Interview with popular Russian Azerbaijani composer-singer and businessman Emin Aghalarov:
- What can you say about the album “After the Thunder” presented in London recently?
- I think the album vas very interesting. This is my sixth album and is different from other albums. I have never released such album before. There are 12 songs in the album and I composed 11 of them. The songs are dynamic and rhythmic. I think this is my best album for the time being. I could think differently when the new album is released.
- You will participate at the Eurovision 2012 Song Contest in Baku as a guest. What does it mean for you?
- I was very happy to receive this proposal and received it with great pleasure. Indeed it is a great responsibility to participate in this contest even as a guest, because I will perform in my homeland. It is important for me to show grandiose performance and I will try to praise our national values before Europe and it is important to save modernity as well.
- Will you support Russian representatives at the contest – “Buranovskiye Babushki”?
- I can support them, but only after Sabina Babayeva… We will support the visit of “Buranovskiye Babushki” to Baku. As you know this is a group of 72-76-year-old grandmothers and therefore they will be accompanied by a group of doctors. “Buranovskiye Babushki” left behind even the British representative in the age category. Engelbert Humperdinck was considered as the oldest Eurovision 2012 singer, but “Babushki” hit his record. Regarding the Azerbaijani representative, our people made right choice. Our representative is very beautiful and talented. I believe that Sabina has great chances.
- You have been Engelbert Humperdinck’s fan since the childhood. Recently you have met him….
- Engelbert Humperdinck has recently given a concert at the Crocus City’s Muslum Magomayev Hall. I met him after the concert. I was shocked as a musician and fan when he was talking about his life history. He was speaking about his friendship with Elvis Presley and how he went to the fishing with him. Elvis Presley died more than 30 years ago. I want to say that there were many topics to talk with such interesting person. Generally I can say that UK representative is a very talented person. He is known, loved and his representation this year causes great resonance.
- Your producer nominated you for Grammy Award…
- Indeed it wasn’t so completely. The question is that every year famous American filmmaker David Lynch prepares collection of 30 pieces and he included one of my songs too. They proposed me to give him copyright for the song and I did it with pleasure. Then David Lynch proposed me to be nominated for Grammy Award as a young singer. Undoubtedly, I was very happy for that. Then we received official letter of approval for my nomination. Though we weren’t awarded, it is very pleasant that my nomination was firstly presented to this award.
-Azerbaijan gave many great singers as Rashid Behbudov, Muslum Magomayev, Polad Bulbuloghlu to the USSR popular music. Do you see yourself among these singers in the future?
- I would express my subjective thought. I would divide these talented people given by Azerbaijan to Russia and former USSR into two parts. Muslum Magomayev and the others... There were such words written near Magomayev’s monument in Moscow: “Thank you, Azerbaijan, for Muslum!” It is a great gladness that Russian people estimate the giant musician of Azerbaijan. It is impossible to compare Muslum Magomayev with somebody. Now I am very young and I have not such claim. If I do a little part of things that Muslum Magomayev has done, I will be very glad. It is very early to talk about it.
-Where will you present new album next?
-The first presentation was held in London. Today, the presentation is being held in Moscow. I think that it is possible to hold a presentation in Baku before Eurovision-2012 Song Contest. But it is just plan. Besides, the album will be presented in Austria, Italy and Germany in summer-autumn months.
-Do you want to join the politics in the future?
-No absolutely. I’m a businessman and musician and I don’t claim to join the politics.