No matter what turn my life made over the years I’ve always came back to my true self and to the music

(c) Magnus Ragnvid

Author: Sándor Mádi

Azerbaijan is participating in the Eurovision since 2008 and they have never missed a single final, they were in the top 10 almost everytime. In 2011 Ell and Nikki won the contest and bring it to Baku. This time, Elnur has the chance to represent the country. He is not unknown to the fans of Eurovision: he and Samir were the very first representative of their country. This year he will sing Hour of the wolf. Take a seat and read the interview I made with him.

What was your first step in your music career?
I guess my music career has started the minute I was born (laughs). Really, my mother is the musician so the music was always around me. Then I’ve took piano classes. The first big step on the stage for me was a television contest «Sing Your Song» which I won in 2003.

This year you were selected to represent Azerbaijan at Eurovision Song Contest 2015 in Vienna. What does it mean for you?
This is great opportunity for me to show off as a solo singer. I want to share my song ‘Hour of the Wolf’ with as many people as I can reach. And there is no better place for this than Eurovision Song Contest’s stage. It’s a chance for new beginning and in some way it’s my return, my second time.

You represented Azerbaijan back in 2008, being the very first from the country. What memories do you have from this period of time?
I wasn’t alone that time – along with Samir we were representing Azerbaijan as a duo. We were overwhelmed. First of all, as you mentioned, it was a first time for Azerbaijan and for me it was a contest of enormous scale. We were working hard, rehearsing all the time, making sure that our stage presentation will be flawless. And the rest is history.

If you could pick up only one word which word describes your life and why?
I think, I wouldn’t be lying if I told you that this word is ‘music’. No matter what turn my life made over the years I’ve always came back to my true self and to the music.

This year there are 40 entries in the contest. Do you have your favourites?
I’ve heard just a few songs but as far as I can tell all the contestant are strong. It’s going to be a tough competition. Personally I enjoy Boggie’s song. The messages in our songs are very alike.

What would you like to achieve in the contest?
My main goal is to share my music, my song with the audience, to bring my music to everyone. I love my song and the special meaning in it, this theme that “every heart deserves a fight”. Eurovision is not about winning for me, it’s all about a journey and the final moment on the stage.

What inspires you?
My friends, my fans, animals, nature.

Would you like to leave a message for the readers of this interview at ESCHungary?
Of course! Guys, first of all, thank you for amazing day I’ve spent in Budapest. I really enjoyed it. And I want to thank you for your support. Don’t forget to check up for more news from me. I’ve got some upcoming surprises. See you in Vienna!

Thanks to Elnur for this interview and special thanks to Konstantin Hudov.
The whole team of ESCHungary wish all the best in Vienna!