Our editor Matt spoke to Leya Leanna who’ll be competing in the 2nd Semi Final of EMA this weekend (12th February).

Hi Leya. Congratulations on being chosen for EMA! How did you first get into music?

I got into music from a very young age. My dad is a singer and my mom is a dancer so I was pretty much surrounded by the world full of performances and I just always knew that show business was what I wanted to do, especially music.

When I was little I was obsessed with Michael Jackson and Chris Brown, because they mixed singing and dancing together and that’s what I wanna do, so I was just trying to copy them and pretend I’m a superstar. Since then, I became who I am and music has always been with me on every step of the way.

How were you chosen for EMA?

Since I’m an unestablished artist, I was first chosen for EMA Fresh where I won with 3 other amazing artists and we went through to EMA and are now performing on the big stage. We had to fight alot to be where we are now, but it feels so good.

What’s your song about?

It’s about loving someone you trust very much, confessing all your emotions, and basically sacrificing yourself and completely surrendering to that person who ultimately leaves you. So you find out that all the words and promises spoken were lies, which hurt you alot and you just wish you could erase this person from your life, but you can’t escape them in any way.

So in the end you are left alone, in your “naked skin”, without a mask on your face, brokenhearted and you wish for somebody to pick up the pieces and heal you.

What inspires your music?

My music is inspired by my own intuition and feeling. I just really like to drift away into deep thoughts and music just flows out of me. But of course, I am pretty musically savvy so I know a good song when I hear one, so with that being said, many artists inspire me around the world, especially the ones who know how to be creative in their own way.

How will your song be staged?

The staging will be a bit angelic and personal, since the song is very focused on my vocal and guitars.

Are you fan of Eurovision? When did you first start watching it?

I am not crazily obsessed, but I am a fan. First time that I remember watching it was when Lordi won with Hard Rock Hallelujah in 2006, I had just turned 6 years old. But I actually started to really understand the whole point of Eurovision later when I was a bit older.

What’s your favourite Eurovision song?

I adore Dance You Off by Benjamin Ingrosso, Beautiful Mess by Kristian Kostov and Arcade by Duncan Laurence.

What’s been your favourite Slovenian song?

Eurovision wise, it is – Maja Keuc with No One, in general – Giselle by Slovenian band MUFF.

What’s your favourite non Eurovision song?

I really love Worth It for the Feeling by Rebecca Black and Fire for You by Cannons.

Do you have any messages for your fans?

I started the song Naked with my heart and I did not aim at the fact that it must necessarily be something that is focused only on Eurovision, but also beyond that. In addition, I was guided in creating the song only by passion and love, which I hope you will feel as well.

Thanks so much for your time Leya. Wishing you the best of luck this weekend!

You can see Leya perform her song ‘Naked’ below:

If Leya is one of your personal favorites in this semi final, make sure to cast your vote for her, and for up to four other acts in our poll here:

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