ROXEN is one of the artists who were chosen once again to represent her country in Eurovision, just like last year, we were able to talk with her and she confessed to us what this new experience means and how the trip has been since ”Alcohol You” to ” Amensia”.

We are happy that you were re-elected to represent Romania in Rotterdam. Congratulations and let’s get started with the questions!

OGAERLA: In the context of the situation we are currently experiencing due to COVID-19, it will always be important to ask how are you and how is your family?

R: We are all fine, thank you very much. Indeed, we are living some strange and difficult times, but all that matters is to focus as much as we can on how we can surpass this, healthy both physically and mentally.

OGAERLA: Last year that we spoke, you told us that all possible emotions define you as an artist and as a person. With everything that happened in the last year, how have you handled all the emotions and feelings that you could experience?

R: I tried to focus on the things that I have to do and focus on myself. I had time to reflect more about everything, so this was not that bad in the end. I kept my mind busy with plans, a lot of work and meditation. And it was all good.

OGAERLA: With the lessons learned from the current situation, do you enjoy life in a different way?

R: I have always enjoyed life, but now, of course, I think all of us think a bit differently about what life means. It is important to take care of ourselves, to keep ourselves safe, as this is a way to protect others, also. I know very well what I have to do and, as usual, I’m growing my dream and I am doing what makes me happy, namely music.

OGAERLA: What did the cancellation of Eurovision 2020 mean to you, did you ever think about having a new opportunity?

R: I was a bit sad and was thinking if I would still represent Romania at Eurovision in 2021. But I found out the decision soon after that moment and I was really happy and motivated for a great song and concept overall.

OGAERLA: On March 23, 2020, it was announced that you would represent Romania again. What did you feel, how was the process for your re-election?

R: I felt happy, because it was one of my biggest dreams, to be able to represent Romania in such a great competition as Eurovision and have the chance to sing on that wonderful stage. Because the contest was canceled last year, each country had to choose its representative for 2021, stay with the same one from 2020 or chose another one.

OGAERLA: You had an additional challenge for 2021, a new song that would differentiate you from “Alcohol You”. How was the process of preparing your new proposal?

R: As usual, it was a very nice process. My team and I worked on some great songs for this year, all of them representing me. We presented six songs to the jury and they chose Amnesia to be the one that I will perform in Rotterdam this spring. All the songs are really good ones and I can’t wait to have the chance to sing all of them for the all the audience.

OGAERLA: At some point was it considered to make a national final again to choose the theme for 2021?

R: As far as I know, no. It was decided for the song to be chosen by the jury which is composed by nine specialists in the music industry.

OGAERLA: Your candidacy was one of the most anticipated of the artists who repeat this year. When you presented “Amnesia” it was generally very well received. What concerns crossed your mind and that of your team with this new entry?

R: I don’t remember to have had any kind of concerns, because we know how much we worked on all the songs, what Amnesia represents and how it was made. For me, it is very important to express my feelings and thoughts through my music. This happened with Alcohol You and now, with Amnesia as well. We really wished for the public to resonate with it and like it. Luckily, it was like this, I have received a very good feedback until now and I would like to thank all the people who appreciate my work and stand by my side.

OGAERLA: Can you tell us a little about the history of your song. Is there something of your life that we can identify with the lyrics of “Amnesia”?

R: Amnesia is a special song, which connects me to the present day. Last year was a bit of a rollercoaster for me, filled with both amazing and sad moments. In the end, what kept me going was the fact that I had some great projects ongoing. Amnesia somehow manages to give a voice to my repressed feelings and to all the people whose voices haven’t been heard. Both Amnesia and Alcohol You are really important songs to me, they represent me and mean something. They are different because their message is also different; it refers to another stage of my life, different feelings and thoughts.

OGAERLA: As measures for Eurovision 2021, countries must record a reservation video in case of not being able to travel to Rotterdam. Are you in that process? What can you anticipate?

R: We are preparing it as we speak, there’s a lot of hard work and rehearsing every day. Living in such unpredictable times motivates us to give our best on every occasion, because there are so many things that can happen to jeopardize our participation and this could be our only shot.

OGAERLA: How are you preparing for such an atypical edition in Eurovision history if you can travel?

R: First of all, I’m totally focused on my show. I’m sure that regarding the travel matters and organization, everything will be just fine. And, of course, I will respect every condition and safety rules.

OGAERLA: What do you expect from this new ‘’atypical’’ Eurovision experience compared to what you expected in 2020?

R: For sure it will not be the same, but what matters in the end is that Eurovision will take place and the music is reaching like this, once again, the people with its magical power.

OGAERLA: Will you intend to reflect the history of the video or some elements of it to your staging?
R: Of course. 🙂 But I would like it to be a surprise. For sure it will be a very emotional and deep one.

OGAERLA: In 2020 you told us that you would love to get some collaboration with Latin artists. Any possibility of this has come taking advantage of the ‘’new virtual reality’’?

R: Till now, no, but still waiting and hoping for these kind of collaborations. 🙂 Who knows? Maybe this year.

OGAERLA: Finally, in 2020 you gave a message to our readers that “Follow your dreams and keep the good vibes!” What would you like to tell them now?

R: To take care of them and spread the love everywhere, through each of their actions! Hugs and kisses from Romania!

Interview: Christopher Estrada

Traduction: Alberto Delgado