Escdaily.com had the opportunity to speak to Michael von der Heide, the Swiss participant of this year’s Eurovision, about his plans for the contest, and other future projects. He was chosen by the Swiss national television to represent his home country this year in Eurovision, with his own song “Il pleut de l’or“.

Michael von der Heide was born on 16th of October, 1971, and he is one of Switzerland’s best-known singers, and he performs in 4 languages. He has a modern sound which draws on pop, jazz, folk and rock, and melds with the traditional French chanson. To date, Michael has released 8 albums and 18 singles.

Escdaily.com: Hello Michael, and thank you very much for taking your time for doing this interview. First of all, tell me how are you feeling at the moment, and how are the preparations for Eurovision going?

Michael von der Heide: Thank you very much, I feel great! Just got back from rehearsals with my backing vocal singers. We had a lot fun and we’re looking forward for Oslo.

Escdaily.com: Your Eurovision interest began back in 1999 in the German National Final. What made you come back a decade later?

Michael von der Heide: My personal Eurovision fever broke out in 1980 when Paola sang “Cinéma” for Switzerland. I was nine at the time and totally in love with this elegant singer. Many years after I had the honor to perform a duet with her. I’ve also performed with other icons of Swiss ESC history, such as Lys Assia, Daniela Simmons and Sandra Simo. When I watched last years ESC, I felt butterflies in my stomach and decided to write a song for my country.

Escdaily.com: What can we expect to see on Eurovision stage from Switzerland this year?

Michael von der Heide: I hope a great performance

Escdaily.com: Why did you decide to sing your song in French?

Michael von der Heide: Since the very beginning of my musical career I’ve been singing in french and I wanted to perform a song at the ESC in one of our 4 country language.

Escdaily.com: Switzerland has not qualified to the final for three consecutive years. What do you believe must be done in order to qualify? Does the 50-50 jury with public televote system give you and the Swiss public more confidence?

Michael von der Heide: I don’t know. For me it means: to sing, to hope, to pray and to have fun. I can’t do more than give the best I can do.

Escdaily.com: Are you gonna visit some other countries in your promo tour?

Michael von der Heide: I was fortunate to be invited in Latvia and Romania. End of April I also will be in the Netherlands

Escdaily.com: Have you listened to any other entries from this year? What do you think about them?

Michael von der Heide: Of course I have listened to all the songs. Also this year there are many good songs and I already do have my favourites.

Escdaily.com: Are you a Eurovision fan, and do you have a favorite Eurovision song?

Michael von der Heide: Oh yes love the Eurovision and watch it if possible. I love music too much to settle just for one song. Here is a small selection: Paola (Cinema), Doris Dragovic (Zeljo Moja), Carola (Främling) Marija Serifovic (Molitva), Céline Dion (Ne partez pas sans moi) …

Escdaily.com: What are your plans after Eurovision?

Michael von der Heide: Touring with my band, working in the studio for my new album and also writing songs for other artists.

Escdaily.com: And for the end, do you have a message for the readers of escdaily.com?

Michael von der Heide: I wish you all a wonderful time and hope you like my song “il pleut de l’or” and vote for me Lots of love – Michael

You can listen to the Swiss entry below: