In 4hrs time, Ukraine will start it’s final program which will conclude with the winner act as the representative of the country.
Today, Tayanna has found time to talk to us ahead of tonight’s preparations
Hello Tayanna
First of all thank you for your time talking to us. How are you? Can you introduce yourselves? What can you tell us about yourself?
I can’t imagine my life without love, music and creativity. I’m quite stubborn and determined; I won’t stop until I achieve what I want. I always try to be honest with myself first of all. I have dreamt of scene since childhood, I practiced vocalism; I have started my activity in the branch of show-business as a song writer and I recorded backing vocals for hits of many top artists from CIS. And having gained the proper experience I decided to start my own solo career. 2016 became a turning point in my life. I began cooperation with the producer and editor Alan Badoyev. The first product of our cooperation was EP “TAYANNA. Portraits” which consisted of five tracks. Besides, every song has been filmed by Badoev. Three videos have already been presented to the audience.
Your song that you will be presenting for the national final in Ukraine is “I love you”. What can you tell us about the song?
We created the composition for the Ukrainian selection of Eurovision together with the popular composer Max Barskih. I worked on the music mainly, and Max stood as a sound-producer and the author of the verse in both Ukrainian and English languages. It made the song more comprehensible not only for the native but also for the foreign listeners. Due to this composition I try to show that one should defy any circumstances, should forget about melancholy mood from the past and live on, be strong and bring more love into the world!
What was the inspiration for the song, and did you write it specifically for the national final in Ukraine and Eurovision?
I was writing about a personal story of a woman and about female love in general. I wanted to say that even having overcome an unrequited love one should never stop believing in existence of this wonderful feeling and not sink into despair. “I Love You” – is an adopted version of the song “Fall” that includes in my debut album “TAYANNA. The Portraits ”.
What is your impression of the Eurovision Song Contest in general? Do you watch it every year? What is your favourite entry
In general, I cannot regard myself as an enthusiast in contests. I do not like the participants being compared and judged. I have watched the Eurovision Contest for the first time when I was a student. About two or three years ago, when watching the performances of the Ukrainian singers, I finally decided that I want to sing on this magical stage as well. The Eurovision Contest of the last year caught on with Ukrainians. Surely, I could not pass by this contest. I adored the song “1994” and the whole performance of the representative from Ukraine. Jamala is a talented performer who has a well-developed singing technique and, what is more important, who knows what she sings about. To tell the truth, her win inspired me to develop as a performer and as an artist.
Apart from the Eurovision Song Contest , where would you dream to do a performance?
Time will tell. I am not longing for taking first places in some particular contests or concert halls. For me, it does not matter where to sing. What and to whom I sing is more important. Every performance is another opportunity to present my song to the audience, to share my thoughts and feelings.
Has being on tv made you more self-conscious?
I have a wide experience under my belt in different shootings, TV-projects, thus I am feel confident on camera. It is very important to be focused on what you are doing and just enjoy this moment.
What ís the best bit of advice you have ever been given?
It’s always best just to be yourself and to listen to your heart.
What’s your biggest fear?
Probably, to lose faith. Still, to believe! It is the same thing as to have wings.
What is a typical day like for you?
At the present moment, I spend a lot of time at the studio, rehearsals and shootings, but on weekends I devote time and energy to my 4 year old son Daniel. I love cooking, sometimes I am drawing, playing the piano or making applique’ works with my little son. In summer I go jogging early in the morning. For me, it is something like dynamic meditation. In general, I like to stay alone and write new songs or just to go somewhere in the forest and spend half a day reading the book .
We remind you that our Ukraine Poll is still open and you can vote for your favourite entry here
You can listen to Tayanna’s entry “I Love You” in the link:
