A few months ago it was announced that Mélanie René would represent Switzerland at the Eurovision Song Contest 2015 - which will be held in Vienna, Austria - with the song "Time To Shine".
Today we are excited to bring you an interview with Mélanie René herself. You can read the interview with Mélanie below!
1. Hello Melanie, thank you so much for agreeing to this interview, could you tell us how you first got into singing?
Mélanie: I come from a very musical family, where everyone plays an instrument or sings, so I developed a passion for music quite early on. I did my first steps on stage when I was 7, for a Mauritian charity show, and that was when I realised how much I enjoyed singing in front of an audience. I am extremely blessed that my parents have always encouraged me in pursuing my dream.
2. I would like to congratulate you on winning the Switzerland national final. How did it feel being crowned to winner?
Mélanie: When the moderator Sven Epiney said my name I didn’t believe it. I realised it was me when my backing vocalists started screaming behind me. I felt (and still feel) so happy, so proud but also so humbled that the audience and judges picked my song to represent Switzerland in Austria! I still feel like I’m daydreaming!
3. Could you tell us how the idea to represent Switzerland in the Eurovision Song Contest came together?
Mélanie: "Time to shine" was written about a year and a bit ago, when I was composing to release an EP. This summer I showed my songs to my manager. She fell in love with this song and she told me we should send it to the Eurovision selections. I trusted her, and we worked on it. I am so glad I did, she helped me realise one of my dreams!
4. The song you will be representing Switzerland with is "Time to Shine", could you describe to our readers what the song is about?
Mélanie: I wrote "Time to Shine" at a time in my life when I realized how much I had grown, both in my personal and musical life. For the first time I felt like I knew where I was going in life, and it made me feel free. It is this feeling of freedom that I tried to portray in my song. It is a constant reminder for me to stay true to who I am, and to what I believe in, even if it means having to walk alone sometimes. "Time to Shine" is not about "bling bling" or glitter, but more about embracing who you are.
5. Over the years you have entered a few music festivals/contests, do you think that experience will help you at Eurovision?
Mélanie: When I participated in the music festival George Grigoriu in Romania in 2009, I was representing Switzerland. I think it helped me with regard to stage presence and having cameras around on stage, but it was a bit different from the Eurovision song contest. Both are great experiences, and I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to participate in both!
6. Have you followed Eurovision in the past? If so what are some of your favourite Eurovision songs?
Mélanie: I used to watch it every year with my mum since I was a child. There have been so many incredible voices and performances that I honestly can’t pick only one!
However I do remember what I think was my very first memory of the Eurovision Song Contest . It was Secret Garden with their song Nocturne, and I still remember the violin, vocals and the blue background that amazed me.
7. Have any past Eurovision artists given you advice for Eurovision 2015?
Mélanie: I had the opportunity to speak with the talented Sebalter. The biggest advice he gave me was to enjoy every step of this adventure, and to never lose focus of what is important: the passion for music.
8. Have you had a chance to listen to any of the other Eurovision 2015 entries? If so what are some of your favourites?
Mélanie: I have listened to a lot of them, and I can’t pick a favourite! They all have their own style, their own universe, and I personally believe that this is what makes this contest so interesting!
9. What sort of things do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Mélanie: I love reading, catching up with friends, window shopping, and playing Mario Kart.
10. Finally, do you have a message for the readers of ESC-Starz?
Mélanie: I would like to thank every single person who has supported and encouraged me since the very beginning, and who still believe in me. You are what keeps me motivated and passionate about what I do! You guys are simply amazing <3
Today we are excited to bring you an interview with Mélanie René herself. You can read the interview with Mélanie below!
1. Hello Melanie, thank you so much for agreeing to this interview, could you tell us how you first got into singing?
Mélanie: I come from a very musical family, where everyone plays an instrument or sings, so I developed a passion for music quite early on. I did my first steps on stage when I was 7, for a Mauritian charity show, and that was when I realised how much I enjoyed singing in front of an audience. I am extremely blessed that my parents have always encouraged me in pursuing my dream.
2. I would like to congratulate you on winning the Switzerland national final. How did it feel being crowned to winner?
Mélanie: When the moderator Sven Epiney said my name I didn’t believe it. I realised it was me when my backing vocalists started screaming behind me. I felt (and still feel) so happy, so proud but also so humbled that the audience and judges picked my song to represent Switzerland in Austria! I still feel like I’m daydreaming!
3. Could you tell us how the idea to represent Switzerland in the Eurovision Song Contest came together?
Mélanie: "Time to shine" was written about a year and a bit ago, when I was composing to release an EP. This summer I showed my songs to my manager. She fell in love with this song and she told me we should send it to the Eurovision selections. I trusted her, and we worked on it. I am so glad I did, she helped me realise one of my dreams!
4. The song you will be representing Switzerland with is "Time to Shine", could you describe to our readers what the song is about?
Mélanie: I wrote "Time to Shine" at a time in my life when I realized how much I had grown, both in my personal and musical life. For the first time I felt like I knew where I was going in life, and it made me feel free. It is this feeling of freedom that I tried to portray in my song. It is a constant reminder for me to stay true to who I am, and to what I believe in, even if it means having to walk alone sometimes. "Time to Shine" is not about "bling bling" or glitter, but more about embracing who you are.
5. Over the years you have entered a few music festivals/contests, do you think that experience will help you at Eurovision?
Mélanie: When I participated in the music festival George Grigoriu in Romania in 2009, I was representing Switzerland. I think it helped me with regard to stage presence and having cameras around on stage, but it was a bit different from the Eurovision song contest. Both are great experiences, and I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to participate in both!
6. Have you followed Eurovision in the past? If so what are some of your favourite Eurovision songs?
Mélanie: I used to watch it every year with my mum since I was a child. There have been so many incredible voices and performances that I honestly can’t pick only one!
However I do remember what I think was my very first memory of the Eurovision Song Contest . It was Secret Garden with their song Nocturne, and I still remember the violin, vocals and the blue background that amazed me.
7. Have any past Eurovision artists given you advice for Eurovision 2015?
Mélanie: I had the opportunity to speak with the talented Sebalter. The biggest advice he gave me was to enjoy every step of this adventure, and to never lose focus of what is important: the passion for music.
8. Have you had a chance to listen to any of the other Eurovision 2015 entries? If so what are some of your favourites?
Mélanie: I have listened to a lot of them, and I can’t pick a favourite! They all have their own style, their own universe, and I personally believe that this is what makes this contest so interesting!
9. What sort of things do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Mélanie: I love reading, catching up with friends, window shopping, and playing Mario Kart.
10. Finally, do you have a message for the readers of ESC-Starz?
Mélanie: I would like to thank every single person who has supported and encouraged me since the very beginning, and who still believe in me. You are what keeps me motivated and passionate about what I do! You guys are simply amazing <3