ESC+Plus has talked to Stage Dolls, finalist of this year’s Norwegian national selection for Eurovision. The band will perform “Into the Fire” in the MGP 2016 final set on February 27.
ESC+Plus: Hello! First of all, thank you so much for your time and congratulations on having been selected to take part in the Norwegian national selection for Eurovision 2016!
Can you tell us about you, your musical career and important achievements?
Torstein Flakne and Terje Storli met for the first time in 1976 as competitors in a small talent competition in Trondheim. Torstein gradually started a band named “The Kids” and Terje went to “Hot Lips” together with Erlend Antonsen, drummer of “Subway Suck” who won Trøndersk Championship of Rock in 1979.
When “Hot Lips” needed a rental guitarist summer 1983, Torstein was contacted, and he needed some “quick cash” and a few exercises later when Torstein, Terje and Erlend together jammed old ‘Stones songs at rehearsals in Ilsvikøra in Trondheim, Stage Dolls were born.
Their musical career sky rocketed when Stage Dolls toured Trøndelag and eventually throughout Norway with great success. In 1985 they released their first album, “Soldier’s gun”, for many that year’s Norwegian rock album #1 and Stage Dolls played many concerts for a growing fan base. The album was nominated for musical awards that year.
Stage Dolls celebrated 10 year anniversary in 1993 with the compilation album “Stories we could tell». From this came the mega-hit “Hard to say goodbye”.
In 2010 came their last complete album so far, “Always” received critical acclaim and went to #1 on the charts. Besides of touring Norway every summer, Stage Dolls have released several singles in recent years, last song “One of These Days” was released in spring 2015.
E+: What impelled you to take part in “MGP 2016”?
We usually spend the year recording a little in the studio and going on tour in the summer. In 2016 we wanted to do something completely different, step out of our comfort zone and experience this Eurovision-Circus 🙂
E+: How did you feel when you knew you had qualified for the final? Did you expect it?
We did’nt expect it as our song is maybe a little on the rock side, but of course we were delighted.
E+: What it would mean for you to represent Norway?
That would be very special for us,very special.
E+: Can you tell us about your song? What is the story behind the lyrics?
The lyric is about being young and really just take your chances, be brave and enjoy life.
E+: Why do you think your song has to be selected for Stockholm? What are you strengths to reach the top in the competition?
We feel of course that this is the best song hehe 🙂 We also like to smile onstage and hope to do a good show.
E+: Have you started to prepare your stage performance for “MGP 2016”?
We’re not so good at dancing so we haven’t done much so far:)
E+: Do you usually watch Eurovision? What are your favorite songs in the history of the competition?
No, we play shows on Saturdays so we haven’t watched the show that much. But we know what it’s about of course.
E+: If you could choose a Eurovision former participant to sing along with, who would it be?
That would be Abba!
E+: Besides Eurovision, what are your plans for this year?
We’re going on a Summer Tour in Norway from May to september.
E+: Finally, can you send a message for our readers and Eurovision fans?
We’re looking forward to play the song in the Norwegian Final and hope to see you in Stockholm!
E+: Thanks for your time and good luck!