ESC+Plus has talked to Raquela, finalist of this year’s Maltese national selection for Eurovision. She will perform «Ray of Light» in the final of MESC 2017 set to take place on February 18th.
ESC+Plus: Hello! First of all, thank you so much for your time and congratulations on having been selected to take part in the Maltese national selection for Eurovision 2017!
Can you tell us about you, your musical career and important achievements?
Raquela: I am a teacher/ singer/ musician/ composer and song writer. I have started my musical journey with studying the violin for 7 years. I moved on to taking part in musicals (Dracula Spectacula, Seussical the Musical) and choirs (Voices).
I took part for the first time in MaltaSong for Europe in 2009 and made it to the finals with the song ‘Crossroads’ (Philip Vella and Gerard James Borg) and in 2011 with the song ‘If I could do it all again’ (Mark Paelinck and Matthias Strasser). I had the honour of singing alongside the great tenor Joseph Calleja in 2010. I also accompanied Gigi D’Alessio in a duet in Turin.
I took part in various concerts with the talented Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, namely ‘National Orchestra Goes Pop’, ‘Rockestra’, ‘Istrina’.
I am also part of a band at Youth Fellowship ‘Pilgrim & King’ and we have just released our second album. I have also composed ‘Faithful Soul’, my new single which will be followed by an album.
ESC+Plus: What impelled you to take part in “MESC 2017”?
Raquela: The song, the message behind the song, and the composer and songwriter.
ESC+Plus: How did you feel when you knew you had qualified for the final? Did you expect it?
Raquela: I knew the song was good with a beautiful message that I felt deserved to be shared with the rest of the world, but the selection for Malta Eurovision is always highly subjective so yes I was surprised but thrilled that I made it to the finals.
ESC+Plus: What would it mean to you to represent Malta?
Raquela: A lot of stress!! Haha…..an honour, a challenge, a fight and a dream.
ESC+Plus: Can you tell us about your song? What is the story behind the lyrics?
Raquela: The song is like a message to people to go out into the world and live life to the full. And when the world can sometimes get scary or seem too big, they can remember that there will always be someone (could be family, friend, etc..) who loves them and will do anything in their power to keep them safe and happy should they need help.
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?
Raquela: There is a message behind this song, of hope, love and courage and I believe I can transmit this clearly through this song and in the way I interpret it. I am sure people will be able to connect with and relate to the song.
ESC+Plus: Do you usually watch Eurovision? What is your favorite song in the history of the competition?
Raquela: Euphoria is definitely my favourite song.
ESC+Plus: If you could choose a Eurovision former participant to sing along with, who would it be?
Raquela: Alexander Rybak because of his charm, his violin, his voice and his looks ;P
ESC+Plus: Finally, can you send a message for our readers and Eurovision fans?
Raquela: I am sure that you guys will understand me and connect with me through this song. May this song truly be your ray of light in times of trouble and fear. Always be yourself, love yourself and take care of yourself. You are truly a treasure and you are significant to the world.