After last weekend’s two semifinals we are now anxiously waiting for the final of Söngvakeppnin Sjónvarpsins 2013. Some of the artists aren’t just performers, they are also Eurovision fans. One of the greatest among this year’s finalists is Stefanía Svavarsdóttir, who sat down for a little chat with escNorge.
Wiv; Stefanía Svavarsdóttir is a brand new name to most Norwegians. Could you introduce yourself and tell us a little about your musical background and your career so far?
Stefanía; I grew up in a small town right outside Reykjavík and I’ve been singing since forever.
I’ve been performing ever since I was 13 years old, with a band or solo, but I was never very visible in the music scene. When I was 16 I won a big singing competition in Iceland, and after that things started rolling. I’ve performed with many of Icelands best artists and bands, but I haven’t yet released an album. I hope I will in near future.
Wiv; This is your first time in Söngvakeppni Sjónvarpsins. Have you ever considered participating before?
Well, I participated last year as a backing vocalist for Herbert Guðmundsson. It was a great experience and good preperation for this year. It was good to get to know how all this works and all the small things that need to be taken care of as well.
I’ve always wanted to participate as a lead singer, since I’m a huge Eurovision fan. This is such a huge opportunity for a singer and a really exciting adventure.
Wiv; How did you come to be chosen to sing this song?
Stefanía; Sveinn Rúnar, the songwriter, had seen me before and considered me as a singer for one of his songs last year. He decided last year that if he’d get another song in for this year, he would definitely want me in on it. When I heard the song I immediatly liked it and of course said yes.
Wiv; Did you also record the demo that was submitted to RÚV, or were you contacted after it had been accepted?
Stefanía; Yes, I recorded the demo.
Wiv; «Til þín» is a duet with you and Jógvan. Have you ever worked together before?
Stefanía; No we haven’t! And what a joy! We totally click and it’s been real fun working together.
Wiv; What kind of people do you think your song will appeal to?
Stefanía; It’s a lovesong, and everyone loves a good lovesong.
Wiv; How will you describe your song?
Stefanía; Powerful and romantic.
Wiv; Do you usually work solo or with other people?
Stefanía; Mostly with other people, but occasionally solo.
Wiv; All songs have to be performed in Icelandic in Söngvakeppni Sjónvarpsins. Is there a chance it will be kept in Icelandic if you should win the ticket for Malmö?
Stefanía; No, I don’t think so. It is beautiful in Icelandic, but I think it’s important that more people get what the song is about and the message it sends, so it will definatly be translated to english.
Wiv; Do you prefer singing in Icelandic or in English? And why?
Stefanía; Both I guess. Some Icelandic lyrics are so charming and magical and it’s so powerful to sing them, but I also love singing in English.
Wiv; It has been 15 years since Icelandic was last heard on a Eurovision stage. What do you think of the fact that many (most?) countries choose to sing in English instead of in their native language?
Stefanía; I think it’s a little bit sad, there should be more countries singing in their native language, but I think the song has to be very good and very catchy for it to work out. For example, Molitva is one of my all time favorite ESC song, but I have no idea what it’s about. But that is a really really great song, and it totally worked out for them. It’s a tough choice choosing weather to have a song in a native language, the song could benefit from it, or people would not be able to connect to it because they don’t know what it’s about. I really love when a song is part english and part native language.
Wiv; What do you think of the other songs in your semi? Are there any you think stand out?
Stefanía; There are many very good songs. I love Birgitta’s song and Eyþór Ingi’s.
Wiv; Most people in Iceland have very strong opinions on the Eurovision Song Contest, whether they’re positive or negative. How about you; Are you into Eurovision?
Stefanía; I’m a true eurovision fan! I love it, I watch it every year. I listen to the songs a couple of times before the finals and I usually learn the ones I love the most and belt them out in my car.
Wiv; So, as a fan; What is your favorite ESC-entry?
Stefanía; I have so many!
Inga & Anush – Nor Par
Marija Serifovic – Molitva
Stefan Raab – Wadde hadde dude da
Luminita Anghel – Let me try
Dana International – Diva
Celine Dion – Ne partez pas sans moi
… and so many more
Wiv; And your favorite Icelandic entry?
Stefanía; Stjórnin – Eitt lag enn
and
August & Thelma – Tell me. I was 8 years old and it was amazing.
Wiv; And since we’re a Norwegian site; do you have a favorite Norwegian entry as well?
Stefanía; I loved Wig Wam.. They came to Iceland as a surprise act on a huge teen-festival when I was 14 years old and it was craaaazy!!
Wiv; If you do not win the ticket to Malmö, what are your plans for the near future?
Stefanía; I keep on singing. I’m performing in an ABBA tribute show in Iceland at the moment and having lots of fun.
Wiv; Do you think you will try your luck in Söngvakeppni Sjónvarpsins again?
Stefania; If I get a really good song that I love then yes of course I will try again in Söngvakeppni Sjónvarpsins.
Wiv; What music do you listen to? And which artists inspire you?
Stefanía; I love soul music, jazz, blues and rock and roll. Some of my all time favorites are Ella Fitzgerald, Janis Joplin, Celine Dion, Etta James and many more.
Wiv; Apart from singing; what does your life look like?
Stefanía; I spend a lot of time with my family and friends, they are my nr. 1 priority. I love meeting up with friends and do a jam session with lots of instruments, spend time in the gym, hang out and find time to go travel around the world.
Wiv; Thanks a lot for taking the time to talk to me! And the best of luck to you and Jógvan in the final, from all of us at escNorge.
Stefanía; Thank you so much!
Photos; artist´s own, by permission
