We all fell in love with their voices in 2019 when they were John Lundvik's backing singers in Eurovision and last year even if the contest didn't happen they made us move our shoulders to the beat of their catchy singalong song "Move". This year they are back and I can't wait to see them shine on the mello stage! Here are the answers from The Mamas (Loulou, Ashley and Dinah):
Hej Mamas, Welcome back to the eurovision universe, how are you doing?
We are doing quite well! Excited about the journey to come! :)
Before talking about mello, I would like to ask you about the Eurovision 2019 experience, what do you remember the most from it and what did learn from the whole thing?
The adrenaline sticks with you! Whether you're on or off stage! The music, the people! It’s really an unexplainable experience! One of the take aways from that is how much energy goes into the competition and performance itself. We’ve learned how focused we need to be and how our work ethic plays a huge part in any result!
The cancellation of Eurovision 2020 was heart breaking for all the fans but it must have been even worse for all those teams that were going to take part in the contest, how was it for you?
Most definitely heartbreaking and disappointing. We definitely cried that first day. It was really depressing.
You are one of the participants of Melodifestivalen 2021. How did it all begin?
It began with the song; otherwise we didn’t plan on doing the competition again. The words in the song are very personal for each of us and definitely struck a chord. Our stance initially on the competition was that if we aren’t presented with a solid song that touches our hearts, we won’t compete again. Luckily, In the middle pushed us to decide to participate in Mello 2021.
"In the middle” is the title of your song, and it's written by Emily Falvey, Robin Stjernberg and Jimmy Jansson. How was it working with them?
Our direct contact with this song was Robin and while in the studio, it was really an amazing experience. He really pushed us to tap into our emotions and really think about what we’re saying in this song! It was all good vibes working with Robin and having the connection of art to Emily and Jimmy.
What’s the story behind the song?
“In the middle” is personal lyrically but also has a timeless meaning with a catchy melody. We all have different beliefs, different traditions, different ideals, but what makes this world great is what you put in it for the greater good. Why not set aside your individuality for just a minute, to meet in the middle and agree that we all need a lift, we all need love and understanding to make this world greater!
What's the process of creating a performance for mello like and who are you working with in that area?
We decided to have our same team as last year! “If it ain’t broke why fix it” lol we trust our choreographer and staging coach Zain Odestål as well as our stylist Dennis Brochner with our best interest. We consult with them on looks and ideas and trust their expertise for an outcome we can all believe in.
I'm a big fan of Swedish language music and these last couple of years I have felt that it hasn't been represented as it deserves in Mello (If we compare it to those songs in the charts). Out of the 65 songs that have finished in the top 5 from 2008 to 2020 only 10 have been in swedish, why do you think the mello world prefers english songs?
We are a very adaptable people and english is our second language. I think we send songs in english because we want everyone to understand what we are singing.
If you could invite any artist (that makes music in swedish) to mello, who would you pick?
We would love to see Linnea Henriksson or Laleh in the competition. They are great singers and have a wonderful way of telling a story in their music.
How would you explain Eurovision to those artists that see the contest in a bad way?
My first question would be, Have you actually been to the competition? There is absolutely no way that you could have bad things to say about Eurovision if you actually experience what it is to be back stage or in the audience watching all these amazing artists from different parts of Europe with the exact same dream, coming together and sharing their music! The joy is infectious! You have to be really sad to not see or feel the good in this. Those people would be in our thoughts and prayers.
What do you like about Eurovision?
The music! The different styles, the different languages! The mutual love for music! The idea that all of us are just people with a dream, not afraid to live out loud and spread joy!
What do you dislike about Eurovision?
The fact that we couldn’t compete last year lol but we can’t really blame Eurovision for that, can we lol
Tell me the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word:
John Lundvik: Superstar
Alarm clock: awake
Vogue: fashion
Hope: love
Applause: encore
Is there anything you want to say to close the interview?
Thanks to any and everyone supporting us! We love you all and encourage everyone to stay safe but also, love your life, dollop your dreams and always be kind!
