Engelbert Humperdinck is an internationally loved and respected singer, who has been in the business for over 45 years. He was recently chosen to represent the UK in the final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 with his new song “Love Will Set You Free”. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Engelbert again about Eurovision, love songs and his constant touring.
Mike Gencarelli: Let’s talk about how you came to represent the UK in the final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2012?
Engelbert Humperdinck: Actually, it all came down to the BBC in the UK. The big bosses came together and picked me out of a hat. They figured I’ve been in the business a while and I am a great embassador for the country. I was very honoured to be chosen to represent my country.
MG: Tell us about the origin of “Love Will Set You Free”?
EH: The two guys that wrote the song are very well known. Sacha Skarbek is an Ivor Novello Awards winner and Martin Terefe is the number one producer in England at the moment. Martin plays guitar…and bass on the song. I also just made an album with him about four months ago. He is so laid back and unbelieveable to work with. What happened with the song is that BBC setup everything. They found the writers and the song. They heard it, loved it and passed it on to me and I loved it. I have had a trendous success with waltzes. This is a Viennese Waltz. “The Last Waltz” was a big hit for me and I am thrilled about it.
MG: What do you think makes a great love song?
EH: A great experience I suppose. The writers must have had a great experience. It resonates to the listeners who also can relate to an experience. Good lyrics. Good melody. Good message. That is what it is that makes up a great song. Waltzes last a life time. Maybe one day they will be dancing to this song on “Dancing with the Stars”.
MG: I watched your concert at Northern Quest Resort & Casino last month presented by Front and Center, how do you feel that you are now streaming your shows to the internet?
EH: It is a whole new market. It is a great way to get the masses. Once it catches on, it will be great. Of course there is nothing like a live concert. If they watch it online they will get a chance to see what it would be like live. We have had a wonderful reaction to this concert, especially with the ability to chat with other fans via Facebook comments.
MG: Do you plan to do more concerts like this in the future?
EH: I am sure in the future we will be doing this again soon!
MG: You are always touring all over the world, how can you feel that touring internationally differs from the U.S.?
EH: I am touring more world concerts now. I just finished in Dubai, Sinapore…I am everywhere. It was great to go countries like Russia that do not even speak the language but they are still singing along. How do they do this I do not know? But it is just amazing.
MG: You are very involved with your fans, any words of wisdom to share with them?
EH: Not wisdom but gratitude. Thank you for supporting me for the last 45 years. They have been nothing but terrific.
MG: With Eurovision and constant touring, has this delayed the progress on your new album?
EH: It should be released right after Eurovision and it is a collabaration album. I can’t say who I will be collaberating with yet since you know how record labels like to keep things in the bag waiting for a suprise [laugh].
