brendan murray first rehearsal interview eurovision 2017

He’s the ex-Hometown member who’s now going solo. And Ireland’s Brendan Murray proved it was a good decision, as he was flying high during his first rehearsal of “Dying to Try” on Tuesday.

Our William and Deban caught up with him after he made his way down from his hot air balloon to catch up on his staging, his angelic voice and his recent physical transformation that has seen him bulk up big time.

His first rehearsal centred around a hot air balloon, underneath which the carefully coiffed singer stood placidly. His soaring vocals featured prominently as the balloon glided over a rapidly retreating countryside via the LED effects.

When asked what he thought about his staging, he didn’t mince his words: “We got the layout two weeks ago. When I saw it, I was blown away. It was incredible.”

“For me, the hot air balloon is a sign of love. ‘Dying to Try’ is about taking a leap of faith. Putting your trust in someone else. Love can take you anywhere in the world.”

It seems his sky-high vocals were not the only thing pushing his balloon to greater heights. The wind machine got a little out of control, blowing his hair and shirt about unexpectedly. Brendan took it all in stride though, joking: “I’ve never been in front of a wind machine while singing before actually. It felt breezy.”

Brendan’s high notes are impressive yet gentle. When asked how he manages it — and if he feels any pressure to reach that note — Brendan is honest: “Through the song I’m always concentrating because it is a big range in the song. I need to hit that note spot on on the night of the performance. I’ve done it so many times, and I believe I can do it.”

The Irish singer has a much lower speaking voice than the register he uses to sing most of his Eurovision entry. He shrugs it off as no big deal: “It is just a tone. I had the tone growing up in the family. I’m blessed.”

Brendan even shows that falsetto off in the interview. He gives us a short rendition of Johnny Logan‘s Eurovision 1987 winning song, “Hold Me Now”.

And to that performance, we say – own what the good lord gave you, honey!

Brendan Murray will perform “Dying to Try” live during the second semi final of the Eurovision Song Contest on Thursday, May 11.

Do you think the hot air balloon of love will carry Ireland to the Final?  Let us know in the Comments section below!

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janjan
janjan
7 years ago

I really admire Brendan – there is something refreshing to see about such a young man having the bravery and confidence to defy the typical conventions of a male singer, and explore his singing passion despite all the unwarranted hate towards him. For people to suggest he is less of a man just because of his voice is frankly disgusting – for a year when the tagline is #CelebrateDiversity, it seems some people still can’t accept differences. Anyway, I have to admire how he has taken it with a pinch of salt and carried on, regardless.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
7 years ago

Deban in the interview really said exactly what I think about Brendan Murray – he’s like “diversity” in reverse, and it’s wonderful. Most guys I have met who have high voices try to sing LOWER to hide a certain “gay stereotype” and to appeal to a wider audience. But Brendan is the exact opposite – he has a lower speaking voice, and he sings HIGHER to appeal to his audience. He’s also the “straight stereotype” in real life, so what he’s doing through his singing is cleverly defying convention in order to appeal to a gap in the market. His… Read more »

Eve
Eve
7 years ago

Go Ireland, you have my vote! <3

YODEL IT
YODEL IT
7 years ago

This will qualify

Ola
Ola
7 years ago

Get the feeling Ireland will stay in the semi once again…

James burke
James burke
7 years ago
Reply to  Ola

I get the feeling ola you’re hard of hearing
Or extremely negative
This is one of the best songs yet
The negative vibe towards Ireland and the uk comes from people and is nurtured by the likes of you