ESC+Plus has talked to Rasmus Rändvee, semifinalist of this year’s Estonian national selection for Eurovision, Eesti Laul 2017. The singer will perform «This Love», composed by himself, Bert Prinkenfeld, Stewart James Brock and Ewert Sundja. This will be his second attempt after being candidate in 2013 when he got the 7th place in the final.
ESC+Plus: Hello! First of all, thank you so much for your time and congratulations on having been selected to take part in the Estonian national selection for Eurovision 2017! What impelled you to take part in “Eesti Laul 2017”?
Rasmus Rändvee: Eesti Laul is a magnificent opportunity to introduce myself and my music to new pairs of ears and eyes.
E+: How did you feel when you knew you had qualified for the semi-final? Did you expect it?
Rasmus Rändvee: There’s never any guarantees that you will make it and I don’t like to predict the future in its uncertainty. The competition was unbelievably tough this year and I am just really happy that I’ve made it this far. Every accomplishment further will just be a bonus for me.
E+: What would it mean to you to represent Estonia?
Rasmus Rändvee: Firstly, a great responsibility would bear down on my shoulders, as I would not want to let my homeland down. Secondly, a great opportunity to grow from Eurovision contest making it as a musician is my sole ambition in my life and Eurovision would be a huge leap towards my huge dreams.
E+: How do you remember your previous participation in Eesti Laul?
Rasmus Rändvee: It was definitely fun – that much I can tell you. We were only 17 years old, stuggling daily to earn our highschool degree and balancing between the lunacy of being famous and schoollife. Looking back on the contest I even feel a bit nostalgic as our attitude towards life was purely honest and even a teeny-tiny bit naive. Ok. Maybe more than just «teeny-tiny» bit. The lyrics of the song described the contents of my guitarist’s little brother’s playroom, which launched us into media speculation, if we were using drugs as a means of inspiration due to the overwhelming randomness of the lyrics. The beginning of the song was a ripoff, which I didn’t know when fiercely defending our songs originality from the press, because no-one bothered to tell me. Still all in all, looking back I’m very happy that I had a chance to experience this at a very young age.
E+: Can you tell us about your song? What is the story behind the lyrics?
Rasmus Rändvee: The song tells a story about the complex nature of love, but it’s not the average «love song». It’s rather something you tell your mates after your wife has kicked you out of your house and you complain to them about the mysterious nature of women and relationships over a pint of beer.
E+: Why do you think your song has to be selected for Kiev? What are you strengths to reach the top in the competition?
Rasmus Rändvee: It’s hard to compliment your own creation and I’d like to stay humble regarding this matter. If I were to point out something special about this song, is it’s complete sincere honesty.
E+: Have you thought about your performance for the Eesti Laul’s semifinal?
Rasmus Rändvee: Well yes, of course. We’re already working on the performance to really create something special.
E+: Do you usually watch Eurovision? What are your favorite songs in the history of the competition?
Rasmus Rändvee: My relationship with the Eurovision has grown a lot stronger and personal after taking part of the Eesti Laul and having the honour of being part of the jury. Back in the day my family would always gather around the television to watch the Eurovision contest, so it means a great deal to take part of the competition only a few years later. As a huge fan of a French icon and arch provocateur Serge Gainsbourg, my all time favourite song is definitely Poupée de Cire, Poupée de Son by France Gall. Also, I was completely baffled and carried away Sanna Nielsen’s vocal performance representing Sweden in 2014.
E+: Finally, can you send a message for our readers and Eurovision fans?
Rasmus Rändvee: I don’t think I can pull this off without sounding like a Miss Universe.