Estonia: Rolf Roosalu (Pop Maniacs) [Interview]

Estonia’s Eesti Laul competition is taking place for the 4th time this year continuing on with it’s popular two semi-final format from 2011. A record breaking 159 songs were submitted to the contest this year, and one of the lucky candidates is new music group Pop Maniacs whose frontman Rolf Roosalu is no stranger to the Eesti Laul stage. We spoke to Rolf about his 5th consecutive appearance in the competition, the creation of the group and about his old stage name Rolf Junior.

escXtra: Hello Rolf, thanks for taking some to speak to us today! Firstly we’d like to congratulate you on your qualification to the semi-finals of Eesti Laul 2012!

Rolf Roosalu: Thank you!

X: I imagine there are very few Eesti Laul fans who don’t know who you are, but for the sake of those that don’t, would you be able to introduce yourself and tell us a little about your career so far?

R: It’s simple- you just have to visit my FB fansite here and you’ll find all the answers there.

X: You were one of the lucky 20 acts to make it to the semi-finals of Eesti Laul after a record breaking number of submissions to the contest, where were you when you found out?

R: I remember that I was in Stockholm, Östermalm and eating sushi there when I got the phone call.

X: This is your fifth consecutive year taking part in the Estonian National Final, but your first as a member of a group. Can you introduce the other members of Pop Maniacs and tell us a little bit about how you formed the group?

R: Me and Teele were selecting those people there. Rosanna is youngest and Semy is oldest member.

X: You wrote your song “I Don’t Know” yourself, can you tell us what the song is about and was it written for the group or was the group formed for the song? Was it always intended for Eesti Laul?

R: It wasn’t written for Eesti Laul but I did it 2 years ago. I didn’t give it out as the production was always weaker than song itself. The demo version was sung by me and the song is about relations between artist and public.

X: Last year you decided to perform under your real name Rolf Roosalu rather than your stage name Rolf Junior, what was behind this decision?

R: I don’t mind using both names. First one is my real name. Last year the song was different and I’m not a boy anymore so Junior would be a bit funnyJ But still I don’t mind performing with that name.

X: You are becoming somewhat of a permanent fixture on the Eesti Laul lineup. For you, what does it mean to participate in Eesti Laul and do you think you will be back again next year? Do you have a favourite of your five entries?

R: It’s good opportunity to promote your music. Don’t have any certain plans for next year as I’m focused for this 2012. Before “I Don’t Know” my favourite was “One on One”.

X: What are your feelings on the fact that if you win you will finally be representing your nation at Eurovision in Azerbaijan in May?

R: Let’s wait and then you’ll see them live!

X: And if you are unsuccessful at winning the ticket to Baku, what are your plans for the rest of 2012?

R: There’s no such thing like unsuccessful for me There is always something good! You just have to think about positive things- no matter what. Sometimes it’s hard but it helps.

X: Are you a Eurovision fan, and if so do you have any favourite Eurovision songs? Perhaps a favourite Estonian entry?

R: I’m a fan of composing music.. It doesn’t matter for what.

X: And do you have any favourite songs from the last four years of Eesti Laul/2008’s Eurolaul?

R: One On One

X: When you’re not singing, what do you do with yourself?

R: Then I’m thinking about singing

X: Only one of your Eesti Laul entries so far has been in Estonian, do you prefer to sing in English or do you sing in both languages too?

R: Both. But if you wanna be successful in Estonia you have to sing in Estonian too.

X: Many of Estonia’s entries have been performed in English, however in recent times the most successful entry has been in 2009 with a song sung in Estonian. What are your feelings about singing in your native language vs. singing in English when it comes to Eurovision?

R: Well Sandra is mysteriously beautiful and sung like an angel. People just fell in love with her I guess

X: Finally, do you have a message for our readers?

R: Keep dreaming and you’ll see them come true one day- step by step!

Rolf and Pop Maniacs qualified from last Saturday’s first Eesti Laul semi-final and were cited as a favourite by the professional jury. We can next see them on the final of Eesti Laul on March 3rd. We wish Rolf and the guys all the best of luck there and what follows! You can see their semi-final performance of ‘I Don’t Know’ below.