Tomorrow the first semi-final of Eurovizija.LT kicks off in Lithuania, and we had the chance to catch up with first time participant Silvester Belt thanks to his management.
Silvester is a new up-and-coming artist within Lithuania, and first made his appearance on Lithuanian TV during the reality competition show “Superhit” which he would go on to win. Following this he’d go on to compete on X Faktorius in 2018 and now has his eyes set on representing his country in Eurovision.
Thank you so much for taking some time out of your preparations to speak with us today Silvester! Why don’t we start our time together by having you tell us a bit about yourself?
It’s my pleasure! Sounds like we just matched on Tinder – ‘hi, how are you? tell me something about yourself’ haha. Yeah, well I’m a singer-songwriter, been around music in different shapes and forms since I was 4, it’s been a long journey, but I’m finally proud of myself and I can appreciate the awkward stages that I had to go through to be where I am today.
And we are glad you’re here as you are! Let’s ask some more “get to know you” questions, but not because we are on Tinder ha! How would you describe your music and sound to someone who’s never heard your music before? Are there any musicians who influence or inspire you musically?
Well…well…next question..(meme alert) haha. I’ve never been really accurate with music genres and styles, I feel like everyone’s been mixing them together to the point where it’s now getting difficult to name it properly.
That being said, the music I have released so far is definitely mainly pop, with some electronic influence, although this Eurovision song I’m releasing has even rave influence to it. So I’m also experimenting with different styles. I am a huge fan of techno and even though my own music doesn’t reflect that, its influence eventually is inevitable. I am usually a song person rather than a specific artist kinda listener. That being said though, as you can tell, my all time inspiration is Troye Sivan, he’s been living my life since like 10 years ago, I’m so mad haha!
With you being such a Troye Sivan fan -I’m curious to ask – if you had the opportunity to work with any artist (besides just Troye) on a new hit single, who would you want to collaborate with and why?
Indeed, he’s been inspiring my personal life and music as well since I was a teenager. His creative mind never fails to motivate me to keep going and be the best that I can. Imagine having a songwriting session with that guy. Jeez Louise, would be funny trying to pretend like I’m not screaming inside. He’s probably the only artist that I am obsessed with with all of his work, as I mentioned previously I am usually attracted to individual songs, but I would be lucky to collaborate with hundreds of artists. On the top of my head it would be amazing to work with Daniel Caesar, Elderbrook or Joji.
I also noticed on your Instagram story this week that you’ve taken up boxing it seems. Are there any other secret hobbies, talents, obsessions, or the like our readers might be surprised to learn about you?
Since I was a kid, I was really bad with sports, was definitely not an active kid. Thus I am really happy that I am reconnecting to that side of me now, expressing myself in a physical way has been as much healing as therapy.
And speaking of hobbies, my best friend is a really physically active person, I am so lucky, because that means I get to try all these fun new things, such as bouldering- never thought climbing walls would be so fun, also we play pool, laser tag, we also love ourselves a nice cardio sesh at a rave haha
Man I haven’t thought of rock-climbing in a while…I think you’ve inspired me to go do it sometime soon! Now you’re no stranger to TV competitions, having won both the reality show “Superhit” and being a finalist on the 2018 season of X Faktorius. Do you feel like you are a different artist now then you were back then?
Oh for sure!! I was 19 when I was on that reality show. I released my first single straight after that show, which was also the first song I’ve ever written, and it’s done well in terms of views, but my artist persona is so much different now.
I’m really glad that I had those experiences, no university or school can give you experiences like that, it taught me so much and it has shaped me over the years to the point where I am actually proud of my work.
Has participation in the Lithuanian national final been a long-time dream or goal for you? What was it about 2024 that felt like the right time to apply and compete?
I believe most singers/artists would dream about participating at some point. Being a kid watching it on telly, it’s bittersweet that I am experiencing it now. Thanks for this question, I just realized this now and I am tearing up. I am really grateful for this experience, but since it’s a very stressful one as well, it’s easy to lose that appreciation.
I can understand that for sure, but I am glad you’re enjoying every moment of this process. And you’re competing with your song “Luktelk”, can you walk us through what the songwriting process looked like? Was this song written specifically with Eurovision and the selection in mind?
It’s actually pretty funny. I remember talking to one of the co-writers of the song about Eurovision, thought of suggesting to someone else to participate with a song we wrote for them, and then she was like- maybe you should participate as well. We had a session that very day specifically for this project. We sat down with another friend of mine, who happens to be a hot-shot in Lithuania (major flex). We wrote it in two sessions, had fun both times, already having in mind a vision for the performance as we were writing it.
I just felt this inner hype, which was spread onto people in our label. I might not be very confident myself, but I can confidently say that I am lucky enough to have the best people in the industry on my side. We have our own little tricks during sessions which I cannot disclose hehe, but it was one the most exciting sessions I’ve ever had.
Sounds like a wonderful memory then, and I can’t wait for our listeners to be able to listen to it and see it performed live. Speaking of, for those who want to connect with you all ahead of or after the selection– where can they find you and your music?
Silvester Belt is my stage name, English version of my actual name, so if you type that on any of the platforms, I’m sure you could find me and my music. I need to be more active on tiktok though, if anyone has any suggestions, please let me know, I need help haha
Do you have any final words or a final message you’d like to send to the readers of ESCUnited?
I love Eurovision as much as everyone else, so this is a very exciting time! I’m still having trouble believing in myself, so if anyone has the same issue, please just push through it, even (especially) in the darkest moments when everything seems to have no purpose, breathe through it, and keep trying other ways to reach whichever goal you’re trying to reach.
It’s been a privilege sharing a little bit about myself, I hope you all are excited for this year, peace and love!
Thanks so much Silvester – we wish you the best of luck in the Lithuanian National selection! 🙂
If #YOU want to support Silvester’s pathway to Eurovision 2024 make sure you tune in to the first semi-final of Eurovizija.LT on LRT at 20:00 CET, Saturday January 13th!
