Escdaily.com had the great opportunity to speak with Harel Skaat about his 2010 Eurovision entry for Israel “Milim”.

Harel Skaat was just 5 years old when his kindergarten teacher noticed that little Harel had a unique vocal ability. At the age of 6, he participated in his first contest and won the first place. Winning the competition opened the doors to the entertainment world for the young Harel, and now he has successfully participated in various popular television shows and accompanied well-known singers on stage and in the studio.

Check what he had to say below;

Escdaily.com: First Harel, can you please tell us a few things about yourself?
Harel: I’m Harel, an Israeli singer. Ever since I can remember I’ve been making music and performance arts. This year I will be representing the state of Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest in Oslo.

Escdaily.com: In 2009, you came second in an Israeli music poll for best song/singer of the decade. How did you feel about it?
Harel: It’s a great honour. My debut album just came out in 2006, shortly after the middle of the decade, so I didn’t even think about winning this title. I was very much honored to be in the same category with appreciated and popular major Israeli artists.

Escdaily.com: What is the best memory of your career so far and what is the best part about being an artist?
Harel: I think that most of my memories I have are from concerts, especially the opening shows for both of my tours. It feels like the evening before a holiday, the feeling of the joy of music. One of the great things about being an artist is the right to stand on stage and share your feelings with a large, loving and supporting audience, with the monologues you choose as your songs.

Escdaily.com: About Eurovision, can you please tell us a few things about your song Milim?
Harel: The song “Milim” is about separation, of any kind. Separation of lovers, of a family. In Hebrew, “Milim” means words. The words are the most memorable thing we have after a separation, words are very powerful and they are engraved in our minds and hearts. Sadly, my beloved grandfather suddenly passed away the week of the Israeli pre-selection competition, which gave the lyrics of “Milim” a very personal and difficult meaning to me.

Escdaily.com: Whats the message of Milim to the listener?
Harel: Ehm, I believe that everyone should find their own meaning for songs and to give them their personal interoperations.

Escdaily.com: So far, your song is one of the favorites to win in the Eurovision 2010, are you ambitious?
Harel: I try not to think about it and focus all my priorities on the competition. I think that the moment with the most influence on the votes will be on stage.

Escdaily.com: Have you heard any other entries of this years Eurovision Song Contest? Do you have a favourite?
Harel: I must admit I have not yet heard the other songs and don’t have an opinion on this topic.

Escdaily.com: Outside of Eurovision, what are your plans for the future?
Harel: I dream of performing and singing in different languages and different countries in front of a large and diverse audience from all over the world.

Escdaily.com: Finally, do you have any message for the Eurovision fans and the escdaily.com readers?
Harel: I hope that this would be an amazing and exciting experience, enjoyable for us all. Hopefully, next year we will have the honor to host you in beautiful Israel.

Escdaily.com: Thank you Harel and we wish you the best in Oslo!

You can listen to his entry “Milim” below;