ESC+Plus has talked to Magnus Henriksson, guitar player of Eclipse and semifinalist of this year’s Swedish national selection for Eurovision. The band will perform “Runaways” in the fourth Melodifestivalen semi-final set on February 27.
ESC+Plus: Hello! First of all, thank you so much for your time and congratulations on having been selected to take part in the Swedish national selection for Eurovision 2016!
Thank you.
E+: Can you tell us about you, your musical career and important achievements?
We’re a band that started back in 1999. We’ve released 5 albums so far and have toured a major part of Europe.
E+: What impelled you to take part in “Melodifestivalen 2016”?
The thought had never crossed our mind until we got an invitation from Melodifestivalen. Even then, we weren’t sure whether we should so it. But it’s such a good way to expose yourself. 3 1/2 million viewers will see us so it’s a no-brainer really. And it’ll be a lot of fun too.
E+: How did you feel when you knew you had qualified for the semifinal? Did you expect it?
We would have never expected in a million years to be a part of it! But we felt very excited about it of course.
E+: What it would mean for you to represent Sweden?
We would be very proud to represent Sweden of course. And even more proud to represent hard rock of 2016.
E+: Can you tell us about your song? What is the story behind the lyrics?
The song is called “Runaways” and it’s a catchy uptempo song that sounds very much like Eclipse. The lyrics are about wanting to be somewhere else rather than you are. Like you’re always travelling but you never find your goal. The journey itself is the goal.
E+: Why do you think your song has to be selected for Stockholm?
Because it’s the best song!
E+: What are your strengths to reach the top in the competition?
The music and the show. And our irresistible charm of course.
E+: Have you started to prepare your stage performance for “Melodifestivalen 2016”?
Yes. We started getting ideas together even from the start. It’s still under progress but we got it 99% figured out now.
E+: Do you usually watch Eurovision? What are your favorites songs in the history of the competition?
Never. I haven’t watched it since the 80’s. Kenta – Idag är jag stark
E+: If you could choose a Eurovision former participant to sing along with, who would it be?
I’d rather not.
E+: Besides Eurovision, what are your plans for this year?
We’ll continue touring. We’re going to Australia, USA and Finland. And we got some shows in Sweden as well. After that we’ll start composing for next Eclipse album.
E+: Finally, can you send a message for our readers and Eurovision fans?
Hope to see you in Spain 2016! If not, see you on TV!!
E+: Thank you for your time and good luck!