Isaac, earlier this year you were commissioned to produce eight club and dance remixes for the Turkish Eurovision Song Contest entry Rimi rimi ley. How did you get involved in that project?
As a fan, I have been watching the Eurovision Song Contest ever since I was a kid, and obviously Turkey and Israel have always been two countries I supported the most, being a citizen of both myself. This year when I saw the ugly attacks on Gülseren and her song Rimi rimi ley by the Turkish media, I couldn’t help myself but to get involved. I offered any kind of help to improve the song or the image of the Turkish entry among the international fans. As a result the composer of Rimi rimi ley, Dr. Erdinc Tunc and TRT have assigned myself to produce the 8 different club and dance remixes of Rimi rimi ley. That's how I got involved.
Was this your first Eurovision Song Contest related project?
Yes it was, however not the last for sure. Rimi rimi ley has just made me more eager to participate in the event in every aspect of it: performer, lyricist, composer, producer etc.
What makes you participate in the Belgian selections Eurosong 2006?
I am open to the idea of taking part in the Eurovision Song Contest in anyway possible. Belgium was attractive since I know that my music has a wide range of fans in it, and being a far more open minded country than the rest of Europe, regarding rules and regulations, made me to participate for it. Not to mention that I have the most fans in Belgium after Turkey, Israel, UK and the USA.
What can you tell about the song you submitted to Eén?
The title of the song is Battlefield of love. It has a very commercial, catchy style and taste to it. It is a fusion of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean music to R&B and Pop. I know it sounds weird or interesting, but isn't it the formula to the Eurovision Song Contest? To be different and attractive in a way?
Can you shortly introduce Battista featuring Isaac Angel?
Battista is a dear friend and an amazing musician. One of the best guitarists I have ever met and worked with. I feel lucky that he was involved in the Flamenco Passion mix of my single Come away. He comes from a Mediterranean European background and has been working for and with major stars here in the USA. He is a composer, singer and a dear friend.
Do you believe in your chances, being an international entry, to be selected for Eurosong 2006?
I hope so. In the recent years the Eurovision Song Contest turned out to be a competition of the communities. The different communities throughout Europe have a major voting force, and the results of the top scoring countries are highly influenced by this. I represent and belong to two major communities (Israel and Turkey) which makes me a 'vote for' product. If you also add a quality song to this, then you have a top 10 song.
Belgium might not be the only country where you will be submitting a song?
As I said earlier, I am very eager to participate the Eurovision Song Contest this year in every way possible. So any country open to non it's own residents / citizens will be my prospect source to make it through. However Belgium was the very first country I've applied so far.
More information on both artists can be found on
www.isaacangel.com and
www.battistamusic.com.
