EuroVisionary.com - Everything you need to know about the Eurovision Song Contest - We welcome the 2009 Contest in Moscow

Mari-Leen with the Estonian flagYou took part in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2005. What is your best memory from that participation?
I think that the best was that I got an amazing experience as an artist there. It was great to take part in this big event and perform on that stage. It was also great to meet and to get to know so many great people in Kiev.

You have been a part of two groups; Ekvivalent and Suntribe, but have been solo since 2006. How do you experience the difference between being in a group and being solo?
In the beginning when I started solo and had my first performances I felt a little bit weird because I just wasn’t used to singing alone for the audience. I felt bigger responsibility than in a group. I got used to it quite fast and now it is even hard to imagine singing together with other people. But I am still never alone on the stage because of my band but it is still different because the public knows me and not the band.

Mari-Leen has won several awards You have won several awards since you went solo and are among the best selling names in Estonia. What is your secret for being so good?
The secret is believing in what you do and doing it with the right team. I get along very well with my record company (Moonwalk) and they know what they are - professionals. Even when you have already achieved something you should not be too relaxed and should still work hard to stay in the top.

You are singing in Estonian. Would you consider singing in English and persuade a career abroad?
I also sing in English in my concerts. I have done some covers in English and we are also planning to record something in English for the new album. Now I would like to focus on Estonia, and when the time is right I will take each opportunity with both hands.

Mari-Leen with one of her Chihuahuas You are often seen in company with your Chihuahua dog and rumours are saying that it goes on tour with you. What does it mean to you?
My boyfriend and me have now two Chihuahuas, which for me, means that I don’t have to leave my older Chihuahua Chicka home alone. The dogs get along very well and don’t feel alone when we are not at home. She just hates to be alone and that’s why I have always taken her with me when it’s possible. Chicka often went touring with me she is very social and loves my band and all the attention they give her. She is a real diva and part of me.

You are busy in the studios these days as you are releasing your second solo album soon. What can we expect from that album?
The album is a little bit different and much more electro-ish than the previous one. It is hard to describe but maybe it is even better if it is a surprise. We are also planning to make some videos for the Baltic MTV.

YMari-Leen on stage ou have been around at the Eurovision Song Contest the past two years as well, but will we ever see you back on the Eurovision stage taking part in the Contest?
Being at eurovision as a fan is a nice vacation for me. In a way I wouldn’t wanna spoil it by taking part again but in the other hand if someone would offer me a great song then I suppose I couldn’t refuse.

Which questions, which I haven't asked you, would you like to ask yourself and what would your answer to it be?
What do I like about the Eurovision song contest?
It is like a festival that takes place in different countries every year. If you attend it more than one year then you have the joy of meeting your friends there every year again and make new. I think that people who have only seen it on TV don’t know the real essence of the contest. They miss a lot.

EuroVisionary would like to thank Mari-Leen for taking the time to talk to us and we wish her all the best with her coming album. We will of course provide our readers with further information regarding this album.