The final of Eesti Laul, Estonia’s Eurovision selection, takes place this Saturday. A little while ago, wiwiblogger George had a chat with hot favourite Laura. After already singing for Estonia at Eurovision 2005 as a part of the band Suntribe, Laura will perform solo at Eesti Laul 2016 with her song “Supersonic”.
You’re back at Eesti Laul. How do you feel?
I feel excited and great! Even though it’s my fourth time taking part in the Estonian Eurovision competition and it still feels like a brand new experience.
What made you enter Eesti Laul the first time around?
I have been collaborating with Sven Lõhmus (the author of the song) for more than 10 years. It all started when I won the radio Sky Plus competition, where they were looking for a singer to sing one of Sven’s Eurovision songs. I was lucky to win the competition and that was the beginning of our collaboration. This is how it began and this is why I am taking part in the competition again.
People outside the Baltics might not know you that well. Tell us a few things about yourself.
Well, in 2005 I represented Estonia in the Eurovision Song Contest in Kyiv with the band Suntribe. My solo song ”Moonwalk” placed second in the Estonian final. After that I’ve taken part in the Estonian final two more times. I have released three pop albums and three jazz albums. One of them was released only in Japan. I love snowboarding and eating hummus and carrots and I am crazy protective about my family.
Can you tell us a bit about “Supersonic”? What’s the message behind it?
Supersonic is a song about us, humans. Our life here on earth is going by so fast and sometimes we forget that. We forget to enjoy things, to take chances, to invest in ourselves and the talents we’ve been given. Everybody has a talent and that talent is a gift. Our gift to the giver is to make the best out of it.
How do you plan on staging your performance?
To be really honest, I think you can say it’s a work in progress. This process is of one the things I love and hate at the same time. It’s lovely to enjoy the time when something is being prepared. It’s fun, but frustrating at the same time, because I want to already see the big picture!
Both Tanja and Stig Rästa, who participated in Eurovision in the past, have composed songs that are participating in this year’s Eesti Laul. Do you believe they pose a threat to you?
I don’t see the others as a threat. I see them as a challenge and that is something that thrives me to be a better version of myself.
Are you a fan of the Eurovision Song Contest yourself?
Of course! Besides having been in the Estonian jury a couple of times, I always meet up with my friends or family to enjoy the evening in front of the TV. And the most important part of it is making predictions of who is going to win! I’ve been pretty good at it.
Who is your favorite Eurovision winner?
I have to say that my favourites have always placed second or third. But, I really loved “Heroes” by Måns Zelmerlöw from last year, though.
And lastly, do you have a message for your fans at wiwibloggs.com?
Even though I love the endless possibilities of the internet, I’d love to meet you in Stockholm. That would be so much better!
