As the semi-final for Supernova quickly approaches, I was able to grab newcomer Sasha Sil for a brief conversation about her pathway to music, her entry for the selection, and her time on X Factor.
There’s a lot about Sasha that you may be surprised to learn, so make sure you read everything!
Hello there Sasha, and welcome to ESCUnited for an interview! Why don’t we start by having you introduce yourself to our readers?
Hey! First of all, thank you for the opportunity to be a part of the invited guests for your blog. I’m Sasha, born and raised in Latvia, I’m a singer, composer, songwriter and a pianist, who is known more in Ireland than in my home country, because I’ve been living in Ireland for many years and that’s where I started to perform on stage professionally.
You mentioned that Ireland is where you really started to perform music on stage, when did you realize your passion for performing and making music?
I’ve been a very musical being since I can remember myself – I would dance, I would sing, I would act and pretend to be a super star. I would take every chance to perform on stage or take part in a kids’ matinee in the kindergarten, just because I felt very comfortable in this water. I started to improvise on the piano even before I enrolled in music school. I guess, that was a moment of realisiation that I loooove creating musical pieces with the help of piano and my voice; I would get a feeling of the fire in my chest from doing this; I wrote lyrics, music, I heard different musical instruments in my head creating symphonies that I’d try to write down in my red music sheet notebook. But during the years of studying classical music in Riga Music School N4, my passion for creation declined (which happens to most of the students) and instead, I hung out among other musicians during my youth, mainly rock-musicians, not believing in myself enough to develop myself as a professional singer and musician.
That lasted for quite several years until I was invited as a pianist to one rock band. Then I met other musicians, who regularly performed on stage in Ireland (where I migrated to in 2006) and was offered a back vocalist role in a cover band. We played and sang songs in English, Russian, Ukrainian and Latvian. Gradually, and quite fast, I became a lead singer and then a soloist. I guess that was a moment when I realised this is where I belong. Practically, since 2010 I started to be more serious about the music career.
For those who aren’t familiar with your music or discography, how would you describe your sound or musical style? Are there any genres, artists, or trends that influence you as an artist?
At the moment i’m in the process of finding a new sound that would represent me as an artist and make my music recognisable. I’ve sung in many genres, especially in contemporary jazz. So, I guess, when I find my perfect sound that would include jazz elements.
Now outside of music and performing, how do you spend your free time? Any secret passions or hobbies we should know about?
Nothing is kept a secret – I physically exercise a lot. I do crossfit, obstacle course race (OCR) and I also compete in these sports – including internationally representing both Latvia and Ieland. I also love dancing bachata, salsa and heels dancing, meditating and standing on a sadhu board (nail board). I also draw portraits, paint landscapes and play crystal bowls and shaman drum.
Gosh you sure keep busy! People may not that you also made an appearance on the 5th season of X Factor in Latvia, making it to the chair challenge episode. What do you feel you learned about yourself as an artist and performer during the show, and has it helped you prepare for Supernova?
I could clearly see that the X Factor is just a show that is supposed to put TV viewers on an emotional rollercoaster. Unfortunately, we all were on this rollercoaster, too. I’ve seen really good singers to be excluded from the show. But for me it was a pleasurable experience, with a bitter aftertaste (I really wanted to get that chair), but now I see that I became more resilient and “No” doesn’t mean “You’re bad”.
I think it was just a step, a preparation for something bigger – to get a chance to represent your home country on a bigger scale. Knowing that I’ve been chosen by professionals and given a chance to compete in supernova, means a lot, and that excites me very much!
This will be your first time participating in the Latvian national selection – has this been something you’ve always considered doing as an artist? What made 2024 the right year to try?
Frankly saying, no – I haven’t dreamt of participating in the Eurovision until last year. Yet this was a logical move for me in the music career after taking part in the X Factor 5 in Latvia.
Speaking of, your song is titled “Love is A Language” – can you tell us about the songwriting and recording process for the song, and what message you hope it sends to the world?
I contacted an amazing Latvian songwriter- Atvara, who’s written several music hits for other artists, and asked her to write a song for me about love. But not a destructive one, not about break-ups, which we hear a lot on the radio. I wanted to sing a song about the power of love that heals and makes the world a much better place to live in. The songwriter truly felt me from within, and wrote beautiful lyrics that resonated with me. We recorded this song with the help of great music producers in Riga – Varslaff ‘n’ Edwolf, with whom I recorded my previous song. I clearly knew what I wanted from this song, and guys helped me to create this beautiful “Love I a Language”. I literally put my soul into it.
Main message of this song is as follows: if we all could remember that Love is quite a powerful feeling that may heal souls, then we would open our hearts and share this love with each other; so we could create a better place around us all.
Now the winner of Supernova will be going to Eurovision in Malmo this May so I’m curious to know more about your experiences with Eurovision. Do you remember your first memory or run-in with the contest? What does a Eurovision week look like for you now at home?
I remember that this was a huge thing for every family when I was a child. We would gather and watch the Eurovision, mentally supporting artists, choosing who we like and vote for them. In my early youth we would talk about how the show went afterwards, with friends.
That was something I couldn’t miss! I don’t remember exactly when was the first time I’ve seen the Eurovision show, but I absolutely remember that was something I’ve been waiting to see on TV for many, many years.
As we close out, if our readers want to connect with and support your musical career ahead of or after the selection – where can they find you?
You can find me on every music platform now, including:
Instagram: @sashasilmusic
Youtube: @sashasilmusic
Spotify: Sasha Sil
Do you have any final words or a final message you’d like to send to the readers of ESCUnited?
Share the love with each other! It’s for free and beautiful <3
Thanks so much Sasha – we wish you the best of luck in the Latvian national selection! 🙂
Thank you!!!
If #YOU want to support Sasha’s pathway to Eurovision 2024 make sure you tune in to the Supernova semi-final on February 3rd and vote!
