Latvia’s selection process “Supernova” consists this year of a one-shot final in Riga on February 8th, and we have 9 lucky finalists competing to become the Latvian entry for the Eurovision Song Contest in May

We have managed to speak to every one of the nine Supernova finalists, and have published interviews with them all over the last week, but we have now come to our last artist, who really doesn’t need much of an introduction!

30 year old Samanta Tīna is competing in the Latvian selection for the 6th time, having finished 2nd twice before. She has also tried out for her second home, Lithuania in 2015 and also 2017.

I have managed to chat with Samanta in both 2016, when she controversially withdrew from the contest, and again last year, where she stunned fans with a new look and new sound. So it was a no-brainer when her participation was confirmed, that we would get back in touch for a few words!

Samanta, welcome back to Supernova, it is so good to see you here! How was 2019 for you?
Hey, Anne! It’s really nice to hear from you! 😊 Thanks a lot! I’m so excited about being in the the finals again! 2019 was really full for me, with new projects on stage and lots of travelling!

I see that you are living in Lithuania now, tell us about your decision to move there?
I am now officially declared in Lithuania, because I spend so much time there 😊

Let’s talk about “Still Breathing”, your entry for Supernova 2020. This is an absolute banger of a song, very focused on the power of a woman. How did you end up collaborating with Aminata (LAT15) to produce this epic tune?
“Still Breathing” was not specially made for Supernova or Eurovision. I made this song 1 year ago, asking Aminata to help with lyrics and that was all it was.  We did not come together to make something specifically for Supernova.  We are stage colleagues, and she is really talented and amazing! And this is something new for me, because “Still Breathing” was produced by me for the very first time!

So, the song was written a year ago, how did you decide for it to be your entry into Supernova 2020?
We just published the song and the video clip on 29th of November, and some people started to comment that this should be entered into Supernova! I didn’t plan to do it, but I was motivated to 😊 I really didn’t have a plan to enter Supernova this year.

You have, once again, re-invented your look! We have seen you in the long silk dresses, then last year with the short curly blond hair and dungarees. This year you have a sleek blond bob and a fantastic fringed pantsuit! Do you style yourself depending on the message in the song?
Yes, I have changed my style because of my mental feelings and what I want to say through the message in the song. Style is just an instrument to help you communicate with audience!

The video for your audition performance of “Still Breathing” on the official LTV Supernova channel, is more than 30k views ahead of your nearest rival as we write. Do you take notice of this at all?
Oh wow! That’s great! I love it that people are interested in this performance, and I do always try to answer to all comments and likes! And it is the best feeling so far, knowing that people want to watch it and listen more and more!

We are in love with your three fierce backing singers, tell us about them!
Yes, me too, I love them so much! They are amazing! These three were together with me on the Supernova stage in 2019 as well, for “Cutting The Wire” They are always so excited about my ideas and what we are gonna do next! 🙂

I know that you are a huge fan of Eurovision, but tell us in your own words what it would mean to you, a girl from the small town of Tukums, to represent Latvia at the Eurovision Song Contest
Oh! You know that that would be my biggest dream come true! I know what I want to tell to Europe, that LATVIA is not just a small country in Europe… We can, and I will! 🙂

Thank you Samanta, we are so excited to see you on stage next Saturday, 8th February, at the final of Supernova 2020!

Watch Samanta’s audition performance of “Still Breathing” here, or you can hear the studio version using this Spotify link

Who is your favourite to win Supernova this year? Vote in our Poll below! Stick with us here at ESCBubble as we will be on the ground in Riga to bring you exclusive interviews and content from the Arena!