Swiss fiddler Sebalter and his super catchy song “Hunter of Stars” was one of the break-out successes of Eurovision 2014, but after a year exploring his options as a musician, the artist otherwise known as Sebastiano Paù-Lessi has decided to return to his career as a lawyer, telling Swiss media that he didn’t want his love of music to turn into an obligation.
Sebalter’s performance in Copenhagen gave Switzerland its best placing in a decade and earned him an army of loyal fans around Europe, prompting him to put his law career on hold and focus on his music. Sebalter released follow-up single “Saturday” in 2014, and earlier this year his debut album Day of Glory was released, followed by new video “Shadows”.
He seemed poised on the brink of international success, but as Sebalter explained, “The turning point was when, after making the album, I began to organise promotional activities and the international tour. At that point I wondered if I wanted what had been a good game – challenging but fun – to become my life. And after a long and careful reflection I realised no, that I wanted something else. And so I have chosen to return to law full-time.”
Sebalter isn’t the only former ESC performer to return to a professional career. Malta’s 2013 singer Gianluca Bezzina balances his part-time singing career with his full-time work as a medical doctor. And there are plenty of other performers who have balanced music and a day job.
Sebalter isn’t turning his back on music for good. While he won’t be actively pursuing a music career, he says, “Music is and will always remain a key part of my existence.” Can we expect the legal chambers of Ticino to be alive with quirky folk pop?
Wiwibloggs chats with Sebalter
Sebalter performs “Hunter of Stars” at Eurovision 2014
Are you sad to see Sebalter quit his music career? Is this more bad news for Switzerland’s Eurovision efforts? Leave your comments below!
Nice to have such options! Good luck.
He’s a nice guy. I wish him well.
Not surprising as his music was flopping in Switzerland, sadly he didn’t gain fame after his successful Eurovision entry.
Aww I love SEBalter. Oh well his album was a little boring, nothing lived up to Hunter of Stars. Sad though as would have liked to have heard more from him in the future, but it is his decision and I wish him the best in his chosen career.
WISE choice 4 him.. Excuse me but it was the obvious 4 him to select his lawer job over his music career.. It would be really hard 4 him to make it big in the music industry.. And compared with the $ earnings money that he would get from his music career they would be way much more money.. Its no brainer really… Like in the modelling industry that tones of girls truly think that they will gonna be superstars & will enjoy big career with lots of money having the wrong idea that they will gonna become rich.. NO… Read more »
Nice to hear that he still has an undying love for his law career