In the run up to this years Eurovision Song Contest we caught up with the Icelandic Eurovision entrants Pollapönk to find out more about themselves, their song and their plans for Copenhagen.
First off congratulations on being selected to represent Iceland at Eurovision, how does it feel?
It is dream come true to get a big stage like this to get our message to as many people as possible. We were very happy to win the Icelandic Söngvakeppni. The first thing we thought of was how we where going to make this fit to our day jobs. That has been a puzzle but it is all going well now.
Now in a week or so you will be off to Copenhagen, what have you been doing since the Icelandic selection?
We have been very busy rehearsing and promoting our song. Next week we are playing a gig with the northern symphony orchestra.
Your song has changed from being sung in Icelandic to English, why did you decide to change the language?
To get the message to as many people as possible.
The song is called “No Prejudice” and it has a very strong message, what impact do you want to have on the public at home?
The song Enga fordóma (No Prejudice) is about a young person who has the habit of stuttering around others and fears to be mocked or bullied because of this. With this song it is Pollapönk’s aim to help eliminate all bullying and prejudice as everyone has the right to live in peace and harmony with the rest of the world. .We think that the world needs to hear the “no prejudice” message. Especially from middle age, heterosexual, white men like us. Being middle age, heterosexual, white men makes us a majority group and we believe that we should use this opportunity to point out the injustice in this world. Of course we know that it will not instantly make the world a better place. It is our small contribution.
Now the band itself, how long have you all been together as Pollaponk, and what was it that made you create Pollaponk?
Pollapönk was founded in 2006 by guitarists Haraldur Freyr Gíslason and Heiðar Örn Kristjánsson of the Icelandic post-punk trio Botnleðja. They created Pollapönk when graduating as Bachelors of education from the University of Iceland. The purpose was to write and perform music that children and adults alike would enjoy and be able to sing-a-long to.
The first album Pollapönk was a major hit in Iceland. In 2007 drummer Arnar Þór Gíslason who is Haraldur‘s brother and bassplayer Guðni Finnsson joined Pollapönk which then became a quartet. Pollapönk have made two more albums, and played numerous gigs for children and grown-ups all over Iceland. In everyday life Haraldur Freyr is the chairman of the Association of Pre-school Teachers, Heiðar Örn is a Pre-school teacher and Arnar Þór and Guðni are professional musicians.
At Eurovision what can we expect from your performance, will you be wearing your multi colour tracksuits or will it be a different look?
If it ain´t broken then why try to fix it. There are meetings taking place every day on that matter. One thing’s for sure! It we be amazing!
What are you most looking forward to about Eurovision?
Having fun.
Finally, do you have a message for the readers of Eurovoix.com?
No prejudice! Spread the word.
We wish the band all the best for Copenhagen, and thank them very much for their time.
