Ahead of his performance on the Eurovision 2023 stage in Liverpool, the United Kingdom, Victor Vernicos speaks to The Greek Herald about his personal and musical journey.
Victor – who at 16 years of age is the youngest artist to ever represent Greece in Eurovision – shares the story behind the creation of his song entry What they Say, and sends a warm message to the Greek diaspora of Australia.
Tell us about yourself. When did you first start your music journey?
Since I was a kid, I’ve had an internal crazy love for music. Also, my family is fairly musical; my grandfather played clarinet in a jazz band, my other grandfather played guitar, piano and saxophone and he sung, my dad used to play trumpet and my mother played piano and was in the choir when she was younger.
Are you a fan of Eurovision? Have you watched previous competitions? Which Greek participation is your favourite?
Eurovision has always been a show that I liked and I watch it every year. The first song I sang in front of an audience was Heroes, which won in 2015. I have many favourite Greek participations, such as My Number One, This Is Our Night and Krassi, Thalassa Ke T’agori Mou.
How did you feel when you learned you were going to represent Greece in Eurovision 2023?
I can’t describe the feeling. I was trying not to scream with joy when they told me! I actually screamed later…
Tell us about your song, What they Say. When did you write it? How was the video for the song created?
I wrote it when I was 14, the first time I ever felt a real anxiety. That anxiety came from realising that my dreams could actually be fulfilled. I didn’t write it for Eurovision. It was just a song that I wrote from my heart, with all the feelings I had and now I hope the world will connect with it at Eurovision.
The video was directed by PickCodes and it was an amazing experience besides the fact that I was sitting for hours under the water
What are your emotions ahead of the competition?
All I think about is the moment of going on stage. I’m so excited and I feel blessed. It’s an honour and a great pleasure to represent my country Greece, and I will give my best for all Greeks.
Does the fact you are the youngest ever artist to represent Greece in Eurovision make you nervous?
I don’t think that age matters. I am here for Greece and my voice will be for all Greeks, wherever they live.
For a young artist, how important is the opportunity to sing in Eurovision?
Eurovision is a huge experience for every artist. Especially for newcomer artists, like me, it’s a strong start and a great opportunity to show their talent globally.
Do you have a message for the Greek diaspora in Australia?
Thank you for the support. I love you all. Let’s all support Greece. Vote #8 through SMS, calls, the Eurovision app, or the online platform www.esc.vote.
