Of all the selfies that I posted of my time at the London Eurovision Party press event and at the show itself, the one above has got the most attention on social media with the most likes. I don't think that it has anything to do with me, to be honest, I have a very photogenic lady to thank for that...
As for the interview, I had Greig Watts, one of the directors of DWB Music, to thank for pointing Martina in my direction as he was acting as her 'delegate' and I had been 'chatting' with him on Facebook. Yep, it's sometimes 'who you know' to get the breaks - and what a delightful break it was:
Martina Bárta from Czechia!
As for the interview, I had Greig Watts, one of the directors of DWB Music, to thank for pointing Martina in my direction as he was acting as her 'delegate' and I had been 'chatting' with him on Facebook. Yep, it's sometimes 'who you know' to get the breaks - and what a delightful break it was:
Not only does Martina make for a good photograph, she came across as having real passion for her entry "My Turn" and it is obvious that, whatever happens in Kyiv, the song has made a huge impression on her. Her pride about singing for her nation was obvious too. Hopefully the question about her playing the French Horn didn't come across as too trite but it was interesting to hear that not having enough musicians to play a particular instrument is a way into an orchestra! Also apologies for my "show your inexperience" intro about how I should be pressing record when I want to get my interview material...
I have to say that over time Martina's entry has made a huge impression on me - it is definitely a grower and I can see "My Turn" becoming a long term love of mine, one to have on any of my Eurovision playlists after Kyiv. Having chatted with this charming, thoughtful and very unassuming lady, I would love to see and hear her twice at Eurovision 2017 - at least I know that I had the opportunity to get a real insight into how passionate a Eurovision artist can be about their music and song...
You're now halfway through the six interviews - next up was a chat that I was looking forward to and really hoped that I would have, mainly because I had seen her being interviewed several times in her own language and she looked so natural, so at ease with whatever questions were put to her.
I have to say that over time Martina's entry has made a huge impression on me - it is definitely a grower and I can see "My Turn" becoming a long term love of mine, one to have on any of my Eurovision playlists after Kyiv. Having chatted with this charming, thoughtful and very unassuming lady, I would love to see and hear her twice at Eurovision 2017 - at least I know that I had the opportunity to get a real insight into how passionate a Eurovision artist can be about their music and song...
You're now halfway through the six interviews - next up was a chat that I was looking forward to and really hoped that I would have, mainly because I had seen her being interviewed several times in her own language and she looked so natural, so at ease with whatever questions were put to her.
A beautiful woman who towered over most of the press in London
and was smiling throughout my interview...
and was smiling throughout my interview...
The other 'home town girl' apart from Lucie - Levina from Germany!