In only a couple of days time, some of Albania’s biggest and most talented performers will be taking to the stage of Festivali i Këngës, where the Albanian public will choose who will carry the Albanian flag to Malmö, Sweden, as their representative at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. 31 participants will be competing for this honour, and one of those is singer Tiri Gjoci who makes his valiant return to Festivali i Këngës this festival. Tiri will be trying to take that win with his entry “Në ëndërr”. We had the pleasure of catching up with him ahead of her upcoming performance.

Check out our interview below to find out more!

D: Firstly, a huge welcome back to the Festivali i Këngës stage! This year marks your fourth appearance at the song festival, previously appearing in 2017 & 2019, so perhaps this year is fourth time lucky? How are you preparing for your upcoming performances?

T: In fact, this is my fifth appearance on Festivali i Këngës. Four times as Tiri and one time with my previous band called Bon Bon Band! I always hope that this is the one! Jokes aside, I really believe this song is magical, and I also believe a lot in the people who worked for this song, which happen to be very dear to me. Ultimately I am really pleased to say that this is the best song and the best performance that I have created so far. So… wish me luck!

D: This year you will be performing the song “Në ëndërr”, composed by yourself, Neda Balluku and Romeo Veshaj. Can you share with us anything about the song meaning and what this song means to you? How did you and the your co-authors write it?

T: “Në ëndërr” or “Dreaming”  is a song about guilt and loss, in whatever form it may come; loss of a dear person, loss of love, but also losing yourself. Especially when one follows an image, a hope, a projection of someone without knowing where it may leadt. “Në ëndërr” to some it may also be a song about not giving up. That nothing can triumph over love. Neither mistakes, nor faults. And that our dreams will always be the greatest inspiration from which when we open our eyes in the morning, we will renew our effort. For me as the composer, it’s a combination of all of them, precisely because of the events of my life at the time I wrote it. In this song I found comfort and hope, so I wanted the lyricists to write an open narrative where the public can find themselves, resonate with their feelings and remember their incredible emotional experiences, almost like in a dream.

D: Every year, it seems the Festivali i Këngës stage continues to get bigger and bigger. How are rehearsals going and can you tease anything about what we can expect from your performance?

T: The rehearsals are going really well! I am very pleased with the work done so far! My performance this year will be based on two main elements, the LED wall and stage lighting! I have chosen to be alone on stage because I want people to focus on the song! 

D: The winner of Festivali i Këngës will go on to represent Albania at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, to be hosted in Malmö, Sweden. However, I believe you have actually had your very own Eurovision moment before! You were one of the epic backing vocalists for Jonida Maliqi back in 2019! How was that experience to you, performing in front of over 150 million globally?

T: I really can’t express how I felt! It felt like I had never stepped on a stage before. The Eurovision stage is surely something else! I remember Jonida used to cry before stepping onto the stage due to overwhelming emotions. We were literally shaking, but we enjoyed it. Best experience of my life so far!

D: We’ve talked a lot about Festivali i Këngës and Eurovision, but I want to get to know you a little better! You’ve released lots of music over the years like “Kujtimet” and “Lamtumire”. Tell us more about your individual style and your biggest musical influences.

T: I grew up listening to rock music! At the age of 14, along with two friends, we formed a band called Bon Bon Band. At that age, I started studying music, focusing on classical music. I’ve always tried to be open to music genres and experimented with them! Currently, I’m into R&B, soul, rock, and country.

D: If you could duet with any performer or group in the world, living or dead, who would it be and what song would you want to sing?

T: Oh, there are so many artists I wish I could sing with, just once! As I mentioned earlier, I definitely have my music idols. For instance, I’d give anything to perform on stage with Chris Stapleton. If I had the chance, I would love to duet with Freddie Mercury from Queen on their iconic song ‘Bohemian Rhapsody.’ His artistry and the timeless nature of that song have always inspired me, and sharing the stage with such a legend would be an unforgettable experience. Lately, I’ve also been listening a lot of Maneskin’s songs and I would love to perform with them someday!

D: You also have the very prestigious trophy of being a winner of The Voice Albania a few years ago now! What a crazy but exciting experience – how did you find this journey, and how did this propel your music career?  

T: An incredible experience indeed, The Voice! Actually, I’m incredibly grateful to the people who pushed me to participate because initially, I didn’t want to! My brother and close friends insisted that I take part, and I actually did well since I won! The first prize has definitely helped me as many people still know me today as Tiri, the winner of The Voice. On the other hand, it opened many doors, many new opportunities for me. 

D: Do you have any other music projects or personal projects coming up? Let us know what is next for you after Festivali i Këngës.

T: Currently, I’ve started a podcast, a new experience for me! For 2024, I have three music projects that I hope to release as soon as possible! Right now, my focus is on the Festivali i Këngës! 

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer the questions above. Finally, do you have a message for our readers and your fans?

To my dear fans; You inspire me daily, and I promise to continue delivering music that resonates with your hearts. Thank you for being part of this amazing adventure with me! And don’t forget to vote for me in Festivali i Këngës!! 

Thank you to Tiri! You can watch him perform his entry “Në ëndërr” for the first time live on Wednesday 20th December during the second semi final of Festivali i Këngës 62. The winner will be decided during the fourth night of the music festival, on Thursday 21st December, and we will find out who will be taking the baton from last years winner, Albina & Familja Kelmendi with “Duje”.