With the race for Rotterdam hotting up in Lithuania’s Eurovision selection, Pabandom iš naujo, we wanted to get to know some of the artists fighting to reach the final on February 6th.
Ahead of this weekend’s semi-final, we spoke to returnee Gabrielius Vagelis about his history in music, the humor of Lithuanians and reveals what he would be doing if he wasn’t a musician!
Hi Gabrielius! First of all, thank you for taking the time to speak to us. What can you tell us about yourself? What should we all know about Gabrielius Vagelis?
Hi guys! Gabrielius Vagelis is a funny, super positive person who likes to do stupid things. He loves Italian cousine and coffee. Of course how not to mention music which he’s in it from like 4 years old. His first song was written when he was 14. He participated in The Voice and Final 4, both in Lithuania. And one of his dreams is to finally represent his country in Eurovision.
Can you remember your first experience in music? What made you want to be a musician?
I started to make performances for my mum when I was a kid. I didn’t want to show them to anyone else. I was singing in random English words, but I was so certain about what I was doing. From then music was a big part of my life and I’ve decided to study music composition super naturally as if there wouldn’t be any other options.
P.S. If I wouldn’t be a musician, I would be an interior designer. I’m a bit obsessed with that more and more now!
You’re back in Pabandom iš naujo! for the second time, and have tried to represent Lithuania before. How have your previous experiences prepared you for this year’s competition?
I think I am the most secure this time and finally got the idea that the main thing is to have fun on stage and give a pleasant time for all the audience. And if they would feel it, everything will come into place.
What is the message behind your entry “My Guy”?
The song is about support from a person that you trust. The one that is Your Guy. I have more that one Guy and I’m so happy to have them. I think it’s one of the most important things in life, cause everybody needs their strength which they can hold on to.
What is your general impression of Eurovision? Do you have any favourite entries from the contest?
I find it really interesting to watch every year. There are so many talented singers and great songs to add to my playlist. I loved Benjamin Ingrosso and the live performance was one of my favourite ones of all time, Loreen was the one hard ever to forget and Mahmood had that catchy song and really charismatic personality.
Can you tell us an interesting fact about yourself that not many people would know?
Sometimes I talk when I sleep. And it happens that others get really annoyed about it so they throw some pillows at me to wake me up!
What is your favourite thing about Lithuania that the rest of the world should know about?
Only Lithuanians have that specific sense of humor which I adore and have almost literally died from laughing!
One last question – what would be the first thing you did if you won Eurovision in Rotterdam?
I would want to hug everybody so much in a celebration party, if there would be a chance to throw one haha!
Thank you for your time Gabrielius. We wish you the best of luck in Pabandom iš naujo!
Gabrielius Vagelis will take part in this weekend’s semi-final of Pabandom iš naujo! with the song “My Guy”, hoping to represent Lithuania in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam.
Want to share the love with Gabrielius on social media? #YOU can find Gabrielius on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and can also follow his music releases on YouTube and Spotify!
What do #YOU think of “My Guy”? Share your thoughts with us on our forum HERE or join the discussion below and on social media!
