Marta Ritova, from Latvia, will participate in the Final of Supernova 2016, with her song ”Not From this World”. She will compete, this Sunday, alongside 3 other acts, with the hope of winning the golden ticket to represent her country, in Stockholm, at the Eurovision Song Contest 2016.

Marta took the time to talk to ESCBubble about her song and about her participation in the Latvian national selection for Eurovision 2016:

What was your first reaction when you were told that you had qualified for the final of Supernova 2016?

I was very happy when the jury announced my name. I was also very surprised and thankful.

Can you tell us more about the message behind your song?

This song is about souls that are meant to be together and to love not only in this world and life, but also in others.

Could you tell us a bit more about yourself and your musical career?

For now, I am recording my second studio album (actually the third, because I had my first EP for dance performance/show). I put my heart in everything I do: I like to express my emotions through my music. I am a very honest person. 

Do you have other plans for 2016?

This year, I am turning 25 and for 5 years I have been performing as a solo artist, for that reason I am planning on releasing new album and also giving some live concerts.

Do you have any goals for the contest?

I wanted to participate in Supernova because after the birth of my baby, I had to take a year off and there was an interval of one year since I hadn’t done anything regarding my musical career. I thought this would be a great chance to come back to the stage. Of course, I didn’t think that it would be so successful and I never thought that I would qualify for the final.

What would it mean for you, to get the chance to represent your country at Eurovision?

I think Eurovision is a great opportunity for an artist. It would be an honor to represent my country, in Stockholm.  

Are you a Eurovision fan? What are your favourite Eurovision songs?

I am Eurovision fan, maybe not one of those crazy ones, but every year, I like to watch the show. In 2014, I was in the International jury from Latvia. My favourite songs from the last years are:

• The common linnets – Calm after storm ( Netherlands 2014)
• Carl Espen – Silent Storm (Norway 2014)
• Molly Sterling – Playing with number (Ireland 2015)
• ByeAlex -Kedvesem (Hungary 2013) : I think this song was phenomenal, because he was singing in Hungarian. Even though I didn’t understand a single word, I felt real and warm feelings from this artist. I really liked him.

What do you think of the previous Latvian participants in Eurovision?

I think Latvia’s biggest mistake is that they are always sending the most popular artist and forgetting about the song. Since 2015, when the concept to changed Supernova, I think Latvia has better chances and Aminata’s result proved that Supernova really works.

What would you like to say to your fans who are going to support you, during the national final?

To my fans and all people who are watching Eurovision – please vote, because every vote is very important and only you can choose your favorite song.

We would like to thank Marta Ritova for taking the time to do this interview. We would also like to wish her the best of luck for the Final of Supernova 2016, this Sunday. Until the show, you can watch Marta’s performance during the semi-final: