As a child growing up in Tallinn, Estonia, singer-songwriter Aile Alveus remembers watching the Eurovision Song Contest at home. The Baltic nation had not yet gained independence from the Soviet Union, but a young Aile dreamed of representing Estonia at Eurovision.
Later in life, Alveus has worked hard toward that reality. The musician and choir conductor is a founding member of the folk-rock band Antsud, which is making a return to Eesti Laul this year after previously competing with the song “Vihm” in 2017. Alveus also competed as part of the duo Etnopatsy, with the song “Külm” a year later.
Coinciding with the 10-year anniversary of the folk-rock ensemble’s formation, Antsud are now preparing for the semi-final at Eesti Laul 2024, where they’ll compete for one of five spots in the final and a chance at representing their country in Eurovision.
Among a diverse array of genres represented in this year’s songs, Antsud stand out with an Estonian water spirit-inspired track in their mother tongue, titled “Vetevaim.”
Take a trip to Estonia’s enchanting forests by checking out the video for “Vetevaim,” and check out our interview with Aile Alveus of Antsud below!
How does it feel for your entry to have been chosen this year?
It’s very exciting. We’ve been sending songs all along, and we’ve been lucky enough to get on again! It’s nice to see a lot of people I know from old times.
Some of us have seen you in past years at Eesti Laul, but can you introduce some newer fans to Antsud?
This year is going to be our 10-year anniversary, so it’s a big year for us. It started with me, our bassist and guitarist. They made rock music and covers, and there was a folk festival in Estonia I’d always wanted to go to, so I took my folk songs and put it on their music.
From there, we got other members to come with us. For example, we had a really cool drummer, Siim Koppel, who was with us last time. He came and put a lot more energy and a different spirit into our songs. Now we have another drummer, and the group has continued to grow. It feels like a group of friends.
What is it like to be able to showcase Estonia’s language and folk music, knowing there’s also a chance of sharing it with a larger international audience?
It’s a big opportunity. I myself am very Estonian-minded. I love Estonia and do all Estonian things, and I even conduct a choir in Laulupidu [the Estonian Song Festival, one of the world’s largest choral singing events]. And for all of our other band members, too, Estonia is big in our hearts. We are happy that we can show our culture. We’re kind of different. I think sometimes, that difference is loved by more people who aren’t from around here because Estonians wantsomething different, but everyone else is liking our song a lot so far.
Can you tell us the story behind your 2024 entry, Vetevaim?
The song is about finding yourself. You’re looking for something in life, always. I was going through a little bit of a midlife crisis, so it was from my life a little. In the end of the song, you understand that the reflection the spirit in the water is showing is yourself, the same person, and that the thing you were looking for is you. It’s about self-acceptance, self-love and being at peace with yourself.
What can you tell us about the stage performance, without giving away too much?
We think it’s going to be magic. It’s about magic and spirituality, and it’s going to be golden.
What’s your relationship to Eurovision? Are you a fan of the contest?
I’ve always been a fan since childhood, even when it wasn’t broadcasted here and Estonia wasn’t free. I grew up in Tallinn and we could watch it on Finnish television. I always watch it. We have a celebration, make food and have people over. A lot of times, I watch it with our family. My favorite song is “Diva,” and I also love “Euphoria,” of course. There are so many good songs! And I love listening to ABBA as well. It’s hard to pick one.
What was it like to grow up to see your country able to participate in Eurovision?
Participating in Eurovision is one of my lifelong dreams. I do believe that someday, somehow it’ll happen. Even if it’s not me on stage singing, and it’s a song with my lyrics. It was so unreachable for so long. As a young kid, I would pretend to sing in front of the TV and imagine singing in Eurovision. When the first singers went there, it was such a big deal, and it continues to always be a celebration for us.
What music do you enjoy outside of Eurovision and your work with Antsud?
My education as a musician was in classical music. I went to the Estonian Academy of Music to study composition, choir conducting, and music education. I love listening to the work of classical composers from Estonia like Arvo Pärt and Vejlo Tormis, and Jean Sibelius from Finland. And of course, metal music and folk.
What are some things fans might be surprised to learn about the band?
Our band is so different. Many of us are not musicians full time and have “real” jobs. Our other singer and violinist Hedwig, is the violinist in Vennaskond, Estonia’s most famous punk band. Our guitarist and bassist are engineers. Our new drummer, Liina, works in ticket sales, and our accordionist Tarmo works for the railway. I also have my own pilates studio.
What other projects do you have coming up?
We have a concert in March in Tallinn on March 9. Before or after that, we also hope to release a new single that we’re currently working on. The competition takes a lot of time away from it, but it will be ready in the springtime for sure. We also have a folk musical that I wrote. We’ve been working on it for two years, and people can order it for concerts or festivals.
What message would you like to share with our readers?
Something that comes with our song this year is self-love, and more appreciation for the great things you have in life, especially in these difficult times for the world.
Antsud will perform 12th in the running order at the Eesti Laul semi-final on Saturday, January 20. The final, with five qualifiers from the semi-final and five pre-selected finalists, will take place on February 17.
What did #YOU think of “Vetevaim”? What are your favorite Eesti Laul entries this year? Let us know on social media @ESCUnited, on our Forum, or on Discord!
