EUROVISION ADDICT: January 2014

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Melodifestivalen 2014 - Semifinal 1: The Rehearsals

Melfest is starting on Saturday and here are the pics from todays rehearsals:

1.Yohio

2.Mahan Moin

3.Linus Svenning

4.Elisa Lindström

5.Alvaro Estrella

6.Ellen Benediktson

7.Sylvester Schlegel

8.Helena Paparizou

Photos: Olle Kirchmeier/SVT

Check out Mahan Moins interview here: http://eurovision-addict.blogspot.com/2014/01/mahan-moin-my-dream-has-come-true.html

Check out Linus Svennings interview here: http://eurovision-addict.blogspot.com/2014/01/linus-svenning-song-is-tribute-to-my.html

Check out Ellen Benediktsons interview here: http://eurovision-addict.blogspot.com/2014/01/ellen-benediktson-i-would-never.html

I really dont know whats going to happen on saturday but i hope to get some surprises cause it will be very boring if Yohio and Helena are the finalists! Im sure it will be a very interesting semifinal! I dont have a favorite right now but the ones i liked the most were Ellen, Helena, Alvaro, Mahan, Linus & Sylvester!

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Carl Espen: A down to earth and honest artist

Photo: NRK

MGP interview alert! He is one of the participants from the 3rd semifinal and the preview of his song "Silent storm" is very promising. Here are the answers of CARL ESPEN:

Name: Carl Espen Thorbjørnsen
Age: 31
Birthday: 15.07.1980
Height: 1.78
Favorite Color: Blue
Favourite food: Pinnekjøtt, a Norwegian traditional dish. The ribs of a lamb steam cooked for hours. So tender!
Shoe Size: 42. 43 on a good day.
Eye color: Blue/grey
Where are you right now?: I am in Oslo, Norway, in a Micro Brewery.
3 things that makes you happy: Music, payday and social gatherings.
What’s your strangest talent?: I can custom make a mirror, shaped in any form and size you like.
Do you have any nicknames?: Oh, so many. What would you call me?
Home alone and your bored. What do you do? I would have a beer and watch a good movie.
What is the strangest thing you have in your room? I have blue LED lights in my kitchen...
What are you really good at? Cooking
What are you really bad at? Cooking
Childhood idol: My uncles. One being a punk rock singer and one being a spiritual guy.
Childhood memory: 8 eight years old, alone in a boat, early in the morning, fishing. Beautiful!
What would you do if you were invisible? Sneak into my bank and adjust my balances to the better.
Craziest thing you've ever done: Entered the Eurovision Song Contest.
Favorite movie: Django unchained
Favorite TV series: Game of Thrones and True Detective
Tell me a super power you wish you had: Flying
What's your favorite part of your body? My calvs
What is your guilty pleasure? The Swedish artist Robin
Name a song that never fails to make you happy: "Girlfriend in a coma" by The Smiths
Tell me some of your bad habits: Snuff (as in the chewing tobacco, NOT the snuff where you make movies about killing and torturing people.)
If you were a product, how would you sell yourself? "Carl Espen - Just can't get enough!"
When did you start singing? At the age of 15, but there has always been singing in my life.
Can you teach me some interesting words in Norwegian? Bekkalokk (Man hole) Lutefisk (Fermentet, salted, dried fish, that lies in water for three days before you eat it. When it's ready it's like jello:)
If you were the journalist what would you ask to Carl Espen? and tell me your answer.
Your question: Hi Carl Espen, Do you wanna go and grab a beer? My answer: Yes, please!

Hello Carl, how are you?
Hi, I'm fine thank you. It's been an amazing day!

How would you describe yourself as an artist?
Down to earth and honest

You are one of the 15 finalists of MGP 2014, how did it all begin?
I've had a dream about singing since I was 15 years old. I entered a local music competition on the Island where I grew up, and performed "Wild World" by Cat Stevens. The songwriter and my cousin, Josefin Winther, was standing in the audience. 12 years old. I won the competition and she was so proud. She then became an artist, and has now released several albums. She has always wanted more people to hear my voice, and finally she sat down and wrote a song exclusively for me. "Silent Storm" came to life, and she showed it to me. I knew instantly that this was my song, and we entered the competition. The rest is history.

"Silent storm" is the title of your song and its written by Josefin Winther, how was it to work with her?
I'm extremely happy to have Josefin on my team. She has the experience and the know-how in the industry.

What can you tell me about the song? whats the story behind it?
My dear cousin wrote it for me, and I feel that it really manages to express my emotions and my life situation. I feel that I have something inside me, and I just don't know how to let it out. Josefin has also pointed this out, and with this song she wanted to give me the opportunity to express it. I have passed 30 and I know that I have more to show than I have so far. When you keep feelings inside you over time, it can feel like you have a "Silent Storm" inside. The song is about living with this feeling, and still hoping that "someday I'll be calm."

Describe the song with 4 words:
Fragile, intense, powerful, hopeful.

Lets talk about the performance, what can we expect to see on stage?
My main focus in the performance is to be truly present in the words I sing. When singing this song, my mind can't be anywhere else. So I am working very hard to be able to there in the moment every time I sing it. The stage will look like a storm in the making. A slow build up, from the near and fragile, to the breathtakingly intense and powerful.

What do you like about Eurovision?
The opportunity it gives to artists and songwriters, regardless of their previous experience. This is all about the quality of the voice and the song. Simple as that.

Tell me the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word:
2013: Entered Eurovision
Fear: Bees
Watermelon: Summer
Clones: No thank you
Stage: Fun
Night: Dark
MGP: Fun
Norway: Very nice
Thunder: Lightning
Dreams: Come true

What are your plans for 2014?
Doing my absolute best in the Eurovision Song Contest, and performing as much as possible.

Is there anything you want to say to close the interview?
I'm really looking forward to this opportunity, and to sing for Norway, and hopefully Europe!

Thanks to Carl for the interview! Wish him all the best in MGP! Cant wait to listen to the full version of his song!

Here is his official website: www.carlespen.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carlespenofficial
Instagram: http://instagram.com/carlespen

Dina Misund: Operating in the pop segment with hints from country music.

Photo: NRK

Hello everyone! We are going to start this day with the first MGP interview! She is a very talented singer and she is one of the participants from the 1st semifinal! Here are the answers of DINA MISUND:

Name: Dina Misund
Birthday: Dec 28th 1988
Favorite Color: Green
Where are you right now? I’m actually working on my new homepage (www.dinamisund.no)
3 things that makes you happy: music, exercising and children
What’s your strangest talent? I did play in the Norwegian Top Division for female soccer for a couple of years
Do you have any nicknames? My 4 siblings called me Mollå when I was a little girl
Home alone and your bored. What do you do? Play the guitar of course
What is the strangest thing you have in your room? A Gollum figure (not mine though)
What are you really good at? singing
What are you really bad at? Make up
Childhood idol: my oldest sister
Childhood memory: travelling to soccer tournaments with my entire family
What would you do if you were invisible? Sneaked onto long distance flights
Favorite movie: Into the wild
Favorite TV series: King of Queens
Tell me a super power you wish you had: wish I could fly
What is your guilty pleasure? chocolate
Name a song that never fails to make you happy: Make me smile – Steve Harley
Tell me some of your bad habits: I spend too much time thinking and planning. Not very efficient.
When did you start singing? 2 years old. Started performing as a 12 year old.
Can you teach me some interesting words in Norwegian? Fårikål -> Lamb and cabbage (a Norwegian dish)
If you were the journalist what would you ask to Dina Misund? and tell me your answer.
What inspires your music? -> Everyday life, people I meet, books and movies, news and different opinions. Actually; the correct simple answer would be “life”

Hello Dina! How are you?
I feel very good, these are exciting days

How would you describe yourself as an artist?
I have been trying to build a career for some years now, and my debut album was released back in 2010. I would hope that people see me as an artist who emphasizes her music, the melodies and my vocal. I guess I’m kind of down to earth, operating in the pop segment with hints from country music.

You are one of the 15 finalists of MGP 2014, how did it all begin?
“Needs” was finalized in studio during the fall of last year. I didn’t submit it to the competition at first, but decided to try it after I had been talking to someone I know at NRK Radio. I was invited to a test in Oslo and the ball started rolling.

"Needs" is the title of your song and its written by you and Frode Bjørgmo Strømsvik. How was it to work with him?
It’s quite easy to cooperate with someone I know so well. I had an idea of what I wanted as the songs theme, and he created the lyrics in just a couple of hours. We discussed the song during this process, and adjusted it as it started to find it’s shape.

Photo: Arild Ingar Alexander Aune

What can you tell me about the song? Whats the story behind it?
I wanted to create a song about the materialism in our part of the world. We were inspired by the movie “Into the Wild”, and I guess the soundtrack by Eddie Vedder was an inspiration too. As the lyrics unfolded it became evident that the main message was that material goods can’t replace other lacks in life, and that ownership doesn’t create happiness.

Describe the song with 4 words:
Happy Tune Important Words

Lets talk about the performance, what can we expect to see on stage?
Don’t expect my performance to turn the stage into a dancefloor. You´ll see me, my guitar and a couple of musicians. The choreography isn´t finished yet, but I´ll work hard to make it worth watching.

Did you watch eurovision 2013? Any favorite?
I did watch most part of the final. Margaret Berger, the Norwegian act, was obviously my favourite as I have been following her career.

What do you like about Eurovision?
The whole package seems quite fun, it’s a celebration of music across boarders. The musical diversity itself makes it interesting.

Give me the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word:
2013: studio
Night: sleep
Fear: spiders (though I´m actually not afraid of them ??)
Cats: love them, grew up with a lot of cats
Stage: guitar
Norway: wealthy
Clones: unoriginal
Guitar: acoustic
Dreams: making a living of my music

Photo: Arild Ingar Alexander Aune

What are your plans for 2014?
Participating in ESC, releasing my second album and playing as many concerts as possible.

Is there anything you want to say to close the interview?
It is very inspiring to discover how many who takes an interest in this competition, and it really motivates me to give it my very best.

Thanks to Dina for the interview! Wish her all the best in MGP and her career!

Here is her official website: www.dinamisund.no
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DinaRecords
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DinaMisund
Instagram: instagram.com/DinaMisund

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Ásdís María Viðarsdóttir: "I always try to be very genuine when I’m singing"

The Icelandic selection is starting this week and i guess its time for a Söngvakeppnin interview! She is a very interesting talented singer and her song is really good and unique. Here are the answers of ÁSDÍS MARÍA:

Name: Ásdís María Viðarsdóttir (Phonetically in Spanish it’s Austis!)
Birthday: August 24 1993.
Favorite Color: Oh lord, blue i think. But if glitter is a color, then glitter!
Where are you right now? I’m at home!
3 things that makes you happy: Cats, music, food.
What’s your strangest talent? I can play music with bottles by blowing into them.
Do you have any nicknames? Stísa!
Home alone and your bored. What do you do? Surf Pinterest until i find something interesting to do. Good recipes or cool DIY’s. If I can’t find anything i just dance.
What is the strangest thing you have in your room? I have so many weird things in my room. I guess the weirdest one is a old fridge that i use as a closet! You should see it!
What are you really good at? Being bad a dancing. Nerd dancing
What are you really bad at? Saying the right thing at the right time!
Childhood idol: I’m pretty sure that Beyoncé borderline raised me. She is still my idol!
Childhood memory: A bad one or a good one? Because this is a Eurovision site I’m gonna say dancing to Viva la Diva by Dana International. My word that was a good song.
What would you do if you were invisible? Proabably play pranks on people and freak them out. All.the.time.
Favorite movie: I have so many. Oh my. Right now I’m thinking it’s Wild at Heart.
Favorite TV series: Right now i’m watching a lot of Parks and Recreation.
Tell me a super power you wish you had: I wish i could fly all the time.
What is your guilty pleasure? A song called Hold On by Wilson Philips is a pretty guilty pleasure.
Name a song that never fails to make you happy: Any song by Beyoncé or ABBA.
Tell me some of your bad habits: I can make a huge mess in no time and I chew with my mouth open.
When did you start singing? Before i could talk! Haven’t stopped since!
Can you teach me some interesting words in Icelandic? Well we have a lot of beautiful words but the one that has most often been voted the most beautiful is ,,Ljósmóðir’’. It means midwife, which is the person who delivers babies. In Icelandic it literally translates to mother of light.
If you were the journalist what would you ask Ásdís María? and tell me your answer.
Do you play any instruments? Yes! The cello, guitar, ukulele, piano and then i can manage on a couple more!

Hello Ásdís, Söngvakeppnin is starting on saturday, how do you feel right now?
I’m so excited i could die! I can’t wait!

How would you describe yourself as an artist?
Different I guess. And i always try to be very genuine when I’m singing. And hopefully I’m fun!

You are one of the 10 finalists of Söngvakeppnin 2014, how did it all begin?
With a Facebook message. So romantic. Just kidding!

The title of your song is "Amor", whats the story behind the song? what did you think the 1st time you heard it?
The song is about love! The rest remains to be seen. Sort of.But the first time i heard it i thought it was different and that’s why i liked it!

Describe the song with 4 words:
Raw, dark, interesting and emotional.

Lets talk about the performance, what can we expect to see on stage?
I like to dress completely different when I’m on stage. It’s a performance so you have to go out of your comfort zone. We’re talking fringe, headchains, crazy makeup and feathers.

What do you like about Eurovision?
As an artist i like how it presents musicians to the world and helps them get noticed. I also like that it binds homes and even countries together and it’s always just been about that right? Bringing all of us together through music?

Give me the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word:
2013: Old news.
Wind: Wind machines=Mariah Carey
Fear: War.
Music: Dancing
Iceland: Nature
Stage: Performance
Watermelon: The lyrics ,,I’ve been drinking watermelon’’ from Drunk In Love by Beyoncé.
Dreams: Hard work but worth it.

What are your plans for 2014?
Being happy. Singing. And get a driver’s license.

Thanks to Ásdís for the interview! I love her song so if you are in Iceland dont forget to vote for her on Saturday! Good luck Ásdís!