Yesterday we talked to Timebelle, today we catch up with Andy McSean who is the only male solo artist in this years Swiss selection. Andy will be hoping to represent Switzerland across the border in Austria with the song “Hey Now”.
Thank you for talking to us, how are your preparations for the final on Saturday going?
All good so far. I’m really looking forward to go on stage. Actually, I’m going through the whole performance once a day to get a little routine. If there are much automatism – there’s more space to enjoy the moment and to act a bit spontaneous.
You are one of just six artists left in the running who could represent Switzerland at Eurovision, how does that feel?
It is such a big satisfaction! Every musician is always campaigning for attention and recognition. To be in the national final is a great success – and a huge opportunity to present me and my music in a national tv-show. I will try to make a lasting impression to the audience.
What was it that made you decide to submit your song into this years Swiss selection?
It just seemed to be the right moment. After so many years in countless bands I was starting my solo-career in 2011. I was busking through Switzerland and a few other countries all over Europe. A guy from an austrian record label discovered me busking and offered a record deal. That was lifting the project 2013 to a higher level. We produced the debut-album, formed a band for touring. So far, so good. But still the hardest part is to get booked for live-shows, because your name isn’t that known. So it seemed to be the perfect moment to join the competition. My whole environment was ready – and there is the ESC as the biggest Songwriter-Contest in the world.
The song you will sing on Saturday is called “Hey Now”, can you tell us more about it?
It was a great experience as a songwriter writing a song targeted on an event. I’ve tried to imagine the moment of performing the song in front of the esc-crowd. It was my wish to create a happy song with the power to start the crowd moving, clapping or sing along. lyrically it tells the story of these magic little moments, catching somebody’s eyes on the dance floor – overwhelmed by this character.
You’ve already beaten off competition from over 200 artists to get to this stage in the contest, do you think you can make it to the Eurovision Song Contest stage in Vienna?
I prefer to stay grounded and take it step by step! The next goal ist the national final itself – and then it is in the hands of the jury and the audience. I think, If you take every step serious and positive and believe in yourself – there’s always the chance to reach everything…
Alongside your participation in the Swiss selection you’ve released your first album “Passenger”, what is it like having your first album?
An indescribable feeling. It was really a dream came true! That was my biggest wish for so many years.
On Saturday you will also be performing a cover of “Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol, what was it that made you pick this song?
It’s still one of my favourite. I’ll never get tired listening to it – and to perform the song. It is in my live-set since a few years and it’s always a highlight to sing it. And I think, the song’s perfectly emotional and constructing for a tv-show. I’m looking forward to this performance on the big stage with the light show 😉
Finally, do you have anything you’d like to say to the readers of Eurovoix.com?
I’m absolutely overwhelmed of the dimensions of the ESC-World. There are so many people loving this event and everything around it. I would like to thank you for allowing me to be part of this. It is full of love and respect – an I feel honored for being a part of it!
We wish Andy the best of luck for Saturday night, you can watch the official music video below:
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