Ahead of his return to Dansk Melodi Grand Prix as a solo artist, we interviewed Tim Schou. He previously represented Denmark in 2011 as part of his band A Friend In London, and will compete in DMGP this year with the song “Proud”.
For anyone reading who may not know you, what has your music career been like in your own words?
It’s been a wild ride. I started out in a band, won Dansk Melodi Grand Prix in 2011, played arenas, signed a major label deal—and then completely flipped the script. I sold everything I owned, lived as a couchsurfer for years, and built my career from scratch as an independent artist. Now, I focus on intimate concerts in people’s homes, writing songs that truly matter to me, and running my own label, Little Yellow House.
Many people remember you from your band A Friend In London’s appearance at Eurovision 2011. What were some of the most memorable moments from that experience?
Eurovision 2011 was a dream. Playing in front of millions of people, sharing a song we believed in, and just the energy of that whole experience was insane. But the best part was the moments behind the scenes—meeting so many artists, feeling that unity through music, and realizing that this thing we’d been working for our whole lives was actually happening.
Why did you choose this year to return to Dansk Melodi Grand Prix?
I’ve been asked to return many times, but it never felt right until now. I’ve spent years redefining myself as an artist, and Proud is the first song that made me go, “Okay, this is it.” It’s personal, it’s powerful, and it feels like a full-circle moment—coming back not as the guy from that Eurovision band, but as me.
What was the writing process for “Proud” like?
I wrote Proud as a reminder to myself—to not lose that part of me that dreams freely. It started as this raw, stripped-down idea, just me and my guitar, and then it grew into something big. The lyrics came from a real place, about learning to accept your scars and be proud of how far you’ve come.
Can you give us any hints about what we’ll see in the live performance?
It’s gonna be all about making people feel something real. So it’s all based on a pretty classic live show with a little Easter egg from A Friend In London 😉
Since A Friend In London parted ways, you’ve spent a lot of time traveling the world. What are some of your favourite places you’ve been?
Too many to name! But playing music in the streets of LA, sleeping on rooftops in Paris, and busking in Berlin were all defining moments for me. Also, traveling in Japan was mind-blowing—the culture, the people, the energy.
What’s your favourite Eurovision song (besides your previous entry, of course!)?
I’ve always had a soft spot for Arcade by Duncan Laurence. It’s just a great song beyond Eurovision. And Salvador Sobral—that one is untouchable and was so his own unique thing. In love with that forever. So ballsy.
Have you listened to the other songs already selected for Eurovision 2025? Do you have a favourite yet?
Not yet! But I love discovering the songs as they come out, so I’m sure I’ll have a favorite soon.
You’ve said that this song isn’t just about your own story, but about what listeners feel proud of as well. That being said, when you sing this song, what are some proud moments in your own life that you keep in mind?
Selling everything and starting over. Building a career on my own terms. And honestly, just still being here, still making music, and still dreaming big. That’s what Proud is about.
And finally, what would you like to say to anyone discovering your music for the first time through Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2025?
Welcome to the journey! If you connect with Proud, there’s a whole world of music, stories, and intimate concerts waiting for you. Let’s keep dreaming together. And I hope I get to connect with you on Patreon where my core of followers go a bit more deep and behind the scenes. www.patreon.com/timschou
About Tim Schou
Tim Schou started his journey as a recording artist in 2005. After winning Danish Young Talent 2005, he and his band A Friend In London released their first single. Their popularity grew throughout Denmark, and they became more popular internationally after reaching the top 10 in Bodog Million Dollar Battle of the Bands, winning the European leg of the competition. They later toured in Canada and the United States.
In 2011, A Friend In London won Dansk Melodi Grand Prix and represented Denmark at Eurovision with the song “New Tomorrow”. They placed fifth overall. Following that success, they released their album Unite in 2013, which featured Carly Rae Jepsen and Howie D. of the Backstreet Boys. The band underwent a lineup change in 2013 and officially disbanded in 2014.
Since then, Schou has totally redefined his career, spending years traveling, couch-surfing, and rebuilding his musical identity. “Proud”, his return to Dansk Melodi Grand Prix, marks the first single off of his upcoming 2025 EP, which will be released under his own label, Little Yellow House.
Denmark’s Eurovision journey
Denmark first participated in the Eurovision Song Contest back in 1957 and notched up their first win in 1963 with Grethe and Jørgan Ingmann’s “Dansevise”. Denmark later earned two third-place finishes in 1988 and 1989 but was then relegated three times in 1994, 1996, and 1998. They finally achieved their second victory in 2000 with the Olsen Brothers’ “Fly on the Wings of Love”, and have missed the Grand Final eight times since the introduction of the semi-finals. A six-year qualification streak from 2008 culminated in its third win in 2013 with Emmelie de Forrest’s “Only Teardrops”.
Most recently, Saba represented Denmark after winning their national selection with her song “Sand”. She placed twelfth in the second semifinal, scoring 36 points.
Dansk Melodi Grand Prix is the oldest national final in the Eurovision sphere. The national final has been going since Denmark’s debut in the contest back in 1957. There are generally around 8 acts who take part in this single-night event. The voting process has changed over the years but currently the winner is determined by 50% jury voting and 50% televoting. Denmark is one of a few countries to introduce a super-final round which narrows the artists down to three before deciding the final result.
Will Tim Schou come out on top as Denmark’s Eurovision representative? What do you think of his song “Proud”? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Threads and Bluesky as we prepare for Eurovision 2025!
News Source: That Eurovision Site
Photo Credit: Simone Schødts
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