Interview of Nectarios Tirakis (creator of “Shake it’)

1. Tell us more about you and your career

I studied at Pantios University, Major Media and Communication. Meanwhile I worked in Antenna Radio along with Maggie Charalampidou and then shows in radio stations. In 1992 I started to work in BMG and 1993 I worked in Sony Music until 2000 for radio and TV promotion. In 2000 I became General Manager of Best Radio for two years. I always was writing lyrics. One day I gave to Sony one song for Mando (Greece 2003) and this was my first attempt professionally. Furthermore, I am collaborating with Nikos Terzis (especially for Eleana Papaioannou, Notis Christodoulou, 2lips, Irene Merkouri, Sakis Rouvas). When Nikos accepted the proposal for Eurovision 2004 song composition, selected me for writing the lyrics.

2. What inspired you to write the lyrics of "Shake It"? How satisfied are you with the score outcome?

First of all, I listened the guide of Nikos Terzis's song which included some few irrelevant lyrics in order for me to get the idea of the song (it was just a pilot). The song immediately had (for me) an erotic element, a situation which also right now sells too. For those who accused the lyrics that are porn, I answer them that there are no porn lyrics but only dirty minds. I am very satisfied from the outcome. When you participate in a contest you should know how to win and how to loose. I believe that "Shake It" was a triumph for Greece coming third out of 36 countries. I still believe that our song was the best. The East and Scandinavian blocks also play a key role to Eurovision. Our song was voted by all countries though. The tension of the night was weird. I found strange the two points from Norway and Austria, but I can understand it since Norwegians listen to depressing songs anyway and Austria to ridiculous ones such as the 2003 entry by Alg Poier, and of course they cannot understand what "Shake It" is. We might not have won in 2004 but we have stolen the impressions with many European countries playing as hit the song last summer, even in Maldives. The job was very good. Nikos Terzis gave his best of himself, working all day and the fact that we were - - and still are -- close to each other led to the success. There should be chemistry. The singer/performer is just a carrier of the song not too much attached to it but he is asked only to interpret and present the song.

3. What are the things that made you sad during Eurovision week in Istanbul?

I have learned in my life to keep only the good things and have positive energy. Anything else is automatically rejected from my mind and selected amnesia! I was sad from various Greek fans who were wearing Ruslana t-shirt during the press conference. I was sad from various people who were trying to get me and Terzis and me with Daphne to have a fight etc. This situation could not help me get go forward. The delegation members from ERT did their work in the best possible way and they were very co-operative with us. I was just annoyed that the Greek broadcaster estimated my job with 1.000 Euros! I don't care what the other received from ERT but I don't think that fairness is something that Greeks are known for. I think it is depreciating since we brought the best ever results to ERT and also a great success with the song and receive this ridiculous amount of 1.000 Euros. By the way the Turkish welcomed us and served us in the best possible way. Their hospitality and promotion will remain unforgettable for me.

4. How does inspiration comes to you? How do you write lyrics for a song?

I don't know how it works with other composers but I get inspired only at night after midnight. I want complete silent and concentrate. I listen the music of the song (normally) many times and I select the theme of the lyrics. I am trying then to use the right words in place. Sometimes I hate when lyrics are over toned. I can stay four hours in one word I will use. So far my inspiration is coming naturally without any difficulties. Of course a lyricist takes ideas from his personal life and experience. There are though things that I imagine in order to get myself inside the role of the song. Example, when I write for a separation without me knowing what separation means, I try to be a separated person. I used personal experience in the song of Irene Merkouri "Kati eho pathei me ta matia sou".

5. You are about to get involved with foreign countries for the 2005 Eurovision; so what is this all about.

There are countries which approached me for the 2005 Eurovision. There are 4 countries by now. The two countries which I can reveal are Turkey and Lebanon. In Turkey there is a song in the preselection for which I was asked by the composer to write some English lyrics for it. We are in direct contact for it. In Lebanon the case is a sounding approach over the lyrics again. The other two countries which I cannot reveal did not send me the songs yet so I cannot named them. But one of the two is one of the big 4. It is interesting to notice that those foreign composers and mediators expressed a respect towards me and my work. When you go to a festival like Eurovision, I am supposed to give my best. People who saw my work understood that my lyrics can sell, can stand on stage, and in general is accepted by our timing. After the contest I had proposals, exactly after the contest from foreign countries in contrary with Greece. I started also to write lyrics for Viktor Lazlo (the 1987 hostess of Eurovision). I also had proposals from the Netherlands. People watching Eurovision is not focusing only on the night but also after the contest. Eurovision is a big business and not only honouring your country by representing it. People during Eurovision period are looking to close deals.

6. How do you comment the Greeks who submit songs for other countries?

This year more than ever, Greeks are leaving the country. It seems it is epidemic. It seems that they cannot find a response from the national broadcaster and the music record labels. They also know that Eurovision today is not the festival that we only got around the living room eating pizza and watching the show. If you haven't live the Eurovision closely you cannot understand it. There are – example -- people who are awaiting and people who give away business cards in order to close the next deal after the contest. I also believed that despite the final outcome anyone should try Eurovision. For instance the Lithuanian song in 2004 was a very good song and also I believe this song should be in the final of Eurovision. The experience in participating for other countries is very pleasant surprise!

7. Eurovision for you? What are your memories and favourites?

From the day I can remember myself, Eurovision was a huge event which was watched by my parents. At that time in Greece we had nothing else but the national broadcaster. Growing up I became more fanatic with the contest. Now, I can be honest by saying that I have all songs in all versions from 1956! All time favourite song for me is France 1985 Roger Bens (10). Also proud that Greece gave back then 12 pts to France. Also Spain 1985 with Paloma san Basilio (15) and Spain 1991 Sergio Dalma (4). Despite the song I loved as presence the hostess of 1985 in Sweden and 1987's Viktor Lazlo with the satellite earrings. Also I liked the Turkish hostess this year, a figure that could be easily an Almodovar role. The best Greek presence for me all time ever is Marianna Efstratiou (1989), Kaiti Garbi (1993) and (surprise) 2001 Helena Paparizou. My favourite Greek entries are Die for you (2001), Feggari Kalokairino (1981) and Moiazoume (1985). I was upset with the 1991 song which was destroyed by the Italian orchestra.

8. ERT had a successful duo last year (composer + lyricist). This year you are simply ignored. How do you feel about it?

Nikos Terzis and me did some things for Greece: we got Greece from the 17th position in which we were stuck for 2 years in a row, we qualified Greece from the semi-finals and we brought Greece third in 36 countries. This is the best ever Greek entry. While they paid me almost nothing at least they could phone me and ask me if I want to help Greece and ERT in 2005. I cannot forgive those who are ungrateful. The national broadcaster was ungrateful this year. I feel like I would like to be inside the Eurovision 2005 project but also I like that I give some space to myself after the 2004 hit. I did not start thinking the 2005 Eurovision project because I never received the phone call. If ERT called, I would have thought about it. I will not start wondering what if...! I also despite anything modest. I try only for the best.

9. Your work is mostly recognized outside Greece. Why do you think the Greek music industry doesn't recognize you?

It is known that Greece burns her own children. We all know why Demis Roussos, Nana Mouschouri etc, are still outside Greece working and making a career there (not that I can compare myself with those people). Greek music industry has not proposed anything to me because they have learned to take things without paying. I have promised myself that my projects will be fully paid. I have no intention to get into misery projects which ultimately will destroy my psychology. What Record Labels do in Greece is their own business I don't judge them. I want to be available wherever they ask for me and respect me.

10. Do you believe honestly that Eurovision can come to Greece in 2006 or anytime soon?

Helena is the best selection that Greece could made this year for Eurovision, also very attractive and most of all a very beloved person with an astonishing personality. I want to believe that some time soon Greece will win the Eurovision Song Contest. Though I cannot accept an ERT manager and official saying that EBU told him that he can send a revised song!

11. Nikos Terzis: what does he mean for you? and how do you two get along?

Nikos Terzis gave me the opportunity to make my dream come true. From 1985 I was always saying to my family and friends that one day I will go to Eurovision. Nikos Terzis is a person beyond his time and sometime he pays the price. For Eurovision, Nikos Terzis is the best. He brought two times the third place and also wrote the 1995 Greek entry and participated on stage with the 1993 Greek entry. Nikos knows that Eurovision is something special and needs a special composition. Nikos respects Eurovision above all. Both Die for you and Shake it are the best songs of Nikos ever composed and submitted for Eurovision. Also he had the best song in 2002 preselection (To be together by MLV) but the officials never estimated its value. He could do anything though at any position regarding Eurovision. He is always secure for his work, something for which I admire him.

12. Daphne Bokota: what do you feel about the situation between her and ERT?

She left without a reason given. The dismissal of Daphne was not good news for Greece but I cannot guess what were the reasons. What I believe is that it is wrong at this point ERT to dismiss the most important person of the contest. Daphne combined knowledge, experience, public relations and the right connections to insure the right outcome of the contest. In few words she was the security of the contest reminding all the waterloo of 1998 when she personally denied to go to Eurovision. She knows how to approach people and soften them. She supported all the entries in times that some of them were bad in order to keep the unity of the Greek viewers and eurofans. For me is Mrs. Eurovision! after all she gave 18 years of her life for Eurovision starting in 1987 with 3% and leading it to 2004 with 86%. Sometime we have to attribute her what she achieved. It helps a country to have a Mr. or Mrs. Eurovision and it doesn't help a country having people who doesn't know about Eurovision. She knew how to keep the balance, and now that balance seems to be missing things can be dangerous. I want to believe that this year will not be affected by this. I believe that Daphne can attract votes with her promotional contacts throughout Europe.

13. May can say that you had you chance to bring the victory in 2004. Do you feel that you can do something that will bring the victory by your lyrics?

I would like to say that I don't need to convince anyone for my abilities and achievements. I don't know if participating in a contest I can achieve victory. You never know how the voting will end up. I can be last as well as first. It only needs to be descent and unify the people. With 86% of TV rates I think we achieved the unity no matter if Shake it, came 3rd or 33rd.

14. Next time you enter in Eurovision (for Greece or not) name us some performers you would like to work with.

I haven't thought about it so far. Em... (thinking)...I would like to write lyrics for an entry for (thinking) Anna Vissi, Helena Paparizou and Tarkan from Turkey. I love your suggestion (which was Helene Segara). I have heard she will be guest in Finnish final and I think she is one of the most respected French singers.