ESC+Plus has talked to AGHIAZMA, semifinalists of this year’s Ukrainian national selection for Eurovision. The band will perform «Synthetic Sun» in the second semi-final set to take place on February 11th.
ESC+Plus: Hello! First of all, thank you so much for your time and congratulations on having been selected to take part in the Ukrainian national selection for Eurovision 2017!
Can you tell us about you, your musical career and important achievements?
AGHIAZMA: AGHIAZMA is a band from Kiev, Ukraine and consists of 5 persons, who have different tastes and experience in music. For a few years, AGHIAZMA couldn’t decide how to name their music style correctly, because the members of the band just enjoy the creative process and are satisfied how their egos and ideas combine with each other. «Selfish-rock» describes the creation and personality of the band perfectly. Our style is inspired by Gothic, industrial, post punk, j-rock and indie music.
AGHIAZMA has created an imaginary religion. The band worships The Great Jellyfish Goddess and Kora Rex (vocalist) is the Underwater Prophet. Because everything consists of water, even the sound has waves. AGHIAZMA is everywhere.
Achievements
– “The Global Battle of the Bands” (“GBOB”) 2016 – Top 5 Best Ukrainian Rock Bands
– “Respublika” 2016 Festival – Main Stage
– “Children of the Night” 2016 Annual Gothic Festival
– “Halloween Horror Night” 2014, 2015, 2016 Annual Festival – Headliners
– “Best Music Video” and “Breakthrough of the Year 2016” Nominees by “Best Ukrainian Metal Act” (“BUMA”)
– Eurovision 2017 National Qualifiers
ESC+Plus: What impelled you to take part in the Ukrainian selection for Eurovision 2017?
AGHIAZMA: We wanted to show Ukrainians and people in the world that there is something new in songwriting and performing, something that can shock and attract at the same time.
I think the situation in Ukraine with the freedom of self-expression becomes better day by day but we are only at the beginning of a long road. People in Ukraine still have a lot of inner limits and our goal is to show them that there is a much wider music world full of truth and imagination.
ESC+Plus: How did you feel when you knew you had qualified for the semi-finals? Did you expect it?
AGHIAZMA: We had some consultations with the producers of Eurovision so we knew that we are on the list and had time to prepare for it mentally and physically 😉 We feel that we represent the whole Ukrainian Underground so it is a huge responsibility for AGHIAZMA. We are not afraid of it and we are ready for everything.
ESC+Plus: What would it mean to you to represent Ukraine?
AGHIAZMA: It will be an honor and a great opportunity to show the world that we have the understanding of style in Ukraine
ESC+Plus: Can you tell us about your song? What is the story behind the lyrics?
AGHIAZMA: This song Synthetic Sun is about the commercialized approach to art, about the battle for recognition, about the desire of fame just for the sake of it. And of course it is about the most important thing – freedom of self-expression! Stars are fighting for their place under the Synthetic Sun, blinded by insatiable soffits they are pushed to commit venomous actions. Humanity is upstaged, harmony is broken, ART takes sacrifice…
ESC+Plus: Why do you think your song has to be selected for Kiev? What are you strengths to reach the top in the competition?
AGHIAZMA: Our song is full of truth and passion, we are young and crazy! AGHIAZMA has everything for a big success and we are just in the beginning of our adventures.
ESC+Plus: Have you thought about your stage performance for the semi-final?
AGHIAZMA: We are working on it every show we perform and now before the semifinals we have some special rehearsals were we combine playing instruments with choreography elements. We don’t plan ant special moves, we want to be organic and feel the music on stage.
ESC+Plus: Do you usually watch Eurovision? What is your favorite song in the history of the competition?
AGHIAZMA: I like the atmosphere of a contest on Eurovision, I like to see real emotions of losers and winners! It is more like a sport to me – I’m a big fan of soccer and Eurovision is like a World Cup in the world of music for me 😉
ESC+Plus: If you could choose a Eurovision former participant to sing along with, who would it be?
AGHIAZMA: Of course A-Ha! They are one of the several bands from Eurovision which I can listen to and enjoy )
ESC+Plus: Finally, can you send a message for our readers and Eurovision fans?
AGHIAZMA: Hey Eurofans, we wish you more different music and more curiosity to discover something new every day. Don’t be afraid of trying 😉