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© Brian Grech
"VODKA is not about alcohol"
Malta: The secret code interview
1) First of all: your surname is Camilleri, is it related to the famous italian writer? And your second surname - as we read on wikipedia - Fenech? Like the Actress?
Camilleri derives from Italy, and who knows ... maybe I am somehow related to the famous writer! But it is also very common in Malta! As for "the actress" you refer to... it is true, we share the same surname but as far as I know we are not related either!
2) How is it life in Malta?
Life in Malta is a big holiday! 365 days! I love it here. We got the blue skies, the blue seas, the sun, and we are surrounded by culture that dates back to 4000 BC. Distances are short, so you can achieve a lot in just one day! Most Maltese have a laid back attitude and are very friendly. E... parliamo anche l'italiano! :) [italian for and we even speak italian]
3) How good do you think is for Malta joining the Eurovision Song Contest? Does it brings more tourism and makes you better known to the eyes of Europe?
I think the Eurovision song contest is good for every country because it is a feast that celebrated international music and diverse cultures. ALL together under one sky! A lot of people know Malta from the Eurovision song contest, so I think it could have an effect on tourism too!
4) Do you think that if Malta had more neighbour-countries it would have more points in the contest?
YES!
5) Which were your favourite songs in Malta Song For Europe 08?
Apart from mine of course! Mmmm.... I liked "sunrise" of Claudia Faniello, "Throw your stones" of Daneila Vella, and "Superhero" by Klinsmann.
6) Do you think it has been a risk having two songs in the contest Have you ever feard the votes-splitting?
Yes, I think it was a risk! And yes, I did fear the votes splitting. However, from the feedback I got in those two days, it seemed that more people were opting for VODKA as opposed to Casanova!
7) Vodka has a word in russian and talks about a spy in Moscow, do you think it will give you more points from the slavic states?
No, not at all. I think people will vote for it only if they like it. I do not believe because there are some russian words they would necessarily vote for something.
8) Are you going to have a dance routine besides the wiggling around the stage?
There will be a dance routine, but I really prefer to concentrate on singing!
9) Did Mr. Borg write this song for you? Or have you found it already written?
"Mr Borg" as you call him .... wrote this for me! I met Gerard about a year and a half a go, and he liked me and my style very much. We were working on a project and VODKA was part of that project. When it was finished, and we all heard it we decided that this will go to Eurovision!
10) You're singing "vodka is the secret code", will you also do a campain against alcohol abusement?
I have said many times that VODKA is not about alcohol. The author wanted to find a "code word" to fit the spy story, and thought that VODKA was a catchy word to use. I think that anything used in access - not only alcohol - is bad. People should do everything with moderation.
11) Do you think you'll get loads of points waving your hair? Because if we could, we'd voted you.
Once you tell me that... then I am going to make sure to shake my hair! I will do what I call : "The VODKA hair-shake"!!!!! Many fans seem to like it... so I will do it! Promise!
12) Can you send us Claudia Faniello's painting? It was amazing..
I would if I could.... I will call Claudia and see if it is still available!!!!! Maybe it has been sold already!
13) Do you inspire to any other singer? International or National.
I love Tina Turner, and Beyonce. However, at the end of the day - Morena is who I am!
14) Last year's russian entry seemed a group of spies, will you try to steal some details from Serebro?
Oh! where they really spies? No, no... I will be a different spies.... For Eurovision Eyes Only!
15) Do you think that medias have been heavy on critizing Fabrizio Faniello and his last position? And why they did not try to destroy Olivia Lewis?
The media can be really funny sometimes! They can love you, they can hate you all at once! I see it happen to so many international artists. Sometimes, it is just a person who has an agenda and wants to bring somebody down by what he/she writes! I believe that no matter what... each artist has a high and a low.... but after the low... another high comes along! The world goes round....
16) What do you think of joke-entries like Spain and Ireland?
I think that Eurovision is a big mix of everything. So I have nothing against joke or serious entries. This is why this contest is such big fun. Because you never know what the people out there are in the mood for! One year they might eb in for a "joke".. the next year.. something "serious..." something "wild"... or something "fun"... or something "dramatic!"
17) Do you have a favourite song from this year contest? And overall?
I have some favourites, but sometimes you just can't tell. so I will wait until I see the rehearsals before revealing them! That is where one has clear idea of what will REALLY happen. The rest, I think, are all based on assumptions. :)
18) Do you think there will be an Italian return? Are you hoping for it?
Eventually yes. Why not! Maybe Malta finally gets a neighbour!
19) Have you ever visited our country? What did you like best?
Not yet... but I intend to come over! My friends have been and said that Italy has seven wonders:
FOOD. BUILDINGS. FASHION. MUSIC. LANDSCAPES. HISTORY. MEN.
20) What will you do after Eurovision?
Right now.... the first thing that comes to mind.... IS A HOLIDAY IN THE MALDIVES! But unfortunately, in July, I have another project waiting!!!!
Thank you for your time!
Thanks for the interview, and I look forward to seeing you in Italia one day!
Vodka kisses
Morena xxx
Related polls
- Eurovision 2008: 1st semi final - who was the jury joker?
- Eurovision 2008: 1st semi final - who did you vote for?
- YourOne 2008: Vote for your favourite song
- YourOne 2008 - Semi Final 2: Vote for your favourite song
- YourOne 2008 - Semi Final 1: Vote for your favourite song
- Which country has the best song so far?
- Maltese selection concluded: Did you like Malta Song for Europe?
- Malta decided: do you like Vodka?
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OMG - it looks like a revolver!!!! hope i'm correct!!!
2day teaser from MORENA SEEMS A SILVER METAL REVOLVER...she put a question mark on it...something more mysterious
we love u morena, most down 2 earth person ever to represent us!!!!! u rock!!
I think that the dance routine will be something similar to the video. I think that we will be very surprised! i cant understand a thing of her outfit though lol
@ steven
I think a dark snowy background isn't bad! Also it would be original if Morena and dancers would have revolvers!!!
OLIVIA LEWIS, WHERE ARE YOU? MORENA WITH VODKA. ITS BAD CHOISE FOR MALTA THIS YEAR.
Daniel...she will be waering a trousers for sure...with that shiny black boots...actually the top seems interesting...sort of ropes with her back part...indeed her outfit colours will be black, silver and grey...very mysterious. With those teaser she is killing us with curousity.
Hope the SWEDISH guys PREPARED A PROPER STAGE PERFORMANCE...cause they look more as brake dancers
GUYS SUGGEST WHAT THE PERFORMANCE SHOULD CONSIST OF...IMO she must begin her performance coming down from the ceiling like the video...and the background stage will picture the actual code vodka.
Thx to all those who are leaving positive comments about our VODKA - and I am sure that we are going to have a wonderful performance!!.... does any one is figuring out morena's outfit on her blog???
Yeah, Steven what a nice idea!!!! So lets chear up for our pathetic entries this year!!!!!
Arabic scent...if you believ so much that MALTA will touch the bottom...I believe we won't be alone cause CYPRUS will accompany us...sponsoring a table to but the VODKA on it.
Morena will drink her Vodka to the bottom and she will be sunk to the bottom of the scoreboard.
MORENA is a REAL TRUE PERSON...the gozitan girl got everything perfect...behalf of all the MALTESE NATION I THANK all those who will support MALTA this year.
PERSONALLY WHAT I WISH IS TO PASS TO THE FINAL...THEN GOD WILL DO THE REST...actually i back for a new host country to WIN...
GOODLUCK MORENA for these wonderful experience in life...we will support you whatever the result will be...& don't hide after ESC like Olivia done.
I will be happy to cheer for Morena! I have noticed that she was the only one defending the other artists when some people over here bashed them. I like this human quality in an artist. She is also good. Her song is underrated I feel. I will surely be voting for Malta this year. @ Kira . I too would not mind a holiday in sunny Malta. I am sure they will do a fantastic job! Good luck
One has to admit it. This song is gonna make us all dance our legs off! I think it is about time we have Eurovision under the sun too! Congratulations Morena. VOOOOOOOOODKA!
What a nice girl! I know I am a bitch, but I can'tn find ONE bad thing to say about this girl. She is for real. I love her, and I just love this song. It makes me come alive. This is a real celebration of Eurovision as we like it! Go Morena!
ah she is lovely I also interviewed her on my blog !http://schlagerqueen.blogspot.com/
GL Morena!!
V for Victory...V for VODKA....V for Valletta 2009!!!!
Hey! Hey! Hey! Na Zdarovye!!!!!
MOR VE ÖTESİ -CRAZY (TURKEY) NUMBER ONE
Morena will be wearimg a trousers describing her oufit as a drop of VODKA.
Hope the backgroung effect will display the secret code itself VODKA...so that ppl remember it
I think Malta will reach the final but I don't know how it will do after that.
- | VOTE MALTA |
Thanks!!
Good luck
CANDYMAN ESC,
Sorry to tell you, but I think that you're the real idiot not her!!!Everybody who see the lyrics well will know what is all about the song VODKA, even if you see the video, it is really easy to realise that!!!!!! 
EGONS LACIS, Jonny K and MATTHEW EUROVISION.....
10x for your comments, MALTA and especially MORENA will appreciate them!!!!
Now we all hope that you really vote for MALTA this year
!!!!
BDW MORENA is updating her blog with her eurovision teaser and reveal a piece of her dress everyday!!!! 
Anyways, GL Morena, can't wait to see you on that stage!
Pikachu Pikachu.....maltese votes are important because they are not biased by neighbours or politics..........everyone wants points from us, and no one gives us points then to make neighbours happy... GO MALTA WE RULE !!!
Candyman ESC...before INSULTING our singer....READ THE LYRICS and check if it is about ALCOHOL !!! you idiotic idiot !! at least......IF YOU ARE FROM MONACO...send a song before insulting others....and also, we never sent CHRISTMAS TREES (hence 2004 Monaco)
Morena is awesome, she's gonna rock Europe!
"VODKA is not about alcohol":
OMG she's such an idiot. I hope she won't reach the final. Olivia deserved to qualify but not that Vodka girl
What a great personality. Malta really deserves to win this year! Go Morena and rock all Europe with your wonderful song VODKA that's the secret word
VOKDA and they want it so bad.
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