ARMENIA – INTERVIEW WITH HAYKO
Luke Fisher reporting from Kent (United Kingdom)

oikotimes.com, Greece
March 1 2007

Hayko is one of the best known male artists in Armenia, and now has
the honour of representing his country for only their second ever
participation at the Eurovision Song Contest. Here’s what he had to
say to oikotimes.com:

Hayko- first of all, congratulations on winning the Armenian national
final. How does it feel to know that you are the official Armenia
representative for Eurovision this year?

Thank you. Well it is a great responsibility, which I realise stronger
day after day.

When did you think about entering the national final for Eurovision?

I have written 7 songs for the National Selection, but this one was
chosen by jury and also the team I work with throughout the years. My
friends forecast that "Anytime You Need" is going to be the best one
during the selection.

What was the process you had to go through?

Actually the melody has been in my mind for a long time as I worked
at the soundtrack to the film "Don’t Be Afraid" produced by Public
TV of Armenia. The main theme of the soundtrack slightly turned into
a new melody and I couldn’t help writing it on the paper.

About your career, when did you get into singing?

Everything started from the music school, them musical college, than
State Conservatoire after Komitas. My public performances commenced
in the State Music Theatre in 1996.

You’ve won many awards in Armenia, (apart from Eurovision) which is
the one that means the most to you?

I appreciate the decision to award me every time I win something. I
appreciate every kind word of my fans because they support me and
the best award ever won is public love.

You also co-wrote your song "Anytime you need". What inspired you to
write it, and was it written with Eurovision in mind?

I am thankfull to Karen Kavaleryan, who was very kind to write touching
and at the same time very comprehensible lyrics to my song.

I kept in my mind the only thing – ESC is unpredictable and I need
to present something which is full of my own emotions.

Was entering Eurovision something you’d always wanted to do?

I am happy for my country to be represented during the contest, and
I feel the greatest responcibility for the people who believe in me.

Actually the chance is given and nobody should lose it.

Are you a fan of the contest? If yes, what is your favourite ever
entry?

I’ve been watching the ESC even before we could officially be
represented there and I must admit it’s something to enjoy first of
all. I can’t recall my favourite entry right now, it’s difficult.

Last year, Andre not only qualified to the final, but finished high
enough to mean that you are already in the final- do you worry that
you have high standards to fulfil this year?

This is what I mean when I’m saying about the responsibility that
I have!

Will you make any changes to your song before Helsinki?

Probably I will make some technical rearrangements before making
the CD-single.

What are you looking forward to most about Eurovision & Helsinki?

Feel the rhythm of Eurovision 😉 This time in Helsinki!

As you prepare to go on stage, what do you think will be running
through your mind?

You are too curious! You’ll see it during the rehearsals.

What do you think your song will offer to the Eurovision audience?

Love and love again.

And finally, is there anything you’d like to say to the Eurovision
fans reading this?

I wish all the best to the readers and fans of ESC. Hopefully you
will like the show I am going to present in Helsinki. My love to you
"Anytime You Need"!

The best of luck to Hayko at Eurovision 2007, and special thanks to
Diana Mnatsakanyan of AMPTV.

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