For the second year Latvia is using the new style Dziesma national final to select its entry to the Eurovision Song Contest. With the semi-finals behind us and the finals looming on the horizon, we took the chance to catch up with some of the singers taking part and today we speak to Swedish born Latvian singer Katrine Lukins.
escXtra: Hello Katrine, thanks for taking some to speak to us today! Firstly we’d like to congratulate you on your qualification final of Dziesma 2014!
Katrine Lukins: Thank you.
X: Firstly, can you introduce yourself and tell us a little about your career so far?
K: I’m an 18 year old girl, born in Sweden. I have lived there my whole life. I started working with music in the summer of 2012. Since then i have released 2 singles, ‘Live Tonight’ and ‘Find You’. And now I am one of the finalists in Dziesma 2014, with my song ‘You Are The Reason’.
X: Backtracking a little, Where were you and how did you feel when you found out that you were one of the singers who had made it to the Semi-Finals of Dziesma?
K: I was so happy! A little bit unreal, but awesome 🙂
X: You co-wrote your own entry ‘You Are The Reason’ along with Kārlis Indrišonoks, can you tell us what was the creative process like in the creation of your song and what was it like working with Kārlis?
K: We started in September 2013. My dad presented an idea about the song to Karl; he played some chords on an acoustic guitar. Karl then made a instrumental track and sent it to me so I could write the melody and lyrics, as I was in Sweden at that time. And then we started to record the song. We worked hard until everyone was satisfied with the sound!
X: Could you tell us a little about the message of the song?
K: The song is about that one person in your life that makes you feel good and happy, and you could do anything for that person. He/she is the reason you feel alive. That person makes you strong and fills you with energy. I hope that people understand the message of the song and that you can relate to it.
X: Your entry is in English, in a year of Dziesma with the theme ‘Made In Latvia’. What was behind the decision to sing in English and would you consider making a Latvian version of your entry?
K: I wanted the song to be in English so everyone could understand. I think that’s important.
X: For many of the participants in Dziesma, Eurovision is not always the overall goal in participation. For you, what does it mean to take part in Dziesma?
K: It means a lot. I can show who I am, and my music style. It’s a big music competition and I love music so it’s also a fun experience.
X: What are your feelings on the fact that if you win you will be representing Latvia at Eurovision in Copenhagen in May?
K: It would be amazing!! I would be so happy and honoured!
X: Are you a Eurovision fan, and if so do you have any favourite Eurovision songs?
K: I like Eurovision! There has been a lot of very good songs through the years. But my favourite is Loreen’s Euphoria 🙂
X: Now some questions to get to know a little better, how did you spend your Christmas and New Year?
K: I spent my Christmas it Sweden with my family, and new years in Latvia with my boyfriend!
X: Where is your favourite place in Latvia and/or where would you recommend someone visiting Latvia go see?
K: In the summer, Jurmala is a wonderful place to be. It’s a beautiful beach, with soft sand and a beautiful sea
X: What is your favourite food to cook?
K: I love Mexican food. Tacos are my favourite!!
X: If you could have any animal in the world as a pet, what would you choose?
K: Hmm… I love dogs, I have one and I love her. I really don’t know which animal I would choose if I could have any animal in the world…
X: What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you?
K: My first performance live on a big stage… wasn’t so good 😀
X: Finally, do you have a message for our readers?
K: Be yourself, do what you love! I hope you like my song. Thank you for reading and I wish you all a wonderful day!
Katrine, along with 11 other acts take part in the final of Dziesma 2014 this Saturday. See her semi-final performance of ‘You Are The Reason’ below! On behalf of all the team at escXtra I would like to thank Katrine for speaking with us once again and wish her all the best with Dziesma and whatever may be next!
