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Nathan Trent will represent Austria at the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest. Austrian broadcaster ORF opted for an internal selection for 2017. The team, together with music-experts Eberhard Forcher and Christof Straub, scouted within the young Austrian music scene. Nathan was invited to submit a song and convinced ORF to select him for Kyiv. In the coming weeks ORF will be working on the fine-tuning and the production of his self-written song. Nathan's song will be published in February.
Nathan Trent (real name Nathanaele Koll-Valsassina, born 4 April 1992) is a singer and songwriter in the genres of Pop and R'n'B. Born in 1992 in Innsbruck, Austria, he was raised bilingually in Italian and German within an artistic family. By sending him to private lessons in violin and piano at the age of three, his parents laid the foundations for his future. Given the fact that his father Reinhard Koll plays the violin professionally in the orchestra of the National Theatre of Innsbruck, Nathan practically grew up in the theatre. As a child he participated in various plays and musicals in Tiroler Landestheater which brought him closer to singing at a very young age. Koll also competed in Kiddy Contest 2003.
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Nathan's résumé shows a four-year singing, acting and dance education, in the styles of Jazz, Contemporary and Commercial in MUK, the music and art private university of the city of Vienna, of which he graduated with honours in June 2016. He is still receiving voice lessons from his singing teacher Previn Moore. As for his acting skills, he participated in productions with famous Austrian actors in the prestigious Theater in der Josefstadt, dem Stadttheater Baden and Wiener Metropol and was part of a short movie called Eisland. In 2011 Koll also tried his luck in X Factor Germany.
Nathan started writing his first songs when he was only 11 years old, and since then has always worked on developing his own personal style. After spending more than a decade acquiring new skills, he finally could concentrate on taking his songwriting to the next level. Years of experience with various music programs contributed to the development of producing and finding his personal style and the ability to fully express himself as an artist. Today he writes, composes, arranges and produces his own music. According to his biography, Nathan is known for his Charisma. Professors, directors and producers describe him as being an exceptionally gifted musician with a unique timbre.
24-year-old Viennese with Tyrolean roots says: "I've been working since childhood to present myself as an artist, singer and songwriter - and now I get the chance. I can not put into words what is happening there. My goal is to represent Austria as well as possible, to come to the final and then just touch the audience in my three minutes on the stage."
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His debut Single "Like It Is" was released on June 18th 2016. He recently returned from a stay in Los Angeles, where he was inspired by American songwriters and producers to create new songs. Nathan also qualified to top 33 participants of German preselection of this year Unser Song 2017.
"Nathan had applied to our website and we have decided to invite him to the convention," explained ARD Entertainment Coordinator Thomas Schreiber.
"He then told us that he had also applied to Austria, and we have advised him to try it in his home country. We look forward seeing Nathan again in Kyiv soon, and wish him Good Luck,", said German ESC chief.
Mid-tempo pop / R'n'B track "Running on Air" is Austria's song for Kyiv. Music video for it has been presented on 28 February.
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Edgar Böhm, ORF coordinator says:
"I am delighted that we have found a young Austrian musician in Nathan Trent, who also delights with his extremely positive charisma. With his song, he sends an optimistic signal into a world in which it is currently drifting. In addition, I was very impressed with the joy and enthusiasm he displayed when he received his nomination - he really feels honoured to be able to represent Austria in Kiev.".
Stefan Zechner says:
"Our goal, of course, is to qualify to the finals, but also to show the world's biggest TV music event, that there is a lot of potential in the Austrian pop music scene. I am pleased that the best candidate has also written the song.". Eberhard Forcher says:
"In the scouting process, we searched for international songs, but also asked the artists to introduce their own songs. We want to show that there are good composers in this country and we do not have to hide. The fact that it has become a song with an Austrian copyright in the end is particularly pleasing to me".
Nathan Trent wrote his song "Running on Air" together with his friend Bernhard Penzias during a stay in Los Angeles. Over two months the two worked on the song and sent a demo version, which finally convinced the ORF team.
Bernhard Penzias is a composer, arranger, producer, multi-instrumentalist and engineer and has produced a multitude of albums & singles over more than 30 years. Many of those recordings have been certified Gold and/or Platinum. Originally from Vienna, Austria he has toured with some of the top acts of his own country and shared stages with Roxette, Bryan Adams, The Bee Gees. Throughout his producing career, Bernhard has maintained a constant flow of high-profile clientele. In the early 1990s, Bernhard opened the Bernelands Studio in Vienna. It became known as a great resource for developing talent. He began working with some of the largest advertising agencies in the business. In 2002, Bernhard opened his studio in Los Angeles and he also began to work on the worldwide TV-series, Ocean Avenue, which features a wide range of Bernhard's own music compositions. As a composer, Bernhard joined forces by co-publishing his two companies with Europe's publishing house Schedler Music. Bernhard's recording studio in Topanga Canyon has become a creative hub for international song writers.
Nathan Trent: "After completing my studies, I was faced with major changes in my life and was looking for something that would remind me that you can emerge stronger from any situation that is so difficult. Against this background, the mid-tempo Pop / R'n'B song "Running on Air" was created, which is initially very much reduced and towards the end is a driving force. Writing songs is a very personal process for me and the best way to express what I care about. The song describes a development of personal insecurity to self-confidence and gratitude. I am honoured and am so indescribably grateful for everything that just happens. I hope to touch and reach the people in these three minutes on the big stage."
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- What are the three most interesting aspects about your entry?
- The song has been written by myself and Bernhard Penzias, so I really have a strong emotional connection to it. It's about, hope, believing in yourself and reaching your goals, by embracing the good and the bad moments in your life. Although it's an Austrian production, it has been written and partially recorded in Los Angeles.
- What are the three most impressive facts about you?
- I've been writing music since I was little, I was raised bilingually, Italian and German and I could eat Sushi every day!
- Do you have a (lucky) routine before you go on stage?
- I normally try to do yoga thirty minutes before a show to calm myself down, I have some pretty untypical vocal warm ups and I usually drink two whole bottles of sparkling water before going on stage.
- Why is the Eurovision Song Contest important for you?
First of all, I see it as an event that unites Europe every year, allowing us to celebrate music while exchanging different cultures at the same time. I love the Eurovision Song Contest, because it gives people hope and spreads positivity. I couldn't be happier to be a part of it this year!
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ESCKAZ and Facebook page
@EurovisionCoverage starts publications of the text interviews with participants of the Eurovision 2017. As usual, full texts of interviews will be available on the Facebook page with summaries presented on the site itself, and we will be catching up live with the artists for short updates during Promotional Parties season.
Our first guest is representative of Austria Nathan Trent.
"I feel extremely honored to be able to represent my country with my own song! It's a dream come true and I couldn't be happier!", he says and explains:
"I was asked by Eberhard Forcher, if I wanted to participate at the internal pre-selection and of course I said yes! After months of writing and recording, the ORF made the decision to choose "Running On Air" as their entry, which made me incredibly proud!".
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Prior to receiving invitation in Austria, Nathan actually auditioned for the German preselection.
"Germany was great! They asked me to come to their convention in order to make an audition. They were extremely kind and friendly and when I told them about my opportunity in Austria, they said I should definitely take a chance and try. Then Austria chose me to be the representative and Germany was more than supportive and happy for me. They couldn't have been nicer!", he says.
At the contest Nathan will perform song "Running On Air".
"The title "Running On Air" is more like a metaphor for enjoying and appreciating life with its ups and downs. I wrote this song during a moment in my life, where I wasn't really sure which career path I was going to take. I needed something to remind me of my strengths and something that would motivate me. The lyrics came very naturally as well as the melody. I hope that people will be able to relate to this song", Nathan explains.
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He wrote the song together with Bernhard Penzias, an Austrian producer and songwriter, who lives in L.A.
We met during my stay in the states and in our first writing session, we already wrote the song. Within the following weeks we would work on it, produce it and record it, so that we could send it to Austria. Out of the five songs I wrote for the contest, "Running On Air" was the one which was chosen".
Nathan told us that no changes in the song arrangement is being planned and the work on the stage performance is already underway.
"My stage director is Marvin Dietmann. He is incredibly talented and was stage director when, the ESC took place in Vienna back in 2015. We already are in the final stages of the concept and I can't wait to see the results, when it will be brought to life on stage in Kyiv". The song was presented alongside the music video, filmed at the lake Achensee in Tyrol with minus 16 degrees celsius three days in a row.
"It was very freezing, but I loved it so much!"
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Nathan explains that perhaps it is the psychological part which is most difficult for him in the Eurovision participation.
"You don't know how it's going to be and how you are going to feel at that very special moment. I'm trying to focus a lot by doing yoga". Prior to the contest, Nathan in scheduled to make appearances in London, Tel-Aviv and Amsterdam and he says he can't wait for a tour to start. He adds that he had heard a few of entries, liked them a lot and is very excited.
"Francesco Gabbani is the one that got stuck in my head", he admits.
Austrian singer thinks Eurovision is a huge opportunity for a newcomer like him.
"I'm so incredibly grateful that I get the chance to share my music with Europe on such a big stage. I can't put it into words how thankful I am!". There are plans to release new songs very soon, but for the moment he will be concentrating on Eurovision preparations, focused on developing and finalizing the concept in order to make a good performance.
"Dear readers, thank you so much for reading this interview! I want to thank everyone who support me and my music and hope to see you soon in Kyiv! All the best, Nathan"
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27/04: Nathan Trent acoustic session (4)
26/04: Nathan Trent farewell party
22/04: Nathan Trent on Dancing Stars
12/04: Nathan Trent acoustic session (3)
12/04: Nathan Trent acoustic session (2)
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As a great warmup for the Eurovision Song Contest in May, several countries will host their traditional preview party where Nathan is going to perform his song "Running On Air" in the various capitals.
First stop is London: On Sunday,April 2nd, Nathan will perform live at the "Café de Paris" together with other Eurovision artists including the guest acts and former ESC winners Conchita and Ruslana. It’s going to be the 10th anniversary of London’s Eurovision party and Nathan is very excited about his first performance on an international stage he states:
"I'm very honored to be invited to this great show and can’t wait to sing my song in London. I’m sure, it’s going to be an unforgettable experience!"
After London, Nathan will be traveling to Tel Aviv to attend the event "Israel Calling". More than 25 acts from the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest have been confirmed to attend at the event, which will take place from April 3rd to 6th. The artists are planned to stay in Israel for a four-day excursion, accompanying them through Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Herzliya. The live concert will be on April 5th.
On April 8th, Amsterdam will be the host city with its 9th edition of "Eurovision in Concert". Fans couldn’t wait to get their hands on this show’s tickets, as it has been sold out within 30 minutes! The 28 confirmed acts will perform in front of a big crowd in Melkweg, one of most renowned music venues in the Dutch capital.
Last, but not least, Nathan will head to Madrid on April 15 to attend the first Eurovision Spain ESPre-Party. It will take place at the "Sala La Riviera", which has a capacity for 1,800 people and is one of the most well-known venues in the Spanish Capital. With its 50 years history, the venue hosted some of the biggest names in the Spanish and in the international music scene. Nathan is thrilled to meet the Spanish Eurofans next month and very excited to be able to visit so many different cities!
25/03: Nathan Trent and Levina at Schlagercountdown
16/03: Nathan Trent asks to pick ESC songs for his accoustic session
28/02: Music video released
27/02: Contest entry presented
26/02: Nathan Trent to perform Running On Air
31/01: Entry to be presented on 28 February
19/12: Nathan Trent will represent Austria
