It’s finally Eurosong Day in Ireland, and here is the last of our interviews with the participating artists – with Song 5 “You Don’t Remember Me” it’s Laura O’Neill:
X: Laura congratulations on being one of the Eurosong contenders and welcome to the process, as this is your debut!
X: How does it feel to be one of the Irish Eurosong finalists?
L: It’s more amazing, crazy, hectic and bigger than I ever imagined to be honest , the support I have received for my entry has just been really overwhelming! As we would say in Dublin “it’s a deadly Buzz”!!
X: When did the opportunity for Eurosong present itself?
L: Billy (McGuinness) approached me after seeing myself and The Firm play Aslans Bassists’ Wedding. I was hugely flattered to be asked and so excited to be involved in the song choice!!
X: And how is it having Billy McGuinness as your mentor?
L: Apart from his awful driving he’s amazing 🙂 He’s so supportive and really listens to all my thoughts and concerns , we have a great friendship and such good craic , especially when he’s driving us to interviews again as I said with his awful driving skills lol
X: Can you tell us more about ‘You Don’t Remember Me’ and the message behind it?
L: The most obvious message is being used, being someone’s second option , but really what I think the main message is – know your self worth , don’t sell yourself short, you deserve more than second best. Life is too short to allow yourself to be used, as the wonderful Aretha Franklin would say “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” ( yes I’m aware of how cheesy I am 🙂 )
X: Haha, so what have you been doing to prepare for the live shows so far?
L: Most of the prep was done months ago to be honest. I have made my connection to the song , I can get deep into “the zone” so nothing phases me when I’m there in the moment , everything after that, i.e vocals is easy , it all flows the way it should! Getting into it is the hardest part so I have a lot of pre-gig routines I do to get myself ready to rock. Mostly relaxation to get your adrenaline under control!
X: And what can we expect for the performance?
L: I’ve no gimmicks , frills or distractions , it’s all about the song and a solid performance for me to be honest , if we made it to Eurovision the stage production would most certainly grow I’d love to zip line through the arena as my entrance haha
X: Have you been doing much promotion for “You Don’t Remember Me” around Dublin and Ireland, and what has the public reaction been like so far?
L: I’m a full time gigging musician so I’ve been playing it live with the band constantly and also performing it live on radio , the reaction has been unbelievable , I’ve had people singing the chorus with me by the end of the song as it’s so catchy , that’s Don Mescals’ great song writing skills for you!
X: You’re also a member of The Firm, an Irish band, can you tell us more about that and also your music career so far?
L: I actually started in musical theater believe it or not with The National Performing Arts School , I have a huge love for it , Wicked is my favourite musical and I think Idina Menzel is the most phenomenal female vocalist I’ve ever heard! Then I started gigging with My Band The Firm , we do lots of Corporate Gigs and Weddings , I just love performing it doesn’t matter where I am. I’m currently in the process of finishing my EP , but it’s been put on Pause until Eurofever Is finished , I like to give things 100% so one project at a time 🙂
X: Would you be a big Eurovision fan yourself or have any memories from it?
L: Eurovision is addictive , I love it , I’m still quite new to it as I’m still young, but having done a lot of research I’ve gotten into it big time. My earliest memories of Ireland would be Dustin The Turkey unfortunately but since then my all time favourite is ” Rock and Roll Kids”
X: What are your feelings on the fact that if you win you will be representing Ireland at Eurovision in Copenhagen?
L: Even the thoughts of it just makes me giddy to be honest, I’m really patriotic , I’m always front row (in the pub lol ) for all the Ireland Matches with the Tri Colour painted on my face wearing my Ireland Jersey ha. So the thoughts of actually representing my country and the amazing country that it is would just be indescribable!
X: Lastly do you have any final messages for your fans and our escXtra readers?
L: I really hope you are reading the interview of the Winner of Eurosong2014 , I’m a firm believer in ” What’s For you , Won’t Pass you ” so all I can do is ask everyone to #Votesong5 and give me the opportunity to kick bloc voting and bring home the 8th Win for Ireland! Anything is Possible!!
X: Thank you so much for the interview, we wish you the very best of luck in Eurosong on Feb 28th! 🙂
Tune in tonight at 22:35 to catch the Irish National Final: you can watch the show through this link – RTE Eurosong link
And be sure to follow our live blogs and tweets and pictures live from Eurosong itself!
