Last Thursday, ERR, the national broadcaster in Estonia has released the first batch of songs which will compete in the 1st semi-final of Eesti Laul. The 1st semi-final is scheduled for the 11th February 2017. Today, Leemet Onno, who is one of the participants in this 1st semi-final has found some time to talk with us about his upcoming participation in Eesti Laul.
Hello Leemet!
First of all thank you for your time talking to us. How are you ? Can you introduce yourselves ? What can you tell us about yourself?
I am doing great, thank you for asking. Hope you are also having already fun with all the Eurovision coming up. Well I come from a parish situated on a small island called Hiiumaa. So I have spent my childhood by the sea and I have been singing since I was 4 years old. I also participated a children’s song contest on TV called “Laulukarussell” where I got to the finals on two occasions. I am a simple, down to earth kind of a guy who loves to sing and do music with my closest friends. Country music is particularly close to my heart. Everything I do, I do it with passion & love and it has to mean a lot to me. I aspire to be called one day a true country musician and perform with the great legends.
Your song that you will be presenting for the Eesti Laul is “Hurricane”. What can you tell us about the song?
I made the song “Hurricane” with my co-writer from Netherlands, Ed Struijlaart, specifically for the Eesti Laul contest. It is a catchy pop-countrey song that talks about a powerful love that carries you like a hurricane. Therefore also the title “Hurricane”.
What is your impression of the Eurovision Song Contest in general? Do you watch it every year? What is your favourite entry?
Like many estonians, I have grown up watching the biggest song contest in Europe. I watch the show and bet with my friends on our favourites. I particularly enjoy all the biggest shows over the years because you do not see shows like that very often. I do not have an all time favourite, but if I have to bring out someone then I must say that I have loved the Netherlands’ performance during the past two years.
Apart from the Eurovision Song Contest , where would you dream to do a performance?
My dream place to perform one day would be on the stage of CMA Music Festival.
Do you think performing at the Eurovision Song Contest will have a positive impact on your career?
I do believe that by participating in the Eurovision Song Contest all the artists have a great chance to make it or brake it.
Can you tell us about your first experience with music?
My first experience with music took pace in the year 1994 at a local culture house during christmas. I had to sing the Estonian children song “Põrda maja” for Santa in front of all the people there in the hall. I was so nervous that I forgot probably half of the words. But non the less, I luckily still got the present.
How do you describe your music to people?
My music is well thought trough to details, it is influenced by the experiences in my life but its main core comes from fun ideas and my fantasy. I believe it is hard to sing about something you have never come to contact with. You need to be able to relate to the message in order for it to reach its audience.
What is a typical day like for you?
My typical day starts at 7:30 AM when I wake up, eat and drink coffee and go to work at a company called Extery that produces stylish and high quality urban furniture.Around 5 o’clock I come home and then I have time for myself and my music. Sometimes I use the time to meet up with the dear friends of mine, I also generate new ideas and play music. Three times a week I get together with my band mates to work on our material. Sometimes I like to just lay back and watch football or play games on my computer.
You can hear to Leemet’s entry in this link below.
Photo Credits :- Pille Kannimäe
