We’re back with another edition of our Pabandom iš Naujo interview series, this time featuring singer and songwriter Alen Chicco.
This year will mark Alen Chicco’s third time participating in the Lithuanian national selection, with their first appearance occurring in 2019 with “Your Cure”. Prior to competing for a spot at Eurovision Alen also competed on the 2017 season of X Factor Lithuania. They won the highest number of public votes on three separate occasions throughout the competition, but would ultimately finish in fourth place.
Welcome to ESCUnited.com Alen, we’re so glad you had some time to interview with us! Why don’t you introduce yourself to our readers?
Hey. First of all thanks for the questions! I’m Alen Chicco. Singer-songwriter, performer and actor from Lithuania. My music style is very show-pop with a glimpse of musical theater, because I studied musical theater for years. It’s in my blood haha
If asked to describe your musical style and sound to someone, what words or references would you use?
So as I said it is a very experimental pop, show-pop sound with musical theater references. Also I did some songs in singer-songwriter alternative style. So yeah – it’s hard to label myself to one style.
What are some things that our readers would be surprised to learn about you?
I’m not a drag queen as a lot of people think of me haha
If you had the opportunity to collaborate with any artist or artists on a brand new single, who would you choose to work with and why?
Now it’s Miley Cyrus. I just love her flow and freedom at this point. Also her rockish vocals are something. I’m trying to use the same techniques in my performances now so maybe that’s why she is so inspiring to me today and is the example of how you can mix vocals, genres and moods on and off stage.
Before your appearances in the Lithuanian national selection, you competed on the 2017 season of The X Factor. What did you learn about yourself as an artist throughout the competition?
That I don’t know anything about show biz haha. And of course that was the breaking point on realizing which artistic direction I should go.
Now you last competed in Pabandom is Naujo three years ago in 2020, what made you decide that you wanted to return to the competition this year?
First of all it was last year’s winner of Pabandom iš Naujo – Monika Liu. She gave some interviews where she mentioned me a couple times as a potential winner. I was honored and somehow started to think about going to auditions again. Then in my notes I rediscovered an old tune which in my humble opinion was perfect for Eurovision. So here I am.
Now they do say that third time’s the charm – Is there anything you learned from your prior participations that you think will help you during this third attempt?
Oh yeah. I learned that having a good supportive team is the key to success.
We’ve seen some extremely different stagings from you before in the Lithuanian preselection – What can our readers expect to see from you on the Pabandom is Naujo stage this year?
Like always I like to play with people’s minds. This time is no different. I want to give the show, ‘arena concert’ vibe. Illusion and changing perception is my goal.
For those who want to connect with you all ahead of or after the selection– where can they find you and your music?
They can find me on social media. Insta: @alenchicco Facebook: Alen Chicco Spotify: Alen Chicco Youtube: @AlenChiccoOfficial
In closing, do you have a final message you’d like to share with the readers of ESCUnited?
Fairytale sometimes can come alive and be the most genuine thing in life. Be your own fairytale. 🎉
Alen Chicco is set to compete in the first heat of Pabandom iš Naujo 2023 set for January 21st at 20:00 CET. The winner of the show will earn the right to represent Lithuania at the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool this coming May.
Are #YOU team Alen Chicco this year? Let us know on social media @ESCUnited, on our discord, or on our forum page!
