Gerard James Borg, lyricists of the Maltese Eurovision Song Contest entries Desire, 7th wonder and On again…off again is trying his luck in two countries this year. Together with Philip Vella he wrote the song Déjà vu for the Maltese national Eurovision Song Contest selections. Déjà vu will be performed by last year's Malta Song for Europe runner-up Olivia Lewis. Gerard James Borg also wrote the lyrics to the song Velvet blue, to be performed by Kathrine Strugstad in the Norwegian national final Melodi Grand Prix 2005.
Are you wondering what Gerard James Borg thinks about Malta Song for Europe, its foreign composers, his song Déjà vu, the participation of Chiara and Fabrizio Faniello or what happened to Claudette Pace, Ira Losco and Julie and Ludwig since they represented Malta? Would you like to know whether the cooperation with the Dutch women of Ebonique will continue, how he ended up in the Norwegian national final or whether Gerard James Borg has more international plans? You'll find it out in esctoday.com's interview with Gerard James Borg.
This year you have only one song in Malta Song for Europe, less than in previous years. Do you have an explanation and are you disappointed?
Well, it is only one less than the other years! Then again, I am not at all disappointed because even if you have 2 or 3 songs competing, you always feel that only one of them is a real winner! Déjà vu was the song I believed in from day one. In my opinion it is a brilliant song. If somebody had to give me the option of removing Déjà vu and putting 5 other songs of mine, I would say NO! I am very happy that this song made it to the Malta finals!
What's your opinion on allowing foreign composers in Malta Song for Europe?
Well, I do think that this issue this year has been blown a little bit out of proportion by the media! There is always something controversial every year I suppose�that is also part of Eurovision��.otherwise it would be less exciting! I suppose what happened was that some people were upset cause last year Maltasong promised that the rules will be discussed beforehand, and they were not. And some composers also would have liked to participate in other countries but could not do it cause the rules in those specific countries (with an open contest) did not allow it, due to citizenship reasons. So basically, as I see it, the problem was more with the composers from those countries who did not allow the Maltese to participate � not with everybody.
I do personally think that there should be some kind of local element in the team. No matter which country.
Ralph Siegel, together with John O'Flynn, has written 6 of the 22 entries in the Maltese final. What do you think about that?
I think that the jury must have liked them, cause otherwise they would not be there. I have not heard these songs, nor the other songs submitted so I can�t really compare. Now, one will have to see what the people in general will think� and respect the choice they make. I suppose we will know that on the 19th of February!
Olivia Lewis, last year's runner-up, will sing Déjà vu. Why did you ask her to sing the song? Is the mix of a good song and a popular performer the recipe to win the Maltese national final?
Philip Vella and myself got the idea to write Déjà vu at the same time! The funny thing was that I called him to tell him about my idea, and just before I said anything he told me his, and it was the same! Olivia was an automatic choice, just because we needed somebody with a very good voice, and lovely exotic looks�.and one name sprang to mind! Olivia Lewis! Obviously, if a popular performer is signing your song, it could be an added plus, but it does not mean anything. As we have seen in the past many popular performers in many countries tried their luck, and failed! Bottom line is� you need a very good song to convince people to vote for you too!
Can you describe Déjà vu and does it contain some French lyrics too?
Mmmm�well, I can say it is a very particular song, and I am almost sure it will be very different from all the other songs competing �.which is good! I do believe that you can have many good songs, but it is important to do something which stands out from the rest! I think we found the right formula with Déjà vu. I would say it is ethnic � pop, and we decided to give it a Maltese touch by adding an entire stanza in Maltese. But, it is not thrown in just for the sake of having some Maltese words� the way it is� fits in like a glove! And, no� no French lyrics in Déjà vu! This expression has become part of an international vocabulary, so the word déjà vu is wildly used in many countries. I also chose it, because a very particular song, requires a very particular title in my opinion. All I can say is that I am extremely happy with this song in many ways.
There is tough competition this year from former Eurovision Song Contest participants Chiara and Fabrizio Faniello. Do you think their popularity and Eurovision past will have an influence on the Maltese televoters and how will
Olivia Lewis make people vote for her?
Well, for sure both Chiara and Fabrizio are very popular artists, but then again I do not think the Maltese public will favour them just because they are popular. I do believe that people will vote for the song � and I am glad it will be 100 per cent televoting this year, cause I do feel that the people watching have a right to select the song THEY want. After all we write for the people, so their voice must be heard, and appreciated. I think Olivia Lewis does not need to do much. She will just sing her song, in the beautiful way she knows how to sing, and her voice, in combination with the music, the words, and a very special act, will be enough.
