For the sixth consecutive year Estonia is using the popular Eesti Laul format to select its entry to the Eurovision Song Contest. With only a few days until the first semi-final, we took the chance to catch up with some of the performers taking part and today we speak to the lead singer of MiaMee, Liina Saar.
escXtra: Hello Liina, thanks for taking some time to speak to us today! Firstly we’d like to congratulate you on your qualification to the semi-finals of Eesti Laul 2014!
Liina Saar: Thanks.
X: Let’s start at the very beginning, how did you guys come together to form MiaMee, and is there a story behind the name of the band?
L: MiaMee is formed by friends who have been playing together for long time but in different groups.
The name was born about 6 years ago when I started to compose my own music. I tried to find name what could express the colors of my music. MiaMee seemed to fit very well.
X: Can you tell us a little bit about your career so far and introduce the other members of the band?
L: I have been studying music in Estonian Music Academy, Academy of Music and Drama in Göteborg and Royal College of Music in Stockholm. During my school years I started to perform mainly on jazz stages. After forming MiaMee also pop and alternative scenes, but still looking for our own audience. Keyboard player Taavi Kerikmäe and guitarist Mart Soo are well known from impromusic scene in Estonia and also in Europe. Drummer Tõnu Tubli has been performing with many jazz and folk artists.
X: Where were you and how did you feel when you found out that you were one of the acts who had made it to the Semi-Finals of Eesti Laul? Also who found out first?
L: It was pretty big surprise. I got the phone call from producer of Eesti Laul and she told the news. I think I was the first one from the band who knew.
X: How did you and Liisi Koikson come together to write your entry ‘Fearful Heart’ and was it always intended to be entered in Eesti Laul?
L: We have been friends with Liisi for a long time. Liisi happened to hear the song and she described exactly the same emotions that I had with this song. So we started to work with lyrics. It turned out very naturally.
X: Could you tell us a little about what the song is about?
L: Fearful Heart talks about the uncertain feelings. Fear of the future and unstable relationships. The feelings we all face in some part of our lives.
X: Eesti Laul has developed in recent years to be much more than just a Eurovision preselection and in this year’s contest you will be up against many big names in the Estonian music industry as well as several strong newcomers. For you, what does it mean to participate in Eesti Laul?
L: Eesti Laul is very good opportunity to present Your music for wider audience. I am very happy that our song has got so much positive and sincere feedback. Also that MiaMee has got many new fans.
X: What are your feelings on the fact that if you win you will be representing your nation at Eurovision in Copenhagen in May?
L: I try to be honest with my music and I think that’s what matters. I hope that people can relate with our song and if we win I’ll gladly represent our country and nation in Copenhagen.
X: Are you Eurovision fans, and if so do you guys have any favourite Eurovision songs? Perhaps a favourite Estonian entry?
L: We are fans of good and honest music. It doesn’t matter if it happens on Eurovision or on some smaller stage.
X: Now some questions to get to know a little better, how did you spend your Christmas and New Year?
L: In Estonia we have tradition to spend our Christmas with family. So did I. New Years Eve I had a concert.
X: Where is your favourite place in Estonia and/or where would you recommend someone visiting Estonia go see?
L: My favorite places in Estonia are connected with nature. I would recommend small islands of Estonia during summer and also bogs in early spring.
X: What is your favourite food to cook?
L: I am lover of sweets. During apple season I like to bake apple cakes made from apples picked in my own garden.
X: If you could have any animal in the world as a pet, what would you choose?
L: As they say dog is man’s best friend. I think there is a reason why they say it.
X: What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you?
L: Luckily I have tendency to forget embarrassing things quite fast 🙂
X: Finally, do you guys have a message for our readers?
L: I am very glad that we have this opportunity to share our music with You. Thank You for Your support.
Liina and MiaMee along with 9 other hopefuls take part in Eesti Laul’s second semi-final this Friday. Listen to her song ‘Fearful Heart’ below! On behalf of all the team at escXtra I would like to thank Liina for speaking with us and wish her and MiaMee all the best with Eesti Laul and whatever may be next!
