News - Belarus: Petr Elfimov 'I will be myself on stage' | Eurovision Song Contest News - 2010 Oslo, Norway 

Tell us a bit more about Petr Elfimov?

If you mean Peter Elfimov the musician – well, my musical outlook was shaped under the influence of such legendary bands as Queen, Led Zeppelin, and Deep Purple. Generally, I have always tried to absorb as much beautiful professional music as possible (classical, jazz, blues, soul, heavy metal) which, no doubt, influenced my work – it has “trace elements” of such popular music genres as heavy rock and romance.

If you are more interested in Peter Elfimov as a person, I value most of all such human qualities as honesty, devotion and sincerity – all my relations are based on these three “whales”. My friends have these qualities.I must be an incorrigible romantic. Even if I wanted to conceal this fact from you, my songs would not let me do that because they are a reflection of my soul, my feelings, my experiences. Am I a “mood-driven” person? Maybe, particularly if you remember that for any creative person good mood is the cornerstone of success. That is why I am trying to be positive and share my energy with those who listen to my songs, and those who play an important part in my life.

As for books, I am an avid fan of fantasy, and particularly of one of the most outstanding proponents of this literary genre – Vadim Panov, author of Secret City. In other words, nihil humanum a me alienum puto – nothing human is alien to me. I love people. Even more, I love dogs  and cats (incidentally, I have two breathtaking cats living at my home). My Zodiac sign is Aquarius, and it is well known that all Aquarius people “live on a rainbow”.

How did you decide to participate in this competition?

Eurovision holds a special place on today’s musical map of Europe. It is not just a popular song contest, but also one of the most significant European forums. I would compare Eurovision with a crossroads, the meeting place for representatives of different cultures who come together not only to demonstrate their professional skills, but also to socialise and share their experiences. I was lucky in that I had an opportunity to perform on many European stages, and Eurovision has become the logical extension of my personal creative “shopping list”. The only difference is that instead of just being an onlooker studying trends, watching the contest grow and develop, like I did before, this time I will have the honor of representing my country. I am certain that I will do it well.

After an 11 year televoting period, the EBU decided to change the system to 50% jury voting and 50% televoting in the final. How do you find this decision?

On the whole, I think the changes are for the better. I am sure that any performer is interested in the opinion not only of people in the audience, but also of the professional panel of judges which comprises representatives of different countries.

What is your opinion about the Big 4?

Everybody knows that Eurovision is the musical product and “brainchild” of the founding countries: Germany, France, England and Spain. It is due to their efforts that the contest has grown into a worldwide event. Therefore, first and foremost I feel that I owe the “Big Four” my deepest respect and gratitude for the opportunity to represent my country at such prestigious song contest.

 How would you rate Eurovision Song Contest as far as musical quality in concerned?

Eurovision is an indicator of current musical tastes of general European public. As a rule, it is very difficult to predict reactions of the audience. However, this is exactly the reason why for many years it has been all but impossible to guess the outcome of the contest. Only the final voting gives the answer to the question which components of the performance (music genre, format, scenic image, song, etc.) coalesce to produce the most favorable response from the audience.  

What are your favourite songs in the Eurovision Song Contest history? What are your favourite Belarussian songs in contest history?

The first thing that comes to mind is Waterloo by the legendary ABBA which in 1974 became the starting point in the triumphant career of this Swedish band. I also liked very much Sertab from Turkey who won the contest in 2003 with Everyway That I Can, as well as Angel by Chiara from Malta and Molitva by Marija Serifovic from Serbia. I believe that Ruslana’s Wild Dances was one of the most impressive acts in Eurovision’s latest history, just as Hard Rock Hallelujah from Lordi, the endearing Scandinavian “monsters”.As for Belarus performers, I would mention Dmitry Koldun’s Work Your Magic which was presented to the European public in 2007.

Do you believe that this contest will contribute  to your career?

No doubt, a musical event of this caliber is a bright stroke on the creative canvas of any performer. Most importantly, it will give me invaluable experience of working on the same stage together with professionals from other countries. Also, it may just happen that this episode in my musical career will continue in the form of cooperation with the other participants of the project.

How do you imagine yourself on stage?

I will be sincere. I will be myself. One thing I know for sure is I will not be doing a “bread and circuses” type of show. Some might consider me old-fashioned, but I believe that voice and true feelings communicated by the performer through his song are capable of touching the innermost strings of human soul – even in the absence of an eccentric show. This, however, does not mean that Peter Elfimov’s Eurovision act will not be spectacular. I am just trying to say that we will not be focusing exclusively on the “show” component.
 
Do you plan a promo tour?

Certainly. In the immediate future, we are planning to visit a number of countries where our song Eyes that never lie will be presented to the European public.

Do you plan to rearrange your song until May?
Yes, we continue to work on improving the musical part.

Have you got any message to Eurovision fans?
 
First, I would like to send warm greeting to all the eurovision fans and especially to express my thanks to representatives of OGAE, the Network of National Eurovision Fan Clubs and one of the major contributors to the contest’s success. Support provided by this organization to the participants is invaluable. In our turn, myself and my team will do out best to represent our country in Moscow to the best of our ability.