Otto Ivar: “UMK is a great start for my solo-career” (Finnish participant – Interview)

ESC+Plus has talked to Otto Ivar, participant of the Finnish national selection for Eurovision 2015 “UMK”. Otto will sing “Truth or Dare” in the second semifinal set on February 14.

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

I’ve played in several bands during the years. From 2008-2014 I was the frontman of a band called Superscar. We toured Europe 3 times with bands such as Sunrise Avenue and our debut album reached #27 on finnish album chart. We got a lot of airplay on radios. Superscar broke and I continued writing music by myself and here we are. This UMK is a great start for my “solo career”.

 

 

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

It was right after the break of Superscar that I started to write this great tune to start my solo career with.. I shot a video for it too and then I started thinking how I should put it out and UMK was looking for songs. I sent my stuff in and they apparently liked it. “Truth or dare” wasn’t ment to be an Eurovision song.

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

It would be a great honor. I think it’s almost the same as when people get to play in a national hockey team or something. It has also been my dream since I was a little kid.

E+: Your song is called “Truth or Dare”. Can you tell us about the song and the story behind the lyrics?

“Truth or dare” is a personal love story gone bad kind of song. The love story started one night when we played truth or dare with this woman. I would’ve known from the answers….

 

 

E+: How was the composition procedure?

It was one of the many songs I had written when I started to make music for my own name. It somehow popped up and was the song I liked the most and wanted to start working on it. I tried producing it with 2 different producers but ended up producing it by myself.

E+: How are you preparing your UMK performance? Can you reveal us anything about it?

I’m alone on the stage and it’s gonna be a really dreamlike performance I think.

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

I’m honest, hard-working dude with a vision.

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

I do and I love the show. It’s hard to say… there’s too many to mention. I was really proud of Laura Voutilainen when she was representing Finland.

E+: Do you have any favourite song among the other UMK participants?

Crossroads by Satin Circus is a really solid and good song.. Also Lions & Lambs by Mr. Raatikainen.

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

To have songs ready for my first solo album.

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

Come follow my journey on Facebook !