ESC+Plus has exclusively talked to Ann Sophie. She will wave the German flag at Eurovision after some controversy in the final of ‘Unser Star Für Österreich’ where the winner, Andreas Kümmert, decided to award her the right to represent the country in Vienna.
Hello! First of all thank you so much for giving us this interview as the German representative at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna!
ESC+Plus: Firstly before talking about what you experienced and what you expect from the contest, tell us a little bit who Ann Sophie is, how did you start your music career?
Ann Sophie: Well, I am from Hamburg, Germany. I was born in London and that fact makes me really happy! I was always involved with music, but the start of my actual music career was in New York in 2012. I started writing music, I sang in Bars and really chased that dream.
E+: How could you compare some other projects in the past and this experience at the National Final and what the contest will bring you?
AS: I cannot compare it. This contest and all the experience that comes with it, is unique. I am very grateful to get to experience it all.
E+: So let’s talk about the present, you won the national contest last March and you are going to Vienna. Then, what could you tell us from the experience? How did you manage to enter the selection and get you entry ‘Black Smoke’? Which one of the two entries do you think was better for Eurovision?
AS: Well – I did not win the German selection. I was voted second. But I am still going to Vienna and I am really happy about it. That night was an emotional rollercoaster. I am happy to be singing “Black Smoke”, I personally prefer it to” Jump The Gun”. And since you are always better at performing what you love, “Black Smoke” is definitely the better choice.
E+: What were your expectations from the moment you saw yourself competing against such a line-up of well-known German performers (as we saw you qualifying from the Clubkonzert round)? Did you think about a possible victory?
AS: No not at all. I was very scared, because all of them already had a fan base. I am building mine right now. So I still cannot really believe that it happened the way it did.
E+: What was the first thing that came to your mind after the final result was announced? Did you ever expect that something like this could happen? Why do you think Andreas refused to enter the contest? What would you say to him?
AS: Well, I honestly had a hard time holding my tears back, because I so badly wanted to go to Vienna, but I was happy for Andreas. He has an awesome voice and a great song! When he gave his title to me, I was so surprised and did not know what to feel, as you can probably imagine. Still I am very grateful. I would say to him, what I always say – if his heart told him to make that choice, it was the right thing to do.
E+: Had you been following the Eurovision Song Contest in the past? Which are your favorite entries from Germany? What about your overall favorite song from all history of the contest?
AS: Yes I followed a few. Since I was living in New York I couldn’t catch it every year. But I loved Lena back then, she was cute and performed her song very naturally. Conchita Wurst is amazing as well. Great voice.
E+: How long are you dedicating to prepare yourself for your performance in Vienna? What’s going to look like?
AS: Sadly I cannot give you a lot of information. We are still planning how it is going to be like.
E+: What do you think about the rule of the language in the contest? We know now that you will be singing you entry in English, did you ever think about writing a song in German for Eurovision? Will you record this version for Black Smoke or any others, such as any remixes…?
AS: Writing a German song would not really make any sense. At the end, it should be a song for “Europe” – so why should we have a song which language cannot be understood. Shouldn’t it be a song everybody can rely to and everybody can understand? Since English is the most popular language in the music business, I feel it makes the most sense.
E+: What are your expectations from the contest? What do the Eurovision fans mean now for you?
AS: Every single Fan means a lot to me. I am getting such cute support already in so many ways, and that makes me stronger every day. I have no expectations when it comes to the ESC. I just want to enjoy the ride.
E+: How are you going to make the German audience proud and convince the European audience Germany is really worth it this year?
AS: By giving them a performance to enjoy and a song to connect to.
E+: Have you listened to any of the other songs from this year’s participating countries? Which ones do you think are going to do better on the scoreboard?
AS: Yes I have. There is a lot of cool stuff. I do not want to point out anyone just yet – I want to wait until I meet and get to know them.
E+: Last but not least, if you had the chance to pick a German singer for the Eurovision Song Contest, who would it be? What would you say to next year’s German representative?
AS: Haha…well I cannot name anyone…I am sorry but I would say, do not get caught up, focus on your music and your fans and take it day by day. It is worth the ride.
E+: Finally, could you dedicate any words to the readers on ESC+Plus.com? They do really love and support you!
Well my dearest readers, I know this contest means a lot to you, and thank you for taking time to read the interview! Your support means a lot to me. I hope my performance and my song will make you happy. I cannot wait to share these three minutes with you.
“I am me, when I am music.” – Ann Sophie
Thanks for your time and hope all preparations are well-underway, see you in Vienna!
Ann Sophie will be releasing her second album on the 24th of April, you can follow and get the latest updates about her road, here:
- Official Website (in German language)
You Ann Sophie have a good Eurovision song that’s are my one of 21 favorite sengs in this ESC 2015.
With sincerely from Anders from Norway.