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The first live performance of Supernova 2018 will come courtesy of the intriguing Katrīna Gupalo and the band The Black Birds, whose entry “Intoxicating Caramel” certainly keeps the listener on their toes with wild shifts of tempo and direction! We spoke to the performer about her varied international background in music and her cosmos-given gifts for the music industry…
Hello Katrīna
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?
My name is Katrīna Gupalo, I am a musician from Latvia. I am a pianist and a vocalist, however, lately I have discovered myself as a composer and music show director. I studied and competed internationally, including at the Music Academy of the West in California, USA, the Royal Academy of Music in London in the United Kingdom and the Latvian Academy of Music. I have received recognition in various international costs, includind in Paris, London, Moscow, the USA and Latvia, though I returned to Latvia to open my own concert agency “Aira Laivina Artists” and direct concert shows, held both locally and internationally.
[At the time of interview] it’s only three days left until my performance on Supernova, so I’m feeling more and more electrified! If you think there is something impossible, I will prove you wrong. Crazy modulations, spontaneous rhythm changes, uncontrollable surprises – everything is possible in my music!
The song that you will be presenting for Supernova is “Intoxicating Caramel”. What can you tell us about the song?
The song is about the madness of falling in love, when just one kiss feels like a flaming comet lighting up the night sky, and suddenly the mind becomes misty, and your sweetheart’s words melt in your ears like caramel. “Intoxicating Caramel” creates the greatest feeling of falling in love. Real music on real instruments, live rhythms and spontaneous turns!
“Intoxicating Caramel” can be considered a form of art pop style, in which the artist’s creative ideas break down boundaries, giving freedom to integrate different genres.
What was the inspiration for the song, and did you write it specifically for Supernova and Eurovision?
“Intoxicating Caramel” is part of my first album, which is expected to be released already in the spring, as soon as “Intoxicating Caramel” was composed it was clear – it is the one for the contest!
What is your impression of the Eurovision Song Contest in general? Do you watch it every year? What is your favourite entry?
I became a Eurovision fan because of Salvador Sobral, he was the one who inspired me to participate. If it is possible to win Eurovision with beautiful jazz, why not to be the next one who breaks Eurovision standards?
Do you think performing at the Eurovision Song Contest will have a positive impact on your career?
I think my songs are sent to me from the cosmos and I am responsible for their destiny on the Earth. Just like parents are responsible for their children’s wellbeing. This is the reason why I entered the biggest popular music contest – to introduce the world to my music (or my music to the world). No matter what the result, it will be wonderful.
What is the best bit of advice you have ever been given?
My vocal coach Arturas Burke yesterday prepared me for the performance with these words: play, have fun and f**k everything else!
What’s the one thing that might surprise people about you?
Wait for my debut album in April, a lot of surprising things could be easily found in my songs!
Can you tell us about your first experience with music?
I sang Ukrainian folk songs with my dad in the car!
We would like to thank Katrīna Gulapo for her time talking to us and wish her the best of luck with her participation with The Black Birds in Supernova tonight!
What do #YOU think of her song? Share your thoughts with us on our forum HERE or join the discussion below and on social media!
