May The Words From Your Mouth Come To The Ears Of The Gods!

The Schlagerboys are getting excited as it's the second week of previews of the Slovene songs for the EMA 2008 later today. One of the entrants to sing a little snippet will be Manca Špik, who seems to be releasing fabulous Slovene schlager anthems and she's finally made it to EMA...

Schlagerboys: Hi Manca! What’s your song for EMA, "Se vedno nekaj čutim" like? Does it have a key change?

Manca Špik: My song "Še vedno nekaj čutim" (meaning "I Still Have Feelings For You") is quite a special song, filled with positive energy and also with sensual lyrics at the same time. Just for you, Schlagerboys, I've decided to reveal one of the "secret details" about the song: It starts quite slowly but then quickly gains on tempo and beat! And… (don’t panic!) … no, it doesn’t have a key change like some of my previous songs (for example "Zvezala bi si krila"). We decided to do so because we wanted to make a different, modern song with specific style. Please, don’t judge me too hard before you hear it, o.k?

SBs: No key change? Oh no! Have you been working on your dance routine for EMA? Will it involve lots of big frocks and wind-machines?

MŠ: Yes, I'm working on my steps all the time, but don't want to give away too much details just now. Let’s just say that l definitely won’t be static on stage. I want to perform according to the style of my song – with gentle but determined moves. Hmm, big frocks and wind-machines are tempting ideas... I'm just teasing you! We’ll absolutely try and satisfy your demanding "eurosong taste"!

SBs: How completely fabulous! Have you met any of the other divas of Slovene Eurovision like Saša Lendero and Natalija Verboten? Have they given you any advice?

MŠ: Of course I have! Saša is my mentor, she’s co-owner of my management company and even more, she is my closest friend! I've also worked with Natalija at EMA 2004 as her back-vocalist for "Cry On My Shoulder" (yes, I’m the tall, skinny girl on her right side on the stage). She is quite a "supergirl", I can tell you!

SBs: It's like one big extended Slovene Eurovision family! What’s your favourite Slovene Eurovision entry? For us it’s the exploding pianos in "Energy" or Karmen’s pink pedal pushers in "Na Na Na" – what about you?

MŠ: Hmm, that would probably also be pianos in "Energy". I remember I was crying when Nuša performed on that stage in Copenhagen! It gave me such goosebumps!!! I was also very enthusiastic about Alenka Gotar’s LED-s in her hands, passing her face. Quite fascinating, wasn’t it?

SBs: You’ve been in a dancing competition on Slovene TV. What was that like? What were your competitors like?

MŠ: It was, without exagerating, the most pleasant and enjoyful experience I have had in years! I immediatelly fell in love with dancing steps, so I’m working on them further on, each week twice, just for my soul. And it was also a good practice for all of my future stage performances. My competitors were quite good actually as dancers, otherwise I would win this competition, of course!

SBs: We’ve heard that you have submitted some fabulous songs to EMA in the past? Which ones were these? Is your new song like them?

MŠ: Yes, you got that right! In 2005 we have submitted to EMA a true Schlagersong called "Hišica iz kart" (meaning "House of Cards"). Even now, almost two years from its release, it is still one of my favorite songs!

In 2006 we submitted another song called "Zvezala bi si krila" (meaning "Tied Wings") which is probably my most evident Schlagersong!

In 2007 we submitted the third song that was quite different from previous ones (no key change, modern style) and quess what, we were admitted to the contest! Hmm, I suppose that Schlagersongs are not so popular with our EMA jury, are they?

SBs: At least they've let you in this year... What are your plans between now and the EMA?

MŠ: Well, I'm working on it, like a horse actually!!! Still need to take care of so many details, but all the important things are already in place (my backvocals, costumes, choreography…). Actually, national TV is allowing us to give a sneak preview of all song for EMA (one minute performance in one of our favorite TV Shows called "Spet doma") and l’ll present my song this Sunday evening! Can’t wait for first reactions!

SBs: Do you have a message for the readers of Schlagerblog?

MŠ: I wish that all Schlagerboys and Schlagerfans could enjoy our Schlagersongs for ever! Remember, we woudn’t be here without you! Have a Schlagertastic time, thank you all and lots of kisses from Slovenia!!!

SBs: Thanks for taking the time to answer! Good luck in EMA 2008 and hope to see you in Belgrade!

MŠ: Thank you and may the words from your mouth come to the ears of the gods!!!

The Schlagerboys will be glued to the interweb later this evening for the first sneak preview of Manca's song... Fingers crossed that it's a schlager stomper!