As a continuation of our conversations with Croatian artists for Dora 2024, we got the opportunity to interview Natalie Balmix who will present herself with the song “Dijamanti”.
Hello Natalie, thank you for accepting our invitation to talk to us and present yourself to our readers on ESCUnited. Welcome! For starters, why don’t you tell us a bit more about yourself and your musical idols. Who inspires you the most?
Beyoncé has been my ultimate inspiration. Growing up, I was captivated by her powerful voice, incredible stage presence, and the way she seamlessly blends various music genres. Beyoncé is not just an artist; she’s a force of nature.
Can’t argue with that one! Tell us, how would you describe your music and sound to the people who have never heard your songs before?
My music is like catchy, fun pop songs that you can sing along to. It has a mix of happy beats and meaningful lyrics. Some songs make you want to dance, while others might make you feel something deep. I aim to create music that’s easy to enjoy and connects with different emotions. It’s like a mix of pop tunes that bring good vibes and tell relatable stories.
You have some experience performing live when you competed in IDJShow. What were the biggest lessons you took from that and how will you apply it in your Dora performance?
Being in the IDJShow taught me that getting ready for a live performance takes time and practice. You can’t do everything perfectly overnight. So, for my upcoming Dora performance, I’m focusing on practicing a lot and making sure everything is well-prepared.
I also learned that sometimes unexpected things can happen during a live show. So, I’m getting ready to handle anything that might come up during my Dora performance. The key is to stay calm and be ready for anything. In a nutshell, from IDJShow, I learned that good performances come from practice and being ready for surprises. That’s what I’m bringing to my Dora performance – lots of practice and the ability to handle anything that happens on stage.
Your entry “Dijamanti” was written by Darko Dimitrov who wrote for many singers across Europe and who has produced 13 Eurovision songs already. How does it feel to work with experienced professionals like him? Did you have any input in the writing process or production of “Dijamanti”?
Working with Darko Dimitrov, an experienced professional, has been an incredible journey. Our collaboration started during the IDJ Show, where we created my debut song, “Lomi me.” After the show, we stayed in touch, and in the summer of 2023, we decided to craft a song specifically for Dora. The inspiration for “Dijamanti” came from Darko, who saw me as his “diamond” – something precious and unique.
I was closely involved in the entire creation process of “Dijamanti.” Right from the start, I was kept informed about every aspect of the song, from concepts and lyrics to musical arrangements. Collaborating with Darko Dimitrov allowed me to contribute my ideas, ensuring the song aligns with my artistic vision.
This year you will be participating in the Croatian national selection Dora, and this is your first time participating. What motivated you to submit an entry this year to the competition? Have you considered competing previously?
Dora is a huge and well-known music event in Croatia. It’s a big honor for me to be part of it. Many people in Croatia watch Dora, and for me, just starting in music, it’s a really important thing. It’s a chance for people to get to know me, hear my music, and maybe start liking what I do. Being in Dora is a great opportunity to show my music to a lot of people and start my journey in the music world.
We know preparations for a project like this take a lot of time and energy. What has been the most fulfilling part of being part of the Dora selection show as of today? Also, what’s been the most challenging thing for you?
The most fulfilling part of being part of the Dora selection show has been the creative process, deciding on costumes, LED screens, choreography, and dancers. It’s satisfying to see the performance vision come to life. The most challenging part has been coordinating these elements while ensuring they align with the song and my artistic vision.
We’re all curious about your Dora plans. Can you give us at least a tease of what we might expect to see on stage? How are the preparations going considering there are still a few weeks to put everything in place, do you feel ready?
While I don’t want to give away too much, I can tease that there will be an exciting element of dancers adding dynamic energy to the stage. The preparations are in full swing, and with a few weeks left, I’m confident that everything will come together seamlessly. I feel ready and eager to showcase an engaging and memorable performance at Dora.
On a lighter note, could you tell us something unique about yourself that our readers might find interesting?
On a lighter note, something unique about me is that I don’t get jitters. Whether it’s performing on stage or in various situations, I stay calm and composed, which helps me approach things with a clear and focused mindset.
If you could collaborate with a Eurovision artist of your choice on a new single, who would you choose to work with and why?
If I could collaborate with any Eurovision artist, I’d choose Chanel from Spain. Her style and vocal talent align well with mine, and I envision creating a dynamic and memorable song together. Given our shared appreciation for music and dancing possibilities, I believe our collaboration could bring a unique and exciting energy to the project.
To wrap things up, do you have a message you would like to share with our readers on ESCUnited?
Thank you, ESCUnited and readers! I’m so grateful for your support. Excited to share my music at Dora. Your encouragement means a lot. Stay tuned for a great performance!
Thank you so much Natalie and we wish you the best of luck in Dora 2024!
If #YOU want to support Natalie Balmix’s pathway to Eurovision 2024 make sure you tune in to the Dora second semi-final show on February 23rd and vote!
