Zoë: “My song radiates positive vibes and has a catchy chorus” (Austrian finalist – Exclusive Interview)

ESC+Plus has talked to Zoë, finalist of this year’s Austrian national selection for Eurovision. Zoë will perform “Loin d’ici” in the final of “Wer singt für Österreich?” set on February 12.

Hello! First of all, thank you so much for your time and congratulations on having been selected to take part in the Austrian national selection for Eurovision 2016!

E+: Can you tell us about you, your musical career and important achievements?

I grew up surrounded by music, since my father is a songwriter and music producer. I started very early to record demos for productions my father did and learned a lot about working in a recording studio. When I was 11, I participated in a TV-Show called “Kiddy Contest” where kids perform german versions of popular hits. Right after my school-leaving exam, I decided to go for a professional career as singer and actor, and I was lucky: I got my first roles as actress in popular TV series last year and had the chance to participate in the Austrian preselection to the ESC 2015 where I reached the finals. In September 2015, my single “Mon coeur a trop aimé” reached number 1 of the Austro Charts for many weeks. My first album “debut” was released in October 2015 and reached the Top5 of the Austrian Top 40 charts. I’m very thankful that I had all these opportunities and luck in 2015, and now I’m looking forward to having an exciting 2016, with hopefully a participation in the ESC in Stockholm 🙂

E+: What impelled you to take part in “Wer singt für Österreich 2016”?

I love the Eurovision. It always was my dream to be there on stage! I’ll do my best to reach this goal in 2016, but if I don’t succeed to win the Austrian preselections, I’d be thankful for having been a part of the Austrian TV-Show. Last years preselection was also a great experience for me and I often think of it, even though I did not make it to the ESC in the end. So, I’ll give my best and will enjoy it this year also.:)

E+: How did you feel when you knew you had qualified for the final? Did you expect it?

I was really happy and excited! I love exciting challenges! I did not expect it, but I worked hard to reach that goal.

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

I would be such a great honour for me!

E+: Can you tell us about your song? What is the story behind the lyrics?

My song is a very positive song, telling about our dream to find a place where we are completely happy, a place where people sing and dance and enjoy their life. The song is about the ongoing journey finding the place of our dreams.

E+: Why do you think your song has to be selected for Stockholm? What are you strengths to reach the top in the competition?

I think that my song radiates positive vibes 🙂 and has a catchy chorus that takes people on a beautiful journey with me

E+: If you win the contest, would you change the language lyrics of your song?

My song is in French 🙂 since I love the language and since my whole album is in French.

E+: Have you started to prepare your stage performance for “Wer singt für Österreich 2016”?

We started brainstorming. We think that the performance has to express the positive feelings of the song and the drive of an ongoing journey to a better place

E+: How do you remember your participation in the last year’s contest?

It was a great experience! I loved all the fellow musicians I got to know then, and I loved their creative work. It was an exceptional creative journey and I have great memories.

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

Yes, every year! Of course, from the ESC history I loved ABBA, France Gall, Udo Jürgens. From the last years, my favorite song was “Euphoria”. Such a great song and performance! And Mans was amazing in 2015!

E+: If you could choose a Eurovision former participant to sing along with, who would it be?

Very difficult to say. There where so many great artists in the ESC! Maybe Conchita or Mans Zelmerlöw 🙂

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

I’ll work on my second CD. I have a concert tour through Austria in Feb – March. Mostly, I plan to have a lot of fun with music and an exciting year with lots of challenges!

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

Bisou from ZOE! I’d love to see you all in Stockholm in May! Let’s go for an awesome Eurovision 2016!

E+: Thanks for your time and good luck!

Thank you!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viFPJ1Vhxv8