Norway is continuing their preparations for MGP 2023. As artists prep for Delfinale 3 on Saturday 28 January, Ben speaks to Skrellex. They are vying to represent Norway in Liverpool with their song “Love Again”.
Tell us about your journey as a musician! What influenced you to start making music?
I have been working in showbiz since 2006, but I started out as a musical artist as Kai Thomas, so its just the past 4 years I have been working as the drag queen Skrellex. This is my first ever single as Skrellex.
I have previously given out a single for Mr. Gay Europe in 2010 under k-thomas called Be proud.- here I traveled Europe for the Mr. Gay Europe shows. I have been in love with Eurovision and schlager as long as I can remember.
What are some of your memories of Eurovision, or favorite songs from past years?
My first memory of Eurovision is 1998 and Dana International, from that moment on I was completely hooked. And, Charlotte Perelli with Hero is still on my top list on Spotify.
Why did you decide to take part in MGP this year?
I have been dreaming on being on MGP for 25 years, and I have also previously tried getting on the competition for the last 4 years. But, this year I had 3 different songs, in different styles, that I applied with, so the odds was better I guess 😉
What is the inspiration behind your song “Love Again”?
We made the song as a love letter to taking back the dancefloor. Love Again is not about the normal love story, but the love of being together and dancing after years of the pandemic putting a stop to it
What do you think makes your song stand out from the other entries?
Well, first of all, I am the first drag queen to enter MGP since 2006 (queentastic), so it’s about time for some fabulousness 😉
My song is also the only good old schlager, so lets party!
Can you give us any hints about what we will see for the live performance of “Love Again”?
Well I am not going to give away the stage show, that’s a surprise. But on stage with me, I have 4 dancers, and trust me we will give it to ya all 😉
What would it mean to you to represent Norway at Eurovision this year?
It would mean the world, Like I said this has been my dream since 1998- 25 years. With that being said, I just want to win my own number first. Let’s make this iconic!
And finally, what would you like to say to listeners who may be discovering your music for the first time through MGP?
Well since this is my first single ever, just stay tuned, more is yet to come 😉
Make sure to check out our other interviews with MGP contestants – including Alessandra Mele, Kate Gulbrandsen, Eiric Næss, Bjørn Olav Edvardsen, Ella A, Alejandro Fuentes, Swing’it, and Elsie Bay.
Listen to Love Again
About Skrellex
Skrellex is the drag persona of artist Kai Thomas Larsen. They have worked as a musician ever since 2006, and has been working as Skrellex for the past four years. They have previously appeared on the Norwegian version of “All Together Now” and advancing past the first round. Additionally, they have appeared on shows such as “Drag Me Out” and “Drags”. Now they are competing in Melodi Grand Prix with their first single as Skrellex: “Love Again” written by Kai Thomas Ryen Larsen, Michael James Down, Will Taylor, Primoz Poglajen, and Jonas Gladnikoff.
Norway’s Eurovision Journey
The Scandinavian nation made its debut in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1960, with Nora Brockstedt and the song “Voi Voi”, which placed 4th. Since their debut, they have participated 60 times, and made the grand final 57 of these. In addition, Norway has won the competition three times (1985, 1995, and 2009).
Norway’s latest Eurovision participation saw them being represented by Subwoolfer with the song “Give That Wolf a Banana”. During their participation, Norway placed 10th in the grand final, receiving 182 points from the jury and televoters.
What do you think of our interview with Skrellex? Do you think “Love Again” will represent Norway in Liverpool? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow “That Eurovision Site” on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Tiktok as we prepare for Eurovision 2023!
News Source: That Eurovision Site
Photo Credit: Julia Marie Naglestad / NRK
