With the first semi final of Söngvakeppnin Sjónvarpsins 2014 tonight we caught up with Vignir Snær Vigfússon, who is taking part in tonight’s show with the song “Elsku þú” (Love You). So here is our interview with Viggi.
I’ll start by wishing you good luck for the semi final today, how does it feel just 12 hours before you’ll be performing your song?
Thank you, I feel fine and look forward to the show.
Now your song is called Elsku þú can you tell us more about it?
It’s a feel good song about a guy utterly amazed by the incredible woman in his life.
The big question that happens every year with the Icelandic selection is whether the song would remain in Icelandic for Eurovision, would you stick with Icelandic if you win or change it to English?
I originally wrote the song in English, so it would be pretty straight forward to switch to the English version, and even though the Icelandic language has its charms, you’re more likely to reach more people when they understand the lyrics.
If you win the Icelandic selection, it would be the sixth time that you make it to the Eurovision as a performer or producer, how would that feel?
That would feel great. I’ve always enjoyed participating in Eurovision, it’s an adventure every time.
Your first Eurovision experience was back in 2003 when you were Birgitta Haukdal’s guitarist in Riga, what was that experience like?
It was very exciting, I thought it would be my first and only time ever in the big competition. Birgitta and me had been band-members for years and we tried to get as much out of the experience as possible.
Many people will recognise you from Sjonni’s Friends in 2011, what was it like on the semi final night qualifying for the final with the song Sjonni had entered into the Icelandic selection?
If you watch the clip when it was announced that we were through you can tell it was extremely emotional. Some of us screamed, some cried and some were completely frozen. Bottles of red wine flew and white carpets were ruined.
I also read that you started playing guitar at age 9 and that you collect instruments, what was it that got you interested in music?
My older brothers played instruments and were in bands. I looked up to them and wanted to be like them.
Now Arianna who is from Canada asks, if you weren’t in the music business what other job would you have loved to do?
I would love to have my own small restaurant/cafe with live music every night, great beer and all my favorite food. I love food and music.
I was talking to Sverrir Bergmann who is also in the first semi final about visiting Iceland in just a weeks time, and he said that I should try the fish, what would you recommend me to give a go?
To travel around the country and see the nature and landscape of Iceland. It’s one of a kind. And if you don’t like driving around, there is plenty of beer down town and loads of interesting people to talk to.
Finally do you have a message for the readers of Eurovoix.com?
Stay classy Eurovoix readers 🙂
I’d like to take Viggy for his time and wish him the best of luck for tonight, you can find out more about the show tonight here.
Great interview 😀 Thanks for asking my Q!!
You are very welcome.