Erna Mist & Magnus Thorlacius, two young artists from Iceland, will participate in the national selection for Eurovision 2016, with the hope of obtaining the golden ticket to represent their country in Stockholm.

They took the time to talk to ESCBubble about their forthcoming participation in the Icelandic national selection and their entry ”Ótöluð orð” (”No Man’s Land” in English).

What was your first reaction when you were told that you would participate in the Icelandic national selection for Eurovision 2016?

We were really surprised since we don‘t have any of our music published and have not played on a large venue before. Therefore, our very first appearence will be in the Icelandic national selection for Eurovision 2016.

Could you tell us a bit more about your musical careers?

We have both been writing songs for as long as we can remember, but it wasn‘t until early 2015, after we started dating, that we began writing together. The Icelandic national selection for Eurovision 2016 (Söngvakeppni Sjónvarpsins) will be the first place where our music will be heard.

Is there a message behind your song?

When you loose the one you love in to the hope of better life, you still hold on to the chance of going back.

How did you decide to enter the contest together?

It seemed very exciting to take part in such a big event, to perform live in national television. 

Do you have any goals for the contest?

Our goals are primarily to have fun and to gain experience for our future musical career.

What do you think of the previous Icelandic participants at Eurovision?

We have always enjoyed watching the Icelandic participants competing in Eurovision, although the songs could be more diverse. Iceland really likes it pop music.

Are you Eurovision fans? What are your favourite Eurovision songs?

Eurovision songs always make up the best playlists, but sometimes we find ourselves hearing the same song over and over again. But the last couple of years there has been a growing diversity of music genres competing and we would like to be a part of that.

Do you have any special ideas for your performance for the live show?

Our live performance will be quite simple and sincere. There will be just the two of us on stage with our guitars, singing to each other.

Do you have other passions/hobbies?

Erna: I am a painter and a writer. My first book, Fáfræði (Ignorance), was published in October 2015. My paintings have also been getting attention but my favourite suspects are ghosts, monsters and waterfalls.

Magnus: Music is clearly my main interest but I also like to study biology, especially anatomy and psychology.

What would representing your country in Eurovision mean to you?

It would mean the world to us. Well, just Europe. And Australia.

What would you like to say to your fans who are going to support you during the national selection?

Well, without fans we would go nowhere. Fans are what keep musicians going and therefore we are very thankful for their support.

We wanted to get to know Erna and Magnus a little bit better, so we found out what’s their favourite:

a) Song

Erna: Scarborough Fair by Simon & Garfunkel

Magnus: Blood by The Middle East

b) Artist

Erna: Muse and Simon & Garfunkel

Magnus: The Middle East, Coldplay and I also adore Ed Sheeran live performances

c) Book

Erna: The Tarot Café

Magnus: A Song of Ice and Fire (Game of Thrones)

d) Sport

Erna: Pole dancing and swimming

Magnus: Football

e) Dish

Erna and Magnus: Tikka Masala! 🙂

f) Movie

Erna: Shutter Island

Magnus: The Lord of the Rings

We would like to thank Erna & Magnus for taking the time to do this interview and wish them the best of luck for the Icelandic national selection, that will begin on February 6th. Until the show, you can listen to their song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouBtxn8ZxPQ