Monday, March 31, 2014

IRELAND: Exclusive! Interview with Kasey Smith "We’re honoured and delighted to have been given this chance"


Kasey Smith won the national final 'Eurosong 2014' as Can-Linn feat. Kasey Smith in Ireland with their song 'Heartbeat'. She will represent Ireland this year in Copenhagen in the second Semi-Final on 8th of May with start number 9.

Watch the official video of 'Heartbeat'



We had the chance to talk to Kasey Smith some days ago. Read our interview below to find out what she had to say...



Hello Kasey, first of all congratulations for your victory in the national final ‘Eurosong 2014’ on 28th of February.

How does it feel to be the representative for Ireland in Copenhagen with ‘Heartbeat’ this year?

Kasey: You know, it has been nearly four weeks since we were announced as Ireland’s entry and it’s still only setting in. We’ve been far too busy with rehearsals, live shows and TV & radio appearances to think about it too much. We’re just honoured and delighted to have been given this chance.

What was your first thought as you realised 'We won! We will represent our country on ESC 2014'?
Kasey: Well, there was a bit of confusion to begin with. You may have heard about the graphical error that happened at the end of the Irish Eurosong final which added the scores up wrong. Once that was sorted out we just went crazy. It was an amazing feeling altogether; like Christmas and a birthday came at the same time.

Who had the idea that you could take part in ‘Eurosong 2014’?
Kasey: RTE (Ireland’s national broadcaster) asked Hazel Kaneswaran if she would write a song to compete in the Irish Eurosong competition, so she came up with the idea for Can-linn.
 
Who had the idea for the collaboration between you?
Kasey: Can-linn itself is a collection of classically trained traditional Irish musicians assembled by Hazel Kaneswaran for the Irish Eurosong competition. They were looking for someone to do lead vocals for ‘Heartbeat’ so I sent in an audition. Sure enough, Hazel liked it and the rest was, as they say, history!

Can you tell us something about the story behind ‘Hearbeat’?
Kasey:Heartbeat was written by Hazel (Kaneswaran) specifically for the Eurovision Song Contest. It’s about Ireland as a country and how its people have suffered through very hard times in recent years, but they are determined to keep on going until these difficulties pass. It’s a metaphor for the spirit of the people of Ireland. I think a lot of other European countries can relate to this too.

What are you expecting in Copenhagen?
Kasey: Lots and lots of fun! We were talking to Ryan Dolan and Wez Devine (who represented Ireland at last year’s Eurovision Song Contest) and they said it was a great night and a wonderful experience. The stage is much bigger than the one we have

Are you a Eurovision fan?
Kasey: I am indeed. I have been watching it since I was four years old. The Eurovision is always a big occasion in my home. I was one of those things that I was let stay up past bed time for as a kid.

Which are your favorite Eurovision songs and what is your favorite from Ireland entrys?
Kasey: Well, I am a big fan of Ryan Dolan’s “Only Love Survives” from last year which was a really catchy tune. I love Johnny Logan too; both of his songs were great. You can’t beat a bit of Abba either!




What makes you happy?
Kasey: The fact that I’m able to make a living from doing what I love (music) is something which I am eternally greatful for. Not everybody gets to do that in life so I count my blessings every day.

What are your plans in music for 2014 beside Eurovision?
Kasey: To be honest, we haven’t really taught about it a whole lot yet. We’ve been that busy preparing for the Eurovision! Once the Eurovision is over, we will sit down together and take stock of how we did, where we are and then work from there.

What was the most excited moment in your life?
Kasey: Without a doubt, it was learning that Can-linn had won the Irish Eurosong contest and that we were going to Copenhagen for the Eurovision. I’ve had some great moments like being asked to join Wonderland or play on the same stage as Westlife, but nothing compares to that feeling of joy.

What are your wishes for the future?
Kasey: To have a long and successful career as a musician. I just want to do the best I can for as long as I can. I love what I do and wouldn’t change it for the world.


Why should European people vote Ireland and your song ‘Heartbeat’?
Kasey: Well, we think it’s a great song with strong lyrics that represent our country, as well as the rest of Europe, pretty well. Plus, we’re planning a cool stage show to try and make the complete Eurovision act. All I can do is ask that you tune in and give our song a listen. Hopefully you’ll like it and give us your vote.

Do you have a message for ‘Join Us on Eurovision’ readers and your fans?
Kasey: Yes, we do! We are currently working on a new dance remix of ‘Heartbeat’ that we will be releasing on our Youtube channel soon. Be sure to subscribe to it so you can be one of the first people to hear it!

Thank you so much for answer those questions. Good luck for you and your song in Copenhagen. See you there!


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