A fresh faced Melodifestivalen debutante, ladies and gentlemen! Just what has she let herself in for? Well actually, Mary N’diaye has got a pretty good idea of what to expect, having done the whole sing-on-primetime-TV-and-put-yourself-at-the-mercy-of-the-Swedish-televoting-public thing before now. She was a participant on the Swedish version of The Voice, with the likes of Carola and Magnus Uggla on the judging panel.
Since then she has wowed us with the superb ‘Big Dreamer’ single released last summer. And so this is one debutante that we’ve got high hopes for based on past form. And what form ‘Big Dreamer‘ is.
We caught up with Mary at the Melodifestivalen press conference, when she was revealed as a participant, and had a chat with her about it all.
Scandipop: Mary! We LOVED ‘Big Dreamer’.
Mary: I know! I read that. And I really liked what you wrote about it, so thank you.
Scandipop: Thank YOU! And so it’s a very pleasant surprise to see your name announced here this morning, based on what’s come before from you. Are you gonna make me happy……does it sound anything like ‘Big Dreamer’?
Mary: Ummmmmmmm….
Scandipop: It’s ok – just be honest. I can take it.
Mary: Ummm, no not really, ha ha! It’s nothing like the Eurodance vibe of ‘Big Dreamer’, but it’s still crazy good. I wouldn’t send it if it wasn’t. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed, I think you’ll like it.
Scandipop: So how would you describe its sound then?
Mary: It’s up-tempo, it’s happy, and it’s colourful. It’ll be very cool!
Scandipop: Most people who know you, will know you from being on The Voice. So you’re obviously used to performing in front of large television audiences. So even though you’re a debutante here – do you feel more confident than most debutantes, simply because of that experience on The Voice?
Mary: I’m looking forward to this experience so much. I’m getting ready to hit the dance studio, to rehearsing…everything. I’m really looking forward to it! Yeah, I definitely think I’m ready. I’ve heard it’s a crazy experience though.
Scandipop: Yeah I’m sure you’ve seen yourself how crazy the country and the press goes for it.
Mary: Oh yes, of course. This year’s (2012) Melodifestivalen was just….wow. Cos I haven’t really been following it before, but this year with Loreen and everything I was like, ok next year it’s Melodifestivalen.
Scandipop: What’s the plan after Melodifestivalen then? Have you got an album ready to go?
Mary: The thing with me is that I tend to plan in the short term. I don’t really like to plan so far ahead. With Melodifestivalen, I’m gonna put all focus and all effort into making that awesome. And then after that, we’ll see what happens. You never know what doors will open. But yes, of course I’m preparing it. I’m in the studio all the time.
Scandipop: And I’m looking forward to hearing it!
Mary: Thank you.
Scandipop: Good luck in Mello, and I’ll see you in Karlskrona!
Mary: See you then!
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
More from Mary N’Diaye over at SVT’s Melodifestivalen website.
