Lea, many congratulations on winning the Slovenian ticket to the Eurovision Song Contest. How are you feeling and can you describe how you felt when you were announced as the winner of EMA 2018 ?

I really didn’t expect to win. That was my fourth time doing it, so it was a lovely surprise. Hvala, ne! was actually recorded for my forthcoming album and was submitted for EMA just with the aim of introducing it to the Slovenian public, so it was really unexpected.

We will talk about 'Hvala, ne!' in more detail later but can you introduce yourself ? Where were you born and are you still living there ? Can you describe the place ?
Well, I grew up on the coast, in a lovely little city called Koper. I’m 28 years old and I’ve got two daughters called Sia and Ael. I’ve been in the industry for over a decade now and I guess you could say I have a positive and strong personality (which might be why I’m still here!).

Can you describe yourself in 3 words ? 
Positive, full of energy and easygoing.

Can you outline the highlights of your career so far ?

Well, up until now I’d say they would be Bitka talentov – obviously; studying flute at the Conservatoire; opening my own private music school; singing backing vocals at Eurovision for Tinkara Kovač and ManuElla; and finally – EMA 2018!

When and where did you start singing ?
During my studies I also established myself as a singer, as singing has always been great passion of my. I began participating regularly at various festivals, as well as EMA, the Slovenian national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest (2009, 2010).

As a backing vocalist, I already performed twice at the Eurovision Song Contest, namely in 2014 in Copenhagen with Tinkara Kovač, and in 2016 in Stockholm with ManuElla.

Have you enjoyed a musical education ?
I started my musical education at the age of five. I participated at numerous national and international competitions and finished my secondary school early, with flying colors, while studying the concert flute.

I studied at the Conservatory of Music in Geneva and had played in various orchestras and participated in different seminars across Europe . I also finished my master studies with honors two years later and became a Master of Arts in Specialised Music Performance.

Do you come from a musical family and if so can you tell us more about them ?

Ever since I was a little, I was interested in art. Even though my father was more in commercial and economic waters by profession, he was always the most involved in my music. He played home with me, he taught me polyphonic singing, he introduced me with commercial, jazz music. So I think he's the biggest idol for my musical beginnings.

Who are your main musical influences ?
I listen to lots of different types and styles of music. I just adore any music which I think sounds good and when I write, I try and do my best to write something like that. I would say that definitely in the last few years, Sia would be who I would call my idol :)

If you were not a singer what other occupations interest you?
Dancer.

You already participated in the Eurovision Song Contest twice as a backing vocalist for Tinkara in 2014 and for ManuElla in 2016. Can you tell us more about these experiences and what they taught you ? Have either of the ladies offered you some words of advice ?
They were perfect. I had a wonderful time in both Stockholm and Copenhagen . I learnt a lot of things and I had the opportunity to see what goes into the technical preparation for such a big event. I also had the chance to meet a lot of producers, musicians and very nice people, which meant a lot to me.

What made you decide to participate this year ?

Hvala, ne! was actually recorded for my forthcoming album and was submitted for EMA just with the aim of introducing it to the Slovenian public, so it was really unexpected.

Can you tell us more about 'Hvala, ne!' and the meaning of the lyrics ? What made you decide to perform the song in Slovenian ?
Tomy DeClerque and I wrote and produced the song. It’s about when I find myself in that kind of fake, virtual world. From my point of view, there are things which I can say no to. I can say no to anything that seems to be fake in that world, whether it be the masks that people hide behind, fake people, manipulation by the system or the media and anything else like that.

What are the strengths of this composition in your opinion that will hopefully persuade people from  Oslo to  Rome  and from  Nicosia to  Moscow to vote for it?
Being myself on the stage and believing in your song is the best recipe for good performance. And that is my goal always when I step on the stage, no matter how big it is?

Can you tell us about the staging of the song in  Lisbon ? Will it be similar to when you won in  Slovenia ? Will you have backing vocalists on stage with you ?

We are going to make a few tweaks here and there, maybe do some fine-tuning, but the concept that we presented at the National Final will essentially be the same – we’ll keep it pure and spontaneous. The dancers will still be there with me of course, as well as my backing singer off-stage and that’s it. I want to keep it simple. So, simple is the order of the day!

What will you be wearing ?

Let’s keep this as a surprise till Lisbon .

Have you followed the Eurovision Song Contest closely over the years ?

I am a Eurovision fan and I know a lot of songs from it. I am also very lucky to be part of this great event two times already. I was singing backing vocals at Eurovision for Tinkara Kovač (2014) and ManuElla (2016).

Do you have a favorite winning song and perhaps a favorite Slovenian entry ?

Uf, If I had do choose the most favorite song of all … The Common Linnets’ Calm After the Storm and Anouk’s Birds. Both from the Netherlands !

And favorite Slovenian entry – definitely Maja Keuc - No One.

A promotional tour in the lead up to the contest has become popular in recent years. Do you have any plans to promote 'Hvala, ne!' internationally and if so where will you travel to ?

But of course we’re doing promotion in other countries too – I’ll be appearing at the pre-parties in Spain , Israel and the Netherlands .

Do you plan any different versions of the song for promotional purposes ?

The song will be in Slovene and Portuguese. And in English.

The contest this year will take place in  Lisbon . Will it be your first time there or perhaps you already know the city ?

I was in Lisbon recently. I was filming Eurovision postcard in Horta and before and after the shooting, I was in Lisbon for a few hours. I was amazed by it. I loved the city and looking forward to go there again and explore it a bit more.

You recently took part in the show Znan obraz ima svoj glas (Your Face Sounds Familiar) where you transformed into the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest winner. What made you decide to do this and did you enjoy the winning song last year ( Salvador 's 'Amar Pelos Dois') ?
The producers chooses the transformations and being Salvador Sobral was the biggest thing for me! Salvador was the first act I impersonated on the programme. Firstly, of course the song is in the Portuguese language – which I love! Then his voice – which is so special, and then his movements and mannerisms. All of these things made it a big challenge for me but I was really happy with how it turned out. My appearance was even shown in Portugal and people still write to me about it!

What are you most looking forward to and what do you hope to gain from participating in the contest ?

Have a good time with my crew in Lisbon, do god performance, enjoy in the opportunity that I have and meet some great musicians, people from music industry and create something good in the future with them.

Since 2015  Australia has joined the Eurovision Song Contest. What is your reaction to this development ?

I am always honored to meet good musicians from all over the world and Australia is no exception. Looking forward to meet this year’s contestant.

Have you listened to any of the other competing songs this year and if so do you have any favorites ?

I hadn’t had the time to listen to all of them. So I am very excited to meet them in person in pre-parties in April and hear what my contestants prepared for Eurovision Song Contest this year.

Do you have any time for hobbies and if so what do you enjoy doing ? 
Dancing.

If you could sing with any artist or artists (dead or alive) who would you choose and why ?

Sia, she is my idol.

Do you perform any rituals before going on stage ? Are you superstitious ?

No. My goal is always just being myself, and presenting the song that I believe as good as I can at that moment. 

What are your plans immediately after the contest in May ?
I’ll be finishing off my second album and have quite a few concerts coming up. Also, to stay a positive person. :)

Do you have a message for the readers of this interview ?

Dear Fans, please open your hearts, feel the music and don’t judge the musicians and performers – just enjoy whatever they have created. And importantly... in life, feel free to say NO when you don’t like something or don’t want to do something that you aren’t entirely comfortable with.  

Hvala Lea and every success in the contest!