Lena
Artist

Lena

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Such a thing hasn't happened for a long time. The British press takes its hat off to pop music from Germany. The Guardian sums it up with "Simply gorgeous". The Daily Mail regards the victory as an easy one for "the fresh faced German chanteuse Lena". The corresponding headline simply said "Wunderbar". Many other countries also got all enthusiastic: "Many greetings, Lena, Europe loves you", rejoices the Danish tabloid BT.

A story only possible in pop music has found its preliminary climax: Lena wins the 55th Eurovision Song Contest in Oslo! A triumph of support, after 28 years it brings Germany another beaming winner. A proud lead of 76 points over the runner-up maNga from Turkey. "Lena - a German comet over Europe" says the headline of the Polish paper Polska and thus anticipates the international dimensions in which the 19-year old from Hanover who recently graduated from high school suddenly moves in. The beginning of a breathtaking career.

What has to be mentioned though is that a few weeks ago she was in the midst of stressful preparations for her high school qualifications. Biology, physical exercise, and history were her exam subjects which required a lot of studying. "Up to the exams in April it was tough, of course", she said back then with a little sigh. "But afterwards I was able to go to the European Final feeling almost relaxed."

Virtually from nowhere - except for small walk-on parts on TV and musical performances in the school's assembly hall - she conquered the hearts of the national audience. "I did not mention the first casting to my friends to avoid any stupid comments later on in case that I don't get into the show", she said and thinks about her stage fright. Even if Lena regularly danced as a child - from ballet to jazz and hip hop - she developed an appreciation for music without any piano or singing lessons. However, she got her chance, and she is progressing rapidly.

During her television appearances in Germany she interpreted the swing song "My Same" by the British singer Adele, "Foundations" by Kate Nash or "New Shoes" by Paolo Nutini. Viewers and jury alike were excited about her genuine, natural charisma. Her musical mix is special and unusual for the TV's evening programme. The songs she chooses are distinctive. In her personal Top 10 List, ranging from Erykah Badu and Yann Tiersen to German rock and hip hop artists, headstrong characters form the majority. Lena herself is convincing with a clear and flexible voice. Her movements radiate a relaxed feeling on stage. Soon it becomes clear that she is a real exceptional talent. In the decisive round the songwriter duo John Gordon and Julie Frost with their lively rhythmic song "Satellite" provided the right kind of energy to make Lena the winner of the national qualifying contest.

In the evening of her triumph Lena was at a loss for words and had to drink a glass of water quickly. A joy which can be overwhelming. If, by contrast, she describes the things she is particularly fond of, she soon becomes a representative of a generation assembling their individual style from the building set of pop history. At least she still comes from a world in which you were given a CD player when you turned ten or eleven. "Back then I listened to songs at random. I have always tried out everything there is without really tying myself to one thing." She sees herself as a down-to-earth person who is "really at home in Hanover". When asked for her personal going out tip in her hometown she spontaneously mentions a longstanding independent club where you can listen to almost anything from guitar to electronic music. No wonder that house music ("but rather deep house") and the Danish electronic musician Trentemoeller also belong to her favourite music. Genres such as minimal techno cross her lips naturally, but she does not want to be considered a specialist in this respect. She searches her new favourites on the internet or tracks down something in the music collection of her friends. A mix across a wide sound universe.

Just after the final her single "Satellite" already rocketed to No. 1 of all important download portals. A new download record, never before had a song in Germany such great sales figures in such a short time. In addition, the single raced from zero to number one to the top of the singles charts. Back then she just rolled her eyes and made one of her typical gestures which tell you ironically and charmingly "now, don't let it go to your head". At the time, the victory in Oslo was a distant dream. "I try not to be overly impressed", was her comment. "Of course, this is all quite wicked at the moment. But I am still at the very beginning. It is a snapshot, nothing else. A great picture for now! I'm excited about what the future might hold for me."

In terms of her first album "My Cassette Player", she completely trusted famous German TV host and producer Stefan Raab. "The songs were very dear to me and I contributed as much as possible", Lena explains. "After all, I was right in the middle of preparing myself for graduation, but we always called each other and talked about the lyrics. I was able to participate to a great extent, and so the songs are the result of a joint effort." Under the direction of producer Stefan Raab the hits "Satellite", "Bee", and "Love Me" were created, as well as Lena's version of Adele's "My Same". Furthermore, it contains the Jason Mraz' song "Mr. Curiosity" already known from the German contest rounds.

Recommended tracks besides the Oslo winner hit "Satellite" are the theme song "My Cassette Player" and "Touch A New Day".

For further information on Lena go to www.lena-meyer-landrut.com

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