"I'm proud to represent Switzerland"

Veronica Fusaro, at the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC), people are asked to judge and compare songs that aren't really comparable. Isn't that all a bit absurd?
This type of contest may seem a bit strange. But I love the fact that the ESC provides a platform on which so many different countries can perform. It gives audiences the chance to discover artists they might never have come across otherwise.

It is not just the performers who compete against one another but also the individual countries. Do you feel Swiss enough for this role?
I don't think it needs to be taken too seriously. But yes, I'm proud to represent Switzerland and feel very Swiss. I grew up in a multicultural family, with an Italian dad and a Swiss mum. That reflects Switzerland really well. I'm really punctual, well organised and hard-working. Is that Swiss enough?

The song you'll be performing at the ESC addresses the serious issue of violence against women. Have you experienced that personally?
Apart from derogatory remarks on the street, I've been lucky enough not to have been affected personally. But as a woman, it's an issue that matters to me deeply, and affects us all as a society.

Who is 'Alice', the woman in the song?
Alice represents all women. She's a sister, a friend, a cousin. The name alludes to 'Alice in Wonderland'. The song starts off quite upbeat, but the first rock guitar riffs suggest that something's wrong.

If Alice represents all women, does that mean all men are perpetrators?
We don't hear Alice's voice in the song. Nor is it clear who the perpetrator is. I wanted to leave that open. It might be a man, a woman or a society that has become abusive and violent.

The ESC is quite a garish form of entertainment. You're conveying a serious message. Are the two things really compatible?
As an artist, it's not my job to explain the subject, but to touch people with my interpretation. We've created staging that emphasises the message. I won't reveal any more, except that I'll be on stage with my guitar. I hope everyone can find their own story in this song and see themselves in it.

You aren't considered one of the favourites. How do you deal with that?
It's no big deal. I come from Thun, where the local football club was still playing in the second division last season. Now they are top of the Super League. Everyone is stunned – and I take inspiration from how well they are doing.

Ten years ago, at the age of 18, you won a talent competition: the Demotape Clinic at the m4music festival. What memories do you have of that?
I remember going there with my mum and kid brother. I didn't have a clue about the music industry. Afterwards, we travelled home by train with the prize in a bag. At the time, I didn't realise winning would change my life so much.

What upsides did it have?
All of a sudden, my tracks were being played on the radio and I was able to start performing concerts. I also met my current manager during the competition. The Demotape Clinic really helped to launch my career. I'm a great believer in cycles. And ten years on, the ESC is now the next major springboard for me.

How has the music industry changed over the past ten years?
Today, many superstars are women. Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift are real entrepreneurs who employ dozens of people. However, behind the scenes, men still dominate as managers, sound engineers and tour organisers. Many of these professions are still difficult for women to get into.

Are female artists more respected today than they were ten years ago?
It's not really about respect. Women have earned their place because they're very strong musically. Many newcomers today are women which is wonderful.