EMMELIE DE FOREST SPEAKS TO OIKOTIMES.COM

She is the ultimate favourite for months now and Emmelie de Forest found some time to respond to oikotimes.com’s questions for the Eurovision Song Contest 2013. The sweet girl from Denmark is talking about everything. Here is what she said to us.

How did you decide to enter the Danish competition DMGP?
“It has always been a dream to me to participate in the competition. It’s a great show that I’ve been watching with my family since I was a little girl. So I have a lot of good memories. My publisher heard my voice and thought I was a good match with “Only Teardrops” and the songwriters. So we recorded the song and sent it to the Danish Broadcasting (DR) and that’s how it all began…”

Tell us about the experience in the Dansk Melodi Grand Prix, your preparations, rehearsals… and the most exciting and interesting moments? “It was a really good experience! We had sound checks and choreography tests in Copenhagen and in Herning where the show was held. There was a press conference 10 days before the show where every song and artist was announced. I remember being very excited – it was the first time that I met the press. Another exciting moment was when I first stepped onto the stage in Herning when we had our first rehearsal. And of course when I was through to the final and at the end of the show when they told me on stage that I had won the Dansk Melodi Grand Prix – it was a great moment J”

What about your music carrer? When did you start singing?
“I’ve been singing since I was three years old. I started to sing on stage when I was around 7. I went to a very creative school from the age of 6 until I was 16 years old. When I was 14 I started touring every weekend with a Scottish musician Fraser Neill. We sang and played at festivals, culture houses, music places, private parties and so on. My mother drove the car and helped out as a roadie. In 2011 I moved to Copenhagen and started studying at Katrine Sadolin’s Complete Vocal Institute for singers since I’d got a scholarship from a fund.”

Any favourite type of music? What songs do you usually carry in your mp3 or i-pod?
“At the moment I listen a lot to “Mumford & Sons” and “Florence and the Machine”. My big idol is Kate Bush. I love her way of singing, her weirdness in a good way and how she performs on stage. Her melodies and lyrics are amazing! One of my biggest inspirations growing up was Kurt Cobain. I was totally in love with him and my room was filled with posters. I had all their CD’s. I am still a huge fan of Kurt Cobain and Nirvana.”

Have you tought about recording a videoclip for Only Teadrops?
“That would be fantastic. I hope that we’ll make a video, I think it would be a hit J”

What do you think about the Eurovision 2013 moto “We Are One”? Has it any meaning for you?
“I think it’s a motto that unties all of Europe and I hope and think that my song “Only Teardrops” will do the same thing.”

Do you think that Eurovision near Denmark will give you any advantage?
“I don’t know if it’s an advantage, but I think it’s wonderful that the ESC is in Malmö, Sweden this year. It feels like home to me, since I’m half Swedish.”

What do you think about the polls which tell you are the favourite to win Eurovision 2013?
“I try not to pay too much attention because it makes me a bit nervous. But it’s still nice that people believe in me and believe in the song.”

How do you feel listening that many people like your song?
“I think it’s fantastic that people are listening to the song and has received Only Teardrops so well through all of Europe. It gives me energy… I also think it’s a beautiful song J”

Any favourite among the already selected entries by other countries? Which one you are afraid of?
“I haven’t listened that much to the other entries. It makes me nervous so I think I’ll wait until Malmö when we have rehearsals and I will hear the other songs.”

Do you like travelling? How many European countries have you visited until the date?
“I love travelling! I love experiencing new countries and cities, meeting new people and different kinds of cultures. So far I’ve been to Sweden (of course!), Germany, France, The Czech Republic, Cyprus, Poland, England, Spain and Belgium.”

What do you do in your free time? Do you practice any sport?
“l love horseback riding, ice skating and skiing. I also love being in the water, though I’m not a great swimmer. In Copenhagen I mostly go for a walk on the beach or a run in the park. In my free time I love listening to music, sing, read and watch movies; spend time with friends, family and animals. I also enjoy going out to concerts, restaurants, museums or the cinema.”

What is your favourite fashion style? What do you usually wear in a normal day?
“It’s very different and depends on how I’m feeling that day. I like to be natural on stage with bare feet with not too much makeup on – it makes me feel more relaxed. But when I’m not on stage I sometimes like to dress up. I have a lot of high heels at home and I like the vintage styles from the 20’ties until the 60’ties with pearls and very feminine styles. Other days I’m more casual. I’m a fan of the Danish designer: Designers Remix by Charlotte Eskildsen.”

Could you send a message for our fans?
“Hi everyone, I’m looking very much forward to perform for all of you in Malmö J I hope you’ll like my performance and I think we’ll have a great time in Sweden! All the best from, E.”

CODEC News: