Yet another Eurovision hopeful, this time it's Georgian entry Nika Kocharov & Young Georgian Lolitaz who faces the questions about their career, Eurovision chances and the like. Although they might as well be fairly unknown across Europe, they have in fact been going a truly respectable sixteen years. Their song 'Midnight Gold' should give them the much deserved attention.

They're an all-male Indie Rock band and so despite the sexist connotations made in the interview, they are sure to win over the hearts of European Indie Rock fans.

As Nika Kocharov & Young Georgian Lolitaz look ahead to their inaugural Eurovision performance at the second semi final, GMA wants to stress that only ten countries can progress from each of the two semi-finals and join the big 5 (UK, Italy, Spain, France & Germany) plus Sweden. Georgia has never won an edition of Eurovision unlike their neighbours Azerbaijan, so perhaps it might be there year. Their best result is a commendable 9th in 2010 and 2011, last year they placed 11th in the final with the super-gorgeous Nina Sublatti.

Here is how the interview panned out:-

Nika Kocharov & Young Georgian Lolitaz, how does it feel to be representing Georgia for the Eurovision Song Contest 2016?

Of course I’m excited. Regarding my expectations, I don’t really know what to think, our strength I feel lies with our live performance.

 
How have you been preparing for this event? What was your reaction when the GPB chose you as their selected entry?

To be honest I didn’t even know what to think, I never thought I would get an offer to play at the Eurovision Song Contest, but after the first meeting I realized “why not” and now I’m pretty much into it.


Are you excited or nervous? Seeing as you're the first all-male entry to represent Georgia, do you take pride in this fact?

Well it's a bit sexist isn't it? Joking aside, of course we're proud to be representing Georgia.


Please explain the meaning behind your song 'Midnight Gold'.

It’s about what goes on in a persons head after a long night. Basically “hard nights day”
 

What plans have you got for the rest of the year?

Well at the moment we've got more than enough songs for one album, the plan is to start working as soon as we come back. During the summer, for us is the best time for recording sessions.
 
Finally have you got any hello's, thank you's, etc you wish to send out?

Love & music will save the world (seriously :) ) 

https://www.facebook.com/Young-Georgian-Lolitaz-328600519000/

(Check out their video below)

Yet another Eurovision hopeful, this time it's Austrian entry Zoë who faces the questions about her career, Eurovision chances and the like. Although she is 19 years old, she has already released a debut album simply entitled 'Debut' and her Eurovision song 'Loin d'ici' comes directly from said album.

Despite her being Austrian she opted to sing in French, which in itself is quite unique but not as unique as her music per se. Yet for such a young musician, to see her album reached #5 in the Austrian charts is remarkable, so we're yet to see what she can really offer us. Previously she attempted to represent Austria last year but only managed third place, so to see her win this time and head to Sweden in May is a fairy tale come true.

As Zoë looks ahead to her inaugural Eurovision performance at the first semi final, GMA wants to stress that only ten countries can progress from each of the two semi-finals and join the big 5 (UK, Italy, Spain, France & Germany) plus Sweden. The last time Austria won the Eurovision Song Contest was back in 2014 when Conchita Wurst set the world alight with her infectious 'Rise Like A Phoenix' and just like ABBA, became a success overnight. Last year Austria qualified for the final only to finish the final on nul points, so Zoë will almost certainly want to avoid the same fate - perhaps even going on to win Eurovision for Austria for the third time!

For Zoë, she is is "really happy and grateful" to be representing Austria at the Eurovision Song Contest 2016, adding that it is also "like a dream is come true", so clearly she is looking forward to it. Now clearly participants have their own ways of preparing for special occasions like this, more importantly is how to contain their excitement, so how did she do this when learning the news that she had won the 'Wer singt für Österreich' competition?

Well for her "it was so overwhelming! You know, it was the second attempt and I could not believe it..it took some time until I realized it!", of course this is just one of the hurdles till Eurovision and the biggest hurdle yet to jump over is the Semi-Final, so with last year's result for Austria being abysmal, is she nervous or excited about the prospect of overturning Austria's misfortune? "I am excited, I can’t hardly wait to be in Stockholm and to perform on stage. Well, yes there is some pressure, of course, but I will do my best and I am really motivated to make my country proud".

To help Zoë get into the Finals, if you are able to vote in the semi-final (only France, Sweden or Spain), then send your vote her way. Your vote can make the difference to whether she makes the final or goes home. Check out her song below:-

What with Eurovision welcoming new countries over the years, some not geographically European such as Israel and Morocco and some like Australia who despite are in this edition, were invited as a guest last year, can we see more non-traditional countries entering?

Well Kazakhstan applied for EBU membership, so we might see them next year. But what does Zoë think about this expansion?

"I think it’s great that Australia participates again and it would be awesome to see other non European countries participating, too. I mean the Eurovision Song Contest is followed by millions of people and has fans all over the world. I could imagine to see Asian countries and countries from Latin America bringing their music on the Eurovision stage, why not?"

Well this year China tried to apply but was denied by the EBU, what with Zoë wanting to see Asian and Latin American countries taking part, along with Iceland's Greta wanting the Faroe Islands to participate, it would seem that the Eurovision Board will need to consider these wishes because clearly there is opportunities to push and market the Eurovision brand worldwide.

Naturally Eurovision enables bands and artists to showcase their wonderful songs and rejoice in unison through music, speaking of which, what does Zoë's song 'Loin D'ici' mean? Well simply put it "is a song about a journey to an imaginary paradise – a place where everyone is  happy singing and dancing. It’s not a physical place, more a state of mind.  The song is meant to radiate positive vibes to put a smile on the faces of those who listen to it!"

So does Zoë have any parting words? Of course!

"Hey dear readers! I'm really looking forward to the Eurovision 2016 and I cant wait to be on stage and sing Loin d'ici for you! If you like my song and feel happy after listening to it, then of course, I'd be honoured if you vote for me! Kisses from Austria, your ZOË."

Eurovision Semi-Final dates:-

#1 - 10th May
#2 - 12th May

The ESC 2016 Final is on the 14th May.

https://www.facebook.com/zoemusicofficial

Another Eurovision hopeful, this time it's Switzerland entry Rykka who faces the questions about her career, Eurovision chances and the like. Although she was born in Canada, she eventually stayed in the Alpine nation after her album 'Straight Line' was released back in 2010. Since then she has gone on to release four albums in title, and now her biggest challenge awaits.

As Rykka looks ahead to her inaugural Eurovision performance at the second semi final, GMA wants to stress that only ten countries can progress from each of the two semi-finals and join the big 5 (UK, Italy, Spain, France & Germany) plus Sweden. The last time Switzerland won the Eurovision Song Contest was way back in 1988 with Celion Dion, and where was Celion born? CANADA. Can lightning strike twice?? Last year Switzerland failed to qualify for the final, so Rykka will almost certainly want to avoid the same fate - perhaps even going on to win Eurovision for Switzerland for the third time!


Some may question Switzerland's choice because of Rykka not being born in Switzerland, but some will recall that Katrina & The Waves represented the UK and they're American! Besides, Rykka's heritage hails from Switzerland through her grandfather. So surely representing Switzerland must be a huge honour for her? Well obviously it is:-

"Being part of Eurovision is such a special adventure! It means a lot to me because Eurovision connects so many great people. It’s so amazing to meet so many amazing people who are connected to Eurovision in some way. Also, I’m so proud to represent Switzerland because it’s really in my heritage and I love it here so much."


So how has she prepared for this momentous occasion? Well Rykka remained focused and dedicated to the task in hand, saying she always aims to think about the positives, however as she went on to explain that at the ESC 2016 – Die Entscheidungsshow competition she didn't worry about winning, because for her it was about "having a great time because everyone backstage was so wonderful and it felt like family". However, she is working on improving her stability and health through strengthening her voice up by harking back to her early days where she "first started singing professionally... making everything strong from the ground up", this includes her mental state; clearing her head.


Obviously she's excited about being there, but she doesn't seem phased by the big occasion expressing that she's ready to give it her best shot and hope for the best, whilst making it a truly special moment in her life. She goes on to explain her feelings about how Switzerland is celebrating 60 years since hosting and winning it:-


"I don’t think there is a formula. I think there is a place for everyone, and that maybe some things work better at a certain time than others. That doesn’t mean that something is better or worse for eternity, just maybe at that particular second in time. Of course it would be absolutely amazing to win ESC and it would also come with a huge responsibility. One that I am capable of accepting and thriving in. I’m absolutely up for it and imagine it all the time, I’m big into visualisation."
 

Check out her chosen song 'The Last of Our Kind' below:-

Speaking of her single 'The Last Of Our Kind', you might be asking what is behind the title? Because well all songs have a meaning right? For Rykka it's about being yourself, standing on your own two and showing that you care about others in your life:-

"The message of 'The Last Of Our Kind' is to always stand up for love above all. Stand up for yourself and for people and other beings who can’t stand up for themselves. Standing up for love also sometimes means to go against your own ego and really search to find the truth."

Post-Eurovision Rykka is releasing her new album (of which we presume the song 'The Last Of Our Kind' will be included on) and touring with her band. Rykka signed off our interview with her with the following message:-

"I want to thank everyone for their amazing support! It’s such a dream to share this crazy experience with all of you. Sending love out to everyone!"

Eurovision Semi-Final dates:-

#1 - 10th May
#2 - 12th May

The ESC 2016 Final is on the 14th May.

https://www.facebook.com/theRykka

As Iceland's Greta Salóme looks ahead to her inaugural Eurovision performance at the first semi final, GMA decided it was time to turn the interrogation spotlight onto her. Remember only ten countries can progress from each of the two semi-finals and join the big 5 (UK, Italy, Spain, France & Germany) plus Sweden. Last year Iceland failed to qualify for the final for the first time, so Greta will almost certainly want to avoid the same fate - perhaps even going on to win Eurovision for Iceland for the first time ever!

Of course representing your country at Eurovision is such a huge privilege, and for Greta "It´s a once in a lifetime experience that I get to do for the second time so I´m very grateful and happy", her second time round has come about through her winning the Söngvakeppnin 2016 contest which ultimately determines who goes to represent Iceland at the ESC in each edition.

Although this news startled Greta, leaving her surprised and ecstatic, she is looking forward to and excited in joining the 'Eurovision bubble' (as Måns Zelmerlöw put it last year) expressing that she has faith in her song before adding that she "believes in the message behind it and I´m just excited to get that message out there and share my music with the world". Speaking of the world, we asked her what her thoughts of the likes of Australia participating once again, and whether the Eurovision should expand further afield, if so, who would she like to see join in the fun?

"The more the merrier! I´m really happy Australia is participating. It gives the contest even more diversity. I would love to see the Faroe Islands in the contest also. They have so many great musicians there. One of my favourite ones is Teitur."

The Faroe Islands have previously attempted to join the EBU in hopes of furthering their chances of Eurovision participation but have routinely denied due to their current status of being within the Danish Kingdom, which is slightly funny seeing as you have countries like Israel and Morocco who have been it and are not on the European continent yet are in the European Broadcasting area, funny no?

Portal, a Faroese media outlet posted about this news back in June 2015 and can be read here (non-Faroese/Danish readers should use Google translator): http://portal.fo/bjorn+kalso+limaskapur+i+eurovision+er+treytadur+av+at+landid+er+sjalvstodugt.html

Check out Greta's official music video for the Icelandic entry 'Hear Them Calling' below:

For Greta, 'Hear Them Calling' carries an important meaning and message:-

"The message of the song is that we should not listen to the negative voices and influences that we are so exposed to in today´s society. Instead we should focus on the positive voices and be a positive voice to others because they are the ones that will lead you where you need to go."

This resonates within the notion that music should be considered a form of positivity, that we can relate to songs and place them in context with our daily lives, be it pop, rock, metal, electronic music or whatever, music speaks to us and in relation to Greta's song 'Hear Them Calling', as she said we should be concentrating on "the positive voices and be a positive voice to others because they are the ones that will lead you where you need to go", safe to say Iceland's entry is more than just a song, it's a personal statement and it's this type of song that we reckon will finish in the top 5 in the finals... you read it, THE FINALS.

Post-Eurovision, Greta's activities don't stop there as she heads back to Disney in June where she has a contract with them performing on board the Disney cruise ship (which travels between Florida and The Bahamas) "and then will be travelling and performing until September and then it´s concerts throughout the year and new material. So it´s gonna be a big year." So we may yet see Greta reach the UK shores, here is an artist who has an agenda in check, she may well be one of Disney's and Iceland's princesses, but she has the potential to become the Eurovision Song Contest 2016 Queen.

Greta has a message to send out to her fans and fans of Eurovision:-

"Lets now let the negative voices bring us down and listen to the positive voices and be a positive voice to others!"

Eurovision Semi-Final dates:-

#1 - 10th May
#2 - 12th May

The ESC 2016 Final is on the 14th May.

https://www.facebook.com/gretasalome.violin/