As we approach the busy times of the Eurovision national final season, our attention turns towards Latvia and their Supernova selection. One of the most anticipated performances in the selection will come from Ed Rallidae, despite being a relatively unknown artist outside of the country. However, he certainly has a star name behind his song, with recent fan favourite and Latvia’s latest Eurovision hero Aminata behind the entry.

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Our editor Fernando Thomas took the opportunity to speak to Ed about the song, his aspirations to make a mark outside of Latvia and how Aminata has helped him to realise the latest chapter in his Supernova journey.

Hello Ed,

First of all thank you for your time talking to us. How are you? Can you introduce yourself? What can you tell us about yourself?

I’m feeling super excited. Well, what can I say about myself? I’m a young musician from Latvia who is just trying to make my voice heard.  My real name is Edvards Grieze and I’ve been performing under my real name for couple of years and reached some success in my country. I decided to change my stage name to Ed Rallidae not only to make it easier for listeners outside Latvia but also to mark a new page in my career.

Your song that you will be presenting for Supernova is “What I had with you”. What can you tell us about the song?

The song was written by the amazing Aminata, who I’m sure you have heard of. Of course she has her own story behind the song, but it also resonated with me a lot. It’s about admitting your own mistakes in past relationships and also the dark period after you realize the loss of something special.

What was the inspiration for the song, and did you write it specifically for Supernova and Eurovision?

Well I am very honored to be performing Aminata’s song.  It came as a surprise but Aminata wrote this song with my voice in mind almost a year ago. And when she decided to ask me about the possible collaboration  I was at the store buying groceries. Imagine my surprise when I received the message; “Hi Edvards, simple question. I have written a song for you, would you be interested in performing it?”

And I answered; “Hi Aminata, simple answer. I almost dropped my milk out my hands!”

What is your impression of the Eurovision Song Contest in general? Do you watch it every year? What is your favourite entry?

It’s always been a dream of mine to be on that big stage performing. Of course I’ve been following the competition  and how it has changed quality wise. Every year it’s getting better and better. Still my favourite is Loreen.

Do you think performing at the Eurovision Song Contest will have a positive impact on your career?

Well I really hope so, though Eurovision is not the main goal. I don’t want to be known only for my participation in  Supernova. The goal is to keep improving my skills and release my music. Of course it’s a great platform, an opportunity to gain some recognition and I am very humbled by this opportunity!

What is the best bit of advice you have ever been given?

‘’You can be as good and talented as they come, but if you are an asshole nobody will work with you’’.

I remember first time I heard it at a masterclass and it has stuck ever since. That’s why I always try to stay as humble as I can!

What’s the one thing that might surprise people about you?

Tough one… maybe my personality. Hard to talk about myself in that way. I love to cook, that could surprise someone.

Can you tell us about your first experience with music?

Well I’ve been singing since I was 3 years old.  But I love to say that my first experience was way before that. Both my parents are amateur actors and when my mother was pregnant with me they were performing on stage doing a production of the musical “Cats”, so there was no other way for me but to be on the stage.

Ed Rallidae will take part in this year’s Latvian selection with “What I Had With You”, and #YOU can check it out below! We thank Ed for his time talking to us!

What do #YOU think of Latvia’s selection this year? Share your thoughts with us on our forum HERE, or join the discussion below and on social media!

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