ESC+Plus has talked to Levina, finalist of this year’s German national selection for Eurovision. Levina is one of the five candidates that will compete at Unser Song 2017, which is set to take place on February 9th.
ESC+Plus: Hello! First of all, thank you so much for your time and congratulations on having been selected to take part in the German national selection for Eurovision 2017!
Can you tell us about you, your musical career and important achievements?
Levina: I am a German singer and songwriter based in Berlin and London. I sing, play keys and compose soulful pop songs. I received intensive classical vocal and piano tuition from the age of 9 years at ’Städtische Musikschule’ in Chemnitz. After winning the singing competition ‘Jugend Musiziert’ I received a scholarship for singing lessons. I played leading parts in two successful German musicals, such as ‘Drei Wünsche Frei’, which premiered at the renowned ‘Semper Oper’ in Dresden. In London, I founded my former band ‘Miss Terry Blue’ while I was studying at Tech Music School receiving vocal training in styles of pop, rock, and jazz.
I won the ‘Best Vocal Performer’ Award from Tech Music School in 2010. Later, as a student of King’s College London, I also achieved the first price at the Battle of the Band competition ‘UNI Music League’ with Miss Terry Blue, which enabled me to work with producer Matt Lawrence (Amy Winehouse, Mumford and Sons) and Tom Fuller (Robbie Williams, Gabriella Cilmi). Since 2014 I’ve focused on my solo-project and in 2015 I released my single ‘How To Dance’.
ESC+Plus: What impelled you to take part in “Unser Song 2017”?
Levina: I always liked to watch the Eurovision Song Contest and the German selection process. Last year one of my best friends sent me the link, where you could apply. It was a very simple process, as you just had to upload a video of yourself performing. So I thought “this is great” I will apply 🙂
ESC+Plus: How did you feel when you knew you had qualified for the final? Did you expect it?
Levina: I felt super happy. I did not expect anything when I first applied. But whilst going through the different stages, in which candidates were selected, I really wanted to make it to the final. I am really grateful and excited that it worked out. It would be awesome to represent Germany at the ESC 🙂
ESC+Plus: What would it mean to you to represent Germany?
Levina: It would be an absolute honour to represent Germany. Taking part in such a big international music event as well as meeting musicians and singers from all over Europe and the world would be a unique and fun experience, that you will always remember. I would enjoy to contribute to the ESC for Germany with my voice 🙂
ESC+Plus: What kind of song would you like to sing at Eurovision?
Levina: Most importantly, I would love to sing a song that I enjoy, and that people like and can relate to lyrically 🙂 It would be best if I can showcase my low and soft tone as well as my high and powerful voice. Well, let’s see what song it’s gonna be 😉
ESC+Plus: Can you tell us about your favorite music style?
Levina: My favourite musical style is probably pop and soul. But at times I also love to listen to Jazz and electronic music. I guess it depends, which mood I am in 😉
ESC+Plus: Do you usually watch Eurovision? What is your favorite song in the history of the competition?
Levina: Yes! That must be ‘Satellite’ by Lena. When I watched that show, I was betting with a friend on Lena’s win. I won my bet – and 50€ 😉
ESC+Plus: If you could choose a Eurovision former participant to sing along with, who would it be?
Levina: It would be great to sing along with Stefan Raab 🙂
ESC+Plus: Finally, can you send a message for our readers and Eurovision fans?
Levina: Thanks for supporting the ESC – it’s the fans who make this competition as great as it is!! I can’t wait to perform at the German final of ‘Unser Song 2017’ and if you like my music, you can cross your fingers for me 😉 Lots of happiness and great music for 2017 for all of you!
Special thanks to André Piefenbrink and Levina for this interview. Good luck in the final!