Germany will find its representative through ‘Unser Lied für Liverpool’ on March 3rd and one of the nine finalists is René Miller with “Concrete Heart”. René Miller is an acclaimed songwriter who was awarded the German Songwriting Award in 2018. He wrote songs for several big names, including Zoe Wees, Topic or Mike Perry. We had the pleasure to meet René ahead of his live performance in Cologne:

Hi René and thank you so much for participating in this interview! We cannot wait to find out more about you and your song “Concrete Heart” 😊

First of all, how did you get the idea of submitting a song to the German Eurovision selection?

As a passionate singer-songwriter, I have been captivated by the magic of the Eurovision Song Contest since I was just 10 years old. Over the years, I have fallen in love with the eclectic mix of music styles that the contest showcases and it has given me an early appreciation for the diversity of music. When I wrote my song “Concrete Heart,” I knew that it had the potential to be a standout entry for the German selection. With its big, anthemic chorus, I felt confident that it would connect with audiences and help me to make a mark on the world’s biggest musical stage.

What makes this journey even more exciting for me is the fact that I have had the opportunity to work with some incredible artists who have participated in the ESC for Germany and other countries. Their passion and dedication to their craft has been a constant source of inspiration and has pushed me towards making my dream of performing on the Eurovision stage a reality. With my heart set on making a meaningful impact, I am determined to do whatever it takes to bring my music to the world and leave a lasting impression.

What inspired you to write “Concrete Heart” and what is the song about?

“Concrete Heart” is a raw and powerful expression of the pain and emotions that come with a toxic relationship. It reflects on my personal journey of self-discovery and realisation after a painful break-up, exploring the often hurtful power dynamics that exist in relationships. The song speaks to the anger, confusion, and frustration that come with allowing oneself to be in such a situation, but ultimately delivers a message of hope and strength. Through the anthem-like chorus, “I hate the way you build me up to knock me down,” I hope to give voice to those who have experienced similar heartache, and let them know that they are not alone. This song is not just about a past experience, it’s about the healing power of music and the ability for a song to provide comfort, inspiration, and a sense of community to those who need it most.

You write songs for other artists as well – Which musician would you like to work with someday?

I have had the privilege of collaborating with a range of talented musicians over the years, including the likes of Rita Ora, Zoe Wees, Topic and Michael Patrick Kelly. As a songwriter, working with other creative and experienced artists has been an incredible learning experience for me. My ultimate dream, however, is to have the opportunity to work with the artists who initially inspired me to pursue songwriting in the first place – Ed Sheeran, John Mayer, and Ryan Tedder. These musicians have had a profound impact on my musical journey.

Have you followed the Eurovision Song Contest in the past? Do you have a favorite song or memory?

As a young music lover, the Eurovision Song Contest was always a special event for me. Sitting down with my family, munching on some snacks, and being surrounded by a diverse spectrum of musical influences, ESC night was an unforgettable experience. Not only did I get to find my passion for music, but I also got to stay up late – a true bonus for young René!

One song that holds a particularly special place in my heart is “Can’t Wait Until Tonight” by Max Mutzke from 2004. This was the moment when I first became truly aware of the power and impact of music. It was also one of the first songs I learned on my guitar in 2005. And speaking of inspirations, let’s not forget the breathtaking performance of Duncan Lawrence with his song “Arcade”. His performance left a lasting impression on me and continues to inspire me to this day.

Do you already have plans for your performance at Unser Lied für Liverpool? What should the Eurovision fans expect?

I’m very excited for my upcoming performance in Cologne on March 3rd. My rehearsals are going well, and I’m looking forward to sharing my song “Concrete Heart” with the audience in a unique way. Unlike the official music video, this performance will bring a different perspective and showcase my own personal interpretation of the song. I´m willing to do the song justice and bring its emotional message to life in a new and captivating way. I’m grateful for the opportunity to perform and can’t wait to share my vision with the audience.

What would it mean to you if you got chosen to represent Germany on the Eurovision stage?

The thought of representing Germany on the Eurovision stage is so surreal that I honestly can’t even imagine it. It’s almost as if 10-year-old René would have trouble believing that his older self would have such an incredible opportunity. To be chosen to represent my country on such a grand stage, surrounded by music lovers from around the world and being able to bring my own personal touch to the Eurovision stage, would be an incredible honor. Long story short: The mere thought of it sends shivers down my spine!

How do you feel when you think about the upcoming days and weeks?

To be honest with you, excitement and nerves are high as I prepare for the big performance. The chance to share my music on live television is a dream come true. The upcoming promo days are a thrilling opportunity to connect with fans but stepping out on stage is a challenge I embrace.

I live for these moments where I can showcase my passion for music and leave it all on the stage for the world to see.

Finally, do you have anything else you would like to say to our readers from all over the world?

Hello world! My name is René and I’m thrilled to make your acquaintance. I’m here to share my music with you all, and I hope you’ll enjoy it. My song “Concrete Heart” is a reflection of my own personal experiences and a tough topic, but I want to offer inspiration to anyone. My goal is to encourage to break free and reach for the stars. Speaking of stars, wish me luck on the Eurovision stage! Fingers crossed we’ll cross paths in Liverpool. If not, I’ll send you a postcard from Berlin. Cheers!

Once again, thank you very much for taking the time to answer our questions! We wish you the best of luck for Unser Lied für Liverpool on March 3^rd and hope to see you in Liverpool!

If you would like to support René, you can vote for him in our poll for ‘Unser Lied für Liverpool’:

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