LiZZA: “I dedicate my song to everybody who is scared of something” (Austrian finalist – Exclusive Interview)

ESC+Plus has talked to LiZZA, finalist of this year’s Austrian national selection for Eurovision. The singer will perform “Psycho” in the “Wurt Singt für Österreich?’s” final to take place tomorrow.

ESC+Plus: Hello! First of all, thank you so much for your time and congratulations on having been selected to take part in the Austrian national selection for Eurovision 2016!

Can you tell us about you, your musical career and important achievements?

My name is LiZZA, I am from the south of Austria (Carinthia) and I am 19 years old. I started singing at the age of 3. I remember one particular moment, singing along to an Udo Jürgens song called “Bleib doch bis zum Frühstück” very loud with big self-confidence! That is how it all started and there even is a video of it. At the age of 8 I started taking guitar lessons but gave up after two lessons and decided to teach myself. I just play by ear. When I was 10 I was fascinated by the ukulele and taught myself that, too. A short time after my final school exams, I got to know Robby Musenbichler and we went on to produce a song together which eventually turned out to be my first single. In January 2015, I signed my record deal with Sony Music Austria. In August 2015, my first single “Every Minute of a Day” was released. Now I am here to fight for the ticket to Stockholm with my second Single “psYcho”!

E+: What impelled you to take part in “Wer singt für Österreich 2016”?

This live show is a great opportunity for me to present my song and my story to a huge audience and i’m very proud to get the chance to do so. How could I not want to take part in it?

E+: How did you feel when you knew you had qualified for the final? Did you expect it?

I cried tears of joy!! I am so happy to be part of it! I did not expect anything.

E+: What it would mean for you to represent Austria? 

It would be a great honor for me to represent Austria in Stockholm. It is my chance to make my dream of being a singer come true !

E+: Can you tell us about your song? What is the story behind the lyrics?

My song is about love, fear and overcoming one’s fears. I grew up in a very protected environment and for me on the outside, there was fear, I was vulnerable there. Sometimes I have to overcome my fear to be stronger. Fear can not defeat us.

E+: Why do you think your song has to be selected for Stockholm? What are you strengths to reach the top in the competition?

I think my song has a very general topic, which affects all people. With my song, I believe we can overcome and beat fear together. My main strength is, I am very determined and focused on my goals. I guess that has to do with my sports background.

E+: Have you started to prepare your stage performance for “Wer singt für Österreich 2016”?

Yes, of course I have stage trainings to work on my performance. We also prepared the stage show! Stay tuned! –

E+: Do you usually watch Eurovision? What are your favorite songs in the history of the competition?

Since 2006, I have watched the Eurovision Song Contest almost every year! My favorite songs are „Goodbye to Yesterday“ – Elina Born & Stig Rästa, „Calm after the Storm“ – The Common Linnets, „Heroes“ – Måns Zelmerlöw.

E+: If you could choose a Eurovision former participant to sing along with, who would it be?

I do not know, maybe with Måns Zelmerlöw.

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

Haha currently I have no plans besides Eurovision, I am focusing on Eurovision, only.

E+: Finally, can you send a message for our readers and Eurovision fans?

With my Song I want to encourage everybody to overcome one’s fear. I’m stronger when I face my fears and have the courage to step out of my protected environment. I dedicate my song to everybody who is scared of something. Don’t be.

E+: Thanks for your time and good luck!