Eurosong

maNGa: "We plan to make more gigs in Europe and Turkey"

Autor: Ante Kurtović, 25. siječnja 2011, 12:43(0)

1. Hello maNga! What do you currently do?

As soon as the ESC ended we have gotten into studio to create songs in English. We released the single “Fly to Stay Alive” in Denmark. As soon as possible we would like to make a video for this song and release this single in other countries as well as Turkey. Also we plan to make more gigs in Europe and Turkey, maybe a world tour.

2. Can you tell us something about your music beginnings? Was it hard?

maNga was formed towards the end of 2001 when Ferman Akgül (vocals), Yağmur Sarıgül “Yamyam” (guitar), Özgür Can Öney (drums), Cem Bahtiyar (bass guitar) and Efe Yılmaz (turntable) came together. In 2001 we joined the song contest “Sing Your Song” and took the second place. After two years of preparation, in December 2004 we released our first album which was awarded Gold by MÜYAP (IFPI Turkey) in 2005. In 2009, our second album “Şehr-i Hüzün” was released after 20 months of hard work. At the end of 2009 our group was nominated “Best European Act” at MTV EMAs. Right after the MTV EMA 2009 “Best European Act” award, we ranked 2nd with the song “We Could Be The Same” in the 55th Eurovision Song Contest. After 8 years of hard working career, we had over 350 live concerts (including around 20 appearances abroad), around 500 media appearances.

3. You won the 2nd place on Eurovision! What do you think about Eurovision?

All along we think that the Eurovision Song Contest is like a big festival where the cultures and music meet. We thought that after the MTV Awards, to represent Turkey in Eurovision is a good chance for us to share our music. We just wanted to go there and represent our country and our music in a proper manner. When we came second, it was an honor for us to achieve such a good result as a rock band from Turkey within a competition mostly occupied by pop-mainstream songs.

4. Have you watched Eurovision before? Can you adduce some favorite songs?

Sertab’s and Alexander Rybak’s songs are the best winners we think.

5. Who was your favorite on Eurovision 2010?

Entries from Denmark, Azerbaijan, Romania and Germany were our favourites.

6. “Fly to Stay Alive” is your newest single. Can we expect your new album soon?

We released the single “Fly to Stay Alive” in Denmark. Now our plan is releasing this single in other countries and Turkey. We are working on it and writing new songs at the same time.

7. Thank you for this interview! Would you like say something to our readers?

We really appreciate your interest in our music. Thanks a lot for supporting us. Stay in touch. See you in Croatia hopefully !