We’ve gone through and spoken to every single act ahead of Die Grosse Entscheidungsshow, Switzerland’s national final. The final act to face our questions is Deborah Bough, whose song “Take Me Back to 23” made it through the Swiss-Italian broadcaster’s round before getting through to the final itself.
Hi Deborah! Would you like to introduce yourself to our readers?
Hello, I’m Deborah Bough. I’ve been singing since I was 3 years old; at 6 I was singing for the church in the kid’s choir as a soloist. When I was 21, I left for New York with my guitar on my shoulders, a luggage filled with passion and a strong dose of dreams.
When I went home, I recorded my first album and toured all over Switzerland. I experienced the glitter, the sparkle, the flash lights, and a window of fame. In 2013, I participated at The Voice Of Switzerland where I classified amongst first 12 candidates, whilst also studying Science Communications at university. Today I am a step away from getting my degree and I took on a new challenge with Eurovision Song Contest 2015, while I’m also working on my new album.
You’ve certainly got a lot going on! What kind of effect did living in the US have on you as an artist then?
So I was in New York for quite a while, doing music, working full-time and going to school. It wasn’t easy but I’ve learned a lot! There’s actually a statement in New York, that says “New York either makes you or breaks you”. I think it has done a little bit of both to me.
Does your song for the contest, “Take Me Back to 23” have any special meaning with regards to that then?
I wrote the song last summer during my exam session, the song talks about going back to a young age because going to university for me was like a second chance to relive those years. The inspiration also came to me when I met a sensational guy in university.
Well you certainly seemed to bring a lot of confidence on stage during the Expert Check round. How do you get ready for a performance?
I don’t have any particular or ritual preparation before getting on stage. I just come prepared and do my best. I keep in mind that it’s about having fun!
Definitely! So, of course, we have to ask: what – or who – made you try for the Swiss Eurovision process?
My mother and my friends – and so far I’m really glad I did! I was happy of course when I found out I had made it to the final stage, especially cause that day everything went wrong!
We had a very long trip, the car stopped because we left the lights on during a break and I thought to my self “OMG I’m going to be late!”. When we finally got to SRF, we got locked out of the dressing room where we had all of our changing clothes and make up. We had little time left to get ready – but luckily we made it and I guess that in the end it was all worth it.
That sounds like a nightmare! But once it was all done and dusted, did you have time to find any favourites from the other entries?
I’ve listened to all six finalists and I think they all have great songs. I have to admit though, I have a slight preference for Tiziana’s song.
Switzerland hasn’t had a great record in Eurovision recently. What do you think they need to do to win again?
I think that the music industry and music culture in Switzerland is not as developed as in other countries such as France, Germany or the UK. It needs to continue progressing.
Well let’s hope you can help lead the way! Is there anything particular you’d like to say to our readers?
Hello everyone and thank you for your interest in me and my interview! If you’d like to know more about me visit my website, or follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. See you at the national final! Cheers!
Cheers to you too and good luck Deborah!
Best song in the final 🙂