„Milim“ für Oslo von Israel

HAREL SKAAT, 28, repräsentiert Israel beim diesjährigen EUROVISION SONG CONTEST 2010 in OSLO. Seit seiner Teilnahme bei „Kochav Nolad“ in 2004 (die israelische Version von „American Idol“) konnte er eine große Fangemeinde für sich gewinnen. Er ist bereits Gewinner von zahlreichen Preisen, darunter „Der Mann des Jahres 2006 der israelischen Musik“ und „Sänger des Jahres 2006“.

Trotz seines vollen Terminkalenders hat er für MOADON Zeit gefunden ein Interview zu geben.

Harel Skaat is going to represent Israel at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Oslo. Despite his busy schedule he took the time to give a short interview to MOADON about his upcoming performance at in Oslo. Here is what Harel had to say:

Eti: First of all Harel, I would like to congratulate you on representing Israel at the Eurovision this year in Oslo. Tell me what it means for you to perform for Israel!

Harel: As a proud Israeli who loves the country, I am excited to sing for Israel at the Eurovision which is a big festival for me. It's a big honor to represent my country and I will do my best to give one hundred percent.

Did you participate in writing the song?

Harel: No, the song was written by two friends of mine, T. Hadadi was the composer and N. Horev wrote the lyrics. The song was written specially for the Eurovision and specially “tailored” for me. They know what type of music I like and I think it's the most beautiful song and actually it has my soul and DNA in it.

While watching the video clip I could see and feel that you really put your soul in singing the song. Tell me some words about the song. What is it about?

Harel: Actually the song is about separation, breaking up, death – basically about reality. The song was written shortly after my grandfather had passed away which was a very difficult experience for me. So, the song has a real meaning about separation for me.

Has the Eurovision always been something you wanted to do? Was it your dream when you were growing up?

Harel: I have to admit that every year we watched the competition with my family at home. The last decade I did not want to see it anymore because it headed to another direction which I did not really like. The songs seemed not to be as important as they used to. It was just a show.
Now I feel that something has changed. There are very good songs with very good singers. So I figured it is the right time, actually the perfect time, to attend the Eurovision.

Which place would you like to achieve or what is your goal at the Eurovision?

Harel: I don't have any goal to reach a certain place. I just want to give my best and an unforgettable performance and just give one hundred percent. Hopefully people will like it.

Tell me something about Kochav Nolad. You were in the final round but could not win the title. Was that a big disappointment for you? Did you expect to win?

Harel: It was not a big disappointment, it is a competition. My goal was only to give an impact to people who watched the show and see you perform. Winning is a gift on the journey. The only goal I had at Kochav Nolad was to have an impact which I hope I had.

Last question: Where do you see yourself in ten years from now?

Harel: Can we skip this question? (Laughing) Well, that is difficult. I would like to have an international carrier in the US, in Europe, all over the world. Also to reach a wider audience, sing songs in different languages, record more albums and so on.

Harel, thank you very much for the interview and the whole Jewish community here in Vienna is supporting you and wishing a lot of Mazal for winning the Eurovision and we hope to welcome you and see you performing here in Vienna.

Harel: Thank you very much, Eti. I am looking forward to coming to Vienna and to sing for the community.

Eti Pazashvili