be with me on stage and share my joy! And in that crazy moment, I want five of my most ardent Eurovision fans to be with me on stage and celebrate together with me! I wanna have a party!
Have you already met some other participants? If yes, have you discussed with them? About what?
I have met the performers from Azerbaijan and from the Czech Republic! I shared a dressing room with Tereza Kerndlova and she is one of the nicest persons I have ever met! We really had a good time together, and several good laughs as well. I look forward to see Tereza again in Serbia, and to get to know all the others whom I have not had the opportunity to meet yet. What we spoke about? Girlie things of course, and we shared a private joke. I can’t say!
First of all I'd like to thank you for this interview and on behalf of the esctoday.com team and readers, I wish you all the best in Belgrade. Do you have anything you want to say to our readers?
I want to thank you so much for this nice interview which I enjoyed immensely and for your support to all the performers in this contest. Without Eurovision fans, Eurovision would not be the lively, colourful, and fun event it is today. However, lately, I had some time to browse the net and saw some negative comments and insults in some of the forums directed to some artists taking part in this competition. I have to be honest and say that it has sadden me. Each and every artist taking part is putting so much effort, and I really feel they deserve to be treated with respect. Having said that, these were only a couple of comments. The majority had nice words for everybody which is great. Let’s make this a great party! And I want you all to come and say “Hello” to me when in Serbia and sing Vodka with me. And for those readers that won’t be coming to Serbia, I’m sure you will enjoy watching us all from the comfort of your houses. We are there because there are people like you who support us and keep this wonderful event alive. Thank you all for all the support you show us!
