Ryan Dolan is a new name to most Norwegians. He sat down to speak with escNorge, to give us a chance to get to know him a bit better before Eurovision Song Contest 2013 in Malmö, where he will be representing Ireland with the fresh dance track «Only Love Survives». 

Wiv; How did «Only Love Survives» come about? Have you worked with the other song writer before?

Ryan; Well, «Only Love Survives» is my own song that I wrote with my friend Wez Devine. We submitted the song to Stewart O’Connor, one of the EuroSong mentors, and he loved it. So that’s how the whole thing came about.

Wiv; This was your first time in Eurosong. Have you ever considered participating before?

Ryan; Yes, I had often thought about it but the opportunity had never arose until this year. And I’m glad, because its so much better that I’m getting the chance to perform my own song.

Wiv; How will you describe «Only Love Survives»?

Ryan; «Only Love Survives» is about how love should be the only thing that matters in life, and if you have love then you don’t need anything else.

Wiv; What kind of people do you think your song will appeal to?

Ryan; I think our song will appeal to many different types of people because I think anyone could relate to the lyrics and everyone loves a good dance beat!!

Wiv; Will you be participating in any of the pre contest concerts, for instance Eurovision in Concert in Amsterdam or the London preview party?

Ryan; Yes, we are planning to perform at both of these events and I’m really looking forward to them.

Wiv; In Malmö you will perform in the first semifinal. Have you heard any of the other entries in your semi, and if so; are there any you think stand out?

Ryan; Yeah, I think there are lots of great song in the first semi but I couldn’t really choose any one.

Wiv; Have you listened to the Norwegian entry, «I Feed You My Love» performed by Margaret Berger, and if so; what do you think about it?

Ryan; Yes I have heard it and I think it is a great song. Margaret has a beautiful voice, she should do very well.

Wiv; Is Eurovision Song Contest popular and respected by artists and the public in Ireland?

Ryan; Yes, the ESC has always been popular in Ireland and still is, I think this is mainly because of Irelands successes in the competition.

Wiv; What are your own feelings towards the contest?

Ryan; I absolutely love the ESC and have done so since I was a child. It has always been a big thing with my family growing up.

Wiv; Our readers like hearing about artists’ Eurovision-favorites; What is your favorite ESC-entry?

Ryan; I think my favorite would have to be last years winner «Euphoria». I think it is an amazing song

Wiv; And your favorite Irish entry? And since we’re a Norwegian site; do you have a favorite Norwegian entry as well?

Ryan; My favorite Irish song would be «Rock n Roll Kids». My favorite Norwegian entry would be Alexander Rybak’s «Fairytale».

Wiv; What music do you listen to when you want to relax and enjoy? And which artists inspire you?

Ryan; I listen to all types of music from Michael Jackson to One Republic. But my biggest
inspiration is Michael Jackson and Queen.

Wiv; Apart from preparing for the Eurovision Song Contest, what are your plans for the near future?

Ryan; Well, I’m hoping to have my album finished for May so I’m gonna be working hard on that and then after the ESC I would love to do a tour around Europe.

Wiv; Apart from singing; what does your life look like; work, hobbies…?

Ryan; I love going to the gym and I really like doing water sports in the summer months. I also like movies and heading out with my friends and having a good time.

Wiv; Thanks a lot for taking the time to talk to us; we appreciate it a lot. And I’m very much looking forward to seeing you in Amsterdam, London and Malmö!

Ryan; Thank you.

Photo; facebook