[interview] Zevin (DORA 2026): «I want people to think: ‘What's did I just watched? '
After coming so close to selection last year, Zevin finally arrives in the Croatian Dora 2026 selection with « My Mind« . At just 22, Zebin a.k.a Nives Cilenšek is establishing herself as one of the most authentic voices of Balkan «Gen Z »'. Founder of the Control Freaks, This jack-of-all-trades directs her own videos, and claims a radical Do It Yourself approach.
With its title " My Mind" , She doesn't just make people dance: she explores the tension between attachment to one's roots and the desire to go elsewhere. We wanted to find out how this «new wave »" artist intended to shake up the Dora scene.
For those who are new to you, who is Zevin?
A 22-year-old artist who does it all: music, visuals, directing, acting. It's a complete package. I want to bring something fresh, especially to the Croatian scene. I've always tried to strike a balance between my underground/artistic side and something audible to the general public. It's a difficult exercise, but it's where I thrive.
Your world is very visual. You have a wide range of influences...
I grew up with Balkan music, but I love artists like Stromae, Michael Jackson and the band Little Big. For me, being a singer isn't enough. When I was 10, I was already interested in animation and colour. It's crucial that the whole visual concept reflects my world.
Do you have any role models in the Eurovision family?
I wouldn't say they've shaped my identity, but I love them. Netta for his charisma and energy. I would also mention Mahmood, Joost Klein, Tommy Cash, Kaarija or even Baby Lasagna. These are artists who leave their mark.
Your song «My Mind »" is very funny, but it's also about mental overload. Is that your way of dealing with chaos?
Exactly. People from the Balkans have this tendency: when something is sad, we turn it into a joke. It's our way of understanding and digesting problems. «That's what My Mind « is all about: a fun look on the surface, but when you dig deeper, you find yourself talking about real blockages, about the need to put the world on "pause ». Music is my outlet.
Last year you flunked out of Dora with your track «Internet ». How did you bounce back?
It was a lesson. I knew that the use of vocal effects had been a hindrance to the selection. But I'm the kind of person who says to myself: «OK, how can I do it better? «. For 'My Mind »', everything went very quickly, we completed the whole thing in a month. It's crazy, but the urgency gave the project incredible energy.
What can we expect from the staging at Dora?
I'm involved in every detail: the camera shots, the lighting, everything. I want to bring a new way of telling a story to a television stage. I know I'm «complicated » for the production because I ask a lot [laughs], but they support me. I want the impact to be even stronger than in the video.
What is your ultimate goal for this performance?
I want the viewer to think: «What the hell is this? I need to see it again immediately! ». I want them to sing along with me, to enjoy the moment, but above all to be surprised. My message to French fans is simple: stay true to yourself, don't change to please others and believe in your ideas, no matter where you come from.
The editor's opinion: Zevin is our absolute crush for Dora 2026. Gone are the formatted ballads and déjà-vu melodies: here we have a hyperpop proposition, exploding colours and an addictive gimmick. It's fresh, and it's the electroshock that Croatia needs. Zevin in Vienna? She could go far!
See the full interview with ZEVIN
