Today we bring you our 5th interview in the series of  the 2014 Esctoday Eurovision Interviews. We travel to the cradle of the Eurovision Song Contest, Lugano, Switzerland in order to interview the 2014 Swiss Eurovision representative who shared his feelings about representing Switzerland at the forthcoming Eurovision Song Contest and revealed further details regarding his Eurovision entry Hunter of stars.

The theme of this year’s contest is #JoinUs – if you could have any artist, past or present, join you on stage in Copenhagen, who would it be?

Bruce Springsteen!

Hunter of Stars will be the first single off from your debut album – is this song representative of what the rest of the album sounds like, or can we expect some surprises?

The CD will be basically a folk pop record. I tried to find a balance between happy and dynamic songs just as «Hunter of Stars» and ballads, which I am really fond of writing. And up to now, I am quite happy with the outcome.

What is you song Hunter of Stars about? What is the story behind your song? What message would you like convey to the European audience with your entry?

It was on a trip in the USA last summer when Hunter of stars took shape. The song has basically a main key of interpretation: There is always a clash between confidence and non-confidence in myself when it comes to flirt and love.

When you entered the 2014 Swiss national final did you expect to win the competition and go on to represent Switzeland in the Eurovision Song Contest?

I knew that my chances were good, but I also knew I was not the favourite. At the end of the day, I must admit that the victory came quite unexpected, although I knew I had the potential and the necessary qualities.

 Who are your biggest musical influences?

For sure folk rock singers such as Bob Dylan, Donovan, Bruce Springsteen. But I like pop folk singers like Simon and Garfunkel or James Blunt, too. A big influence comes also from the Italian songwriters’ tradition.

Have you had a chance to listen to any of the other entries in this year’s contest? Do you have any favourites?

I haven`t checked them all, yet. From what I saw, I must say there are many talented artists at the ESC this year. For example, I very much liked the band that won Malta`s final.

You filmed a very interesting videoclip for your Eurovision entry. What was the inspiration behind the theme of the videoclip? How did it come about to film it in a hotel?

The inspiration was generated by the need to demonstrate the breaking out of a certain imposed daily, arid routine, enhancing the fact that music can help you achieve this.
Shooting in a hotel was ideal, as it enabled different situations to be found in which this routine could be pictured.

What is your earliest Eurovision memory? Do you follow the Eurovision Song Contest?

What I remember, for example, is my parents listening to the ESC-song Io senza te by Peter Sue & Mark when I was a child. In the past years, my interest for ESC grew. My all-time favorite ESC song is Fairytale by Alexandr Rybak.

You come from an Italian speaking part of Switzerland, do you always sing in English, or is your music bi-lingual? Do you sing in Italian?

I usually sing in English, very rarely in Italian.

What can we expect from your performance in Copenhagen – will you have a full band or dancers on stage with you?

I will be there with my band. And I will add some choreographic elements to the show. However, I usually prefer to focus on the song and on my performance. Of course I will add some extra visual hooks, but I don`t want to exaggerate.

How are you planning to promote your entry in Europe?

There are some promotional dates in some countries which will participate in the ESC in Copenhagen – for example in Malta,  Lithuania, England, and Netherlands. In addition, there will be concerts in Switzerland.

Do you have a message for your European fans and esctoday.com readers?

Thank you very much for your support! I am happy to be part of the ESC this year!

Esctoday.com would like to thank Sebalter and SRF for this interview. We wish Switzerland the best of luck at the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest.