Bjarni Lárus Hall: “I would sing my song in English at Eurovision, that’s how the song was meant to be” (Icelandic participant – Interview)

ESC+Plus has talked to Bjarni Lárus Hall, semifinalist of the Icelandic selection for Eurovision 2015 “Songvakeppnin”. Bjarni will sing “Brotið gler” in the second semi-final set on February 7.

ESC+Plus: Hello Bjarni! Can you tell us about you, your musical evolution and important achievements?

I’m a singer in a band called “Jeff Who?” and we’ve been active since 2005 when we released our first album. We had some songs that topped the charts but nothing like a song called “Barfly” that was a monster hit in 2006. We released our second album in 2008 and had some singles that topped the charts as well then (most notably Congratulations). Then I released a solo album in 2009.

E+: Why did you decide to take part in “Söngvakeppnin 2015”?

Me and Axel had been working on some songs in 2009 which we really liked, but didn’t finish anything until 2014 when we decided to complete one song and see how we felt about it. We really loved it but didn’t know exactly what to do with it. Then we saw an ad for Eurovision and decided to just send it in and see what happens.

E+: What it would mean for you to represent Iceland in Vienna?

I haven’t thought about Vienna really, I wont think of it unless I will win here in Iceland, then I will start thinking about it. But I would represent Iceland anywhere gladly and proudly!

E+: Your song is called “Brotið gler”. Can you tell us about the song and the story behind the lyrics? How was the composition procedure?

It was written in english and then we made icelandic lyrics that wasn’t a direct translation. But in Icelandic we tried to keep it as vague as possible and let the listener paint his own picture in his head. It has a certain meaning for me but I don’t want to say too much so I won’t spoil the picture for someone else.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqItCXgOh-k

 

E+: Have you started preparing your stage performance? Can you reveal us anything about it?

Yes the first practice was yesterday. We’re gonna try to keep it as organic as we can. This is my old band, minus the bass player, so well approach this like we always do, just go up on stage and play the song as a band and have fun with it.

E+: What are your main strengths so as to get the people support to win the contest?

I have no idea 🙂 just being honest about what you’re doing has always worked for me…honesty goes a long way!

E+: If you win the Icelandic national selection, would you sing in Icelandic or in English at Eurovision?

I would sing it in english, that’s how the song was meant to be so I’d prefer doing it that way.

E+: What can this competition contribute to your musical career?

I have no idea, that’s something well find out I guess after the competition. But like I said, I’m doing this how I would present the song with my band. Theres no “Eurovision style” (if there is such a thing).

 

 

E+: Do you have any favorite song among the other “Söngvakeppnin 2015” participants?

I haven’t heard them all, but I like the Björn Jörundur song.

E+: Do you usually watch Eurovision? Do you have any favorite song in the history of the contest?

I watch it with one eye. Me and my friends usually use this as an excuse to meet up but then just watch it with one eye. My favorite Eurovision song is “Birds” by Anouk

E+: Besides Eurovision, what are your plans for this year?

I’m launching my own Icelandic liquor which I’ve been working on for the past 2 years.

E+: What is your favourite music style? Do you have any favourite singer?

I don’t have any favorite, good music is just good music and I don’t want to label it. But I am rock orientated so that’s always a good start to get me interested 🙂 my favorite singer is probably Jim Morrison…but I have plenty of others, Freddie Mercury, John Fogerty and others.

E+: Finally, would you like to send a message for our readers?

Yes, just have fun and be good to one another.