Interview by Vassilios Nicolaos Vitsilogiannis
(IG: @vassiliosvitsilogiannis)
Alexander Rybak is a renowned Belarusian-born Norwegian musician, actor and composer. Born on May 13, 1986, in Minsk, he rose to fame after winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 2009 with his song “Fairytale.” Rybak’s career spans multiple genres, including pop and classical music. He has released several albums and collaborated with notable artists like Morten Harket. Beyond music, Rybak has acted in productions such as “Fiddler on the Roof” and worked as a television presenter. His versatility and talent have made him a celebrated figure in European entertainment.
Alexander Rybak is embarking on a thrilling journey across Europe as part of his new Meet & Greet tour. This talented artist, best known for his Eurovision victories and captivating performances, is overjoyed to reconnect with fans in various countries. Greece holds a special place in his itinerary, with Athens being one of the first stops on March 17th for a fan meet-up, followed by a show in Thessaloniki on March 20th. The initial events have been met with immense enthusiasm, all sold out, leading to additional shows being added due to high demand. Rybak’s excitement is palpable as he prepares to revisit Greece and share his music once again with the warm Greek audience.
Your journey to fame began with your Eurovision win in 2009. How has that experience shaped your career and your approach to music?
I started very early with competitions; I guess it’s a part of a classical violinist’s life. We are always measured to each other, which can be devastating for some but helpful for others. For me it was helpful.
In 2006, I won Norway’s biggest competition “Kjempesjansen” with a self-composed jazz song. Later, I won the Norwegian Tony award for my role in “Fiddler on The Roof”. So, I have always been excited by competitions, long before I entered Eurovision. It’s a nice edge that makes the artist give the very best he has, sometimes even better than he imagined himself.
You have a diverse musical background, performing in multiple genres and languages. Which genre do you feel most connected to and why?
Our childhood will always be our strongest connection when it comes to taste and being in the comfort zone. I have been doing musicals, big DJ events, Jazz clubs, Netflix Movies and pop concerts as well. But classical music is what I have done since childhood and that’s why it will always be closer to my heart. You can’t beat the enchanting melodies of Rachmaninov and Tchaikovsky!
In your career, you’ve transitioned from pop music to focusing on children’s and classical music. What motivated this shift and how has it influenced your artistic expression?
It wasn’t my intention to transition from one genre to another, I don’t feel I ever left one or another. But I decided pretty quickly to cut all ties with big record companies and other businessmen who wanted to make me into a boring product.
And with the rise of TikTok, I can see how lucky I am to have so many children in the audience. The way they support and share my music is a blessing! And I am happy to finally get to play for this loving audience, starting with Athens and Thessaloniki in March!
Can you share a memorable moment from your time performing at the Eurovision Song Contest, either as a contestant or in another capacity?
I remember playing at an arena for Finnish Television and they were having technical problems because fans were screaming too loud. In the end, the producer had to ask them to “scream more quietly”.
On a sadder note, I remember how Andrew Lloyd Webber wanted to talk to me before my performance in 2009 because he wanted me in his musical. But my managers at that time didn’t explain who he was, so I asked if he wanted a photo. Very embarrassing.
You’ve mentioned that you enjoy writing songs. What is your creative process like when composing new music?
It’s not creative at all. It is a lot of self-hating, self-doubting and self-destroying. Every day, I throw ideas into the garbage bin, again and again, until I have something that I feel is timeless.
As an artist who has experienced both fame and challenges, how do you maintain balance in your personal life while staying connected to your fans?
Honesty. Never hiding anything from anybody that’s the most important tool to keep everybody happy.
What role does social media play in your interaction with fans and how do you feel it has changed the landscape for artists today?
Everything. How else can you communicate these days? Advertisements and billboards are fake and nobody checks their local TV station anymore. I’m so grateful for TikTok, it has made my career born anew.
You’ve expressed interest in returning to Eurovision for national selections. What would it mean for you to compete again and what would you want to achieve this time?
If I am to compete, it must be with a song that brightens people’s lives. And it needs to be something that is worth “stealing someone else’s crown” for.
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future both personally and professionally? Are there any projects or collaborations you’re particularly excited about?
Right now, I think more about my past than my future. I have slowly started writing my biography, the life I am so grateful for. But first, I will visit all my fans with my VIP tour, and in March, I will do my M&G shows in Greece!
Images by Rune Soltvedt
Ticket Purchase:
Tour Dates:
February 25th: Szczecin, Poland
February 27th: Wroclaw, Poland
March 17th: Athens, Greece
March 20th: Thessaloniki, Greece
April 26th: Valletta, Malta
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