interview with manca pik

1. First I would like to thank you for the interview and ask you about your feelings just few days after "Melodije morja in sonca"? Last year third, this year second.
Thank you for this opportunity. After "MMS" I feel great but I would lie to you if I said that I am totally satisfied with the result. I desired and expected to win, nevertheless, I think it is better that I didn't received all the awards, that would be too much. It is very flattering that I was so broadly accepted not only by the expert jury but also by radio listeners, spectators in auditorium and viewers at home, which only confirms that I'm on the right path.

2. Song "Hiica iz kart" (House of cards) was originally sent to Ema 2006 but wasn't accepted. New remix version is believed to be better. Why, in your opinion, the song wasn't accepted to Ema and why do you think people like remix version more?
It is well known that lot of "familiar faces" are usually accepted to Ema. It is in the interest of the national television that Ema has high ratings, so they try to attract the audience with well-known performers. I believe that back there I was not enough recognizable, so they simply overlooked my "Hiica iz kart". But in the end the song became greater hit than some songs participating in this year's Ema. Remix version of the song is of course more likable to teenage audience, especially teens which goes to discotheques as the song has that wild rhythm. But nevertheless I got lots of phrases for the original song from my fans.

3. It came to our attention that you and your partner paid for recording of the video for song "Hiica iz kart" all by yourself? It is true?
I finance all videos, songs and everything regarding my music career myself from the earnings I make with my concerts, shows etc. My partner is of course supporting me (his giving me moral support) but financially I'm entirely independent. That was my decision from the beginning that's the only that way I can do what I want.

4. What are your plans for the future?
In the next 6 months I'm intending to intensively promote my last hit "Marinero". I haven't decided with my record company yet if I will release a single for the song or just hurry with the publishing of my first CD. But all will be clear in few months. It is a long range planning: I don't want to tell you as I rather do things than talk about it, but I can tell you that my plans are very ambitious. J

5. Lately lots of our singers decide to make a duet with singers from former Yugoslav republic. Did you ever think about it?
I did consider it and I have a name or two in my mind. But since they are very respected I'm patiently waiting and when the time is right I'll try to seize the deal.

6. What is your opinion on various searches for talent shows and pop idols? Do you think that this is contributing to the higher quality of music?
Actually I think that it raise the popularity of our music so I'm fond of it. As goes for higher quality, there's lot of discussion between experts so I would rather let them decide. Personally I see these shows as very interesting and entertaining so I like to watch it and don't have anything against it, if they were to me invite to a jury I would accept. I'm convinced that with my experiences, I can help to pick out the singer with most talent.

7. We noticed on your web site (www.mancaspik.com) that you took part on some of the festivals before but only as back vocal. Which occasion is the most memorable?
Most memorable act as back-vocal was the song with Natalija Verboten when we just lost the ticket to Istanbul 2004. We were quite a unique group with Natalija and had some unforgettable moments. I started a solo career last year; the favorite act was on this years Melodije morja in sonca with the greatest energy in the auditorium, my wonderful team and with all the fans. It was unforgettable!

8. We found out that your greatest wish is to perform in the Eurovision song contest. Why?
Performing in Eurovision song contest, even though many Slovene artists almost finished their performing after Eurosong, to my opinion, is the greatest wish for everyone in our business. The contest is the Olympics for musicians and I personally think that this contest is the greatest confirmation for the musicians in European area. Naturally I have a high hope to perform once on this prominent stage but I am aware that this seldom happens over night. But it is true, that I'm willing to work hard for achieving this goal.

9. You have already taken part as an expert jury member on the 10th Gradevision Song contest (organized by OGAE Slovenia). Members of the club like to compare the GSC in the organizing matters with the "Slovenska popevka" and "Melodije morja in sonca". Would you agree? (Laughter)
I think that you've done a great job with lots of energy and quality when I was guest. The contest allures more and more spectators and contesters, so it has all the possibility to become important Slovene musical festival. It would be a great honor to participate in the future in the contest in one way or another.

10. What would you like to say in the beginning? Would you like to share any hidden wish, thought perhaps?
I would like to thank all the members of OGAE Slovenia who support me in my music path and of course all the others who are not members yet but will be in the near future.
About my hidden wishes I'm remaining somewhat mysterious. Even though I don't like surprises myself, I like to surprise and I hope I could do that a lot in the future.