Is Estonia ready for Eurovision 2024?

An up-and-rising rock singer Ollie, who became a runner-up in Estonian national selection last year with a powerful track ‘Venom’, is back again, competing in Eesti Laul 2024 (“Estonian Song 2024”). The winner of the local competition gets to go to Malmö, Sweden to represent Estonia in an all-Europe-encompassing Eurovision Song Contest next May.

Ollie’s new song, titled ‘My Friend’, skyrocketed to the top of the odds straight away after all the songs competing for the trophy had been released. When asked about the meaning of the song, Ollie prefers to leave it open to interpretation for a while, yet admits it’s the most personal piece he’s ever written.

“I won’t reveal what the story is about yet. But I can say this much that this story has a very important message. The deepest story I’ve written, but let’s leave some room for interpretation as well.”

Watch: BEDWETTERS and OLLIE release a powerful punk-rock collab ‘Death Row’

Participating in Eesti Laul for the second time in a row and living up to fans’ expectations following previous success isn’t easy. However, the rocker told Estonian National Broadcaster that the pause since the last contest was enough for him, and “the stress related to it is gone”.

Ollie can’t wait to experience everything Eesti Laul contest entails. “Positive experiences, human relationships, perspectives, inspirations,” said the singer.

Will his second attempt be even more successful than his previous one? And if Ollie does make it to go to Eurovision 2024, does it have what it takes to be steal the whole show? What are your thoughts? Let us know on AlteRock Facebook and AlteRock Twitter and follow us to keep up with the hottest rock news.

Check out Ollie’s new single ‘My Friend’ and the song lyrics below:

Ollie – ‘My Friend’ Lyrics

There is nothing in this world
I wouldn’t do
to find a way to ease my mind
ease my mind

I’m a shadow of the man
you once loved and knew
I’m draggin’ out what’s left inside
left inside

I wanna scream your name
but you ain’t gonna hear a thing
As the wind catches on
my words get blown away
I feel the air getting cold
ever since the day that you’ve been gone

Where do I go from here?
Is it the same when I don’t have you near?
Will you be there when I stop breathing?
Will I see you again?
Will I see you again?

So many things I didn’t say
I should’ve told you every day
Now they’re stabbing like a thousand knives

Solitude – my addiction
Bruises in my reflection
help me realise
that I’m still alive

Where do I go from here?
Is it the same when I don’t have you near?
Will you be there when I stop breathing?
Will I see you again?
Will I see you again, my friend?

I’m calling out your name
but you ain’t gonna hear a thing
I’M CALLING OUT YOUR NAME
I’M CALLING OUT YOUR NAME

Where do I go from here?
Is it the same when I don’t have you near?
Will you be there when I stop breathing?
Will I see you again?
Will I see you again, my friend?

More: Interview with ALIKA: “There are always goals to go to!” I EUROVISION 2023