Kirill Yermakov has tried to represent Belarus in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest three times in the past. Now that he is 19 years old, he is trying to get to the “adult Eurovision” stage, with the song “Running to the Sun”, which he composed himself together with Leonid Shirin and Natalia Tambovtseva.
ESCBubble had a great pleasure to chat with Kirill Yermakov about his song in the Belarussian national final, his plans for the Final, and his views on Eurovision. Check out all of that right here:
Hi Kirill! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself for the start?
Hi! I’m 19 years old. I graduated from College of Music where I specialized in choral conducting. Now I am a student of the Institute and major in music arrangement. I work in TV and radio, I write music and songs, arrange and deal with sound production. I have been taking singing lessons since childhood.
What was your first reaction when you found out that you made it to the top 10 of the Belarussian Eurovision selection?
I was very glad that judges liked the song and I was shortlisted for top 10 of the national finals.
If I’m not mistaken, this is your first time taking part in the Belarusian selection. How did you decide to enter this contest?
Since I’ve taken part in the national selection for the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in 2007, 2008 and 2009, I know the procedure in general. I also participated in the selections as a backing vocalist and song arranger. So it was only natural.
Can you tell us more about the meaning and the message behind your song “Running To The Sun”?
The message of the song is that everyone wants to be happy, to find their place in the world… I’m not an exception. I try to understand who I am. I don’t care if people say I’m naive or wrong or if I break the rules. I’m running to the sun and I don’t give up (the sun means happiness, love, peace and luck).
You co-wrote this song with Leonid Shirin and Natalia Tambovtseva. How did you get in contact with them, and how did this co-operation work?
I’ve cooperated with Leonid and Natalia for more than a year. I got acquainted at Academy of Talents (it somehow reminds me of “X Factor”), and I sang a song written by Leonid and Natalia with my arrangement. As for the song “Running to the Sun”, the music was written by me and Leonid. When the song was finished, we decided to take part in our selection for the Eurovision Song Contest.
How are your preparations for the national final going? Do you have some ideas about your stage performance, outfit, how is everything going to look like?
I want to keep the details a secret. Anyway, it’s going to be a brilliant show. We want the audience to feel our energy, honesty and message. We are young and talented and we want people to feel it!
What do you think of the change in the rules in Belarus, that only the public is going to pick the winner this year?
I still believe the judges should have the right to vote. I would rather prefer an international team made of critics, musicians, people who are in the trend. Now you need a big fan club to get enough votes… But I hope that the TV audience will like the song. I am proud of it and I will be glad if people appreciate it.
What would representing Belarus in Eurovision mean to you?
To represent Belarus is not only about responsibility, but also about an opportunity. I mean the opportunity to tell the world there are many talented people in Belarus and that they can write good music. It’s also an opportunity to meet other artists and to show I am an artist as well!
Do you have a favourite Eurovision song?
My favourite Eurovision song is “Euphoria” by Loreen. As far as favourite shows are concerned, it would be the shows of Loreen, Mans, Zlata Ognevich.
Are you engaged in any other projects currently?
I focus on Eurovision now. I’m also engaged in a range of projects in Russia and Belarus as an arranger, composer and sound producer.
Finally, do you have a message for all the Eurovision fans and readers of ESCBubble, who will be watching Eurofest this year and support you?
Hope for the best, listen to good music, run to the sun with me 🙂 I hope you like the song.
Facts about Kirill
We also tried to get to know Kirill Yermakov a little bit better, so we wanted to know:
- Favourite book: The Master and Margarita (Bulgakov)
- Favourite movie: Intouchables
- Favourite dish: Pelmeni (dumplings)
- Favourite sport: Swimming
- Favourite singer/band: I listen to lots of music. I like Muse. Now I am a hip- hop fan, especially Drake.
- Favourite song of all time: “Earth, Wind and Fire” by September, I can listen to it 10000000 times!
The song
Kirill Yermakov will perform second last in the Belarussian national final with his song “Running to the Sun”. Give it a listen here:
If Kirill Yermakov is your favourite in Eurofest, make sure you vote for him here:
ESCBubble would like to thank Kirill Yermakov for his time for doing this interview, and also to wish him the best of luck in Eurofest on the 22nd of January.
