Connor joined the ESC United team in 2018 as the website’s social media coordinator. Since then, he has kept our social media accounts active, contributed over 300 articles and interviews to the website, and co-hosted some of ESCUnited’s livestreams. He currently serves as Head of Content and correspondent for Norway.
Tell me about your first Eurovision memory?
So funny enough, my first memory was when I accidentally encountered the contest through YouTube autoplay. I was listening to the ABBA Gold album playlist, and then I guess I dozed off. When I woke up 2 hours later I was watching the 2014 grand final (before the US geoblock on streams). I was hooked from the beginning because Conchita was taking the stage for the winner’s reprisal. I was curious, entranced, and also confused.
So in 2016 I watched a semi final and the grand final live, and in 2017 I fell into the national finals. Then flash forward to me being with the site in 2018! What a crazy progression.
What’s your favourite Eurovision song?
Question of the century, because I feel like my favorite changes constantly. However one song that I’ve always loved has been Amazing by Tanja (Estonia 2014). That girl has an amazing voice, and watching that performance every time gives me chills. She was robbed! Some honorable mentions are “Tu Te Reconnaîtras”, “Waterloo”, “Há Um Mar Que Nos Separa”, and “Todas as ruas do amor”.
What are your favourite musicians outside of Eurovision?
This is hard because I feel my music circle is filled with past artists or national final contestants now. I have recently discovered a neo-celtic pagan band called OMNIA that I love. They’re actually worth a listen because they fuse older musical instruments with crazy beats, melodies and vocals!
As any good gay man, I’m very passionate about Ariana Grande, Cher, and Britney Spears. But I’ll also add Carly Rae Jepsen, The Veronicas, Sam Smith, Thirty Seconds to Mars and Stevie Nicks. To name a few!
What about your favourite food?
A chicken quesadilla or pizza. My two favorite food groups.
Favourite place?
I would have to say London, England. My first trip I’ve taken abroad and I love the city. Might change in the future!
Best way to spend your free time?
Well a lot of my free time is spent working on the social media for the site, but I’m also involved within my professional field giving presentations, attending conferences, and also creating new programs for students. Oh and I’m a big videogamer! I also run a podcast about Eurovision from an American perspective called Amerivision, so go give us a follow and listen on Twitter and Soundcloud!
One interesting fact about yourself?
Oh boy. I am a Disney fanatic. So I frequent the parks at least once a year, collect Disney trading pins, and also listen to a Disney playlist during my appointments with students. They love it!