Andreas Johnson: “Living to Die is about solace” (Melodifestivalen participant – Interview)

ESC+Plus has talked to Andreas Johnson, participant of the Swedish selection for Eurovision 2015 “Melodifestivalen”. Andreas will sing “Living to Die” in the third semifinal set on February 21.

ESC+Plus: Hi Andreas! First of all congratulations on having been selected to compete at  Melodifestivalen 2015.

Thank you so much!

E+: Can you tell us about you, your musical evolution and important achievements?

Both my parents were jazz-musicians so I guess I had it coming and I started my first band when I was 13. I released my first album in 1997. The breakthrough came in 1999 with the self-written song Glorious that existed on the album Liebling. The song became an international success, including a third place on the chart in UK.

Since 2006, I embraced the big beloved contexts in Sweden including a second and third place in Melodifestivalen with “A Little Bit of Love” and “Sing for Me”. Aside from numerous pop albums, I also followed up my musical heritage with a jazz album; Rediscovered.

 

 

E+: Why did you decide to take part in Melodifestivalen 2015?

It is all about the song “Living to die”.

E+: This is not your first time you compete at Melodifestivalen. How do you remember your previous attempts?

Oh, I have so many memories… There has been overwhelming happiness, terrible excitement and sometimes also disappointments. A mix of emotions.

E+: What it would mean for you to represent Sweden in Vienna?

Couldn’t be more proud if the Swedish people would like me to represent Sweden in ESC. And I must say that I think “Living to Die” would do the job 🙂

E+: Your song is called “Living to Die”. Can you tell us about your song and the story behind the lyrics? How was the composition procedure?

The song is about solace. I have worked together with Bobby Ljunggren and Karl-Ola Kjellholm. Bobby I and I also wrote “We can work it out” in 2010 and I’m very happy for the opportunity to compose together again.

 

 

E: How are you preparing your stage performance? Can you reveal us anything about it?

Just me on the stage, I don’t want anything to come between the song and the listener.

E+: What are your main strengths so as to get the people support to reach Eurovision?

Again, it’s all about the song but this is very voice-driven so I hope one of my strengths is my voice. I have been in the game for several years now and of course my experiences as a live artist is important as well.

E+: Do you usually watch Eurovision? Do you have any favourite song in the history of the contest?

Yes of course I watch ESC. One of my favourite songs is Lane Moje with Zeljko Joksimovic from 2004. As a Swedish I also have to mention ABBA and Waterloo as one of the best and most important.

 

 

E+: Besides Eurovision, what are your plans for this year?

My plan is to write more good music and do a lot of touring. For example, this summer I’m participating in a tour called “Diggiloo” with Jessica Andersson, Magnus Carlsson and Charlotte Perrelli among others…

E+: What is your favorite music style? 

I love a lot of music but a genre close to my heart is jazz.

E+: Finally, would you like to send a message for our readers?

Hope you’re watching Melodifestivalen on Saturday and that you’ll like “Living to die” as much as I do. Keep your fingers crossed and let the best songs win 🙂

You can follow Andreas Johnson on his Official Website and Official Facebook Page