Claes Andreasson and Torjörn Wassenius are a well established song writing duo from Gothenburg, sweden. They have come close to winning a ticket to the Eurovision Song Contet in Sweden and Norway already, and they feature prominently in the Swedish avalanche of songs competing around Europe this year with songs in the Spanish and Polish national selection programmes. Destiny was announced last night as one of the 10 finalists in Spain, and Love is in the air competes in Poland, being sung by fellow swede, Erlandsson Mikael. This evening, esctoday.com spoke to Claes about this year's entries, his history with Eurovision and why Swedes are so popular amongst the national selections.
Did you enter any songs for Sweden and Norway this year?
“We sent in some songs to sweden. I think that after doing Norway 3 years in a row, it would be good to take a break for a year”.
How did you get involved with Spain and Poland?
“It's the first year that we've sent songs to Spain and Poland. Actually we found out that they were open to foreign composers by reading the news on esctoday.com so we have you to thank! We sent in the songs and they were selected. Torjörn also has a song in Latvia”.
Why did you decided to enter the songs anywhere else?
“Well, we write a lot of styles, and a couple were not selected in Sweden this year that we felt were too good to let drop or wait a year. It's a little bit hard to put the songs to certain artists because they are pre-written. Sweden selects songs based on quality, but also to create a great show. Sometimes, songs are good enough for the final, but are not selected because other types of songs are needed to create a balance.
It's a lot of work, it's hard to visit all the countries and to build careers and contacts there. It's a great experience but I don't think we'll start sending songs to every national final”.
Have you heard any of the competing songs in Spain and Poland, and do you have any favourites?
“In Spain, I love you mi vida is fantastic I think its a great song and the one to beat. Of course, that's written by Thomas G:son who is one of Sweden's greatest composers. I've heard a couple of the Polish songs, Charizma is good, they are swedish too, and I heard two polish acts. Jet Set are really good and I think it will be a very tough competition in Poland. We're flying there on Thursday next week for the final and I'm looking forward to it.
Do you think that the Spanish selection can work for Destiny. If Nash, for example, were to be the most popular act, can you see them performing the song?
“Destiny is written as a solo song but I'm sure Nash or Santa Fe could find a style to adapt the song, I'm sure it wouldn't be a problem”.
