Efraim Leo: "One of my goals as an artist has always been to inspire others"

Photo: Matilda Hammar

Time for a new interview, back in 2018 I heard one of the songs from our next guest and I remember liking his voice a lot, now he is set make his mello debut and I'm curious to see what he will bring to the contest, here are Efraim's answers:

Name: Efraim Leo

Birthday: October 5th, 1997

Height: 182 cm

Favorite color: Dark green

What’s your strangest talent? I can fake cry, it's difficult some days but I can do it.

What is the strangest thing you have in your room? Probably this old small tree dragon from my mom hanging in the ceiling.

What are you really good at? I would say my biggest strengths except siging is writing music and coming up with melodies.

What are you really bad at? Playing football, I really wish I was better but I suck haha.

Childhood memory: I have so many, but a really great one is when I was like 9 and made a rap song with my Uncle. It's the first time I really started to realise how fun it is to make music.

Celebrity crush: Definitely Ariana Grande 

Who would you cast to play you in a movie about your life? Tom Holland, such a big fan of his

What would the title of that movie be? Hard question! "From dream to reality" maybe.

Favorite movie: Interstellar. That's my favorite but I love everything from Christopher Nolan.

Favorite TV series: How I Met Your Mother or Modern Family. It's a tie I think.

Dish/Snack/Beverage/Candy we should try if we ever visit Sweden: The drink we drink during Christams time called Julmust (Christmas must) is one of my favorite sodas and definitely something you should try.

What is your guilty pleasure? I don't really feel guilty over stuff, but maybe that I love playing videogames on my free time and that I buy new games more often than I should haha.

Can you recommend us a song (old or new) from an Swedish artist? "Slå mig hårt i ansiktet" with Thomas Stenström.

Can you teach us some interesting words in Swedish? A word I find really beautiful in the swedish language is "Tillit" which means trust.

Hej Efraim, Welcome to the eurovision universe, how are you doing?

Thank you! I'm doing really good. Really excited for the journey ahead.

How would you describe yourself as an artist?

Very personal and emotional artist. One of my goals as an artist has always been to inspire others, be able to relate to them and make them feel heard going through their ups and downs in life. 

You are one of the participants of Melodifestivalen 2021. How did it all begin?

I have grown up watching the swedish Melodifestivalen and really loved it. So when I got the opportunity to be a part of it I just had to say yes.

"Best of me” is the title of your song, and its written by you, Cornelia Jakobsdotter, Amanda Björkegren and Herman Gardarfve. How was it working with them?

So fun! The energy they brought to the songwriting session was absolutely amazing. We were sitting in a hotel room in Stockholm just vibing and at the the end of the day we had the song. I had a blast writing this song with them and I can't wait for you guys to hear it.

What’s the story behind the song?

It's a story about how hard it is to leave and forget about someone you love cause you know they're not good for you.

What's the process of creating a performance for mello like and who are you working with in that area?

Would like to keep this a secret for now.

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? 

I would say it has to do with english being a more versatile language to write music in. Here in Sweden everybody grows up listening to more english music than Swedish, so to a lot of people it's much more relatable as well.

If you could invite any artist (that makes music in swedish) to mello, who would you pick?

Maybe Oscar Linnros or Veronica Maggio. Real OG's when it comes to modern Swedish pop.

What do you like about Eurovision?

The diversity. It has songs from different cultures and countries and that is so fun to see. Also the great energy it brings to everyone watching. A real peoples fest and that is so valuable.

Tell me the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word:

Rain: Wet hair

Mirror: Justin Timberlake's song with that title

Rollercoaster: FUN!

Owl: The woods

Applause: Concert (pre-corona)

Is there anything you want to say to close the interview?

Thank you so much for having me and hope you like my performance in Mello. If you wanna follow my road to the stage my instagram is @efraimleo. 

Thanks to Efraim for the interview!

Instagram: efraimleo

Facebook: EfraimLeoOfficial

Lovad: "My music strengthens as much as it hurts"

If there is something I love about NF season is getting to hear music from artists I hadn't heard before. I fell in love with the music from our next guest right away and I'm very glad I got the chance to interview her, here are Lovad's answers:

Name: Lova

Birthday: 4th of november

Height: 173 cm

Favorite color: Beige

What’s your strangest talent? Talking with my mouth closed.

What are you really good at? Cooking

What are you really bad at? Drawing

Childhood memory: Swimming among the coral reefs of Egypt

Celebrity crush: Tom Hardy

Who would you cast to play you in a movie about your life? Jennifer Lawrence

What would the title of that movie be? Rise from the ashes

Favorite movie: Dear John

Favorite TV series: Greys Anatomy

Dish/Snack/Beverage/Candy we should try if we ever visit Sweden: Smörgåstårta!

What is your guilty pleasure? I love eating cookie batter

Can you recommend us a song (old or new) from an Swedish artist? "Alice" with Loreen

Can you teach us some interesting words in Swedish? "Ögonblick", it means moment. "Gryning", thats means dawn, and "Humla" thats means bumblebee

Hej Lova, Welcome to the eurovision universe, how are you doing? 

I'm feeling great, thanks for asking!

How would you describe yourself as an artist? 

I'm an artist who writes lyrics that touch. My music strengthens as much as it hurts. The music hurts and helps at the same time. As an artist, I try to be present and helpful.

Before talking about mello, I would like to talk about 'Läka så vackert' cause I'm actually kind of obsessed with it right now. I want to know everything about it! 

Wow thank you, it makes me really happy! That very sentence came to me one evening. That means you will heal and it will be beautiful. The song is strong and it is about being able to be honest with yourself in a destructive relationship and say “I want to be longed for, needed and loved.” In the song there is a happiness, sprung from a sadness, in order to sing in it as a winner, for all who have won the battle for themselves

You are one of the participants of Melodifestivalen 2021. How did it all begin? 

It started with me getting to know Albin who is one of the songwriters. He told me that he had a song idea that would suit me perfectly. When we finished writing it, I think we were both shocked at how good it turned out, and quite immediately we decided to send it to the Melodifestivalen. After a while we got the call that we were competing, and here we are now!

"Allting är precis likadant” is the title of your song, and its written by you, Mattias Andréasson, Alexander Nivek, and Albin Johnsén. How was it working with them? 

Wonderfully. Albin is an incredibly nice guy with a beautiful vocabulary. Mattias who makes the music is truly a genius. We all found each other right away and had a lot of fun creating this song.

What’s the story behind the song? 

The song is about a broken relationship. How to just live every day over and over again. No one is happy but no one wants to go.

What's the process of creating a performance for mello like and who are you working with in that area? 

Everything is a little different now in these times, so many meetings and regulations take place via video link and email. But SVT is responsible for the production of Melodifestivalen, which is my team together with my record company. We share ideas and thoughts and build a vision based on how the song sounds.

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 aren't swedish songs connecting with the mello audience? If you were in charge of the whole thing how would you fix that problem?

Wow that was a difficult question. But I think most artists who submit entries think that it should be a song that everyone should understand in case you come to Eurovision. Previously, if a Swedish song won, you had to translate it into English before Eurovision. Those mindsets may remain with the artists today. You are probably afraid that no one will vote for a song in Swedish just because it is not an international language. I probably do not think it is a problem that needs to be fixed either. Many of our artists here in Sweden sing in English.

If you could invite any artist (that makes music in swedish) to mello, who would you pick? 

Miriam Bryant!

What do you like about Eurovision? 
I love that it is a world of its own, filled with glitter and happiness where everyone can be exactly as they want!I

What do you dislike about Eurovision? 
Nothing?

Tell me the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word:
Clouds: Fluffy
Bones: Skeleton
Silence: Peace
Crayons: Color
Applause: Audience

Is there anything you want to say to close the interview? 
I want to thank you for your interest, and do not forget to vote for me! :)

Thanks to Lovad for the interview!

Instagram: lovad.mp3

Facebook: lovadofficiel

Andriamad: "Our goal is to sing, give joy and bring people together"

Photo: Roxane Moreau

Now it's time to say hello to France and to Cécile and Kévin, one the 12 acts that are in the running to become the French entry for ESC 2021, here are Andriamad's answers:

Name: Andriamad

Birthday: The official birthday of the band is 9 December 2016! ;)

Height: Our height with both size is 3m26!

Favorite color: Yellow

What’s your strangest talent? Cécile can make a thumbs up with her foot!

What is the strangest thing you have in your room? Kévin has a pillow with eyes

What are you really good at? Cécile is really good at painting!

What are you really bad at? Kévin and Cécile: Rolling a cigarette

Childhood memory: Kévin: I remember how much i loved building a tree house

Celebrity crush: Cécile: Meryl Streep!

Who would you cast to play you in a movie about your life? Kévin: The guy acting in a new Netflix Italian Movie: Elio Germano

What would the title of that movie be? Kévin: My life in the cloud

Favorite movie: Cécile: Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind

Favorite TV series: Cécile: '10%' a french serie ;)

Dish/Snack/Beverage/Candy we should try if we ever visit France: Boeuf Bourguignon/Cornichon/Cidre/La Vosgienne!

What is your guilty pleasure? French Brand with Chocolate

Can you recommend us a song (old or new) from an French artist? Les Otaries from Arne Vinzon, He talks about a walk in the Zoo of Vincennes...

Can you teach us some interesting words in French? Embauchoire, Marche Pied and Salle à manger (Can you check on google? it's gonna be funny)

Hi there! Welcome to the eurovision universe, how are you doing?

Hi! We take time for the first time of our life, to answer to a lot of interviews! this is cool no?

How did you meet each other?

Cécile: We met four years ago, by a common friend. At this time Kevin wanted to make a duet and he has sent a request on socials networks. Our friend told me : "Look Cécile! A friend of mine wants to do a duet! Please let me send to him your old song! It's time for you to go back to the music!". (Indeed, four years ago I didn't want to do music anymore). But my friend sent my songs to Kevin and his answer was positive. He wanted to see me. Next week I went to his music studio in Montreuil. We tried to make some music, it was a reel meet!  

How would you describe the sound of Andriamad?

Kévin: We sing electro tropical music. We want first to bring people together!  Make them dance and give some good vibes!

You are one of the participants of Eurovision France 2021. How did it all begin?

We wanted to participate in this year's selection! We worked on a song and we sent to the Eurovision team for the preselection without expectation, and they appreciated the track! :)

"Alléluia” is the title of your song, what’s the story behind it?

Cécile: It's about diversity. :) We composed the song a few months ago in our little studio in Paris, and we decided to write a peaceful song for the period we have just been through. 'Alléluia' talks about openminding, tolerance and positive curiosity about the others.

Kévin: What we hope the most is to bring people together no matter who you are or where you are from. Indeed, we wanted to celebrate the differences between people, give them a positive vibe. We also wanted to include a word that can be understood by everyone, and have the capacity to celebrate life in joy, so we chose to sing some 'Allléuia" between our lyrics. 

How do you feel about the reaction your song has been getting from the fans?

Just before the release of the presentation, people didn't know us apart from an underground circle in france. So of course we are super surprised to see all of the messages and fan videos of the ESC. All of this is like booster for us! They give us the energy to give our best!! 

Our goal is to share a peaceful message, for us it is as important as the music. Since the beginning of Andriamad, each song has a specific message, about differences, tolerance, earth, respect and hope, we try to have a positive angle of view in our lyrics. 

But, we can't tell that we don't want to win. Of course, if we win, we would be super proud and happy! But it is not our principal goal. Our goal is to sing, give joy and bring people together.  

What can we expect to see on stage for the performance?

COLORFUL AND DANCING. For the rest... surprise. 😉 

Have you heard any of the other songs in the competition? Any favorite?

Yes we heard every other song, we already have our secret favorite song ;)

But we want everyone equal so we will keep it a secret :)

The use of prerecorded backing vocals in the Eurovision performances will be allowed next year and that has set some kind of debate since some find it great but others think it could hurt the contest, as a singer what are your thoughts on this topic?

We love harmonies and we use a lot of gimmick vocal backing in our song 'Alléluia', for example we want the 'Same same same same' part sang by 10 voices, so we can do that! it's cool!

What do you like about Eurovision?

We love the cultural and sharing mix of the concept!

What do you dislike about Eurovision?

We want a special price for everyone, at the end it is very hard to choose i can imagine! 

Tell me the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word:

Elevator: Sky

Dark chocolate: Pleasure

Sea: Beauty

Cassette tape: 90's

Applause: Show

Is there anything you want to say to close the interview?

Thank you for the support!!!! Same same!

Thanks to Andriamad for the interview!

Facebook: andriamadmusic

Instagram: andriamadmusic

Twitter: andriamadmusic

Patrik Jean: "I really try to pour my emotions into my music, and tell honest stories"

Photo: Magnus Ragnvid

Nothing makes me happier than getting into the melodifestivalen mood and what better way to do that than interviewing one of the acts that we will all be listening to and loving next February, here are Patrik's answers:

Name: Patrik Jean

Birthday: May 3, 1990

Height: 184 cm

Favorite color: Orange

What’s your strangest talent? I have to be boring and say I can’t think of any strange talents I have. Let me get back to you once I’ve learned how to do a death drop. 

What is the strangest thing you have in your room? I have some strange decorations like some ostrich eggs, a fencing helmet and porcelain doll heads. 

What are you really good at? Singing, and maybe baking. Especially singing while baking! 

What are you really bad at? Organizing my closet. Thank god I came out of it. 

Childhood memory: I have a lot of memories forcing my family to watch me sing and perform in the living room. Especially songs by Robyn, cause ”Robyn Is Here” (1995) was my first record. Or it wasn’t really mine, I just stole it from my sister. 

Celebrity crush: Maluma.

Who would you cast to play you in a movie about your life? I would probably cast myself, cause acting would be so much fun to try. But If I had to choose someone else it would have to be someone gay who can tell that story, so maybe Charlie Carver from Desperate Housewives. 

What would the title of that movie be? A Goofy Movie? But that’s taken so maybe using one of my song titles like ”The Talk with Patrik Jean” or something cheesy like ”Mr Prosecco”.

Favorite movie: Sister Act 2 with Lauryn Hill.

Favorite TV series: Euphoria

Dish/Snack/Beverage/Candy we should try if we ever visit Sweden: Things like meatballs and our "candy cars" are classics. But the list of dishes NOT to eat is probably longer. There are some very interesting dishes here that are not for everyone, like ”surströmming”.

What is your guilty pleasure? RuPaul’s Dragrace. I can’t get enough. 

Can you recommend us a song (old or new) from an Swedish artist? Seinabo Sey is a national treasure, and I could listen to her song ”Still” for life. 

Can you teach us some interesting words in Swedish? Jag är beroende av Eurovision. It means ”I’m addicted to Eurovision” ;) 

Photo: Magnus Ragnvid

Hej Patrik, Welcome back to the eurovision universe, how have you been doing?

Thank you! I’ve been doing well. I think there's been some ups and downs for all of us lately, but it led me here so I can’t complain. 

How would you describe yourself as an artist?

I would say that I’m a bit of an emotional wreck. I really try to pour my emotions into my music, and tell honest stories. Sometimes the stories are happy, but most of the time I find it easier to write about sad stuff like heartbreak.

You were one of the songwriters of the song that won last year (Move by The Mamas), how was the experience of competing in mello as a songwriter?

It was insane. From the day we wrote the song, we felt it was really special. And every step of the way, from recording The Mamas to seeing them on that stage, it all just felt right. I will remember the joy and love during that finale for the rest of my life. 

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?

Everyone in our team worked really hard with this song and performance, so it was sad of course. I know the ladies would have done an amazing job. But I’m so thankful that we at least got to experience the Swedish finale in a sold out arena. Can’t wait to experience that again.

You are one of the participants of Melodifestivalen 2021. How did it all begin?

Well, I think I’ve been on my way for a long time. I’ve been involved in Melfest a few years as a back-up singer and last year as a songwriter. Meanwhile I’ve been building my own solo career outside of Melodifestivalen. It just felt like it was time to merge the two now. 

"Tears run dry” is the title of your song, and its written by you, Herman Gardarfve and Melanie Wehbe. How was it working with them?

Herman and Melanie are close friends to me, and we work a lot together. We always have the best time, and since we know each other so well the writing process is usually very smooth. I can’t imagine a better team to share my artist debut in Melodifestivalen with. 

Photo: Magnus Ragnvid

What’s the story behind the song?

The night before our writing session I had this chorus idea in the middle of the night. I always have my phone next to my bed so I can record voice memos, cause this happens a lot. Usually it’s just random humming that you can’t understand when you listen back the day after. But when I played this idea for Melanie and Herman, they heard the potential and understood where I was heading. So we wrote the whole song that day, and I knew straight away I had to send this to Melodifestivalen.

Photo: Magnus Ragnvid

What's the process of creating a performance for mello like and who are you working with in that area?

It’s really fun! Together with the creative team at Melodifestivalen I get to hand pick the people I feel comfortable with. It’s too soon to get into specifics but I already feel the performance is gonna be more than I could ever dream of. 

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? 

I think a lot of viewers wanna send a song that the rest of Europe will understand. I definitely don’t think it’s impossible for a Swedish song to win, but unfortunately it might be a bit harder for them. 

If you could invite any artist (that makes music in swedish) to mello, who would you pick?

It would be awesome to see Miss Li in Mello. 

What do you like about Eurovision?

I like how all types of people can get representation and feel accepted just the way they are. 

What do you dislike about Eurovision?

That it’s a competition, I guess. I’m not competitive at all. I’m just happy to hear music from different parts of the world. 

Tell me the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word:

Time travel: Dinosaurs

Bubblegum: Britney

Socks: Winter

Otter: Cute

Applause: GAGA! 

Is there anything you want to say to close the interview?

Thank you so much for having me! 

Thanks to Patrik for the interview!

Instagram: patrikjean

Facebook: PatrikJeanMusic

Uku Haasma: "I like doing things differently with my own originality"

Photo: Renat Tikhonov

Hello everybody, last week the Eesti laul 2021 songs were released and one of the most interesting songs from the line up came from our next interviewee, here are Uku's answers: 

Name: Uku Haasma

Birthday: 11.08.1994

Height: 186cm

Favorite color: Colors of nature

What’s your strangest talent? I can speak sounding like an old lady xd

What is the strangest thing you have in your room? I have a Bus stop sign with name UKU

What are you really good at? I am really good at hearing melodies that doesn't exist

What are you really bad at? I am really bad at following the rules

Childhood memory: Going to sauna

Celebrity crush: Amanda Hermiine Künnapas

Who would you cast to play you in a movie about your life? Charlie Sheen

What would the title of that movie be? The man of life

Favorite movie: The Butterfly Effect

Favorite TV series: Black Mirror

Dish/Snack/Beverage/Candy we should try if we ever visit Estonia: Dessert called KAMA

What is your guilty pleasure? Listening to Pitbull songs :S

Can you recommend us a song (old or new) from an Estonian artist? Kukerpillid - Jahitrofeed

Can you teach us some interesting words in Estonian? Terviseks- Cheers, Vanaisa vanad sokid - Grandpas old socks

Hi Uku! Welcome to the eurovision universe, how are you doing? 

I am doing very well :)

How would you describe yourself as an artist? 

I like doing things differently with my own originality. 

You are one of the participants of Eesti Laul 2021. How did it all begin? 

It all began with me getting a thought while listening some of my songs that now was the right time to stand as a candidate for Eesti Laul.

"Kaos” is the title of your song, and its written by you, Henri Erik Tammai, and Rudolf Toltsberg. How was it working with them? 

It was all fun, cause in my opinion creation needs to come from a place where is lots of love :)

What’s the story behind the song? 

The story behind the song is that when You are cuddling with your bae you get the moment when your heart beats like 1 beat per hour. That peaceful moment. But suddenly everything can change to Chaos. So the song tells about those emotions.

What can we expect to see on stage for the performance?

You can expect very peaceful moments and also chaos like moments :)

Photo: Teet Malsroos, Õhtuleht

Have you heard any of the other songs in the competition? Any favorite? 

I have heard, in my opinion there are lots of good songs.

The use of prerecorded backing vocals in the Eurovision performances will be allowed next year and that has set some kind of debate since some find it great but others think it could hurt the contest, as a singer what are your thoughts on this topic? 

In my opinion it's all fine because backing vocals are like other instruments.

What do you like about Eurovision? 

I like the positivity 

What do you dislike about Eurovision? 

That Estonia has only won it once 

Photo: Renat Tikhonov

Tell me the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word:

Paper airplane: Freedom

Shoes: Appearance

Hair: Curly

Lake: Swimming

Applause: Energy

Photo: Erlend Štaub, Sky Media

Is there anything you want to say to close the interview?

I want to say that no matter what always stay positive and in every life situation you have a choice how to react, so always keep that in mind! Stay positive, stay blessed! 

Thanks to Uku for the interview!

Instagram: ukuq