Interview: Svala

Despite boasting some of the most memorable and impressive Eurovision entrants of all time, Iceland have never managed to bag a win. While they have come close on several occasions, the striking Svala might just have the song to top the poll. We caught up with her to find out how she is feeling about the contest.

For those not in the know, tell us a little about yourself...

My name is Svala Karitas Björgvinsdóttir and I'm an Icelandic singer and songwriter. I started recording music when I was 7 years old. I've released countless hit singles and been in three bands throughout my career. I had my first number one single when I was 11 years old and then my second number one single when I was 16 years old in Iceland. When I was 20 years old I was signed by EMI in America and signed one of the biggest record contracts ever made with an Icelandic artist.

My first American single which I co-wrote came out in 2001 and became quite popular in America and was on the top 30 Billboard Charts over there. I've released 2 solo albums and 3 albums with my band Steed Lord. I formed my band Steed Lord in 2006 and we had quite the success worldwide. The band was together for 10 awesome years. We toured all over the world, designed a clothing line for H&M, had our music in a lot of American TV shows, commercials and a couple of movies.

I moved to Los Angeles in 2009 and I've lived there for 8 years with my husband who is a songwriter, producer and director. I have my own clothing line called KALI which is sold online. Last year I formed my new band Blissful and our single 'Elevate' came out and did really well on Spotify. I became a judge on the famous TV show The Voice in Iceland in 2015. I adore cats, science fiction books and sci-fi movies.

What appealed to you about entering Eurovision?

I felt very strongly about the song I wrote but it was actually my husband's idea and not mine to send the song in for national selection. We wrote 'Paper' together with Lester Mendez and Lily Elise in LA. It took me a couple of days to decide if I really wanted to compete in Eurovision but then I decided to just do it. I only wanted to compete in Eurovision if it was on my own terms and with a song that I co-wrote and could stand behind completely. And 'Paper' is such a personal song and I'm very proud of it so I'm going into this competition with a song I believe in very strongly.

How did you feel when you found out you would be representing Iceland?

Oh that was an amazing moment when the TV presenter called my name. Surreal and a very happy moment. It was a very humbling and an amazing feeling. Especially cause it was a record breaking win in Iceland and I won with an overwhelming majority of the votes. I got 124 thousand votes and there are only 320 thousand people that live in Iceland. I was very thankful and very touched that so many people supported me and my song and picked me to compete on Iceland's behalf. I will never forget that moment. Unforgettable for sure.

Your song is called Paper, tell us about it...

I wrote my song 'Paper' about a very personal experience. It's about dealing with difficulties in your life and overcoming them. I've been very open in the media in Iceland that I dealt with a lot of anxiety throughout my teenage years and early twenties.

Music has always been my salvation and my safe place and I wanted to write about what I went through when I dealt with those difficulties. We all deal with something in life. No one has a perfect life. This is what connects us as human beings.

The word paper in my song is a metaphor for emotions. When I wrote the lyrics I wanted to describe the relationship I have with myself while dealing with anxiety. My anxiety makes me feel fragile and makes me feel vulnerable like paper.

The purpose of me writing my song is to be open and honest about myself and not be ashamed about dealing with this. Because when we are open and when we talk to each other, we are setting ourselves free. By not being ashamed we are facing our fears and we are not giving up.

I still have my bad days but thankfully I'm at a much better place now and anxiety doesn't control my life anymore. But it's so important to me to talk about it to be able to help others and inspire. Hopefully my song does that for people around the world that deal with difficulties in life.

What is the best feedback you have received as yet?

I got an email from this boy in Spain that told me that my song has helped him so much with dealing with depression and anxiety. He told me my song makes him feel powerful and not alone. Like there's a light at the end of the tunnel. That just made me cry cause music is supposed to do that, it's supposed to have a healing effect and be the soundtrack in our life through good times and bad. This is why I make music and why I sing.

Have you listened to your competitors yet? If so, which is your current favourite?

Yes I've listened to a couple. I really like Finland, Sweden, Latvia and Armenia. Latvia is my favourite at the moment. Oh and Portugal. So beautiful. And my song of course.

Have you spoken to any past entrants? If so, what advice have they had?

Yes I know a lot of the previous Icelandic contestants like Selma, Jóhanna, Eyþór Ingi and loads more. They all told me to be ready to not sleep cause of my busy schedule. They also told me that it's gonna be a lot of fun and that Im gonna get to know a lot of new people. It's all been very positive advice. Oh and that I should be careful not to loose my voice while doing all the press and parties.

What is your favourite Eurovision entry of all time?

Euphoria with Loreen. It's the best.

What do you hope to achieve with your appearance at Eurovision?

To introduce my voice and my music to a new and bigger audience.

What is success for you in the contest?

To make my country proud.

Lastly, if you could duet with one past entrant, who would it be?

I would love to do a duet with Nina Sublatti. She's amazing.

If you guys wanna follow me on social media follow and like here!!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/svalakali/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/svalakali/
Snapchat: svalakali