We are counting the days to Dora 2024 and the last preparations have started. We had the opportunity to talk to another Croatian artist, Alen Đuras, who will present himself with the song “A Tamburitza Lullaby”.
Hello Alen, thank you for taking the time to answer our questions and introduce yourself to our readers on ESCUnited! Welcome! To kick this off, how would you describe your music to someone who has never listened to your songs?
I would describe my songs as Croatian pop music, predominantly love songs with optimistic notes. My lyrics are about love and life, about hope and optimism. The melodies are catchy and upbeat, with a positive energy. I strive to make my music both meaningful and entertaining.
Lovely! If we could go back in time when you competed in “The Voice” show for a moment. Jacques Houdek was your mentor back then and soon after that you joined him as a backing vocalist in 2017 for a song “My Friend”. What were your impressions of Eurovision and what do you take from that experience?
Working with Jacques was a fantastic experience. I learned a lot from him as a vocalist when he mentored me on the second season of The Voice in 2016. I’m grateful to him for inviting me as his backing vocalist to perform with him at the Eurovision Song Contest. At that time, I was at the beginning of my music career, and it meant a lot to me. I had the opportunity to see how Eurovision works and what level is expected of performers, which I consider valuable knowledge. Being a part of the Eurovision Song Contest with Jacques left a lasting impression on me. The magnitude of the event and the level of talent showcased by performers from all over the world were truly awe-inspiring. It motivated me to strive for excellence in my own music career and it motivated me to apply to Dora 2024 and give my best performance.
How come you decided to apply for Dora this year and what was your initial reaction when you found out you got selected?
Dora has always been on my mind as something I wanted to do. Having a great song and setting my schedule to have enough time to prepare made this year perfect. When I got accepted I was over the moon calling my family and friends. It made me really happy. I perceive it as a significant step forward in my career and I believe I am ready for it.
Please, tell us more about the writing process for your entry “A Tamburitza Lullaby”. What is the message of the song and what the song means to you personally?
The idea for this song came from my collaborator and dear friend Siniša Reljić – Simba, who works with the Swedish songwriting and production collective Saunacat. Saunacat composed the song “A Tamburitza Lullaby”. During a collaboration with Simba, Saunacat visited Croatia and, for the first time, heard and saw the tambura instrument. They were greatly intrigued by the tambura and decided it would be fantastic to incorporate it into a contemporary pop song. This was the initial inspiration for “A Tamburitza Lullaby”. Personally, I am thrilled to present this song to the audience, as it carries something authentically Croatian. I believe that showcasing our authenticity is crucial for Eurovision.
Lyrically, the song talks of a couple who mutually decided to part ways but fondly reminisce about the most beautiful moments they shared, continuing to cherish the memory of their past love. My interpretation of the song is that everything happens for a reason, and even
when some love stories aren’t meant to be, they can still make us better people and transform us for the better.
It’s a lovely message indeed, I totally agree with it! I’m sure our readers would like to know you a bit better. What would be one “crazy” thing you have done in the past and what is your main goal for 2024?
The craziest thing I’ve done so far is skydiving. I love the adrenalin rush. I have some exciting plans for 2024 as well, but the biggest thing I want to do by the end of this year is put out my first album.
Dora is just around the corner. You must have seen and heard the feedback from Eurovision fans by now. How do you feel about the reception “A Tamburitza Lullaby” got in the few weeks since it was released?
I was positively surprised by the reception. People seem to like “A Tamburitza Lullaby”, especially the tamburitza part which many international fans discovered through my song. The lyrics video has a significant amount of views, it is present on Croatian radio and I am pleased with the feedback so far. I must admit to watching reaction videos to Dora entries and “A Tamburitza Lullaby” tends to be in the top 5 favorites.
If you were given only one sentence to describe your performance on Dora this year without giving away any details, what would you say? Give us a tease of what we can expect.
It’s going to be a fun and energetic performance, a blend of traditional and contemporary.
I’m sure among our readers there are people who love your entry. Tell us where they can find more of your music and what social media do you use.
They can find my music on YouTube and streaming services, but the best way to be up to date with what’s new is to follow me on Instagram under the tag “@alenduras”.
In conclusion, do you have any messages you would like our readers to hear on ESCUnited?
Sing along and dance along to Tamburitza Lullaby!
Thank you so much Alen and we wish you the best of luck in Dora 2024!
If #YOU want to support Alen Đuras’ pathway to Eurovision 2024 make sure you tune in to the Dora second semi-final show on February 23rd and vote!
