|
Eurovision
In late October 2004 representatives of
Swiss public regional broadcasters SF DRS, TSR and TSI
reviewed the entries for the Eurovision Song Contest 2005
and came to an unanimous decision: Switzerland would be
represented by the Estonian girl-band Vanilla Ninja at the
2005 Eurovision Song Contest. On 5th March Vanilla Ninja
presented their song Cool vibes, written and produced
by Basel-born David Brandes
Interview with Vanilla Ninja
Can you shortly introduce yourself?
We are four girls from Estonia who all have been involved
with music since we were little. As a band we came together
at the end of summer 2002. Piret and Katrin were deskmates
in school and Lenna and Maarja were best friends in their
school. So basically two couples of best friends met and
with the help of one Estonian producer and a local record
company we started Vanilla Ninja.
At first we made a couple of songs in Estonian but the
Estonian audience wasn't too exited about our rocky style at
first. At the end of 2002 we decided to take part in the
Estonian Eurovision Song Contest selections Eurolaul
and we made a song called Club Kung-Fu, which was our
first song in English. We made it to the Estonian Eurovision
prefinals with that song and finally the popularity came.
We released an album in Estonia and toured our home country
half a year. In autumn 2003 we were introduced to a German
producer David Brandes who was willing to work with us and
as a result we released our first international album
Traces Of Sadness. By now this album has received a
platinum status in Germany and a Gold status in Austria. It
has also been released in countries like Japan, Brazil and
Poland.
In summer 2004 our member Maarja left the band because she
got pregnant and a new member Triinu joined us. In March
2005 we released our second international album Blue
Tattoo.
In the Estonian national final in 2003 Vanilla Ninja
was the audience's favourite but nevertheless you didn't win
Eurolaul. How do you look back at that participation with
Club Kung-fu?
Looking back at that time now, we feel actually quite happy
that we didn't make it to the final competition back then.
At that time we had practically no performing experience and
we are happy that now, when we are more experienced and more
confident, we have a new oppurtunity to take part in the
Eurovision Song Contest.
How did Vanilla Ninja end up representing Switzerland?
The Swiss National Television made an offer to represent
their country at the Grand Prix and how could have we
refused? We were really honoured by such an offer.
Not everyone in Switzerland liked the idea of a foreign
band representing their country. One tabloid in particular
started a negative campaign against Vanilla Ninja. How did
you feel about that?
We have been in the music business now for about 3 years and
during this time we have learned to separate "critics from
critics". We don't really pay attention to the rumours and
sensless critics anymore. We know what we are worth and we
want to give our best representing Switzerland in Kiev no
matter what people or tabloids will say.
How do people in Estonia feel about Vanilla Ninja
representing Switzerland?
We have got the impression that the Estonians actually like
the idea that their girls are chosen to represent another
country. Estonia had their chance to send us to the
Eurovision Song Contest in 2003, so nobody can say that we
haven't tried to go to the Eurovision Song Contest for
Estonia.
If ETV had invited you to represent Estonia, would you
have agreed on that too?
Maybe. ;)
What is the song Cool vibes about?
We're sure you'll be surprised when we tell you what the
song is about. :) It's about a tiger!
What can we expect from Vanilla Ninja's performance in
Kiev?
It's a secret. We want to make a surprise for all of the
people watching the show.
What are your expectations for the Eurovision Song
Contest? Do you see the semifinal as a barrier to pass, or
rather as an advantage when reach the final?
We rather see it as an advantage. The plusses of being in
the semifinal are definitely the facts that in the final
people hear our song already the second time and we
ourselves would feel more confident the second time on
stage.
Have you already heard other songs that will be
participating in Kiev? Don't you think the Estonian
representatives Suntribe look and sound very much like
Vanilla Ninja back in 2003?
We have heard the Estonian and German songs. Both songs are
strong Eurovision songs with catchy choruses and with good
singers. Suntribe might sound a little bit like us back in
2003, although today our styles are completely different.
Vanilla Ninja is very popular in several European
countries. Will that help you in reaching a good result and
will you be promoting your song in Europe before going to
Kiev?
We hope that our fans will not forget to support us on that
big event and hopefully we get a chance to visit some
countries before the competition.
What do the international plans look like? Where will
Cool vibes be released and what about an album?
Cool vibes is on our new album Blue Tattoo
which came out in Germany, Austria and Switzerland on 14th
of March. In Estonia and Poland the album will be released
at the beginning of April.
Running order of the semifinal to be held
on19th May:
01. Austria
02. Lithuania
03. Portugal
04. Moldova
05. Latvia
06. Monaco
07. Israel
08. Belarus
09. The Netherlands
10. Iceland
11. Belgium
12. Estonia
13. Norway
14. Romania
15. Hungary
16. Finland
17. FYR Macedonia
18. Andorra
19. Switzerland
20. Croatia
21. Bulgaria
22. Ireland
23. Slovenia
24. Denmark
25. Poland
Running order of the final to be held on
21st May:
01. Semifinal spot
02. United Kingdom
03. Malta
04. Semifinal spot
05. Semifinal spot
06. Turkey
07. Semifinal spot
08. Albania
09. Cyprus
10. Spain
11. Semifinal spot
12. Serbia & Montenegro
13. Semifinal spot
14. Zweden
15. Semifinal spot
16. Ukraine
17. Germany
18. Semifinal spot
19. Greece
20. Russia
21. Bosnia & Herzegovina
22. Semifinal spot
23. Semifinal spot
24. France
|
