ESC+Plus has had the chance to talk to talk to this year’s Austrian representative Zoë. The young singer will perform “Loin D’ici” at the first semi-final of Eurovision 2016 after winning the national selection show.
Check what she told us below:
ESC+Plus: Hello Zoë! First of all thank you so much for giving us this interview as Austrian representative for Eurovision 2016 and congratulations on having won Wer singt für Österreich?!
How did you feel when you were named the winner of the national final getting the right to represent your country in Stockholm? What does representing Austria at Eurovision mean to you?
I was so happy! Indescribably happy and grateful. It was a dream come true! You know, it was the second attempt and I could not believe it..it took some time until I realized it!
E+: You already took part at the Austrian national selection for Eurovision 2015? Do you think that previous attempt helped you to finally reach the 1st place?
I participated already last year at the national selection, but I didn’t made it. I was sad of course, but it fortified my dream to perform on the Eurovision stage – and this year I made it 🙂 Maybe, it would have been too early last year. This way, I had the chance to get more experience on stage by touring and I had the chance to finish my album “Debut” that was released in Oct 2015.
E+: Your song is a special one at this year’s contest as it is performed entirely in French. How do you feel being one of a few to perform a non-English song at Eurovision 2016?
I grew up surrounded by French culture and French is kind of second mother tongue and it’s a part of me. I was in the French school in Vienna, and my Grandparents have been living in Paris for more than 20 years now, so I spend some time there every year.
I love to sing in French: it’s melodic and also a way to express my emotions. I know that in the music business it’s kind of un-typical that I do not sing in English neither in my mother-tongue, but I feel very comfortable with it.
E+: Talking of Eurovision languages. Do you think every country should sing in their own language as in the past?
I think the Eurovision is about building bridges. I am Austrian and I sing in French, and I will be accompanied by Swedish backing vocalists that will sing in French also. 🙂 Isn’t that great? It’s a real mixture of European cultures coming together 🙂 I Think it is a nice European signal to exchange the languages in the Eurovision.
E+: Have you taken a look at the stage design for this year’s Eurovision? What do you think about it?
Yes, I took a look and it’s so amazing! The stages are getting greater and greater every year! I am so excited and looking forward to performing on that stage ! 🙂
E+: How are you going to prepare your Eurovision performance? Have you thought about the staging you would like to show us in Stockholm?
We are practising a lot on a treadmill because I will sing while walking on it. So, I have to take care not to fall off it. I also need to get really comfortable singing and walking on that machine 🙂 We will try to illustrate the song, the road through a fantasy land to the paradise.
E+: You released the final version of your song through an official video. How was the shooting of the clip? Were there any funny anecdotes during the making?
The shooting was great since I know the whole team for a long time. They shot all my videos and they are so professional and relaxed at the same time. I was wearing a dress that was pretty tight around my knees. At one point, I fell from the treadmill and realised that I could not get up, because the dress was so tight. Two people from the team had to lift me up, and I was laughing so much.
E+: Can you tell us about your musical career? What was it like for you to sing in public for the first time?
My first live performance was at an event of the company of my father, Global Rockstar. That was when my father and I wrote our first song together. This is the clip. I was 16 years old I think 🙂
E+: Do you have any amusing childhood stories that are worthy to tell us?
When I was round five years old, I remember that I wanted to go to the Zoo with my father, but it started to rain. I was so sad. So, my father sat down with me, and we did handicrafts and built our own Zoo at home out of cardboard, paper and paintings 🙂
E+: How is a day in Zoë’s life? What are your favourite hobbies?
At the moment I am pretty busy – but, you know this is my passion… I love to meet friends and hang out with them, reading a good book and I love sleeping…If my schedule allows it, I can sleep over 12 hours 🙂
E+: Do you usually watch Eurovision? How did you experience the last year’s contest held in your hometown Vienna? Did you attend any shows?
Yes, since I was a kid Eurovision always has been a special event. We always watched the Eurovision at home. Last year’s contest was a mega event in town, a big party with so many people. Before the final evening, I sung at the town hall square and at the final one I attended a Eurovision concert in Salzburg where we also watched the show.
E+: Can you send a message for our readers?
Dear ESC+Plus Fans! I’m really looking forward to the Eurovision 2016 and I can’t wait to be on stage and sing Loin d’ici for you! If you like my song and feel happy after listening to it, then of course I’d be honoured if you vote for me ! Bisous from Austria
E+: Thank you very much, good luck and see you in Stockholm!
Yes, thank you very much – see you soon 🙂