ESC+Plus has exclusively talked to the Dutch representative Trijntje Oosterhuis. Check what she told us below:
Hello! First of all thank you so much for giving us this interview as Dutch representative for Eurovision 2015 and congratulations on having been selected to represent The Netherlands in Vienna!
ESC+Plus: How did you received the proposal to represent The Netherlands in Vienna? What does representing your country at Eurovision mean for you?
Being a professional singer for a long time, more than 20 years, I thought it was an honour to once join this contest. I’ve been asked a few times before, but it was never the right moment. This year the timing felt right. I’m very proud to represent my country!
E+: Can you tell us about your song “Walk Along” and the story behind the lyrics? How was the composition procedure?
There are many ways to interpret the lyrics. I leave it up to audience what it means for them. For me the song is fresh, honest and a positive love song.
I work together with Anouk on a frequent basis as a songwriter. We were drinking coffee and I was looking for songs in her library and this song felt instantly right.
E+: Your song is written by your friend Anouk who also represented The Netherlands at Eurovision back in 2013. Has she told you any advice? Will she be with you on stage in Vienna?
She gave me the advice to enjoy the ride as much as possible. Before you know it, the moment is gone. Anouk will not join me on stage.
E+: Are you going to revamp the song for Eurovision or will you keep it as the original one? If yes, what kind of arrangements would you like to listen to in the final version?
The version you know, will be the version I’ll present to you in Vienna.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JO1cqzPWrVI
E+: What are your plans to prepare your Eurovision performance? Can you reveal us anything about the staging?
My preparation is to work out, have a good night sleep and be in good condition when the contest starts. My main focus has always been on the music and of course we will look for ways to make the performance special.
E+: Can you tell us about your musical career? What are the most important achievements you have reached until the date?
Working together with Burt Bacharach was a dream. He even wrote songs and special arrangements for me, which was such a big honour. I also had a lot of opportunities to perform with great artist like Andrea Bocelli, Herbie Hancock, Lionel Richie, Coolio, Ivan Lins, Incognito, Khaled, Salomon Burke, Candy Dulfer, Jean ‘Toots’ Thielemans, Bobby McFerrin and Ronan Keating. I am so grateful I got the chance to share music on stage with such inspiring people.
E+: You were coach of “The Voice of Holland”. How do you remember this experience?
I love to support talented people and watch them grow! I have many lovely memories from this period. I felt really inspired working with positive, motivated people.
E+: Which known artists and singers do inspire your music?
My personal favourites are Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Aretha Franklin and so many others. I’m really into soul music.
E+: What do you feel when you are standing on stage in front of a big audience?
I feel honoured and I will try to enjoy the moment as much as possible regardless of the nerves that I might be feeling.
E+: Do you usually watch Eurovision? Do you have any favourite song in history of the competition?
I remember when I was a little child I really liked watching the show in my younger years. Sandra Kim with J’aime la Vie in 1986 is my favourite Eurovision memory. I was thirteen and very impressed by her performance at such a young age.
E+: Can you send a message for our readers and fans of Eurovision?
Spread the love of music! Music connects cultures and brings positivity into the world.
Thank you very much, good luck and see you in Vienna!
Trijntje Oosterhuis will perform the song “Walk Along” in the first semi-final of Eurovision 2015 set on May 19.
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