Moldova: Vitaly Machunsky [Interview]

This year Moldova will choose their next Eurovision entry by the selection process called O Melodie Pentru Europa. This will consist of 2 semi finals and 1 final which will be held during the period of 12th March 2013 to 16th March 2013. We now had the opportunity to speak to another contestant and today we spoke to Vitaly Machunsky who will take part in the first semi final with his entry I Want You Back.

escXtra: Hi Vitaly! First of all, congratulations on being selected for the “O Melodie Pentru Europa”! How do you feel?

Vitaly Machunsky: Hi! I’m fine, thanks!

X: Could you tell us something about yourself?

VM: I think that the main thing is to believe in yourself and in things you are doing. As a Wise Man said “Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass… It’s about learning how to dance in the rain.”

X: Could you tell us about your music career so far? And who are your music influences?

VM: After graduating the Arts Academy of Moldova, practically all of my life I was singing chamber music and opera. I took part in different national recitals, festivals, music performances and contests. Also I represented Moldova on various international classic music events, such as Modern Delphic Games, Spring Friendship Art Festival in North Korea, Days of Basarabian Culture in different countries etc. Now I’m singing Jazz Standards and Evergreen Themes with MAXGroup. My musical idols are Frank Sinatra, Tom Jones, Engelbert Humperdinck and Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau (in classical music). Eurovision 2013 is an experiment for me. And I hope it will be successful.

X: How did you decide to enter the “O Melodie Pentru Europa” this year?

VM: According to the new rules of Moldavian contest of this year, 60 songs and 24 singers were chosen. So singers had to choose and prepare for the contest one of these songs. I think it’s a good experience for me to try something absolutely new and different. And lucky I am, I have been chosen with the song made by Swedish team (Mathias Kallenberger, Andreas Berlin, Stephen Leuenberger).

X: Can you tell us a bit about “I Want You Back”?

VM: It’s really energetic

X: Did you hear the other competing songs, and who would you consider as your biggest opponent in the Contest?

VM: There are good songs and good vocalists this year. I think it will be interesting competition.

X: Are you a Eurovision fan?

VM: Yes. I think Eurovision is a great event in European music life.

X: Do you have any favourite Eurovision songs from past years?

VM: I really like Molitva by Marija Serifovic and Euphoria by Loreen

X: Have you already thought about the stage presentation for the national final?

VM: I’m working on it. You’ll see.

10. Finally, do you have a message for the readers of escXtra.com?

VM: Let the Eurovision 2013 bring us a lot of new song, interesting discoveries and positive emotions. Good Luck!

We would like to wish Vitaly the best of luck in the competition but meanwhile one can watch his video clip of this year’s entry below: