Rehearsals are well underway for the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 here in Sweden, and the acts are busy perfecting their performances ahead of next week’s live shows. Part of their preparations is also talking to the press, and Eurovision Ireland have been lucky enough to catch up with Sara Briški Cirman, better known as Raiven, who is representing Slovenia this year!

Hi Raiven, thank you for taking the time to chat with Eurovision Ireland! We know you’ve entered EMA (the Slovene national selection) in the past, what is it about Eurovision that draws you to it as a performer?

As a Slovenian musician, you don’t get many chances to perform on a stage that give you such a good platform for promoting your music. That’s why I’ve always loved performing at EMA, and I also think that my music has the perfect combination of drama and this show essence that the Eurovision stage loves.

Well, Eurovision certainly has a lot of both! Speaking of which, what made you want to explore Veronika Deseniška’s story through music?

I always thought that Veronika’s story of being the first-ever woman in Slovenia who was accused of witchcraft was very inspiring, and that is has that melodramatic and kind of poetic vibe that goes with music pretty well.

Definitely! If you could speak to Veronika, what would you ask her?

I know it might sound a bit morbid, but I would ask her where she is buried. Up until now, we still don’t know where her grave is!

Not morbid at all, it’s a very valid point! Can you tell us anything about your plans for staging Veronika in Malmö?

The staging is very heavily inspired by the video. I will have my five dancers from our National Baller company with me on stage and we will try to recreate the ethereal, creepy, dark, sensual vibe on stage that we portrayed in the video as well!

We can’t wait to see the finished product! How would you sell Slovenia to the rest of Europe?

I truly thinking that Slovenia is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. It’s so small that you can get from one side of the country to the other in like maybe 2.5-3 hours and you can get from the mountains to the sea very quickly and explore all the beautiful nature. I think that’s a good enough reason for everyone to come and visit Slovenia!

Sounds like there are plenty of reasons to visit Slovenia! Speaking of Slovenia, which Eurovision performer from there do you most admire, and why?

Oh, I have so many that I admire… I think we had many amazing vocalists and performers. I love Maja Keuc, I love Joker Out, then Zala and Gašper who I think they are so quirky and so really themselves and I love their music. I love all of them, but these are maybe my three favourites.

That’s lovely! What advice do you have for budding singers and song writers?

My advice would be to always listen to yourself first. Always try to shut out the noise, stay in touch with your soul and inner muse.

Very sound advice! Lastly, do you have a message for your fans here in Ireland and around Europe and the world?

My message is “Jaz sem. Ti si. Veronika” – which means “I am. You Are. Veronika”. Everyone can find a little piece of Veronika’s story that is connected to their own lives – maybe a time where they haven’t felt at place I hope that Veronika and her story will inspire many other people to just be their true authentic selves.

What a wonderful message, thanks Raiven!

Remember, Slovenia will be performing in the First Semi Final, song #9 – which means Ireland can vote for Raiven and Veronika!

Author: James Scanlan, Sara Briški Cirman
Source: RTVSLO
Image Source: Tjaša Barbo