How do you usually write the lyrics of your songs?
First, I think about what I feel like singing about. Maybe it’s old-school, but I still believe the sense and the words are very important — this is why we learn to speak, to express our feelings with each other. So after I find something in my heart or in my life I can share with other people, I start writing lyrics. Usually it’s pretty fast because when you talk about something you know personally or someone you love, it doesn’t take much time to express your feelings.
In your opinion, what is the most important thing in songwriting?
Write about things you know and love. If you know what happiness is, you can write about it. If you know what love is, you can write about it in your own words. Just open your heart and soul, and let people see who you really are. With your weaknesses, with your pain, with your tears, with your real smile. And if you’ve got the talent, your expression will become a beautiful song!
Are you ever scared of revealing aspects of your personal life/experience to strangers through your music?
No, I think that’s the beauty of it. I’m actually very happy that I have music, and I can put all my emotions into it. Music is my psychiatrist. I am very honest with it. Throughout all the years I’ve been writing songs, I think that music has been the only partner who actually sees all of my faces and knows all of my feelings.
What is the best lyric that you ever wrote (the most meaningful for you)?
I wrote a song a few years ago when I could barely speak English called “She’s Not You”.
Google Translator was like my co-writer on this song, because I couldn’t really write in English yet. I think it’s one of the most honest and beautiful songs I’ve ever written. I hope this year I’ll be brave enough to release it.
What inspired “Hello Angel”, your latest single?
The idea came from my mom, who always told me I had a guardian angel watching over me. Funnily enough, I wrote the script for the “Hello Angel” music video before the song, and only then took a guitar and made the song happen. I was just turning to my Guardian Angel in it, because we all need help and support sometimes.
What was the best moment of your career?
It happens every time I go on stage.
And the most difficult one?
When I went onstage for the first time after the stroke I had 5 years ago. I had spent a year re-learning to walk and talk, so when I went on stage for the first time after this struggle it was a serious challenge for me, physically and mentally as well.
What are your plans for 2019? New songs? A new album?
Great plans! Lots of new songs, and of course, my first American album!
To conclude the interview a short Q/A session, please answer the first thing that comes to your mind:
- Define in one word your new single “Hello Angel”: Tenderness.
- The best show you ever played: The one where I suddenly decided to play “Bohemian Rhapsody” without rehearsing it with my band beforehand. We killed it! (Not the audience, fortunately, but the song.)
- The one thing that you must have in your backstage: iPhone charger.
- The soundtrack of your childhood: “Oops, I Did It Again”.
- Your favorite song lyrically speaking, but not written by you: Nina Simone – “Feeling Good”.
- Last question is “unusual”, we want to know your best relationship advice: Be true. Honesty is the only way to save any kind of relationship.