FYR Macedonia: Tijana Interview

Away from the madness of Eurovision in Concert in Amsterdam, we caught up with this years Eurovision entrant from FYR Macedonia Tijana Dapcevic. I started off by asking her how it feels to be representing Macedonia in Copenhagen.

Firstly, a massive congratulation on being selected to represent Macedonia at Eurovision this year, how does it feel?

 Thank you very much. It feels great. A bit unbelievable although it’s been a couple of months since I’ve been selected. I’m honored.

What was it that made you say yes to doing Eurovision as you were selected by the Macedonian broadcaster to take part?

The fact that I love my country and my profession. Music is my life, I’ve always wished to perform in Eurovision Song Contest and I can’t wait to pack my bags and go to Denmark.

Your song when previewed lit up social media, the fan community love it, was “To The Sky” the song that you’d wanted to send to Eurovision from the start or was it a long period of listening to songs before deciding on it?

As soon as Darko Dimitrov made “To the Sky” I knew that was it. We have been collaborating for many years and he knows me very well. This song reflects me in a way.

Now you become the first Macedonian entrant to sing their song 100% in English since 2008, why did you make that decision?

 We had to decide between Macedonian version and the one in English, we didn’t even think about the mix. Finally, the English version was chosen because we wanted to make sure everyone gets the same message. To the Sky is a song about love, friendship and togetherness – things that give us life energy and enthusiasm to go on whatever happens to us in our everyday lives.

Now coincidentally your sister Tamara happens to be the act that represented Macedonia in 2008, what will it be like for you having your sister on stage with you in Copenhagen?

Perfect! I couldn’t be happier, really! Tamara and I are very close and there’s no one in the world I would like to have more than her on the stage. She will be one of the backing vocalists and all of us will take you to the sky, I promise!

Looking forward, what are you doing in the build up to Eurovision?

The video for To the Sky is finished, it will be released in a couple of days, we are working on the choreography and other things important for the performance etc. Everything has to be perfect and until we get to that point, I won’t stop.

Also, have you made any decisions on the staging of your song for Copenhagen?

Yes, we are preparing the performance and will do our best to show Europe something original and innovative.

 Now it isn’t just me that has some questions for you, here are some from our readers and followers on Twitter; Callum from the UK asks, What would be the ultimate result for you in Copenhagen?

Dear Callum, presenting my country in the best possible way, making all the people who know and support me the proudest people in the world. That’s the result I’m aiming for.

Emily who is also from the UK wants to know, how long have you been singing for and what has inspired you to keep singing?

 Dear Emily, I’ve been singing for many years – since I was born, literally because both of my parents are musicians and I showed interest in music from the very beginning of my life. However, the first album was released in 2001. Love always keeps me singing!

Now Arianna who is from Canada wants to know whether you will be performing with glasses on in Copenhagen?

Dear Arianna, I will. Glasses symbolize the decision to take another perspective of life in general – they represent the conscious effort to choose to live happy, positive, successful life by spreading love and good vibes among the people around you.

Keiran wants to know what it is about Eurovision you are looking forward to the most?

Dear Keiran, I’m looking forward to many things, from packing the bags and then every single step afterwards. But I really can’t wait to feel all the positive energy and go “to the sky” with all of you.

And finally Mark asks, what is your favourite Macedonian entry in Eurovision?

Dear Mark, my favorite Macedonian entry is the one from 2008, Let me love you, by Tamara Todevska, Adrijan and Vrcak. Tamara is my sister and I was the proudest person on the planet when I saw her performing.

Thank you very much for your time, do you have a message for the readers of Eurovoix.com?

Thank you for this beautiful interview and for giving your readers the opportunity to ask a question – that’s great. Always believe in your dreams and chase them – never let anyone make you give up on them. Believe in your IT and sky is the limit, believe me. I love you!

We wish Tijana all the best for Copenhagen and we look forward to seeing her music video in the next couple of days.