Hello Elina, thank you for your time and, for let our readers from Latin America and beyond, know something more about you, here we go…

Who is Elina Nechayeva in the music industry?
I’m a classically trained singer and everything I do on the stage; I do with passion. My main goal is really to bring joy and happiness to people with my singing. I hope that my music evokes positive emotions and even might ‘heal’ someone in some way.

If you could define yourself with three emotions, what would they be?
I would have to say happiness, love and passion.

You have a master in classical singing and experience in different music competitions. What has been the most difficult part of your musical career?
I think that my career hasn’t really started yet, but I think the most difficult part so far was studying my Masters degree. It wasn’t easy!

Have you always be in the world of opera or you have ventured into other genres?
It’s mostly classical, opera arias and chamber music, but of course sometimes it happens that I sing more classical pop or French chansons – things like that.

Did you have Eurovision as one of your professional goals?
Being a classical musician, Eurovision hadn’t previously been my goal. But sometimes when I watch it, I always thought what I might have done and and how I would have performed a certain song. So, I had those kinds of thoughts and now here we are!

How the idea to participate in the Eesti Laul was born?
Last summer I met Mihkel Mattisen and Timo Vendt after they heard me singing at my friend’s wedding and they thought it might be nice to do some interesting music together. They wrote the song especially for my voice and I really liked the melody. Then me and my friend Ksenia wrote the lyrics and we sent the song to Eesti Laul, and you know the rest!

Your first thoughts once you were confirmed as Estonian representative in Eurovision?
I was very grateful. To feel that people are supporting you and love what you are doing, that they get the message of your song and that it touches people’s souls and hearts, it’s amazing and I am grateful and happy.

Estonia won in 2001 and the Eesti Laul has been planted as one of the most important selection processes in Europe. Is there any pressure from the expectations of the eurofans that feels it is time for a new victory of your country?
I don’t think it has an impact on me either way. I am doing my best and preparing as much as I can to make my people proud, and make the audience feel my song.

What story is behind “La Forza”?
La Forza is about real love that enlightens our way, gives us wings, takes us to the sky and gives us a real power so that we can even move mountains. It’s about universal love – love for children, love for parents, love for nature. It’s all these kinds of love.

What expectations do you have with your participation in Eurovision?
I think the most important thing is for me to perform with my heart and soul. I hope that this will evoke great emotions from the audience, and awake something in the souls of the audience – and of course I aim to do my best!

What’s next after ESC?
I have a lot of interesting projects ahead! I have a solo concert, my first big solo concert in Tallinn where I am going to perform La Forza with a real orchestra, which will be an amazing event! This concert is going to tell about love, passion, anger – all these strong emotions that maybe we don’t feel everyday. I am also going to Georgia with the Estonian National Orchestra to perform in a cultural exchange project connected with the Estonian 100-year jubilee. Of course there will be lots of concerts and performances too as usual.

Eurovision is a festival followed by hundreds of eurofans in the countries of Latin America. Did you know this?
Actually, I have had a lot of messages from Latin America and all over the world – it’s really amazing that so many people know about Eurovision and are waiting for this event. I’m really touched by all the positive feedback I’ve had from people in Latin America who like my song.

We have very good opera singers, any reference from our countries in that genre?
Yes! I know the Peruvian tenor Juan Diego Flores, and I really love Yma Sumac – she was amazing and I love her music.

Finally… a message from our readers
My message is that in our society we should talk more about real love and real feelings. We need to be here and now – not in our smart phones but really here, connecting with each other and giving love. Love is the greatest power of all. This is what La Forza is all about and I hope you enjoy my song.

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