Erika Selin: “I will do everything I can to make the Irish people like “Break me up”, both musically and visually” (Irish finalist – Interview)

ESC+Plus has talked to Erika Selin, Finalist of the Irish selection for Eurovision 2015 “Eurosong”. Erika will sing “Break Me Up” in the final set on February 27.

ESC+Plus: Hello Erika! First of all congratulations on having been selected to compete at Eurosong 2015.

Thank you very much!

E+: Can you tell us about you, your musical evolution and important achievements? 

I’ve been singing all my life. I’ve participated in a couple of talent shows, among them Swedish Idols 2009. I released a single 2011. All the time I’ve been working very hard to improve my voice,  and now I’m here!

 

 

E+: Why did you decide to take part in Eurosong 2015? 

My song “Break Me Up” was sent in to Eurosong by my composers Niclas, Gustav and Danne for different reasons. They believed it would fit Eurosong and it was written under influences from Irish music, which I know the guys like very much, as do I. RTE liked the song and also wanted me to perform it since they said they think the song fits me and my voice. Well, the song was written for my voice and I’m really happy that RTE also felt that.

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

It would mean very very much for me if that happened. I would be SO proud to represent Ireland. I believe in “Break me up”! I think it’s a real top song suitable for Eurovision Song Contest  and I think it would do really good in Vienna, if chosen. I will do everything I can to make the Irish people like “Break me up”, both musically and visually.

E+: In 2010, you sent the entry “Kom” to the Swedish “Melodifestivalen” but it was given to the girl band Timoteij instead. How did you feel at that time?

Well, mainly the composers send in the songs to Melodifestivalen, like to Eurosong, and then the TV companies decide who will perform it. Of course I was disappointed that I didn’t get the chance back then, but it just makes it more thrilling to get the opportunity to do it this time in Eurosong.

E+: Would you like to try to represent Sweden, your country of origin, at Eurovision in the future?

Actually I haven’t thought about it that much. Right now I prefer to concentrate 100% on Eurosong 2015. There’s a lot to do. Currently I’m preparing my number together with my great backing vocals. We will do everything we can to put up a good show even though the focus always has to be on the song and the vocals. Eurosong is a song contest and I believe that people mainly appreciate a good song and good vocals, but of course we are working hard to make the performance look as nice as possible. The performance has to boost the song, and that’s what we are trying to do. I hope and think that the Irish people will like both what they see and what they hear.

E+: In the Irish competition, you will sing “Break Me Up”. Can you tell us about the song and the story behind the lyrics? How was the cooperation with the composers of the track?

The song was composed by Niclas, Gustav and Danne who presented it to me and I instantly liked it very much. The lyrics could be interpreted in  different ways but mainly it’s about never giving up your ambitions, to fight for what you believe in when it comes to love, work and life in general. If you wish you also could apply it on the story around “Kom”. I was disappointed then but I never had the intention to give up.

 

 

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

Yes, as I said earlier, we are working on it right now. It’s too early to reveal anything yet but we are working on the staging, colours, light etc. in dialogue with RTE. We really hope that you’ll like what you see!

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

I hope my singing ability and a very very strong song will make people vote for me and “Break me up”. I really think the song could stand a very good chance in Vienna! I know that people in Scandinavia and also other parts of Europe already likes it a lot.

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

Actually I don’t know, but only the fact to get this opportunity to sing for so many people in The Late Late Show hopefully will make more people discover me as an artist. This really is what I want and what I’ve been fighting for since I discovered that I could sing.

E+: Do you have any favourite song among the other Eurosong finalists?

I really think that all 5 songs in the competition are very strong in their own genres. My favourite among the other songs is Nikki’s “Memories”.

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

Of course I do watch Eurovision! Actually it’s  part of my work, you can always learn something from it.

My favourite  ESC song so far is “Euphoria” by Loreen. My composers are great fans of Irish music, not only ESC music, and they have presented me to some good Irish songs and artists of which I already knew a great deal. “Hold me now” is one of my favourites among the Irish entries.

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

My composers have some new really good songs coming up for me, of which I already have recorded one and we will keep on working hard with that. My plans in the near future of course have to do about what happens in Eurosong. For the rest of the year my plans are to continue singing as much as possible.

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

I listen to all kinds of different music and singers I like are Leona Lewis, Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, among others.

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

I hope you all will enjoy the show next Friday and that you vote for the song you like and believe could make the best result in Vienna and of course I hope you will vote for me and “Break me up”. I also want to say thank you for the ESC+Plus interest in me and my song. It’s been a pleasure answering your questions.

You can follow Erika Selin on her Official Website and Official Facebook Page.