This weekend we will see the final semi-final for the Lithuanian national selection Eurovizija.LT, and we were fortunate enough to sit down with participant Freya Alley who will open the semi-final with her song “Serenade”.
Learn more about her pathway into music via London, how she decided to participate in Eurovizijos.LT, and much more below!
Hello there Freya, and welcome to ESCUnited for an interview! Why don’t we start by having you introduce yourself to our readers?
Thanks for the warm welcome, ESCUnited! I’m a singer-songwriter from Lithuania, now living in London.
Thanks for that! Let’s help our readers get to know you a bit better – outside of music and performing, how do you spend your free time? Any secret interests or hobbies we should know about?
If I reveal the secrets they won’t be secrets anymore! There are so many things that interest me. I’m always exploring and have a lust for life, the universe, magic, crystals, rituals, moon cycles and everything in between. I love visiting beautiful places so you can find me in the garden of flowers or little cozy cafes.
I’d love to know more about your pathway into music – when did you first realize you had a passion for music and performance?
I realized it in my childhood. I’ve always loved singing, however, I didn’t have much self-belief to really go for it. It took me a long way to get where I am now. The older I get the more free and confident I feel. Things changed when I came to London and started working with a music producer who shared my vision and supported me on a journey to Eurovision!
And speaking of music, how would you describe your music and sound to those who aren’t familiar with your discography? Are there any artists, genres, or trends that you feel influence the music you write and perform?
I would describe it as magical pop. Years ago I fell in love with Lana Del Rey’s music and artistry. I love melancholic, beautiful melodies, married with lyrics that connect to the way I see the universe. I want the listener to be gently uplifted in a beautiful, spiritual sense together with the overwhelming elegance of the songs I like to create.
This will be your first time competing in the Lithuanian national selection, so I’m curious- what made you decide to submit an entry this year?
I think, for me, the time is now! I feel the song ‘Serenade’ fits perfectly in this year’s Eurovision contest and it would be such an honor to represent my country.
Has this been something you considered or tried doing this before or was this your very first attempt? What was your reaction when you got the announcement that you’d made the semi-finals?
I’ve always wanted to do it, however I didn’t have enough courage. It’s a very important contest in Lithuania, we love it so much. So, this year it’s my first attempt! I’m scared and excited!
On the day when the announcement was made, I was flying to Vilnius, Lithuania. As soon as the plane landed, I received a message from my mum and checked my email straight away. I take it as a very nice welcome home sign! I felt really happy, appreciated and excited to get into something new.
Your song this year is titled “Serenade” – and you’ve been described as not releasing a track until you know it’s complete. So can you tell us about the songwriting process for the entry and how long did it take to “complete” status?
I started to write “Serenade” a year ago, I think it was January 2023. I felt that this song was very special to me and I wanted it to reach a big audience. The “Eurovision” idea got into my mind and I shared it with my co-writer, platinum selling producer and songwriter Laurence Hobbs. We agreed to make the song as best as we could and hopefully get selected by “Eurovision LT” judges. Jamie Sellers, another great producer who has accumulated three UK No.1 Singles, also joined us in the middle of the process and in November 2023 we completed the song!
You’re also known for leaving coded messages in your songs, what message do you hope “Serenade” communicates to those watching the selection on Saturday?
“Vote for Serenade, Vote for Serenade” 😀
I think this time the code is not the message but the feeling itself. I would really be happy if the listeners connect with the song and travel back in time to their most cherished memories. I hope they will feel positive energy, high vibrations in their bodies and warmth in their hearts.
And of course the winner of Eurovizija.LT will go on to Eurovision so I wanted to ask, what are some of your earliest memories of the contest? What does Eurovision week usually look like for you at home?
I remember it’s always been a very big deal in Lithuania and no one wanted to miss it. We had always known all the participants, all the songs and discussed the performances with family and friends. It’s one of the main and most popular music contests in Lithuania. I remember when I was a little kid, my grandparents told me they would love to see me on the Eurovision stage one day.
As we close out, if our readers want to connect with and support your musical career ahead of or after the selection – where can they find you?
I believe the Eurovision contest is just the start for me as an artist and will open new opportunities. However, I would love your readers to follow my path, regardless of the outcome of Eurovision as I have many songs ready to be released this year.
My music is on all main music platforms, so feel free to choose your favorite one and listen to my music: https://music.freyaalley.com/
You can find me on social media https://www.instagram.com/
If #YOU want to support Freya’s pathway to Eurovision 2024 make sure you tune in to her semi-final on Saturday February 10th and vote!
