Mia Dimšić did certainly not come without a warning! Ahead of her participation in the Eurovision Song Contest in Turin, Le journal des jeunes members Miruna and Nikola, asked Mia Dimšić, a 29 year-old Croatian singer and songwriter, some questions regarding her passion for music, her song "Guilty Pleasure" and her expectations for Turin.
Hi Mia, could you please introduce yourself to our readers?
Hi, my name is Mia Dimšić, I was born and live in Croatia and I’m a singer-songwriter in love with storytelling, and this year I got an amazing opportunity to represent my country in Eurovision.
How did your passion for music start?
It was always there. I started with various musical activities as a kid, but it took me a while to figure what direction I wanted it to go. I started playing the guitar at 16 and with it I began writing songs, and a couple of years later, after lots of gigging and singing everywhere I could, a local band noticed me and invited me as a female vocal soloist to one of their tours where I met my manager and producer and the rest came about rather quickly. I signed a record label deal, put out my first single and my whole life soon turned upside down.
What is the creative process behind ‘’Guilty Pleasure’’?
I always come up with the music first. I had some ideas on the chorus and the verses, but the lyrical idea was invoked by a recurring dream I had for five nights in a row. It was about someone I wasn’t supposed to be dreaming of so I thought I would handle it better if I just write it down. The song is for me an anthem to doubts that we all experience considering our romantic lives. Who is the right one, is there even such a thing as the right one, what happens if you figure you are able to love more than one person? The society mostly judges those kinds of thoughts and therefore I think it’s even more important to openly discuss them.
How did you decide to apply for Dora 2022? Were you expecting to win?
I already had the song ready but I never thought we would direct it to Dora. I thought it would be one of my singles on my first English record, but my manager suggested we apply and compete kind of last minute and I just said yes cause it seemed like a cool opportunity. I am so glad I went for it cause it completely changed my life. I never expected to win, but I was secretly hoping I somehow could and it came true.
So far, how is your Eurovision journey going on and what is the most fun thing about it?
It is all so amazing and new! I am currently on a pre-Eurovision tour and in this last week I sang in London, Tel Aviv and Amsterdam with a lot of other Eurovision artists. The most fun thing is meeting all the other delegations and the amazing Eurovision fans and spending time together doing what we all love most. Also, it’s really cool to be able to travel everywhere and sightsee.
What are your plans for the staging in Turin?
It will be subtle, simple and dream-like, which I think best suits the song’s vibe.
Are you a Eurovision fan? What are your favorites from this year? Is there some song from previous years you like?
I wouldn’t say I was ever a huge fan before I applied, but I have always been following Eurovision as most Croatians have. From this year I really like Sweden, Italy and Poland’s entries, and one of my favorites from previous years is “Calm after the storm” by The Common Linnets.
Where do you take your inspiration from? Is it real life experiences or something else?
It is mostly real life and whenever it’s 100% real it is somehow easier for other people to relate as well, that’s what I’ve noticed. I find it easier to deal with stuff when I write them down, and it’s pretty cool to get a catchy song out of uncomfortable situations or angst.
Are there any musicians who inspire you or are your dream collaboration?
Absolutely, so many of them.. but my top 2 would have to be Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran.
What kind of goal do you have for Eurovision and beyond?
To be seen and heard by as many people as possible. The visibility and engagement that Eurovision brings are unprecedented in my career. It’s a big thing for me and I want to represent myself and my country in the best possible light, while also having fun and enjoying this period.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of music?
I like reading books, drinking coffee, going out to party with friends… pretty much everything the rest of the people like.
Do you have any kind of special message for our readers?
I just want to thank them for supporting Eurovision artist. The amount of support and love I got from people all over the world since the release of “Guilty Pleasure” is insane. I wish you guys all the best and may all your dreams come true!
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