Interview with Mariam Merabova speciall for OGAE Armenia
It has known recently that to the representative of our country Eva Rivas 3 wonderful performers will help to sing and back up her on the stage . This is the background vocals. Their role is very great in number and important for the singer. Today we interviewed Mariam Merabova, backing vocalist of Eva Rivas at the competition in the Oslo. Mariam is not the first time going to the Eurovision. She shared with us their impressions, feelings and plans for the competition. Speciall for the OGAE Armenia.
Good morning, Miriam. You once again will be performing at the Eurovision stage, what do you feel?
Twice I happy! First, I again perch in this crazy pace of work, in a fantastic positive that comes from it all, without exception, I am happy to meet again with many, who met at different times in the competition. A special joy for me is that, finally, I'll go out on the Eurovision stage under the flag of my homeland!
Tell us a little about yourself, your family and career.
The roots of my tree is very long. Mom's mother was born in Shushi - Ghoukassian, and with my father's side roots from Kars - Alahverdyan. Families, mothers, as the family father, moved to Tiflis. Genocide of 1915 and took away four people in our family . I was born in Yerevan, and up to six years has lived at Tumanyan. Then my mother and I moved to Moscow. My father died when I was three years. Since then my mother did not married.My husband, a great musician, composer and just man, Armen Merabov, my 20 years of friendship ties and five years of marriage. I am happy to share the stage with this man, I'm happy to be a good wife and happy that we are growing very good two daughters. Armen - son of legendary in the Soviet era musician, composer and conductor Levon Merabov, which has long been a leader and conductor of the orchestra of Muslim Magamaev. The song "Robot" for a young Alla Pugacheva, too, he wrote. Armen Merabov pursued his musical path laid by his father, but devoted his work strictly to jazz. Soon we will celebrate a decade of his project "Mirayf", in which I am a permanent soloist. I easily can say that jazz has taught me to feel it was he! About myself I can say that I have been doing music professionally in five years.
And up to 17 years, I did not know that I'll be a singer, as well as a very tightly engaged in the piano, went to competitions, to give concerts. I studied in Moscow, first in the school Gnesin, but I did not like it, and my mother took me to school after Myaskovsky, who wore "casual" title "Armenian", as both the director and the main teaching staff were Armenians. I was lucky in my life many times and what I got in teachers is Irina G. Turusova played a fundamental role. This is it made me realize the depth and hear the music, serve music and forget about yourself. That she showed me the movement and the meaning of a musical phrase, the energy, which are filled with the sounds. It was she who taught me to love music. But all this I realized only recently. And then I cried and was angry when she locked me in class and lupila on his fingers))) When I threw Merzlyakovsky school and enrolled at the Conservatoire (Oh, the horror!) On vocals in Gnessin, she stopped talking to me. Several years ago I came to her and gave her albums. That evening she called and said that she forgives me. I was happy.
How do you still have time? You loving mother, wonderful wife, a wonderful actress? Discover the secret of your success!
In the first place my family. This was and always will be. Nothing and never do harm to the family, whatever that I did not promise. My children are growing and I'm sure that they must bring their own example, and thus most can not deceive, betray, steal and kill. Words - it's just words, and deeds allow me as a parent to claim a child that I want to lay in them. My husband - a believer and a prayer before a meal for my children perfectly natural in our family is a fact. As for me as an artist, then in the first place in my music and just want to be a good loudspeaker between God and earth. Only when a person leaves the ego, you can try to begin to create with God and in the name of Him. This does not mean that I do not take money for their work, but that money can not change me.
Do you have friends in the Armenian show business and who you see as the representative of Armenia in Eurovision in the future?
I can not say that I have friends from a purely Armenian show business. I'm friends with Sona, which has long lived in Moscow, but whose home is considered one of the most traditional Armenian houses. Since Mher we were together in the musical «We will rock you". Musical set in Moscow on the legendary musicians of «Queen" Brian May and Roger Taylor. I am familiar with those who represented Armenia at Eurovision, I am familiar with some popular artists of Yerevan, but as such a close friendship with them there. I have great respect for each work, as it really talented guys. A first record Aiko, which appeared in Moscow, we did almost to the hole listened. Among my close friends is Armenian families in which the national education has always standing in the first place. In this culture and spirituality is not lagging behind. I am glad that my children are not separated in this sense of roots, as once was in my life. My husband and I really love with all my heart and make friends with magnificent Armenian musicians, who can rightly be called world-class musicians - Nikoghayos Armen Vardanyan and Usnunts. As soon as we arrive in Yerevan, always try to visit their homes, as the warmth of their families incomparable with any vip-apartments on North Avenue with views of Swan Lake.
Have you watched the Armenian qualifying round? What kind of impression, who are most like?
I tell you honestly, because I have nothing to share with anybody, and I do not like to "play the King", as he had never been in a suite at the trough. Most of all I liked Eva Rivas. This is a very good product, not only for national selection, but also a very good European product. It keeps perfectly, her regal grace, and children's facial features, because of growth, it immediately drew the attention of all. And she is a real fighter! It is so strong spirit of competition, that it charges its energy. And, finally, the main thing - as she sings Eva Rivas has a very powerful and bright timbre. When we worked at the studio, I heard - this is a worthy representative of Armenia in Eurovision. Just on the background of boring monotony of singers with bright pronounced , strong vocal presentation of Eve is the winner. She is very charismatic and you will see confirmation of this during the contest.
When the first time you were at Eurovision, and how was it?
You have often spoken on the stage of Eurovision! Who was easier and more pleasant to work?
I can definitely say that I am delighted with how Lorak from super professional person, very honest girl, madly beautiful soul and the outside, very funny and positive, without any "star" excesses. And the whole team picked up a surprise! A friendly group I have not seen. With many I still make friends.
No wonder you try your hand at Eurovision Song Contest as a solo singer?
I do not understand why I was there not long ago sent !)))) I know it all and love, and especially the director, whom I go to the pet. All those involved with the Eurovision, we, too, I know, love and appreciate. God willing - I'll go. .
And what would a song? And under the flag of which country?
If I went out for Armenia - it would be a victory and my personal and the country, because to understand the deep love of country can only be away. I put some in the reproach that I do not know much language, and my answer is always that we must act before the people honestly and in this - what will be the main patriotism. And in general, creative people - a man of peace, as his art is able to please people all over the world, with no gradation of nationality, religion or social status. Therefore, we are proud when, in museums all over the world hang pictures Saryan, Minas, when mega star shines worldwide Sher, which hardly anyone dares to say: "Ara, Sher Jan, why do you not know the language? Did not an Armenian? ". We are proud when a child search out Armenian names in the credits of films and find them, we generally like to be proud of their roots and history. So I'll be happy if my motherland deem me worthy to act under its flag. But if just another state decides what I should go to represent the country, then I'll go, because it's my job - to make people happy. Because Josseliani creates for many years in France, he does not cease to be the best representative of the Georgian people. Just this is what the state has provided this opportunity to master the creative implementation, and we are happy to see his films. Are you satisfied with the level of Eurovision Song? Do you have favorite songs that have been made at the competition? It varies. I have such a character that I can not work without loving the song. And I'm so its "sick", that for me it was she who becomes the favorite.
How did come the offer to work with Eva Rivas and "Armenia production"?
No secret is not here. My old acquaintance - the founding president of the production center "Armenia production" Valery Saaryan phoned me. I only had to hear that I need the Armenian team at the Eurovision, both within myself, I already gave unequivocal positive response.
Do you like the song "Apricote stone"? Do you find a piece of yourself in this song, because song about a girl who grew up far from the homeland?
Of course, the song is very beautiful. And the parallels with the song will find anyone who grew up far from the homeland. My husband was born in Moscow, but the call of the blood is the call of the blood - he almost burst into tears, first set foot on the land of Armenia. I suffered much from childhood and crying, so my nature did not take cold alien city. I know its pedigree well, because by some miracle, my grandfather kept painted on stamped paper with double-headed eagle, the tree of life. Several years ago I made an inquiry on this paper in St. Petersburg, where in the archives of our origins, confirmed the signature of the emperor. These papers are stored in the archives of St. Petersburg.
What are your impressions of Eva Rivas? How is she as a singer and as a person? You have already managed to make friends?
I have said before what I liked in Eva most. She very much wants to win and she has every chance of to.She is warm and decent, no fake smiles. Crease and did not equivocate in its nature, since it is fairly straightforward girl. Sheis irreconcilable and quick-tempered, that gives birth to her voice, special nerve. I liked it and I hope it'll happen next.
It is known that in the backing vocals are still Tigran Petrosian and lead singer of "Dorians," Gor Sudzhyan. You must be already familiar with them. What are they?
I am delighted with colleagues with whom I have to share the stage! Tigran we were already familiar glimpse of Eurovision, but I have not heard Gore was just subdued talent! However, we sound great. Tigran very fine musician with a fastidious ear, as they say, and Gore is rampant and open. Above all they are just wonderful guys and I am sure that we will be very pleased to work together.
How do you assess the chances of "Apricot"? Can it bring Eurovision to Yerevan?
Definitely the song has a high rating right now. Closer to May, it will certainly in the top five contenders. To win is all the chances and a lot of advantages over other countries.
Thank you so much for the interview, Miriam. Good luck to you and to us!
Thank you all for your support. Support us with all your heart.Believe me, we really feel your support and it give us strength.
OGAE Armenia Team
http://ogae.am/ru/?p=146