EMA 2019 will take place on the February 16th, while 10 artists will be in running to represent Slovenia at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest, which will happen in Tel Aviv, Israel later this year. This time we had a nice chat with Okustični, who represented Slovenia several times, as a backing vocalists. Now they’re making their debut at Slovenian national selection with their entry ‘Metulji plešejo’.

Hey, Mate and Karin! Thank you for taking your time for our interview! You’re making your debut at EMA this year, as Okustični – when did you start it?
We’ve started Okustični a few years ago as a cover band actually. About two years ago we released our first single and this spring you can expect our first album.

Karin, you’ve done Eurovision three times already, being a backing vocalist for Maraaya, ManuElla and last year with Lea Sirk – when did you realise that it’s time to stand in a front?
I studied jazz and pop singing so I’ve performed also as a solo artist but more in non-comercial projects in Slovenia and Austria. I think that now is the right time put out something that is more ”popish” but still represents me as an artist.

Mate, you’re also not unknown to the Eurovision stage – you’ve also been there with Sestre, back in 2002 – what kind of memories do you have from such an experience?
It was definetely a very special experience since we were all somehow connected before or after the Eurovision Song Contest. Some of us up to this day.

Tell us more about your this years EMA 2019 entry – it’s called Metulji plešejo. Can we expect a ballad or an uptempo track?
A ballad.

You’ve composed a track yourselves – do you feel different, when you’re on the stage with your own song, rather than if someone else is writing it?
Of course! We don’t like it when somebody else puts words or melody in our mouth.

Since you guys have experienced Eurovision as a backing singers already – is there a funny story you’ve experienced during Eurovision? Do you want to share it with us?
Like with all funny stories – they are best kept at least a little secret, so sorry, but no.

Can you tell us more about your stage performance, are you already working on it?
Yes, we are. It’s going to be simple just like our song with a few friends on stage.

Thank you guys for your time. Do you have a message for your international fans here at the ESCBubble.com?
I hope you will like our performance and song and above all enjoy the whole evening.

If Okustični are your personal favorite in this year’s EMA, make sure you cast your vote for them in our poll right here: