After using the X Factor Malta for the past few years as their Eurovision selection method, in 2022 Malta is going back to their longstanding national final show Malta Eurovision Song Contest or MESC for short. With that comes 22 hopefuls who will all be competing for the ticket to Turin! Over the next two weeks join us for our series of interviews with the artists in the lead up to the show.

This morning its Rachel Lowell, who is taking part with her song “White Doves”!

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David: Welcome to MESC! Why did you choose to enter a song to this years Maltese national selection for Eurovision?
Rachel: It was always a dream of mine to participate in the Malta Eurovision Song Contest and at the time I turned sixteen, the contest was not being held anymore. Obviously, when I heard that the show was returning, I did not flinch and immediately started working on a song, with the intention to submit it to the festival.

David: This year you’ll be performing “White Doves” at the contest. Tell us more about the song, working with the team behind it and why you chose this to be your entry?
Rachel: “White Doves”, is penned by Emil Calleja Bayliss, and composed by Ylva Persson, Linda Persson and Peter Frodin. Together with the team, we wanted to convey a clear message of optimism, hence the choice of the symbolic “White Doves”. Now more than ever, the world needs hope, something to look towards a brighter future and that is exactly why the song was created.

David: Tell us more about your background as a musician and performer. Who are your biggest influences and what inspired you to release music?
Rachel: I have been singing since the age of three, and I actually started studying Performing Arts. At the age of 9 I decided to focus more on music, and as a result, my singing. So I started to attend vocal coaching lessons, and even piano lessons. I think that music was always a part of my life, and thankfully my family have always encouraged to pursue my dreams – especially my late-grandfather who also loved to sing and write songs. Today, I do not think I can pick one musical influence that I have because I feel like every single artist I listen to, influences me in one way or another. However, moving away from music, I think my biggest influences have to be my parents because they are the ones that taught me how believe , work hard, and never give up.

David: Can you give us any teasers about what to expect from your upcoming performance on stage?
Rachel: I can’t say much, because I would love it for all of you to watch the Malta Eurovision Song Contest between the 17th and the 19th February, but one thing I am able to tell you is that my performance will have a story-telling visual quality. Shhh, no more!

David: Eurovision is huge in Malta! What would it mean to you personally to represent your nation at the Eurovision Song Contest in Turin?
Rachel: I feel like the Eurovision is something that the Maltese are eagerly waiting for every single year. That being said, it would be an absolute dream and honour for me to get to represent my country in this prestigious song contest one day.

David: We like to throw a random question in the mix… do you have any keen interests or hobbies outside of music? What are your favourite things to do at the weekend?
Rachel: Currently, apart from music, I am reading for a bachelor of law degree at the University of Malta with the hopes of becoming a lawyer. Additionally, I think my favourite thing to do (apart from music) is to spend time with those that matter the most to me – my family and friends. I also wouldn’t mind spending a day watching Netflix, but time is definitely not on my side 😛

David: Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions. Best of luck in the contest! Did you have any message for your fans?
Rachel: Thanks for this interview! This experience has already been an amazing journey for me, and it wouldn’t have been the same without all the support and love I have been receiving. It is at this time where you truly feel appreciated, with other people sharing their love for music. So I really just want to thank all those people who support me at every step of the way. Don’t forget to check me out on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, any of my socials. Love to all <3 xxx

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The semi final for Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2022 will be taking place on Thursday 17th February 2022  with the top sixteen performances qualifying for the grand final, which will be taking place on Saturday 19th February 2022.

You can vote for your favourites in our poll here!