Eesti Laul has over the years become known for the unusual, exotic or alternative acts and they don’t come much more unique than Evestus! The industrial rock band from Tallinn have decided that now is the time to attempt a Eurovision participation! We spoke to the lead singer Ott Evestus about his participation, the negative circumstances that provoked writing the song and his surprising interest in the contest!
Hello Ott!
First of all thank you for your time talking to us. How are you? Can you introduce yourselves? What can you tell us about yourselves?
Hey, nice to meet you! I am Ott Evestus, founder and frontman of the industrial rock band Evestus. I write beautiful songs, then drag them through the dirt and scrapyards and fix them up again with bits and pieces that I find laying around. Any gaps still left I fill with distorted synths or vocals!
Your song that you will be presenting for Eesti Laul is “Welcome to My World”. What can you tell us about the song?
The song is a quick look over the world we have made for ourselves. It invites the listener to look at the big picture and perhaps figure out a way to change it.
What was the inspiration for the song, and did you write it specifically for Eesti Laul and Eurovision? Will you produce an English version of the song?
I was inspired by the Donald Trump vs Kim Jong-un fight over who has the biggest missile… to me that was the point where I said to myself – welcome to my world, come take a look before we blow it up again – and I just knew there was a song there.
What is your impression of the Eurovision Song Contest in general? Do you watch it every year? What is your favourite entry?
I love it! It is absolutely insane! I watch it every year – and even if I’m not a big fan of pop music, there is something every year that I like – last year my favourite song was “Skeletons” by Dihaj.
Apart from the Eurovision Song Contest , where would you dream to perform?
I’d love to headline one of the major festivals one day, like Dynamo Open Air, Rock in Rio or Roskilde.
Do you think performing at the Eurovision Song Contest will have a positive impact on your career?
Of course it will! Any publicity is good publicity and it’s all about exposure these days.
Can you tell us about your first experience with music?
Hah! My first experience I guess was when I was forced to study the flute in school – I think it was second or third grade – and I hated it! It was old and wooden and it smelled funny and my fingers were too short and.. ahh it was all just dreadful!
How do you describe your music to people?
If you can imagine a giant music box that is put together from parts found at a wrecking yard. It is loud and scary, but underneath it all there’s beautiful music.
What is a typical day like for you?
Well, right now it’s trying to be a good father to my nine-month old and at the same time trying to stay on track with my career – luckily I have an amazing wife who supports me and has made it possible for me to be both and I just hope I can make it all up for her soon! All the wives and husbands of artists and musicians are superheroes!
Thanks for your time. We wish you the best of luck for Eesti Laul. Maybe we see you in May in Lisbon!
What do #YOU think of Evestus’ song for Eesti Laul? Share your thoughts with us on our forum HERE or join the discussion below and on social media!
