SOPHO - Georgia's Debut singer at Eurovision Song Contest 2007
Ó Exclusive interview by OGAEMALTA.com

1. Sopho, first of all congratulations on being the first artist to represent Georgia at the Eurovision Song Contest. How does it feel being the first singer at your country's debut at this popular song contest?

Thank you very much for your warm words and for your interest in my music and my country. I am very happy about the debut of Georgia this year at ESC 2007. To tell you the truth it’s not easy because it is such a big responsibility. I know that I have to do my best because it a very good chance to let people from different countries know a little bit more about Georgia.
 

2. How can you describe yourself in a few words for our visitors to know you better?

You can guess that music is one of the most important things in my life. I was brought up with music. When I was a child my parents always encouraged me to attend the music school in Batumi. In 2003 I became a prize-winner of the International Pianists Contest held in Tbilisi together with a friend of mine. First I took part in the TV Song Contest “Nutsas Skola”, where I became a winner as Jury Favorite. That was how it began. Now I am really grateful to my parents for it because music and singing became one of the most important things of my life. In my country a lot of people are fond of music and singing. Music is in our blood and my challenge is to prove it.

3. Why did you choose to go to Eurovision?

That was not me but Georgian viewers who decided that I have to present my country at Eurovision contest. And I am very grateful to them for it. At the same time I know that it’s a very big responsibility and a very hard work that should be done by me. I am extremely happy about it. Especially that I am doing something I absolutely adore.

4. How can you describe your song to our readers? Was it written specifically for Eurovision? And what in your opinion is your song's most important message?

“Visionary Dream” is a combination of the modern music and the traditional Georgian elements. With this song we tried to reveal Georgian culture and spirit and I think it turned out to be quite successful. “Visionary Dream” comes from my heart and reflects my desire to brighten the world by encouraging people to dream. I am happy that this song was chosen to be represented at ESC 2007 from Georgia. The song has both modern and traditional Georgian features. This year is our debut and an amazing opportunity to introduce European audience to my country. I think that is good that my song has some traditional motives due to the fact that not so much information is known in Europe. I hope European audience will like my song and performance on ESC 2007.


5. What do you think about the comparison which is being made between your style and the Icelandic pop star BJORK?

When I am on the stage I try to be faithful to my own manner and my own style, and what is the most important, to be myself. I always thought that the sincerity is one of those things that is able to attract people’s attention and sympathy. I do not think that Bjork and I are a lot alike and you cannot judge only based on one song that you heard. You are very welcome to listen to my international album “Visionary Dream” and see the whole picture of my music. I am sure you will definitely change your mind

6. The title of your song changed from "My story" to "Visionary Dream". Why?

My Story was a working version of the song title and Visionary Dream is the final. I was working a lot on this song and actually still am. I dedicate all my time to get prepared to the contest. It’s a very dynamic process, which is able to change the artist, and as a result of it change the name of the song.

7. You performed other songs in the Georgian national final. Did you have any other personal favourites apart from “Visionary Dream”?

Yes, there were five songs that I proposed to the Georgian audience to choose from. The opinion of public fully coincided with what I was feeling myself. “Visionary Dream” unites all the aspects of our culture and music both past and present. Therefore, I am glad to present to you particularly this song of mine.

8. In the national final you performed this song in a very spectacular way on stage with a large dress and dancers hiding beneath it. Are you planning a different stage act for Helsinki or will you keep the same elements? If so, can you please tell us something about your new stage act?

My performance will be absolutely different from Georgian final. Let me keep a bit of intrique regarding my performance, otherwise, it will not be interesting for you to see it (smiles – author’s note). The only thing I can say is that it will be a combination of modern and traditional Georgian styles.

[Watch performance at Georgian National Final by clicking here.]

9. Last year Armenia did quite well in their debut. Are you counting on their help as neighbours? Are there any other countries which will surely award votes to Georgia being closer to you geographically?

What I am looking forward to is a nice introduction of Georgia and its debut. I will do my best to appeal to European public with my song. I am in fact working very hard now on my performance. But the most important is that the audience in general receives the message that I am sending through “Visionary Dream”. It does not matter what exact country supports me as long as it’s their honest vote. And I will thank them for it

10. Are you a Eurovision Fan? If so, what are your all time favourite entries?

I think that ESC is not only an important music event but also a good chance to let people from different countries know each other closer. I watched previous contests recorded, of course, and should admit that most of the entrants are worth a high mark. Every single participants has something unique about him and her.

11. What is your opinion about this year's Eurovision entries? Can you please share with us your top-5?

I am sure that this year will be very difficult to win because every artist is going to do his/her best at the contest. Every singer is very interesting and has a special song. I am very happy to have the chance to meet them in Helsinki and, by chance, to make friends.

12. What do you think about the Maltese entry "Vertigo"?

Oh, I like Maltese song very much. It’s amazing. It is very energetic and passionate. I like the music a lot. It makes the song mysterious and at the same time light and attractive. I would like to wish Olivia best of luck at the contest and in her career. I think she is a very talented singer.

13. And...who, in your opinion, has better chances to win this year's song contest?

I leave it all to the audience. They will have to say the last word. Everyone deserves the victory but… there can be only one number one. In Georgia we usually say that the luck likes to come to the beginners. And it’s Georgia’s debut this year. So we will see. But I am sure that my country will support me in any case. And it’s very important for me to feel their support. They know how much I love my country and that I wish the best for it.

14. What are your plans after Eurovision? Any albums being prepared?

Now my only plan is to make a good performance and a remarkable debut of Georgia. Recently I recorded an international album in the Livingston Studio, London. It has the same name as my ESC 2007 entry song and there are 8 songs recorded in total. The producers are Beka Japaridze and Achiko Guledani. Beka Japaridze is also the composer of the song “Visionary Dream” while lyrics were written by Bibi Kvachadze. At the moment that is difficult to speak about the forthcoming projects, as all my thoughts are about ESC 2007. I can say for sure that I will keep on singing and sharing my music with as many people as possible. I am always open for new collaboration. I am open for the people who try to express themselves by means of music and respect those people who are not afraid to do this.

15. Finally... please send your message to all Eurovision fans and readers of OGAEMALTA.com.

I wish you good luck, good songs, and realization of your visionary dreams. Best of luck to Malta and for Olivia!