After Saturday’s Eurovision in Concert we met up with the Armenian entrant for Eurovision 2014, Aram MP3. We asked him about his song, his influences and also talked about the controversy surrounding Conchita Wurst.
First off thank you for speaking to us, how does it feel to be representing Armenia at Eurovision?
It feels great! I am very proud to present my country to international music lovers. Since Armenia joined Eurovision community in 2006 I was dreaming that maybe one day I will also have a chance to present my country European audience. So this year my dream came true!
Now many people when they first heard that you were representing Armenia doubted you slightly as you are a comedian as well as a singer, however as soon as we heard your song we were blown away. When did you start singing?
Music has a very special role in my life. Though there are no professional musicians in our family, good music was always present in our house. At the age of 12-13 I started to sing in the choir. What is interesting is that the decision to go to choir classes was based on the doctor’s recommendation. I had some breathing problems and the most unusual advice I have ever heard from doctor was to start singing. So I went to choir classes to overcome my health problems and eventually found the passion of my life: music. Regarding my career of comedian, almost in every comedy show I am involved in musical component. So I never went too far from my passion and music and humor walk together in my life.
Now your song is called “Not Alone”, can you tell us more about it?
My song is a love ballade. The lyrics are written by my good colleague Garik Papiyon, melody is composed by me and the instrumental arrangement is done by Lilit Navasardyan.
I hope my song gives the feelings to all listeners that they are not alone, whatever hard feelings, thoughts and emotions are bothering them. No matter what unpleasant moments and situations might happen people should always find the inner desire to fight for the love. I want to share the idea that no one in this world should ever feel alone regardless where they live and what they do.
You’re currently favourite to win the contest with the betting odds, how does that feel?
I am very much thankful for all the support and positive feedback I continue to receive. In this crazy period of time it really warms my heart and I feel that good music is appreciated by European fans. Eurovision has always been connecting people of different cultures through art of music, so this year is not an exception either.
I feel that I do have to touch upon this, you were misquoted in the Armenian press about a comment made over the Austrian entrant Conchita Wurst, now you apologised to her about it, but it’s still not going away. Do you have anything you have to say about what’s happened?
During my visit to Eurovision party in Amsterdam I’ve met Conchita. We have a great talk and all this misunderstanding was clarified. I am very happy for that. However many fans are mislead due to some irrelevant information which was spread through the web. I do hope very soon all this misunderstanding will be clarified and people will share the idea which I am trying to share through my song. I am singing about love which unites people all over the world regardless their lifestyle, preferences, religion and occupation. After all, Eurovision is a song contest and I hope “Not Alone”song will be fairly appreciated as it delivers a very clear message to all people in the world regarding my views and values.
Going back to Eurovision and Copenhagen, can you tell us a bit more about your plans for the staging?
Of course I can, but I would also like to keep some secrets until my show, please! The only detail I can tell you is that I will be singing on the stage without any back vocalists.
Now I’d like to ask a few questions from our readers. The first is why do you think you are leading the betting odds?
I think you should ask this question to bookmakers and they will explain you in details what is the mechanism of betting :)) Apart from jokes, during all 8 years since Armenia is represented at Eurovision Song Contest, our artists created the Armenian tradition of getting high scores in this contest. So I am trying to continue these traditions. All the supportive feedback I get proves that quality music is always valued.
What is your favourite genre of music and what influences your music the most?
There is no such music genre which I don’t like. Music is my passion and I love all of its expressions. During my childhood I used to listen a lot to Western music, preferred listening to jazz music. Among artists that influenced me a lot are Ray Charles, Billy Holiday, BB King, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Ella Fitzgerald, Stevie Wonder and many others.
When you were asked to do Eurovision, what was your reaction?
It was just “Wow”! I used to follow Eurovision from my house, watching it on TV and could only dream that one day I will be performing from that stage. It is an honor for me to represent Armenia in Eurovision.
Finally Aram do you have anything you’d like to say to the readers of Eurovoix.com?
I want to thank all my supporters one more time! Also I want all the followers of Eurovoix feel that they are not alone in this world. And of course I am inviting everyone to join me on my facebook page and twitter account where I am posting details about my concerts where we can meet and have a party!
We wish Aram all the best for Copenhagen and look forward to talking to him this weekend at the London Eurovision party.
