Filip Baloš: "Connection with people is something that inspires me the most"
Serbian national selection “Pesma za Evroviziju 23″ will take place next week with the semi-finals scheduled for 1st and 2nd of March while the final is set to take place on 4th of March. Eight acts will be qualifying from each semi-final and ahead of those we had a chance to talk with Filip Baloš who will be competing as 6th act of the first semi-final on 1st of March. This 21 year old singer, songwriter and music producer from Serbia who has been born and raised in an artistic family will perform “Novi plan drugi san”. In our interview you can find more about how did the song came to life, why is he obsessed with Lady Gaga and his interesting hobby.
Hello Filip, first of all I would like to congratulate you for being selected for Pesma za Evroviziju 2023. How does that feel and what made you decide to take part at the show?
Thank you soo much! It feels amazing. I am living my dream! I always wanted to participate in Beovizija, and I feel like now is the right time!
You grew up in a family of musicians and artists, can you tell us more about your musical beginnings?
Yes! My my father is a music producer my mother is a teacher and together they run an acting school. They sing too. So art has always been present in my life while growing up. I’ve been to a lot of festivals as a child. But now I’m ready to take the big stage!
In 2016 you have been selected by Instagram to congratulate birthday to Lady Gaga through your art. How was that experience?
That was amazing. It really meant a lot to me at the time, and it still does. It was a really beautiful and inspiring moment that happened very early on in my career.
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By your education you are a painter but I think that we could say that your occupation is musician, if you had to choose favourite art form of the two which one would you choose and why?
I love both! The only thing is that with painting, I don’t have that connection with the public. My paintings do. And when I’m on stage, I give it my all, and I receive that energy back from the people in the crowd. Both forms of art have their beautiful, magical sides, but that connection with people is something that inspires me the most.
Last September, your cover of “Mekano” by Konstrakta has been released, what inspired you to choose that one over “In Corpore Sano” and “Nobl” ?
Well I did a cover of in corpore sano too, but something about the Mekano one felt very special and Jovan Antic, who is Konstrakta’s producer, asked me if I would be open for a collaboration with them. I am very grateful for that opportunity. They are beautiful, inspiring people!
How did “Novi plan drugi san” came to life and what does it mean for you?
I actually got inspired by my brothers breakup story. After his girlfriend and him broke up, he was mentally in a really bad place. but pretty fast he got out of that bed and set new goals and dreams for himself. So in the verses, I’m questioning if the right decision has been made and I’m talking about that hard part of the breakup. But then in the chorus, there is this motivational part, were I say, Let it be the end, I have a new plan and a different dream. This song is talking about love, but the message refers to any life changing decision.
What can we expect from your performance? Can you give us a hint?
It was very important to me that the performance looks and feels unique. We will see how things play out, but it’s looking pretty good at the moment! That’s all that I can say for now!
Do you watch Eurovision regularly, if so would you like to share a memory which you have of it or a favourite song from the contest?
Yes I do! I think my first Eurovision memory is definitely Marija’s victory. I remember going to the kindergarten the day after the win, and everybody was singing Molitva. There is a lot of Eurovision songs that Ii adore!!! But I think that my all time favorite might be In Corpore Sano! I remember being obsessed with Benjamin Ingrosso – “Dance You Off” or “El diablo” by Elena Tsagrinou too. Those two came first to my mind. But there is a lot of songs that I love!!!
Where do you find inspiration for the music you create? Do you have any music role models?
I try to find inspiration in everything that’s surrounding me. Whether if it’s someone’s life story or a movie that I just watched. It is interesting how rendom everyday things can turn into something beautiful. I am a big Lady Gaga fan! And I have been for the past 14 years! She inspires me everyday, and I really think that I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for her music.
You have an interesting hobby, collecting toys, can you tell us how did that start and what’s there in your collection so far?
Yes! I collect vintage Disney rubber toys! I just always had love for vintage stuff. whether if it’s old Pin-up posters or toys. I grew up watching Disney and it just holds a special place in my heart. There are more than 700 pieces in my collection. And it keeps on growing!
If you had a chance to make a duet with any Pesma za Evroviziju /Eurovision participant, who would you choose?
There is a lot of great singer/songwriters that I would love to work with! Dzipsii is great,Luke Black, Nadia, Egret…So many young and talented artists!
What are your plans after Pesma za Evroviziju 2023?
I have a lot of finished and unfinished songs that I would love to release. So I’m thinking of putting an EP out so that the public can get to now me better. we’ll see!
Thank you so much for your time Filip. We wish you the best of luck at the Pesma za Evroviziju. Do you want to share something else or you maybe have a message for readers of escbubble?
Thank you for this lovely interview! I think that my message would be to never give up, to believe in yourself, and to just do it!!! Nothing can stop you! If we let yourselfs, we can be very powerful!
You can listen to “Novi plan drugi san” by Filip Baloš below:
If Filip is one of your favorites at Pesma za Evroviziju 23, make sure to vote for him and your other favorites in our poll right here:
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