Slovakia: Max Jason Mai [Interview]

Max Jason Mai is representing Slovakia in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. We spoke to him about Eurovision and his song, Don’t Close Your Eyes. Read what he had to say below!

escXtra.com: First of all, hello Max! Congratulations on being the Slovakian representative for Baku!
Max Jason Mai: Hello to the readers of escXtra.com and  thanks a lot!

X:Could you tell us something about your career so far?
M: I never look back into the past, I just care for the present  and the future.

X: You were already announced as the Slovakian representative back in November 2011, but that statement was later withdrawn. Could you tell us more about the process of being selected as the entrant for Baku?
M: There is not much to say. I was choosed by RTVS so I sold everything I could  (for example my car) to make a perfect song , went to the USA to record Don´t close your eyes there. Back home they liked it… so here I am.

X: Before you were known as Miroslav Šmajda. Why did you choose to go to Baku under the artist name, Max Jason Mai?
M: I needed to step up to the next level, grow up and compose and play progressive rock. I needed to close this first period, so I had paused for a time, prepared hard, recorded a single and on March officially launched my new music project under the name Max Jason Mai. I like the name, it resonated in my head for a long time. I like the way it sounds, how does it look like when written down..and also the style of my show, the whole image – everything me and my team have created, what we work on, is in complete synergy with my new stage name.

X: Your song, ‘Don’t Close Your Eyes’ is obviously a rock song. Could you tell us more about the song?
M: Try to listen to it with opened heart and no words be needed to say. The lyrics are about the eternal fight in us, about the fight between the good and bad about the evil and the angelical side of love. I take this song as the essence of the best I’ve ever written.

X: Is there a message you want to carry out with the song?
M: To give all the people a piece of my love and energy through my song.

X: At Eurovision, Slovakia has mostly sung in Slovak. Only TWiiNS in 2011 was a song in English. Why did you and your team choose to make this song 100% in English?
M: English is the language to communicate in the whole world and I don´t see any reason why to sing in Slovak. My song is for everybody who likes rock music, not only for the Slovaks.

X: During your live performance on TV, your dancers were wearing remarkable white masks. Will we see those in Baku or will you do something different in Baku?
M: Let´s keep my stage performance secret. Why should I reveal things ahead?

X: The best result Slovakia has ever achieved is an 18^th place by Marcel Palonder’s song ‘Kým nás máš’ in 1996. What is, for you, the goal in Baku when it comes to a result?
M: I am a MAXimalist and believe in maximal success – to win! And, trust me, I am working hard on it.

X: Did you have a look at other entries in this year’s Eurovision. If so, which songs do you like?
M: I have listened to the songs. I like several of them. The hungarians, the swedish, german, danish, french….

X: What’s the best song Slovakia has ever sent to Eurovision?
M: Max Jason Mai´s Don´t close your eyes.  Honestly, what kind of answer were you expecting to this question?

X: In general, what is the best song ever at Eurovision?
M: The finnish Lordi of course. And nobody can doubt about the ABBA songs neither.

X: Would you describe yourself as a Eurovision fan? In other words, do you watch the contest every year?
M: I follow the contest. I wouldn´t call myself Eurovison fan but surely I am a follower.

X: If someone is thinking about visiting Slovakia, where would you recommend them to go? Which are your favourite places in Slovakia?
M: My best place is a grandparent´s cottage with awesome nature around….It is a source of energy for me. I would recommnend our nature for sure.

X: Finally, do you have a message for the readers of escXtra.com?
M: People, don´t be afraid of rock music – open your heart, listen, and when you will feel the energy, vote for  rock´n´ roll! Thank you so much for your support and wish you the best!

Watch Max Jason Mai’s song, ‘Don’t Close Your Eyes’ below!