Once again Estonia is using its popular Eesti Laul format to select not only Estonia’s representative at the Eurovision Song Contest, but as a showcase for local talent. With not long to go until the live shows begin, we took the opportunity to speak to a few of the contestants, and today we speak to Tartu teenager Elisa Kolk.
escXtra: Hello Elisa, 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 2015!
Elisa Kolk: Hello!
X: 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 Eesti Laul?
E: Actually I was at home, watching and hearing from TV, but I knew before that they are going to announce who made it. So I was pretty nervous! I felt absolutely amazing when I heard my name. Because we made that song for Eesti Laul especially! I am still so so happy!
X: How did you come together with the team behind the song?
E: That song is made by my incredible producer Vahur Valgmaa (aka Wh1teland). When I heard it for the first time, I fell in love immediately and I knew that this is mine.
X: Could you tell us a little about what your song ‘Superlove’ is about, and what it means to you?
E: It is a typical love-story song. It doesn’t talk only about love, though. You can feel the hope, love, giving up, strength, sadness, happiness – everything. But mostly it talks about how we have to be strong, always, whatever happens in our lives. And move on. I would say that I’m not connected to that song personally but I’m pretty sure that the producer is. As I said, I just fell in love with that song when I heard it.
X: This year there is a roughly 50/50 split between songs in Estonian and songs in English. For you personally what does it mean to sing your entry in English, and would you record an Estonian version?
E: Yes, it’s right. I have always liked to sing in English. I feel that it fits me better, but I still love my own language too and I love to sing in Estonian also. I think we are not going to record an Estonian version.
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?
E: It is definitely a perfect chance for a young musician, but I feel really confident about this at the moment. Going to the Eurovision Contest has been one of my biggest dreams all my life. I will give everything of me in this Eesti Laul contest.
X: What are your feelings on the fact that if you win you will be representing your nation at Eurovision in Vienna in May?
E: I don’t even want to think about it yet…it would mean a world to be of course! This is my dream and I am that kind of a person who makes those dreams true also. 🙂 We will see what happens!
X: Are you a Eurovision fan, and if so do you have any favourite Eurovision songs? Perhaps a favourite Estonian entry?
E: Yes, I am a HUGE fan!! I loved Greece’s song in 2012 and our Estonia at the same year. Ott Lepland – Kuula.
X: Now some questions to get to know a little better, how did you spend your birthday this year?
E: Oh..my birthday is coming in July! And I will turn 18 now. I just can’t wait. Probably there will be a really fancy and cool party with different artists.
X: Where is your favourite place in Estonia and/or where would you recommend someone visiting Estonia go see?
E: Perhaps Tallinn and Old Town there! This is amazing. I also recommend visiting my hometown Tartu. It’s the next biggest city after Tallinn. But Tartu is just so cute!
X: What is your favourite food to cook?
E: Ummm…Spaghetti Carbonara I think?! 🙂 I love cooking and I love food, but I don’t have just one favourite one.
X: If you had a perfect day in which you did not have to work at all, what would you spend that day doing?
E: With my loved ones of course! Family and friends are the most important things in my life.
X: If you could have any animal in the world as a pet, what would you choose?
E: A tiger!
X: Finally, do you have a message for our readers?
Don’t forget to watch ESC 2015, I’m sure it is going to be awesome. And be with my in your thoughts in February when we’re going to find out who is going to represent Estonia! Sending love to all of you!!!!
Elisa Kolk takes part in the first semi-final on Saturday, February 7th with the song “Superlove” which you can hear below. On behalf of everyone at escXtra we would like to thank Elisa for her time and wish her all the best in the contest and with whatever comes next.
