Vasil releases 'Here I Stand'

The singer-songwriter describes the process of crafting his second Eurovision Song Contest entry:

“In the middle of the chaos and whirlwind of disappointments last year, I wrote ‘Here I Stand’ in one breath without any specific aim or focus. I think it rose out of one of those special and rare moments in life when you are at one with yourself and able to let emotions flow in their purest form without self judgment, freely and sincerely.”

Borche Kuzamovskia (of the Skopje-based rock band Nokaut) and fellow Macedonian musician Davor Jordanovski have worked alongside Vasil on the arrangement and production, which was partly recorded with a live symphonic orchestra in the nation’s capital.

Backing vocals have been recorded in the United States by former members of the Chicago Children’s Choir, in which Vasil participated as a child.

Vasil was due to represent North Macedonia at the 2020 Contest with the track You.

About Vasil

Born in Strumica, North Macedonia, Vasil emigrated to the United States with his family at the age of 12, and it’s his globe-trotting history that has given him his unique musical perspective.

As a teen, Vasil joined the Chicago Children’s Choir and sang as an ensemble member and soloist on some of the most prestigious stages in America, collaborating with many world class musicians.

At 18, he continued his vocal education at a private academy in Milan, Italy for one year, followed by four years on a full vocal scholarship to the Glenn Gould School at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. He finished his studies with honours at the prestigious University of Toronto Opera School.

As a sought after leading operatic baritone, Vasil has played over 50 roles with performances in Italy, Canada, Germany, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States and France. He has also participated in prestigious music festivals, such as: Britten-Pears in the UK, Grachten Festival in Amsterdam, and the Marlboro Music Festival in the United States.

In 2018 Vasil’s musical journey came full circle; returning to his home country to concentrate on a pop career and promoting Macedonian heritage and arts.

North Macedonia at the Eurovision Song Contest.

Prior to the Contest in Tel Aviv in 2019, North Macedonia's best result was a 12th-place finish with Elena Risteska’s Ninanajna in 2006.

Having qualified from the Semi-Finals on only one occasion between 2008 and 2018, North Macedonia achieved its best result ever when Tamara Todevska’s Proud won the jury vote and finished in seventh place in the Grand Final.