Dilara Kazimova: I don’t think about the results but about representing my country

Author: MÁDI Sándor

2014 is Azerbaijan’s 7^th participation at Eurovision, and so far they have only top 10 results, beside that they won the contest in 2011, and then the show moved to Baku. This year Dilara Kazimova is the lucky Azerbaijani singer who will represent her country on the stage of Copenhagen. Next week we will see which place she can reaches, but until this, ready my interview I made with Dilara!

When did your singing career start?

I was singing since I was 7. And of course from that time music became an inherent part of my life. And at the age of 16 I realised that my place is on the stage. 15 years ago I started my singer career. My God…. It was so long ago 

This year you were selected to represent Azerbaijan in Copenhagen. What does it mean for you?Have you ever dreamed about being at Eurovision?

For me it’s an incredible joy and responsibility. It’s a great honour for me to represent my country. It was my big dream to become a part of Eurovision family and now it came true! I’m really happy!

Sure! I tried two times to go for it because I wanted so much to become part of Eurovision. This year I was in doubt if I’m lucky enough to win the national selection, but now I’m here. Never stop to dream!

You have tried to represent your country before. Why did you decide to give it a try again?

I took part in national selections in 2008 and 2010 as a member of bands. My participation gave me a very importantexperience. But I don’t like to stop on the half-way! And this year I’ve achieved my goal! And I feel that I can bring the best possible show to the stage in Copenhagen.

How was your song (Start a fire) created? What’s the message of your song?

It was created, no….it was born thanks to team of Johan Kronlund, Alessandra Gunthardt and Stefan Örn, author of Running Scared, Eurovision winner in 2011. First time I met Stefan Örn at semi-finals of «Böyük səhnə» («The Big Stage») – the national selection of my country. He was a member of the international jury. He liked my voice and wrote «Start a fire» especially for me and fortunately jury selected this song among all the others.«Start a fire» is a story about kindness, humanity and respect to each other. The main message is – «even the slightest light can start a fire». The story of the song is deep and touching. I hope everyone will share my feelings and emotions while listening to this song.

Do you follow Eurovision Song Contest?

I have been interested in this contest for several years. But my true love to Eurovision started in 2008 when Azerbaijan become a part of the contest.

Who are your favourite singers? (In the world, not only Eurovision singers.)

I like different styles of music. In my tracklist there are such great singers as Adele, Maria Callas, Radiohead, the Queen … I can make a long list. From Eurovision past years I enjoyed Turkish entry Manga very much! Every year there are a lot of outstanding singers and amazing songs, which become must-listen.

Who is your favourite performer from previous Azerbaijan representatives?

I’m very grateful to all Azerbaijani entries for such an amazing performances! Each of them made their best. I will try to make a great show for European viewers as well.

Azerbaijan have only top 10 results at Eurovision. Are you under pressure because of these?

Absolutely no. I don’t think about the results but about representing my country, delivering my best performance ever and about challenging myself on Eurovision stage.

This year there are 37 countries in the contest. Do you have your favourites?

I haven’t listen to all the songs, but now in my top list – Poland, France and Austria! András Kállay-Saunders is awesome! Very deep song and such a strong message! I wish him all the best!

What are your expectations, your main aims at Eurovision?

The main aim for me is to share my story, my song with European viewers. I want to present my country and my song on the high level. Of course, I want to meet other musician, to feel Eurovision atmosphere and to get new experience. What else I’m expecting? Good mood and good results.

What inspires you?

I can get it everywhere! Our life is so unpredictable and wonderful! So every moment of life can inspire!

What are your plans after Eurovision? Will you relax?

I’m planning to shoot a music video for one of my songs and then I’m going to start working on my solo album. Also I want to make an extraordinary chamber concert with my band. I’m not tired! Quite the opposite, I’m full of energy!

What would you like to send to the Hungarian readers and fans of Dilara Kazimova?

Thank you for your support, for your believing in me, your interest in my song and my performance. Enjoy your life, be happy and never forget that even the slightest light can start a fire.

Thank Dilara Kazimova for this interview and special thanks to Konstantin Hudov.

We wish all the best for you in Copenhagen!