ESC+Plus has talked to Stine Hole Ulla, finalist of this year’s Norwegian national selection for Eurovision. The singer will perform “Traces” in the MGP 2016 final set on February 27.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmWMgBeANyY
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?
My name is Stine Hole Ulla, 21 years old, from Sykkylven in Norway. I won Norway got Talent in 2012 and have been working on music since then. I released a Christmas album in 2013 and I am now working on my second album.
E+: What impelled you to take part in “MGP 2016”?
I have always loved «MGP», and it has been a dream for a long time to participate. So when we came up with the song «Traces» with the other songwriters I knew this was a song that was a 100% me, and therefore it was easy to send it in to MGP.
E+: How did you feel when you knew you had qualified for the final? Did you expect it?
I was at the airport, on my way to do some Christmas concerts when I got the call. I became so surprised and happy that I started crying, I couldn’t answer the person who was calling, so I had to give the phone to another person. Its kinda funny to think about it today! I got the call on December the first, so I thought that they had already decided. I had given it up, so maybe that’s why I got so happy that I started crying. Like I said before, it has always been a dream to participate.
E+: What it would mean for you to represent Norway?
It would mean so much to me to represent Norway in Eurovision, it would be an honor.
E+: Can you tell us about your song? What is the story behind the lyrics?
«Traces» is a song that I think almost everybody can relate to. Everybody has felt privations and how it is to lose somebody you love. «Traces» is about the memories/ traces that you see in the everyday life: traces of love, security and gratitude. Also, how the person who is with you everywhere you go will always be in your heart.
E+: Why do you think your song has to be selected for Stockholm? What are you strengths to reach the top in the competition?
Traces is a strong song, both musically and lyrically, so I think it has a good chance to reach the top! The song also shows my voice and my voice-register.
E+: Have you started to prepare your stage performance for “MGP 2016”?
We have planned the stage performance, but the practice started on February 2.
E+: Do you usually watch Eurovision? What are your favorite songs in the history of the competition?
I watch it every year, I really love it! There are so many favorites, but my biggest one is Alexander Rybak!
E+: If you could choose a Eurovision former participant to sing with, who would it be?
Maybe Johnny Logan, that would be really cool! But I also love Carola and of course Alexander Rybak.
E+: Besides Eurovision, what are your plans for this year?
I’m planning to release a new album and have a lot of concerts.
E+: Finally, can you send a message for our readers and Eurovision fans?
I hope you all will love Eurovision 2016, and I also hope that you will like my song «Traces». I wish you all the best! Love from Stine.
E+: Thanks for your time and good luck!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5wWOEF1tto