Aleksander Walmann: "Talk to the hand" is a song about believing in yourself and having faith in your own decisions

Photo: Julia Marie Naglestad/NRK

2 days ago I posted our interview with JOWST and today is Aleksander's turn (Yes, TTTH is one of my fav songs in MGP 18), here are his answers:
Name: Aleksander Walmann Åsgården
Birthday: 12.01.86
Height: 1,86
Favorite color: Burgundy and beige
Favorite food: Taco
Where are you right now? In bed
3 things that make you happy: Family, music and friends
What’s your strangest talent? I can click with my eye.
What are you really good at? Drifting a car
What are you really bad at? Chess
Childhood idol: Justin Timberlake and My uncle
Childhood memory: My first kiss with a girl that had too much lipstick on.
Celebrity crush: Margot Robbie
Favorite movie: Transformers
Favorite TV series: Stranger Things
What is your guilty pleasure? Boyband music
If you were a girl for a day, what would you do? Shop
Name a song that never fails to make you happy: The A team
Can you teach me some interesting words in Norwegian? Trudderudetrantan

Hello Aleksander! Welcome back to MGP! How are you doing?
I’m happy and exited!

How would you describe yourself as an artist?
Dedicated, happy and emotional.

Photo: Aakermann Photography

You won MGP last year and represented Norway in Kyiv with “Grab the moment”, what did you learn from your Eurovision experience?
I learned so much! It has been the best musical school!

You are one of the participants of MGP 2018. How did it all begin?
Joakim / Jowst showed me a song some months ago and I loved it 😃

“Talk to the hand” is the title of your song, and it’s written by you, Joakim With Steen, Jonas McDonnel, and Magnus Klausen. How was it to work with them?
They are all awesome so it has been a blast!

Photo: Aakermann Photography

What’s the story behind the song?
It’s a song about believing in yourself and having faith in your own decisions. There will always be a lot of opinions and talk but it’s important to believe in your own way of doing things. Have faith in yourself!

Describe the song with 4 words:
Funky, catchy, inspirational and fun!

What can we expect to see on stage for the performance?
A bunch of people loving music!

Have you heard any of the other songs in the competition (MGP 18)? Any favorite?
They are all so good! Can’t name one.

Photo: Kristian Jøraandstad

What do you like about Eurovision?
Everything ! But mostly all the love and the beautiful people!

What do you dislike about Eurovision?
That it’s over too fast! I wish it could go on for forever!

Tell me the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word:
Darkness: The band! I believe in a thing called love.
Fangirling: A thing I do a lot.
Squirrel: Super cute. Have a lot in my backyard at home.
No pants: All day every day
Stjernekamp: Opera
Dream: Winning Eurovision 2018 and hosting it in 2019.

What are your plans for 2018?
Sing a lot!

Is there anything you want to say to close the interview?
THANK YOU !

Thanks to Aleksander for the interview! All the best in MGP!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aleksanderwalmann/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aleksanderwalmann
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AleksanderWal

JOWST: "I wanted to participate again so I made a song and submitted it"

Photo: Aakermann Photography

It's sunday and we have a new MGP interview! He won last year with "Grab the moment" and this year he's back as a composer. Here are JOWST's answers:
Name: Joakim With Steen
Birthday: 26 June
Height: 183 cm
Favorite color: Orange
Favorite food: Food with a lot of colour and herbs
What’s your strangest talent? I am good at cooking
What are you really good at? Producing music
What are you really bad at? Waiting
Childhood idol: Ricky Martin and Bon Jovi
Childhood memory: Bikes in the street with friends
Celebrity crush: Megan Fox
What would you do if you were invisible? Travel a lot
Favorite movie: Fight Club
Favorite TV series: Breaking bad and Dexter
Name a song that never fails to make you happy: Boogie Wonderland
Can you teach me some interesting words in Norwegian? Fy Faen.

How would you describe yourself as an artist?
Performing Producer

What do you remember the most from last year’s Eurovision experience?
All the lovely people 

Let’s talk about MGP 2018. How did it all begin?
I wanted to participate again so I made a song and submitted it.

“Talk to the hand” is the title of your song, what’s the story behind it?
- too long - you should ask Jonas McDonnell the writer. 

If you were in charge of the staging for TTTH, how would you do it?
A little Michael Jackson inspired on the dance, and a little Dave Mathews Band inspired band. And use the hand for what its worth. 

Have you heard any of the other songs in the competition (MGP 18)? Any favorite?
Yes. And I like all of them actually. Just in different ways. The Charla K song is probably the genre and production I like the most. But my favourite is Walmann. FS.

What do you like about Eurovision?
All the lovely people. The fans and all their engagement on Instagram and Social Media in general.

What do you dislike about Eurovision?
What is there not to like?

Photo: Aakermann Photography

Tell me the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word:
Aleksander Walmann: Perfect vocals 
Nightmare: Witch 
Fast food: Sushi
Clowns: My painting on the wall
Stage: Kiev

Thanks to Joakim for the interview!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jowstmusic/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jowstmusic

Eurovision 2017: And the winner is...

PORTUGAL!

YES! YES! YES! THANK YOU, EUROPE!

The grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest was very special this year, I still cant believe that Portugal won both the Juries and the televoting but thats what happens when an entry is that magical. Im so happy for all the portuguese fans, they deserve this victory so much and I cannot wait to see what Portugal is going to prepare for next year.

Luisa and Salvador gave us another beautiful moment on stage, what a lovely way to close the show.

BIG SHOUT-OUTS TO:

BLANCHE

Im so proud of her! <3 Cannot wait to get more music from her!

FRANCESCO GABBANI

DIHAJ

JOCI PÁPAI

NAVIBAND

I gotta say thanks to the escxtra team for giving me another amazing esc experience and thanks to Ukraine for those 3 good shows! Next stop: PORTUGAL!

Photos: Andres Putting

Armenia 2017: Artsvik

Here is the Armenian entry: Fly with me by Artsvik

Im not sure how I feel about this entry, it has some good parts but it never explodes. Maybe I'll like it more on stage. Good luck Armenia.

Bulgaria 2017: Kristian Kostov

Here is the song that is going to represent Bulgaria is Kyiv: Beautiful mess by Kristian Kostov

Pretty nice entry. Im not crazy about it though but it might grow on me with a good performance. Good luck Kristian!

Russia 2017: Julia Samoylova

Here is the russian entry: Flame is burning by Julia Samoylova.

Sweet little song, I think it would sound better in russian. Good luck, Julia!

San Marino 2017: Valentina Monetta & Jimmie Wilson

Here is the song that is going to represent San Marino this year: Spirit of the night by Valentina Monetta and Jimmie Wilson

We all love Valentina but NO! This is just bad. She deserves so much better than this.

Iceland 2017: Svala

The winner of Söngvakeppnin 2017 is... SVALA!

The Icelandic NF was one of the best ones this year, I really liked the 7 finalists, so good job to all the acts and everyone involved in Söngvakeppnin! I love Svala, she is such a passionate performer, I hope her team works hard on the esc performance cause she is in the hardest semifinal and the performance as it is right now is pretty good but Im not sure how votable it is. Wish her all the best in Eurovision!

Shout out to DADI and his team!

(I've written a letter to Dadi saying "I LOVE YOU") This was so cute! I loved the song since the first time I heard it but the performance made it even better. So glad the Icelandic audience voted for them, I would have loved to see this in Eurovision. Good job Dadi!

Norway 2017: JOWST

Here is the Melodi Grand Prix 2017 winner: JOWST with the song "Grab the moment"

I'll start by saying that I didnt like this years MGP (VIVI, COME BACK! WE NEED YOU!) but I think Norway made the right choice. This is a very solid entry and I can see it qualifying tbh.

Lithuania 2017: Fusedmarc

Here is the lithuanian entry: Rain of revolution by Fusedmarc

I dont like it

Sweden 2017: Robin Bengtsson

Sverige, vi har ett resultat. Vinnaren av Melodifestivalen 2017 är...

ROBIN BENGTSSON

I didnt have a big favorite this year in Mello so  I guess Im happy with the winner. I like Robin and I think this was the most complete act in the final (Nice song, vocals on point and a fantastic staging). I still think he needs to relax on stage and enjoy the performance more. Good luck in Eurovision, Robin!

Shout out to Ace & Mariette, they were the ones I liked the most in the final:

Photos: Sven Lindwall/Expressen

Serbia 2017: Tijana Bogićević

Photo: Rale Radovic

Here is the serbian entry: In too deep by Tijana Bogićević

I like it but there's something missing, it sounds a bit plastic. Maybe her live performance will make me like it more.

Azerbaijan 2017: DiHaj

Here is the song that is going to represent Azerbaijan in may: Skeletons by Dihaj

I really like this song, I think Dihaj is probably one of the most interesting acts that Azerbaijan have chosen to represent them and I cant wait to see her on stage. Good luck!

Macedonia 2017: Jana Burčeska

Photo: AD Photography

Here is the Macedonian entry for ESC 17: Dance alone by Jana Burčeska.

This is definitely a very surprising entry from Macedonia, Im impressed! I can see it doing pretty well with a great visual performance. Good luck Jana!

Ireland 2017: Brendan Murray

Here is the song that is going to represent Ireland this year: Dying to try by Brendan Murray.

This is better than what I was expecting from Ireland but I dont think this will be one of my favs. Good luck Brendan!

Montenegro 2017: Slavko Kalezić

Photo: Dusko Miljanic

Here is the Montenegrin entry: Space by Slavko Kalezić.

I'll keep it simple, I dont like it.

Nathan Trent: "I couldn’t be more honored and proud to be able to represent my country with my own song"

Photo: Jan Frankl

Hey everyone, NF season is practically over and I think it's time to post a new Eurovision interview. Are you ready to get to know more about the Austrian act for ESC 2017? Here are Nathan's answers:
Name: Nathan Trent
Birthday: 4/4/92
Height: 1,73 
Favorite color: blue
Favorite food: sushi
Where are you right now? on my couch
3 things that make you happy: Family & friends, food, music
What’s your strangest talent? I can twist my upper body almost 180 degrees 
What is the strangest thing you have in your room? Halloween decoration
What are you really good at? motivating people
What are you really bad at? cleaning up my apartment 
Childhood idol: Craig David
Childhood memory: long sunny days on the beach with my family in Italy
Celebrity crush: Ariana Grande
Tell me something no one knows about you: my baddest habit: knuckle-cracking 
What would you do if you were invisible? I’d probably just stare at people for a very long time
Favorite movie: We’re the Millers
Favorite TV series: Friends
What is your guilty pleasure? Peanut butter with Nutella #thebest
If you were a girl for a day, what would you do? If I only knew...
Name a song that never fails to make you happy: September - Earth, Wind and Fire
Can you teach me some interesting words in german?
Grundstücksverkehrsgenehmigungszuständigkeitsübertragungsverordnung- yup that’s actually a word! ;)

Photo: Martin Hauser

Hello Nathan! Welcome to the Eurovision world! How are you?
I’m great thank you! It’s been some crazy awesome weeks and I’m loving the feedback I’m getting from all over Europe.

How would you describe yourself as an artist?
I’m a singer and songwriter who loves to perform on stage and create his own music inspired by personal experiences. 

Photo:ORF/Zach Kiesling

You were selected internally to represent Austria in Kyiv this year. How did it all begin?
I was asked, if I wanted to participate at the internal pre-selection after Eberhard Forcher saw the music video to my first single "Like It Is" on Youtube and of course, I said yes! After months of writing and recording, the ORF made the decision to choose me with "Running On Air" as their entry, which made me incredibly proud!

“Running on air” is the title of your song, and it’s written by you and Bernhard Penzias. How was it working with him?
It was great! He is incredibly talented. We wrote this song the day we first met during a writing session, which by the way was my first one ever!

What’s the story behind the song?
The title “Running On Air” is more like a metaphor for enjoying and appreciating life with its ups and downs. I wrote this song during a moment in my life, where I wasn’t really sure which career path I was going to take. I needed something to remind me of my strengths and something that would motivate me. The lyrics came very naturally as well as the melody. I hope there’s a lot people who can relate to this song.

Photo: Martin Hauser

Describe the song with 4 words:
Optimism, Work, Cognition, Gratitude 

What can we expect to see on stage for the Eurovision performance?
I can’t give away too much unfortunately! Let me surprise you ;)

Tell me about the official video of “Running on air”:
It was filmed in Tyrol at the lake Achensee. My crew, Sounddesignstudios Lenzelot and I , we worked hard and they really did a great job in making my vision for the video come to life! We had minus 16 degrees celsius while shooting the video, but I enjoyed every second!

Have you heard any of the other Eurovision 2017 songs? Any favorite?
Yes I’ve heard the most and I just have to say that I’m very honored to be able to take part in a contest with so many talented artists. Everyone is special in their own way, but Francesco Gabbani’s song is really stuck in my head!

What do you like about Eurovision?
I see the ESC as an event that reunites Europe every year, allowing us to celebrate music while exchanging different cultural experiences at the same time. I love the Eurovision Song Contest, because it gives people hope and spreads positivity. I’m so happy to be a part of it this year!
I couldn’t be more honored and proud to be able to represent my country with my own song!

What do you dislike about Eurovision?
That is only once a year! Should be more often;)

Photo: Martin Hauser

Tell me the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word:
Nightmare: Freddy Kruger
Dinner: for one
+18: Rated R
Fangirling: Justin Bieber
Dating app: Tinder
Stage: Home

Photo: ORF/Thomas Ramstorfer

What are your plans for 2017?
I’m already working on an album and I’m planning on releasing new songs.

Is there anything you want to say to close the interview?
Thank you to everyone, who supports me and my music! I’m very grateful for this great opportunity and hope that you celebrate this wonderful journey with me! A big thank you to eurovision-addict for your lovely interview.
All the best, Nathan 

Photo: Jan Frankl

Thanks to Nathan for the interview! I wish him the best in his Eurovision journey!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NathanTrentMusic

Twitter: https://twitter.com/uptrent

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/nathantrentmusic

Official website: http://www.nathantrent.com

Israel 2017: Imri

Here is the song that is going to represent Israel this year: I feel alive by Imri

I was expecting something more "golden boy-ish" but this is kinda generic, still this is not a bad entry. It could do well with a fun performance. (He doesnt have Nadavs charisma though)

Belgium 2017: Blanche

Here is the song that is going to represent Belgium this year: City lights by Blanche.

Belgium is not playing games! They are coming for another good result! OH YES! What a fantastic entry, I love it and I really hope it works well on stage. Go Blanche!

Australia 2017: Isaiah

Here is the 3rd Australian entry in Eurovision: Isaiah with the song "Don't come easy"

Nice song, it sounds modern, well made and he has a beautiful voice, however Im not crazy about it