Special - The Carluz Belo interview | Eurovision Song Contest News - 2009 Moscow, Russia 

Carluz Belo is a young singer and music producer who will have his breakthrough at Festival da Canção 2008. He is the composer, lyricist and singer of Cavaleiro da Manhã (The morning knight), which will be the second song to be performed. Carluz has spoke to esctoday.com editor Luis Florindo about himself and his song.

The song you are presenting at Festival da Canção was specifically written for this event. What ingredients do you think this song has that will appeal to people?

It think all the different sonorities of the song interact and flow nicely. The Portuguese, African and Brazilian influences are all gathered under the “roof” of pop music. This song was written when I was studying in the UK and it was a time of my life that made me the world, Portugal and myself in a different way. The lyrics talk about that experience.

You will sing on stage backed by three singers from a gospel choir and there will also be a female dancer. How will this different elements will contribute to your performance?

I think I have gathered a great team. The members of the choir Kaxuxa, Mário Marta and Lucy will have moments “of their own” during the song. Vânia is a fantastic dancer and will try to put into a choreography the meaning of the song.

Who is the Morning Knight?

The Morning Knight is a metaphor for everyone who is outside their homelands. A tribute to all the immigrants who struggle in every part of the world and especially those who carry Portugal in their hearts. 

How was your connection to music during your teen years. Have you always  wanted to become an artist?

The desire to be a singer started more seriously when I was eighteen. After having had an experience performing in school plays, I found myself humming melodies that just popped on my mind.  I started recording them and then the first music compositions came about. I had also some important experiences in music and in theatre. In the last few years I have been studying music production and singing techniques.

 How did you get involved with Festival da Canção 2008? What was your reaction when you knew you had been invited?

In the beginning it was a mix of shock and surprise because I was not really expecting to be invited, mainly because RTP announced the intention to keep the format of previous years, by inviting music producers. I am one of the less experienced producers, but I am doing my best and trying to learn as much as I can with the whole process.

You have been following Festival da Canção and Eurovision closely and regularly. What draws you to this kind of event?

As a musician, I like to be up-to-date on what is happening in the pop music scene. Since the music markets are ever so competitive, it’s important to know what the new music tendencies are and also know the concepts behind different music genres. I think Eurovision is a “sample” of the struggle that’s going on in the real world because each country aims for success trying to achieve the best result possible.

What songs that have competed in the past appeal more to your taste?

I like the song O meu coração não tem cor by Lucia Moniz because it was original and it had the right approach to this kind of event. I also like very much the song from Estonia from 1996. It’s a well constructed song and the contrast of the two voices is very good. It’s a sort of “Beauty and the Beast” and has a great melody.

Taking part at the national final is a dream coming true. How do you feel just a few days away from the big day?

I feel more anxious as the days go by. It’s really interesting to see the relations you create with the staff from RTP and the other music producers and contestants. I am trying to get full advantage of the whole situation. It’s a great learning process. On the day of the show my sole “obligation” is to be happy and do my best.