Second in our list of Czech interviews is a band that hark back to the days of nostalgic classic rock. The group certainly “StandUP” in such a selection, and we were lucky enough to get to chat to DOCTOR VICTOR about their upcoming participation!
Hello Victor!
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?
Hello, I am very well, thank you. We are a rock band – power trio formed in 2012. There is KARPA, the drummer, MUDDY, the bass player and me, VICTOR, the lead singer and guitar player. We’re proud to continue the legacy of rock’n’roll and classic rock with some elements of blues. Apart from showmanship, our specialty is no guitar effects on live shows. In 2016 we were chosen by AC/DC as their opening band for the Prague show during their Rock or Bust world tour and last year we were recording the instruments for the new solo album of Dan McCafferty, the legendary singer of Nazareth.
Your song that you will be presenting for the Czech National Final is “StandUP”. What can you tell us about the song?
It is a song based on true personal experience. The theme is about the dark days in my past when I had no place to live, so I slept in an old factory, where the band had a small rehearsal space. There was no bathroom and it was a bit scary at night. Pretty much a squat. This song is dedicated to all the people who need to rise up from the bottom, so that they can stand up.
What was the inspiration for the song, and did you write it specifically for Czech national final and Eurovision?
No. It was not written for the competition, but Eurovision motivated us. We wanted to come up with another single and Eurovision was great opportunity, although we did not expect to be selected for the national finals as we are not in the current mainstream. The track reflects the sound of the band as we recorded it together. We already successfully represented our country abroad, in Thailand, and were 2nd, so I did not hesitate to submit the song.
What is your impression of the Eurovision Song Contest in general? Do you watch it every year? What is your favourite entry?
Eurovision is a song contest with monumental shows and that is attractive for us. We love performing for big audiences and making a show. It is an international platform. This is also something crucial for us as our aim is to go on a European tour. Eurovision does not have a long tradition in our country, but I was following the years when the Czech Republic were participating. My favourite winner is ABBA with the song Waterloo.
Apart from the Eurovision Song Contest, where would you dream to do a performance?
All of the main festivals would definitely be the places where we could fit. There is no specific place. We want people to enjoy music and make them happy.
Has being on TV made you more self-conscious?
I am happy we made it to the national finals and to be on TV. However sometimes you’re up, sometimes you’re down and I will gladly remind myself of that success when being down.
What advice you would give to your teenage self?
When something bad happened to me, I always remembered that I had family or friends and I knew they supported me all the time. This is the advice I am following until now. And of course listening to cool music. ☺
What’s the one thing that might surprise people about you?
I do not drink or smoke. Music is the only kind of drug it is worth it to be addicted to and I hope it’ll stay that way for the rest of my life.
What is a typical day like for you?
I am happy that I can make the music I love. I also teach great people that inspire me. My day is divided between the DOCTOR VICTOR band and our music academy that was recently opened.
We would like to thank DOCTOR VICTOR for their time and wish them luck with their entry, “StandUP!”
What do #YOU think of the Czech selection? Share your thoughts with us on our forum HERE or join the discussion below and on social media!
