Vincent Gross: “I think it would be good for everyone all around Europe to smile” (Swiss finalist – Interview)

ESC+Plus has talked to Vincent Gross, finalist of the Swiss national selection for Eurovision 2016. After being selected through the Expert Check, the singer will perform the song “Half a Smile” in the final on February 13th.

E+: Hello Vincent! First of all, thank you so much for your time and congratulations on having been selected to take part in the Swiss final for Eurovision 2016!  Can you tell us about you, your musical career and important achievements?

V:  My name is Vincent Gross and I’ve been doing music my whole life. After my brother showed me the first few chords on the guitar in 2011 I thought it was actually really fun to sing and play the guitar together. Because I was to shy to show this new hobby to my friends I uploaded a cover on YouTube just to check what other people think about it. I was surprised that the on-line community gave such a positive feedback so I kept recording weekly videos on YouTube until this day! This spring I wanted to try something different so I went to a newcomer show in Switzerland’s national TV called “Hello Again” and somehow I won! (Still don’t know how I made it!)

E+: What impelled you to take part in the Swiss national selection for Eurovision 2016?

V: I was looking for a platform to share the message of “Half A Smile” with and because I’ve been watching the ESC since I can remember I thought why shouldn’t I try? I think it would be good for everyone to smile no matter in which situation you’re stuck in! It definitely can’t be bad to smile!

E+: How did you feel when you knew you had qualified for the final of the national selection?

V: At first I didn’t belive it! There were so many awesome songs in the expert check and in the end they’ve chosen “Half A Smile” as one of the top 6! Crazy!!

https://youtu.be/OYJCysmgU6I

E+: How did you feel during your performance in the Expert Check? Will you change anything about the staging for the final?

V: I felt really nervous even though it was actually a lot of fun to sing for the experts and these few people. So I will try to calm a little bit more down before the show starts.

E+: Your song and style are considered very similar to Tom Dice’s, Belgian representative at Eurovision 2010. Moreover, you are one of the favourites for the victory at national final. What do you think about this comparison? Do you feel any kind of pressure?

V: No, I think the comparison to Tom Dice is a huge compliment because he’s a great musician with a beautiful voice so I really appreciate that! And I don’t feel any kind of pressure. My goal is to share my message and to have fun. It would be so amazing if I made it to the ESC in Sweden but no matter what happens I’m sure I will have a lot of fun at the national final so I’m looking forward to it!

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

V: I like the idea of the ESC being some kind of an European Championship in singing so it would be a big honor for me to represent my country!

E+: Can you tell us about your song “Half A Smile”? What is the story behind the lyrics?

V: I’m sure that everyone out there has got these bad days where they feel stressed and tired. With “Half A Smile” I wanted to show the world how to turn those days into great days! All you need to do is to smile!!

E+: Why do you think your song has to be selected for Stockholm?

V: Because I was convinced by my song. Every time when I perform it in the end the audience is happy and smiling at me and this is such a great feeling for everyone in the room! And I think it would be good for everyone all around Europe to smile! Especially in a world like this where people are stressed for any reason!

E+: What is your opinion about the past Swiss representatives at Eurovision? Do you have any favourites?

V: I like all of them in the past few years! For example in 2014 : Sebalter and his band they had such a positive and happy aura! I had to laugh for 3 minutes when I saw them!

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

V: Currently I’m working on my debut album which is coming out in spring 2016. It’s gonna be in english but there will be some German compositions as well.

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

Thanks for your time and good luck!

Follow Vincent Gross on his Official Website and Official Page on Facebook.