BLOGILKAR EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: IINA SALIN

Iina Salin, the black voiced blond beauty with her dance track is one of the UMK 2013 participants and took her time to answer some questions. How long has she been writing songs? Does she like Diana Ross? Who was her favourite in last year's UMK? What has been changed from the first performance for the live gig? What about Loreen? Read it all here and don't forget to vote for her in my poll here on the right hand side!

When and how did you hear you have made the cut of the top-12 in UMK 2013?

I got a call from YLE in October. They told me they loved my song “Last Night” and it´s selected to be one of the TOP 12. I almost fell off my chair! I couldn´t help myself but smiling all the time.

You have an amazing voice. When did you discover that you have that Anastacia effect; blond girl, black voice. What do you think about that?

I have always loved to sing and listen to the greatest singers of all times. I love soul and R´n´B! I started to develop my vocal skills with a singing teacher when I was 14. I´m still working on it, I love to practise different sound colours and I do have a strong focus on what I need to get the feeling out the way I want to express it. Anastacia uses a lot of twang at times and so do I.

How did you start writing songs and do you remember your first song you wrote?

I wrote my very first song at the age of 9 with my new Roland keyboard. I can still remember how the melody goes! I´ve always written a lot, but I really started to work with my own songs in my twenties.

If you were offered a recording deal and rush to make an album, would you have enough material? How do you feel about covers and is there a song or two that you'd like to cover?

I do have material for an album but I´d have to go through it and write some new stuff, too. There are many great songs in this world and to do a cover, an own version, is not a bad idea.

If you could work with any musician (living or not), who would it be?

I´d have to go with MJ.

Ideal duet partner?

This is crazy but I´d love to do a duet with Bruno Mars, he seems sweet.

Who are your idols, musical influences?

I love music and sound of Michael Jackson, James Brown, Beyoncé, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Adele, Emeli Sandé, Robyn, Nancy Wilson, Sam Sparro, Björk, Jamiroquai, Lady Gaga, Prince, Diana Ross, Janelle Monaé, Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Hudson, Joshua Ledet, Madonna, Amy Winehouse, Whitney Houston, Alicia Keys, Sia, Erykah Badu, Lana Del Ray… to name but a few! I enjoy all kind of good music. I love urban and groovy stuff! Today I´m more into singer-songwriter based pop music that´s full of emotion.

Did you watch UMK last year and if so, what did you think?

Yes, I did watch UMK last year and I liked the show. Stig was my favourite!

I think the quality of songs is much better this year, do you agree?

Absolutely! ;)

Are you happy how everything is progressing in UMK this year?

I think it´s wonderful that UMK selected the TOP 12 in the spotlight like this. It all seems pretty clear now.

Are you an Eurovision fan and have you followed it? If so, what is your earliest memory?

I´ve watched Eurovision every year, yes! When I was around 7 years old, I remember I stayed overnight at my best friend´s and we watched the Eurovision with her mother. I couldn´t go to sleep until we got the final results.

If you watched last year, what did you think about Loreen? And the grannies?

An Eurovision song you would have wanted to sing first?

I loved Loreen´s performance! I have to say it was my favorite even before she won the Eurovision, though the Russian grannies were sweet, too.

We just saw this Thursday your first performance to the judges? How did you feel it went? Were you nervous?

My first performance to the judges was the first time we ever performed “Last Night” so I was a bit nervous, but in a good way. I felt happy about it anyhow and I fully enjoyed it.

What do you think about their advice and opinions?

It was interesting to hear what the judges have to say. I listened to their advice and opinions with an open mind.

Are you going to act on them? What can we except in two weeks time in live gig at Circus?

We´ve been rehearsing a new choreography with the new version of the song and now there´s more movement and attitude to come.

Where were you when Lordi won Eurovision? Did you think one day you would be very close to that stage as well (well, not Athens but Malmö...)

I was at home when Lordi won the Eurovision, I couldn´t believe it´s happening! I haven´t thought about me being in Eurovision until maybe now.

How will you get your fans to vote for you in UMK? Are you busy in social medias and what plans do you have on that?

I try my best in social medias to get the most of it and I do have friends around who can help me out. But the most important thing would be that people would get to hear my music and vote for me if they like what they hear and see on stage.
Thanks for the interview, Iina. Would you like to say hi to the readers of Blogilkar?

Dear readers of Blogilkar, I wish you all the best for this gorgeous new Eurovision year 2013! Thank you so much for giving me your support and interest, it means the world to me! Keep your spirit high.

Thank you,

Comments

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