In less then 2 weeks time, BRT will organise the national final whom the winner is expected to represent Belarus in Kiev for this year’s Eurovision. After listening to the 67 entries submitted, BRT has chosen 13 acts which will compete in the national final which is scheduled for the 20th January 2017. Vladislav Kurasov is one of the 13 entries and today he has found some time to talk to us about his upcoming participation. Vladislav is from Belarus but he lives in Kiev and we have taken this opportunity to ask for some hand on advises about Kiev from someone whom lives there.
Hello Vladislav
First of all thank you for your time talking to us. How are you ? Can you introduce yourself ?
What can you tell us about yourself?
Hi! My name is Vladislav Kurasov. I am 21 years old. I am a singer and composer and has been on the professional stage for the last five years. Since my childhood I knew I want to sing, and all efforts were directed on development these skills. In 2011, I took part in the “X-factor” in Ukraine. Then, I won the project “Star Ring” after which everything ran at an incredible rate. Concerts, songs, music videos … I released my debut album “Reflection” last autumn and I’m very proud of it. I like experimenting, therefore, the album contains a variety of songs that reflect me today, and I hope that my music will touch the hearts of the listeners.
Your song that you will be presenting for the national final in Belarus is “Follow the Play”. What can you tell us about the song?
I think this song has a magical sound. No, it’s not about broken love, not about sufferings. Sometimes we are tempted to go back and experience the sweetest moments again. I would call it a memory-song. I hope I can get to the final to represent my song and my country at the Eurovision stage!
What was the inspiration for the song, and did you write it specifically for the national final in Belarus and Eurovision?
Yes, I have deliberately prepared this song for the show. I wanted to achieve a universal sound, but at the same time, I tried to follow my own instincts. The song was supposed to be sensual and filled, it must be mine.
I was inspired for writing the tune with a little episode of my life, or rather a meeting. It made me feel a special emotion, which I had not experienced before. It happened that I have met my first love after several years of breaking up. It turned my young heart apart in that period, but it passed as everything passes. It all was very weird, it’s like returning to the past, but a completely different person. I looked into her eyes and felt nothing at all. You know, I had a feeling like I met an old friend whom I’ve wanted to hug and talk about nice moment of our past.
It was all quite typical, as I thought. But, at one moment I found myself thinking that everything returned. I drew a picture in my mind like we are back together for an hour, for a moment. I felt a strong desire “to play love” and rouse the passion which has gone a long time ago. I just wanted to play it. I wanted it too much. I felt a little nervous tickling somewhere inside.
After returning home, I wrote the tune. When I played it a few times, I realised it is perfect for the competition. Then, I immediately got in touch with the beloved lyricist Natalia Rostova. We tried to find a thin thread of feeling each other for a while. It was quite difficult to form my emotion into a single picture, so I can tell what about I want my story to be. And I think we have succeeded. I do not think this song is dramatic; perhaps, it has a warm touch of sadness, but only fleeting. It is a passion, a spark that flashes and immediately turns off.
This was the way for my song to appear in this world. Now I am quietly hope it’s going to have an interesting future.
What is your impression of the Eurovision Song Contest in general? Do you watch it every year? What is your favourite entry?
I can call myself a real fan of the Eurovision Song Contest. I watch the show every year without missing the smallest detail. Participation in the contest is a big responsibility and also very honourous. It is the highest level of vocals, performances and professionalism which occurs on the stage of the Eurovision every year. I can talk about it for hours (laughs). As for the favourite songs, it is talented Loreen with her “Euphoria”. Actually there are a few songs which I include to my playlist every year.
Apart From the Eurovision Song Contest, where would u dream to do a performance?
I’d love to perform at Wembley Stadium.
We know that you live in Kiev. What is the best advice you can provide for those Eurovision fans whom will visit the city next May? Maybe do you any special place that we should visit?
Kiev is one of my favourite cities. I love walking on foot and examine the smallest details of the architecture, especially Kiev Art Nouveau. In Kiev, make sure to take the time to visit the St. Andrew’s descent. You can experience the history of Kiev and feel the spirit of the city. The street is extremely popular, so there are always a lot of tourists there. If you want to walk in the park, then Saint Vladimir Hill is a good choice. It is a wonderful hilly terrain with dizzying panoramas of the left bank of the Dnieper, Obolon and Podol. Here is the famous monument to Prince Volodymyr the Great. Mikhail Bulgakov himself has believed Saint Vladimir Hill is “the best place in the world.”
What is the best bit of advice you have ever been given?
It’s my mom’s advice. Respect yourself and others, no matter at what stage of life you are. No matter what are your views on life. No matter who stands in front of you. Respect.
What is a typical day like for you?
A typical day for me is not to waste time. Of course, like everyone, I like to be lazy, but I try to organise my day to good use. We need to find time for both work and leisure.
Vladislav thanks for your time.
You can listen to Vladislav’s entry “Follow the play” on this link below :
