Albania ALBANIA 2014 - Hersi Matmuja - One Night's Anger

[A-lister]

Suus and this song have nothing in common. Suus could only have been in Albanian. The English version is fine, but in Albanian it is one the great songs in modern ESC history. This song is just an average ballad and It'll probably sound average whatever language It's in. The song is the problem, not the language.

Again you underestimate languages and what they add to songs

 

[QwaarJet]

Again you underestimate languages and what they add to songs

I think you overestimate. If the song isn't good enough then changing language won't just suddenly make it amazing. This is a song contest, not a language contest.

As for insulting languages, the cold hard facts are that some languages sound worse than others. There are some languages I don't care to hear sung at Eurovision. There is nothing wrong with that. Albanian is actually quite a nice language, I just don't care enough about this song to bother whether It's in English or Albanian. The only way I'll care about this is if they do a complete re-write of the song and actually make it good.

 

[A-lister]

I think you overestimate. If the song isn't good enough then changing language won't just suddenly make it amazing. This is a song contest, not a language contest.

I didn't say it would suddenly turn amazing, but the languages does impact and does change the outcome of the sound aswell...

 

[pinkchiffon]

Awkward lyrics can definitely make a song worse, though, and unfortunately, that is usually what happens to translated songs, when lyricists resort to easy rhymes and repetition at the expense of the content in order to stuff in a new set of lyrics (Slovenia 2011 is one of the worst offenders I can think of.) Hersi wants her song translated so more people will understand the lyrics, but I'm concerned that it won't even be what she had in mind.

 

[QwaarJet]

Awkward lyrics can definitely make a song worse, though, and unfortunately, that is usually what happens to translated songs, when lyricists resort to easy rhymes and repetition at the expense of the content in order to stuff in a new set of lyrics (Slovenia 2011 is one of the worst offenders I can think of.) Hersi wants her song translated so more people will understand the lyrics, but I'm concerned that it won't even be what she had in mind.

That's why we all need to be patient and wait and see if it turns out well. Maybe English will suit the remake? We won't know until It's out.

 

[A-lister]

Awkward lyrics can definitely make a song worse, though, and unfortunately, that is usually what happens to translated songs, when lyricists resort to easy rhymes and repetition at the expense of the content in order to stuff in a new set of lyrics (Slovenia 2011 is one of the worst offenders I can think of.) Hersi wants her song translated so more people will understand the lyrics, but I'm concerned that it won't even be what she had in mind.

I'll never get the myth about the supposed "universal understanding of English" in ESC

Yes, English is the most global language, but just because people are exposed to in on a daily basis, doesn't mean they actually understand it well. In many parts of Europe English is not even the second most known language, or even third.

Also, this whole absurd idea that people pay THAT much attention to lyrics in the first place, sure to some extent, but to do that in the first place a basic knowledge is a must atleast.

And again I will never understand this notion that "changing language is just changing language", when in fact it's so much more. Languages are unique in their structures and linguistic tones and "melodies", to say that a song will stay the same if sung in a different language is simply not true.

Also, and the most crucial, ESC should be about entries representing their countries, if everyone is stressing to be sounding "Anglo" then what's there left of "ESC"? I think people should have an open mind, music is a universal language in itself to begin with, and atleast from ESC fans one could expect a bit more open mindset regarding other languages in music and other cultural sounds aswell.

Also, in the vast majority of cases, it's unfair to change language for ESC. Now, in Albania's selection song must stay in Albanian, but then again if the point is to translate for ESC then why even have that rule to begin with?

I think acts should take pride in representing their countries and stay true to their songs instead of settle with some compromise mostly build on mythical ideas and sell-out to some sort of cultural imperialism

Every language is unique, and Albanian being not a big language and different from most European languages, obviously makes it more "exotic". Instead of seeing this as a bad thing, it should be embraced!

 

[eerik]

English language would destroy it, but since she is in the same half of the same semi as Estonia, I don't mind it.

 

[QwaarJet]

I'll never get the myth about the supposed "universal understanding of English" in ESC

Yes, English is the most global language, but just because people are exposed to in on a daily basis, doesn't mean they actually understand it well. In many parts of Europe English is not even the second most known language, or even third.

Also, this whole absurd idea that people pay THAT much attention to lyrics in the first place, sure to some extent, but to do that in the first place a basic knowledge is a must atleast.

And again I will never understand this notion that "changing language is just changing language", when in fact it's so much more. Languages are unique in their structures and linguistic tones and "melodies", to say that a song will stay the same if sung in a different language is simply not true.

Also, and the most crucial, ESC should be about entries representing their countries, if everyone is stressing to be sounding "Anglo" then what's there left of "ESC"? I think people should have an open mind, music is a universal language in itself to begin with, and atleast from ESC fans one could expect a bit more open mindset regarding other languages in music and other cultural sounds aswell.

Also, in the vast majority of cases, it's unfair to change language for ESC. Now, in Albania's selection song must stay in Albanian, but then again if the point is to translate for ESC then why even have that rule to begin with?

I think acts should take pride in representing their countries and stay true to their songs instead of settle with some compromise mostly build on mythical ideas and sell-out to some sort of cultural imperialism

Every language is unique, and Albanian being not a big language and different from most European languages, obviously makes it more "exotic". Instead of seeing this as a bad thing, it should be embraced!

Well written, but It's the same stuff you always say, and I still can't agree with it. You say people need to be more open-minded, but you are the one with the closed mind. You define Eurovision in such narrow terms, and if it deviates from that, you start complaining about the loss of spirit or something like that. Here you are going crazy about a language change from the NF (which you conveniently supported last year with Moldova IE whenever it suits you) when you haven't even heard the redone song in English yet! Maybe it might actually improve it, who knows?

The sad thing is that if Herci goes with English and we hear the redone version of the song and it actually works in English, you would never admit it because you would lose face. If a song doesn't work in English in my view, then I will hold my hands up, as will most people here. I'm not sure that's true for you when it comes to native languages. I accept that even though I like "A Million" most people preferred "O Mie" and I can see why.

You just need to accept that Eurovision isn't exactly what you want it to be. Most countries sing in English. It's been that way since it was legal, and I imagine it will be like this for the foreseeable future. Representing your country is exactly what it says. There is no requirement to have a culturally relevant song or language. Sometimes that is nice for a change sure, but It isn't a requirement.

I feel it also appropriate to repeat that I have nothing against countries using their own languages. To an extent I encourage it, but I'm not too judgemental about it, because as I have said before I don't put the same worth on song language that you do. Whatever suits the song is always the right choice. If that is English, then cool. If It's another language, that's also cool.

 

[i anixi]

I'll never get the myth about the supposed "universal understanding of English" in ESC

Yes, English is the most global language, but just because people are exposed to in on a daily basis, doesn't mean they actually understand it well. In many parts of Europe English is not even the second most known language, or even third.

Also, this whole absurd idea that people pay THAT much attention to lyrics in the first place, sure to some extent, but to do that in the first place a basic knowledge is a must atleast.

And again I will never understand this notion that "changing language is just changing language", when in fact it's so much more. Languages are unique in their structures and linguistic tones and "melodies", to say that a song will stay the same if sung in a different language is simply not true.

Also, and the most crucial, ESC should be about entries representing their countries, if everyone is stressing to be sounding "Anglo" then what's there left of "ESC"? I think people should have an open mind, music is a universal language in itself to begin with, and atleast from ESC fans one could expect a bit more open mindset regarding other languages in music and other cultural sounds aswell.

Also, in the vast majority of cases, it's unfair to change language for ESC. Now, in Albania's selection song must stay in Albanian, but then again if the point is to translate for ESC then why even have that rule to begin with?

I think acts should take pride in representing their countries and stay true to their songs instead of settle with some compromise mostly build on mythical ideas and sell-out to some sort of cultural imperialism

Every language is unique, and Albanian being not a big language and different from most European languages, obviously makes it more "exotic". Instead of seeing this as a bad thing, it should be embraced!

This! This should be thrust on the faces of those in charge and every juror in all the juries should be made to swear before it in order to be accepted as such. Thank you A-Lister, for being the voice of the few against the sombre crowd! I mean it, loved it

(HERCIANA MATMUJA, WHEREVER YOU ARE, YOU COME HERE AND READ THIS AT ONCE! )

 

[A-lister]

Well written, but It's the same stuff you always say, and I still can't agree with it. You say people need to be more open-minded, but you are the one with the closed mind. You define Eurovision in such narrow terms, and if it deviates from that, you start complaining about the loss of spirit or something like that. Here you are going crazy about a language change from the NF (which you conveniently supported last year with Moldova IE whenever it suits you) when you haven't even heard the redone song in English yet! Maybe it might actually improve it, who knows?

The sad thing is that if Herci goes with English and we hear the redone version of the song and it actually works in English, you would never admit it because you would lose face. If a song doesn't work in English in my view, then I will hold my hands up, as will most people here. I'm not sure that's true for you when it comes to native languages. I accept that even though I like "A Million" most people preferred "O Mie" and I can see why.

You just need to accept that Eurovision isn't exactly what you want it to be. Most countries sing in English. It's been that way since it was legal, and I imagine it will be like this for the foreseeable future. Representing your country is exactly what it says. There is no requirement to have a culturally relevant song or language. Sometimes that is nice for a change sure, but It isn't a requirement.

I feel it also appropriate to repeat that I have nothing against countries using their own languages. To an extent I encourage it, but I'm not too judgemental about it, because as I have said before I don't put the same worth on song language that you do. Whatever suits the song is always the right choice. If that is English, then cool. If It's another language, that's also cool.

I don't agree with me being narrow-minded, on contrary I'm rooting and lobbying hard for linguistic and musical diversity in ESC, how can that be "narrow-minded"? I simply can't get it

Well, of course I express my view and how I interpret the concept of ESC (and would like to see more of), everyone here are expressing their views, afterall it's a discussion forum. I might be explicit in my views, but that's because I have a clear vision and interpretation.

I think a part of the issue is that what does actually "representing your country with an entry" actually mean? And this is the thing, it all comes down to personal interpretations. If one think it simply means a song competing for that country, but have absolute NO connection to the country what-so-ever (like those Azeri entries that are not just just linguistically and stylistically off, but aren't even made by any locals), then sure go ahead... but tbh I think that was never really the aim with this concept. So yes, I read something more, profound deeper into the concept of ESC. This is not really a case of who is right or wrong, it's simply about interpretations. Some see ESC as "just a music competition", I see it as something way more interesting that that and that's solely got to do with the actual concept it relies on.

Are there requirements? Well, not exactly, but it's not completely wrong to interpret the actual concept the way I do. It's just that people see it differently. My interpretation is not narrow-minded, it's more explicit, but that's not the same thing. I think alot of people, not just make, make the same interpretation as I do.

To me, narrow-mindness is not caring whether ESC turn into... well... "just another music show" where it is completely irrelevant whether these entries actually do represent their countries (in a more deeper sense) or not, like nothing local even matter. Now, don't get me wrong here. I'm actually not in favor of re-introducing the language rule (though I think adjustments should be made either to the rules or voting which would not overlook native languages), and I don't want to turn ESC into an "all-ethno-fest", because I want musical diversity in different ways. Also, I'm not against entries in English, and I will always acknowledge a good entry regardless of language. What I am against, well I think I've stated it plenty of times already.

 

[A-lister]

This! This should be thrust on the faces of those in charge and every juror in all the juries should be made to swear before it in order to be accepted as such. Thank you A-Lister, for being the voice of the few against the sombre crowd! I mean it, loved it

(HERCIANA MATMUJA, WHEREVER YOU ARE, YOU COME HERE AND READ THIS AT ONCE! )

I think the main issue with ESC is that people interpret the concept differently, and I think it needs to be defined better.

I already suggested introducing guidelines to the juries where they should judge entries on different criterias, which would include musical diversity, originality, use of native language, ethnic motives etc. as things to favor and acknowledge when judging.

Being picked as a jury shouldn't be an honor, juries should be introduced to the local markets and get to know the music from those acts and those countries in forehand to make a better judgment. In order to introduce that though the concept need to be more clearer and less diffuse.

Also, I'd like new rules introduced for instance prohibiting an entry chosen in native language to be translated to English. That's another compromise with the old language rule, but still keep the choice free.

As for Herci and Albania this year, I really hope they'd think twice and be inspired by the success of "Suus" (the most successful Albanian entry to date), instead of selling-out based on myths.

 

[QwaarJet]

I don't agree with me being narrow-minded, on contrary I'm rooting and lobbying hard for linguistic and musical diversity in ESC, how can that be "narrow-minded"? I simply can't get it

Because if there is a deviation from "linguistic diversity" you freak out, as if your way is the only way. I'm not saying you are narrow-minded, I just think your approach to what Eurovision should be is somewhat naive and doesn't consider what the separate countries want out of the contest. A lot are more interested in a good result than showing off their culture.

I think a part of the issue is that what does actually "representing your country with an entry" actually mean? And this is the thing, it all comes down to personal interpretations. If one think it simply means a song competing for that country, but have absolute NO connection to the country what-so-ever (like those Azeri entries that are not just just linguistically and stylistically off, but aren't even made by any locals), then sure go ahead... but tbh I think that was never really the aim with this concept. So yes, I read something more, profound deeper into the concept of ESC. This is not really a case of who is right or wrong, it's simply about interpretations. Some see ESC as "just a music competition", I see it as something way more interesting that that and that's solely got to do with the actual concept it relies on.

From a factual standpoint, representing your country at Eurovision simply means performing the selected song and attempting to get the best result possible. You can have a go at the Azeri way of doing things, but it works doesn't it? I want to be clear that I like Eurovision because it isn't just another music competition, but as different as ESC is, bottom line is that it is a competition, and each act is there to get as good a result as possible, and most delegations will do whatever it takes, and if that means an English translation, then that is what they'll do. Whether you agree with that is another matter, but it is what it is. Whatever the original concept of Eurovision was ceased to exist long ago. Incidentally, I get the impression that Herci herself wants to do English, so maybe she thinks artistically it is the right thing to do? It might not just be a simple case of "selling-out". Thing are rarely that obvious.

Also, I'm not against entries in English, and I will always acknowledge a good entry regardless of language. What I am against, well I think I've stated it plenty of times already.

So, to be clear if Herci does the re-write in English and it actually sounds good, you will acknowledge that and accept she made the right call?

Also, I'd like new rules introduced for instance prohibiting an entry chosen in native language to be translated to English.

That's fine, but you would need to apply that in reverse for the rule to work. if an entry was chosen in English, then it would have to stay in English, or else you're just talking double standards. You can't have a rule that favours some languages but not others. Also, the rule would be hard to enforce considering the lack of any rules in regards to how a country selects. After the March deadline you can't change your song's language anyway, so in a way that rule already exists.

Regardless of our disagreements, make no mistake that I respect your views on this, and we need more passionate fans like you to keep the contest alive. I salute you sir xsalute May our discussions be frequent and vigorous.

 

[pinkchiffon]

So, to be clear if Herci does the re-write in English and it actually sounds good, you will acknowledge that and accept she made the right call?

I love Zemërimi i Një Nate in the first place, and I probably still will no matter what happens to it. I'll be especially relieved if the translation sounds good, but lyrics aren't my first priority in this contest and I've never totally gone off an entry I liked because it was translated anyway. But I am a language enthusiast and I will always feel like an opportunity is missed when that happens. Anybody can send a song in English. I think languages that the international audience doesn't hear often are special and should be celebrated.

Can somebody please change her name to Hersiana in the thread title? It was misspelled for the first time in the most recent FiK and unfortunately spread from there. Hersiana is how she spells it.

 

[Stargazer]

It's not terrible, but it's still kind of bland. Maybe it will grow on me.

 

[busybee]

It has potential. 5 points for now.

 

[Shqiperia]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hersiana_Matmuja this is the right wikipedia page for her. It's Hersiana not Herciana btw.

 

[A-lister]

Regardless of our disagreements, make no mistake that I respect your views on this, and we need more passionate fans like you to keep the contest alive. I salute you sir xsalute May our discussions be frequent and vigorous.

I appreciate this!

And yes I agree, we may not agree all the time, but atleast we have interesting discussions based on mutual respect and it's better for ESC with fans who gives a * than just be indifferent to everything.

 

[anto475]

I've been listening to this all week so far. I'm absolutely bowled over. But if it took me a month to love it, I don't think it'll have much luck in Europe tbqh

 

[Shqiperia]

Hersiana Matmuja will be in Amsterdam for Eurovision in Concert!

 

[A-lister]

Hersiana Matmuja will be in Amsterdam for Eurovision in Concert!

No news on language???

I really cross my fingers the Albanian team would see that part of this entry's strength lies in the Albanian language...