Carl Espen from Norway: It’s Been A Fantastic Adventure

From the very start of Norway’s Melodi Grand Prix, the bookies had Carl Espen down as the favourite. And not just to win in Norway, but also to win Eurovision. (Yes, before all the songs were even selected). Despite Carl’s odds slipping a bit, Carl is still one of the favourites among fans. Let’s see what Carl tells William Cahill about his song, fishing and much more!

Hello Carl. Thank you for taking the time to chat with us. What has life been like for you since you won MGP in Norway?

Hello William. My pleasure. My life has obviously changed a lot since I won the Norwegian preselections. Actually ever since 27th of January, when it was official that I was participating, a lot have changed. I receive support, love and requests from all over the world every day, and I do several interviews a day. I still go to work, when I’m home in Bergen, but now it’s usual that I have a journalist with me to work. Also, it is a special thing to talk about my inner feelings to the whole world every day, so it’s definitely very different. It’s been a fantastic adventure ever since the 15 second snippet of “Silent Storm” came out.

Have any past Norwegian entrants given you advice?

I did have the pleasure of meeting Margaret Berger backstage in Oslo Spektrum, during the Norwegian final. She didn’t give me any advice per se, but she was really nice to talk to, and I love her song. Also I met Carola last week, when I performed on a Norwegian television show. She’s not Norwegian, but she sure is a legend!

Your cousin Josefin wrote the song. Is your family full of musicians?

Not really. Josefin is definitely the most prominent musician in our family. Besides her, my two uncles also play a lot of music. Josefin’s father has always played the guitar, and used to sing songs with my mother when they were young. Our uncle also sings, but he is the vocalist and songwriter in a punk rock band. So we have had some really inspiring and different grown ups around us when we grew up.

As a child, you loved fishing. Do you still fish?

Yes, I do. I love to get out in nature, and be alone with it. Fishing is one of the best ways for me to be in touch with nature.

You have had several jobs including being a carpenter and doorman, and volunteering for cancer research. Once Eurovision is finished, even though you will remain a musical artist, will you do any of these jobs in your spare time?

Yes, I will try to continue to work in the glass company. I like my workplace and my colleagues, but it will have to fit into my music career. Music is my first priority.

From the moment that the MGP songs were released, people were saying that you would win. This happened before back in 2012 for Sweden. Do you think this gives you an advantage, as it grabbed people from the first listen?

I think it’s a very good sign. I am so happy to see that the song touches so many people already from the first 15 seconds. That is very powerful for me to experience.

When was the first time you watched Eurovision?

When I was a child, like most Norwegian people do. If you are in a regular Norwegian family, Eurovision will be on the TV on Saturday night, and you would watch it while eating taco or pizza, and relax with your family.

Is there a “Silent Storm” inside of you?

Yes, there is. And that’s why I am really happy to have this song to express this.

Finally do you have a message for our readers at wiwibloggs.com?

Dear readers of wiwibloggs.com. I would like to thank you so much for reading my interview, and taking interest in me. It means a lot to me!

Thank you Carl and best of luck to you in Copenhagen!

Thank you so much. I will do my very best!

William Cahill is our Irish correspondent. Follow him on twitter @williamcahill16. Follow the team from wiwibloggs.com on Twitter @wiwibloggs and keep up with the latest Eurovision news by liking our Facebook page.