Interview

“Moscovski Komsomolets” 19th June 2010
Anastasia found an “italo-spaniard” in Bilan

Two years ago “MK” reported on a big story: during a corporate do of the local rich in Kazakhstan, a twist of fate brought together our Bilan and American rock diva Anastacia. Informal atmosphere contributed to a relaxed conversation and an easy familiarity. The foreign guest, impressed by the charisma and drive of a “Spanish-italian”-type lad, did not object when Dima, intent on sampling a musical delicacy, arranged a jam-session with the star. They both had enjoyed singing together so much that the new friends decided to seriously continue their unexpectedly formed musical connection. Recently Bilan returned from Los Angeles where he and Anastacia have recorded a duet called “Safety” – a ballad about eternal love. Inspired Dima shared his feelings and details of this unusual musical adventure with “ZD”.

“I plucked up the courage and offered her to make a duet,” explained the artist. “She reacted very positively. She said she’d be pleased and happy to do it, and that she was delighted. We started a lengthy correspondence, I’ve sent her several of my songs. We’ve been looking for the right one and in the end agreed that it should be a slow number. I had one ballad. At first I was saving it for the “Eurovision Song Contest”, when I was still thinking about my third “expedition” there. It’s a song by Evan “Kidd” Bogart, the one who wrote the megahit ‘SOS’ for Rihanna, after which his songs were added to the repertoire of more than 30 stars including Beyonce, Britney Spears, Kylie Minogue, Paris Hilton and even Donna Summer.”
- So you’ve sacrificed the holy “Eurovision” for the duet with Anastacia?

“Everything was too simple this time with this “Eurovision”. I was hesitant because of the lack of complexities. There wasn’t the usual feeling of succeeding against the odds, do you see? For me, this is a necessary condition, only then I’ll believe in some story and the right outcome. That’s why I decided to put my efforts into something else. And now I’m certain that this work with Anastacia will be really very memorable. Anastacia has already written in her blog that she’s made a duet with me, praised it to the skies. She said it was amazing, incredible song, and asked to wait - soon there’ll be a hit!”

- Really, Anastacia is worth ten “Eurovisions”, it’s true...

“This is a woman with a huge and rich story; with an unbelievable potential. In her case the term “diva” isn’t simply an enthusiastic label, but an official status which is given in America to selected singers like Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carrey, Cher, Natalie King Cole, Donna Summer, Barbara Steisand, Lisa Minelli... She’s included in the “Diva’s Show”. And, let’s say, Madonna or Britney Spears are not considered to be “divas”. Anastacia is wonderful! I’ve asked her: what does one need to do to have a voice like yours, where have you learned that? She joked saying that she was ‘Manastacia’, because she had a deep manly voice from birth. ”

- Were you weak in the knees when you were entering her studio?
“In a way, I actually regret that I wasn’t as scared as I could have been, and maybe hadn’t felt all the right emotions. But she is so easy going in communication that this fear couldn’t have materialised. On the other hand, it was a totally professional situation. We were both able to give each other advice and it wasn’t just me listening open-mouthed as could have happened in a case like that. For four hours she listened to me recording the back-vocal and afterwards she was cheerful, saying that she couldn’t have sang as high as me.”

- So have you given her advice as well?

“I listened to her singing, and together we chose the right takes. I’ve passionately insisted on certain things, and it was agreed with, which was fantastic. I love it when everyone is involved in a creative process, no one is indifferent to anything and everyone’s main goal is the right and desired result. The working atmosphere in the studio was very pleasant. On one hand everything was very relaxed, but on the other hand – extremely professional. ”
- So now there’s no need to regret that the Nelly Furtado duet didn’t go ahead?

“Absolutely. There are seasonal products in show-business, a kind of musical fast-food, and there are great stories. Obviously, these things are not comparable. This time I’ve touched something eternal in music, it’s a cosmic feeling. And with this feeling tomorrow I will walk with Anastacia down the red carpet of ‘Olympiyski’, and it’s not even a dream come true, but a definitive ‘impossible possible’. Super! ”

- Will you feel like Elton John or Eros Ramazzotti, who’ve also had the privilege of Anastacia’s duets?

“Better let them feel like Dima Bilan. After all, I’m a bit more fresh, ha-ha-ha. And our music is a bit different.”

Thanks to Lovebite from Dima`s official forum for translation.

source: mt.ru