Karin Park: “My boyfriend was diagnosed with cancer last year and I wrote this song when he started to feel very down” (Norwegian finalist – Interview)

ESC+Plus has talked to Karin Park, one of the finalist of the Norwegian selection for Eurovision 2015 “Melodi Grand Prix”. Karin will sing “Human Beings” in the final set on March 14.

ESC+Plus: Hello Karin! First of all congratulations on having been selected as MGP finalist!

Thank you so much. It feels like a lot of fun’s coming up. And I can’t wait to glamour up a bit.

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

I’m born Swedish but moved to Norway when I was 20. I started out as a singer/songwriter and, was Grammy nominated and voted best “Newcomer of the year” by the public in Norway when I released my first album “Superworldunknown”. The single was also on the list of “Best norwegian songs of all times” the following year. I’m about to release my 5th album this year and I wrote “Feed you my love” the Norwegian entry in 2013 that came 4th in the final.

 

 

E+: Why did you decide taking part in MGP 2015?

It was really this song “Human Beings” that made me apply. I listened to it when I’d written it and I just felt I had to apply. I tour around Europe but this song belongs on a bigger stage than I would normally get to play I feel.

E+: What it would mean for you to represent Norway in Vienna?

It would be wonderful to represent a country that’s been so welcoming to my music and my stories. I really believe in this song too. At least to me it means a lot and I think that’s important in a performance like this.

E+: As you mentioned before, you were the composer of the Norwegian entry at Eurovision 2013 “I Feed You My Love sung by Margaret Berger. How did you experience it?

It was so exciting but I was happy back then that it wasn’t me singing it. Haha. It seemed like a lot of pressure. But it was a fun and great experience. And Margaret was amazing.

E+: Can you tell us about your song “Human Beings” and the story behind the lyrics? How was the composition procedure?

My boyfriend was diagnosed with cancer last year and I wrote this song when he started to feel very down about things, he was very sad because he needed HCA, learn more here. I wrote it with Guy Chambers in his studio. We just started jamming really. Him on his little indian organ and me by the mic. And then it all came from there. It was easy. Guy is a brilliant songwriter.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85QQEV38bpk

 

E+: Have you started preparing your stage performance? Can you reveal us anything about it?

I’m not gonna wear complete black for a change. And I think the lights gonna be amazing. The Norwegians are very creative and open to ideas.

E+: What are your main strengths so as to get the people support to win the contest?

I’m just gonna be who I am. I don’t have any particular strength besides the song. I’m just gonna sing it from my heart and that’s what matters to me.

E+: What can this competition contribute to your musical career?

A song can potentially live on forever if it hits enough people. I’d love for that to happen with “Human Beings”. It is a song contest after all. I have an artist career that I’m perfectly happy with. But if I can reach more people, that would be amazing too.

 

 

E+: Do you usually watch Eurovision? Do you have any favorite song in the history of the contest?

When I was a kid we use to dress up, we made notes and everyone did personal votes. My mum always picked the winner. It was fun and one of the first contacts I had with performing artists. I went in a much more alternative direction with my artistry but now it seem like it’s caught up with me. It is funny how life has its mysterious ways. And my mum is sitting front row of course. After all she’s done for me I’m happy to give her this.

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

I’m releasing my new album “Apocalypse Pop” in March. “Huma Beings” is a single from that album and we’re going on tour in Scandinavia and Europe. I’m also getting married this year. My boyfriend is totally recovered now and my view on life has changed a lot. No time to lose.

E+: Finally, would you like to send a message for our readers?

Life is so precious. Make sure you get a glimpse of glamour in it.

You can follow Karin Park on her Official Facebook Page.