Earlier in the Eurovision national final season, it was revealed that Duncan Laurence would be representing The Netherlands at Eurovision this year, with the song to be later revealed. It is now that time, and we know that the song he will be singing at the contest is titled Arcade.
Duncan has commented on the song, saying,
‘When I was studying at the Rockacademie I learned that you can appeal to a large audience without losing your own story in the process. I searched for touching stories that moves people, from my own life or someone else’s. I got my inspiration from the story of a loved one who died at a young age. I decided to call the song ‘Arcade’ – the words and chords came by themselves, which is why, despite the alternations in the song, it still sounds so organic. During the writing process of Arcade I received help from Joel Sjöö and Wouter Hardy and because of that it developed into a shared story and not just my own. Arcade is a story about the search for the love of your life. It is the hope for the – sometimes – unattainable.
‘I have written several songs since Arcade, but to me Arcade feels like the core and the start of my search for how I can do something meaningful for others with my songs. Even though I had already been writing songs for years, Arcade still feels like the start of my career. I want to touch people with my music, possibly help them and give them something. In the case of Arcade, I have created some advice for myself and hopefully for others as well. A lesson of life: you determine your own happiness.’
Listen to the song below:
In the lead up to the contest, Duncan will be working with his creative team to perfect the staging for the competition. The team includes Hans Pennecoucke (artistic direction), Ignace d’Haese (lighting) and Ilse DeLange who previously participated at Eurovision as one half of the Common Linnets.
What do you think of the song?