Gjergj (Joe) Kaçinari is a singer, instrumentalist and songwriter. His unique voice, helped his road to fame after competing at the Albanian version of popular music show “The Voice” back in 2011. He has been a member of many bands and the genres his music covers are: blues, country, rock n`roll to hard rock & heavy metal. Gjergj has participated at many festivals where he had a chance to showcase his art and music skills including last years edition of Festivali i Këngës where he performed the song “Më jep jetë”.

Hello Gjergj, last year in this time you presented the song for Festivali i Këngës 59, “Më jep jetë”.
It’s nice to see you back at the show. How was the whole experience?

– Hello, hello! Last year was not the very best – without the orchestra (especially when the song is made to be played by one) and the whole freezing thing, singing in the middle of the night, outside, no audience, etc..Let’s say it didn’t feel right.

What made you decide to compete again at the 60th edition of Festivali i Këngës?

– I enjoy singing around and I find festivals fun, especially those which you’re familiar with.

Given the fact that you took part at FiK for a long period of time being in different roles (drummer, keyboard player, songwriter etc.) have you also written a song for some other participant at this year’s contest if not have you planned to do so at any future edition of FiK and is there any specific artist with which you would like to cooperate?

– Almost every year I did productions for others. This year I arranged and produced Kelly’s song.

You organized a music evening in honor of the 90th anniversary of birth of Albanian poet and writer Dritëro Agolli. How was that experience? Were you included in any similar projects in the last year?

– It was very nice! It was a different kind of events I’m used to and a challenging one as well.
I’m looking forward to continue this project. We’re having a similar evening in another city soon.

Can you share with us the inspiration behind “Në ëndërr mbete ti” and how was it to work on it?

– “Në ëndërr mbete ti” means something like “you remained in a dream” and it’s actually the song I wrote for last year’s, but switched to “Më jep jetë” – because I thought there WOULD be the orchestra and would’ve sound way better than the other track – but never happened. Hahaha

Will you be playing and instruments during your performance? Can you reveal us some details about it?

– I don’t think I will, it’s a pop ballad, it does have some alternative-rock elements too but I playing a guitar while singing won’t fit the performance/song.

In our previous interview you let us know that “Më jep jetë” was written in English as “Back To Me” was that the case with this song too? When will you release “Back To Me”?

– No, this may be a very rare case when I write the lyrics in Albanian first, with my sister’s help.
I am gonna release the track once I’m ready to release all of them, because I have plenty of songs written and ready to pop out, just waiting for the perfect time (which will be next year, for sure).

Which artist competing at FiK 60 you see as your biggest competitor? And whose song are you most excited to hear?

– I have no idea. I have to check the list again so I can tell. Anyways, I’m excited to start rehearsing, making a good performance and having a good time. I don’t really care about the competition itself.

If you become the next Albanian representative at the Eurovision Song Contest what would it mean to you?

– Another huge gig. Haha

Which act was your favorite of Eurovision Song Contest 2021?

– I only heard the winning song and Finland which was as well a kick-*ss track and performance.

What are your plans after Festivali i Këngës 60?

– I’m coming up with a project I’ve been waiting since before the pandemic, new tracks, gigs, tours, music videos, a lot of stuff.

Thank you so much for your time Gjergj. We wish you the best of luck at Festivali i Këngës.
Do you want to share something else or you maybe have a message for followers of escbubble?

– Thanks to you for reaching out again! I want to say to anyone who’s reading this – go and listen to good music, true and genuine music. Trends come and go. True art will remain.

You can listen to “Në ëndërr mbete ti” below

Don’t forget to vote for your favourite at Festivali i këngës 60!