Earlier today, ORF has revealed who will wave the Austrian flag in the Eurovision Song Contest. Cesár Sampson, who has already experienced Eurovision as part of the Bulgarian team in 2016 and 2017, will represent the country in Lisbon.
Cesár Sampson is a singer, composer, and producer working at Symphonix International, the collective that has been behind some of the recent Eurovision entries. Symphonix International produced “If Love Was A Crime” and “Beautiful Mess”, songs that led Bulgaria to top results, as well as the Serbian and Macedonia entries for Kyiv, “In Too Deep” and “Dance Alone”.
“I initially came in contact with music through rhythm and dance. Both came to me very naturally, and I thought of myself as a percussionist long before I was a professional vocalist. To this day I start my songwriting process by singing rhythmical gibberish, getting the groove and vibration of it all right, until suddenly actual words flow in,” said Cesár.
“When I turned twenty, I reached a point where I felt I wanted to be more than just a musician, I needed a deeper motivation. So I centered the following years around social work as a physical therapist, and in particular, working with people with disabilities and handicaps. After that I came back to music with a totally different approach to it all,” he explained. “My voice is the most developed instrument I own, it is the result of a long journey. While I did start off with a fairly good instrument, I really didn’t understand it, it was just kind of there. I feel, to sing with the awareness and experience I have today, makes a world of difference.”
Cesár Sampson along with his colleagues of Symphonix International has written and produced the song he will perform in Lisbon. The premiere is expected to take place at the beginning of 2018.
ORF’s Television Director Kathrin Zechner said: “Cesár is rhythm, he is a child of humanity, he is a voice! Cesár lives and breathes music and is an empathic artist! He understands how to use his voice, as a singer and as a human being. His musicality, devotion to his artistry and his holistic approach to his musicianship are contagious. He is equally authentic and unique, just an outstanding Austrian artist, who is sure to make our country proud in Lisbon.”
Eberhard Forcher says: “This year we chose an artist, who only at first glance appears to be a newcomer, as he has successfully participated in Eurovision twice already (as vocal producer and support singer for Bulgaria). With his dark, soulful voice and a background, that lies equally in classic gospel as it does in modern electronic-pop, he has all the necessary tools to possibly become a standout in this competition. He is the complete package.”
What do you think about the Austrian choice for Eurovision 2018? Let us know in comments!