MUSIC TALKS

ANTON HAGMAN TALKS KISS YOU GOODBYE

"But of course I wouldn’t be sad if I won"

We won't be able to hear it until after you've took the Mello-stage. How would you describe 'Kiss You Goodbye' musically?

It’s a pop song with organic elements such as guitar and bass, and one that easily gets stuck in your head. It’s an uplifting mid-tempo song with a positive message about daring to take the step and let go, simply moving on.

The song was, among others, written by Tim Schou, who has previously found success in Eurovision. How did this song come to you, and what was it about it that made you feel it was the right song for you in your own effort to reach the Eurovision stage?

Since I’m working on my debut EP, I’m working with several songwriters, including Christian Fast and Henrik Nordenback. I was sent the song as a potential album and single-release, but then we all felt that the song would be a good fit for Melodifestivalen, and it was exactly the right time to submit it there.

How are your days looking now, is there a lot going on?

There are a lot of interviews and photo shoots. I had no idea that the Swedish Melodifestivalen was so big outside Sweden, interview requests are coming in from many countries in Europe. Now I’m practicing my number, and we’re also working on the stage design. I actually don’t do anything special warming up, but I try to eat well and exercise regularly. Then there are of course rehearsals and vocal exercises.

What is your vision for the stage performance?

I want to keep it fairly simple and fill the stage with lots of emotion.

You are, at least for now, perhaps best known from YouTube and social media, how did you come to start uploading videos to YouTube?

I mostly did it for fun. I recorded with my computer and uploaded it to YouTube, then it was really fun that people liked it, so I just wanted to make more.

Was that how you were discovered and signed to such a big label?

Yes! It’s thanks to YouTube that I’ve gained all this experience and that I’ve entered the music industry so quickly!

Going from making your own videos on the internet to performing on one of Sweden’s, if not the world’s, biggest music stages, how does that journey feel in anticipation?

It’s completely surreal. Getting to be part of this wonderful musical event, with all the experience that comes with it, is just absolutely crazy.

After the Youtube covers, this will be where many people get to see who you are as an artist yourself, with an original song. How would you describe yourself as an artist, your music, and how closely it's connected to the genres you've covered?

The covers I’ve done are quite stripped-down, even though the original version might've been more impressively produced, I myself is an artist who likes strong melodies and real instruments. That’s how rock and pop should be experienced. I like it when things are uncomplicated. I also love playing live and feeling the enormous energy that the audience gives me.

What are your influences?

When I was little, dad played rock all the time, from the Rolling Stones to AC/DC. Queen is a major inspiration, but besides rock and pop I can also be influenced by RnB. My biggest idol is without a doubt Freddie Mercury, with his incredible voice and stage presence, but there are many artists who have inspired me.

What is your previous relationship with Mello?

It’s a family tradition for us to sit down in front of the TV and watch the show. Sometimes we get tickets to the final from my grandfather, and the last time we were at the final I told my dad, “That’s where I’ll be standing in a couple of years.” When my management called and told me that I had been selected, I became completely overwhelmed with warmth. Both excited and super nervous at the same time (laughs). It’s an honor to be one of the twenty-eight acts selected from so many submitted songs.

What are your favorite Mello-songs?

The Ark’s 'The Worrying Kind' is a favorite, together with 'Euphoria', of course.

Received styling tips from your also Youtube famous girlfriend “Wilmasbeauty” yet?

(Laughs) No, we haven’t talked that much about it! But she will be there in the audience, and I’m so happy about that!

How do you feel about the competition you’ll be facing?

There are incredibly talented artists competing. It’s simply an honor to compete alongside all of them. I have met everyone now, and they’re all super nice. I think we’re going to become a great team that delivers awesome entertainment in Växjö. It’s going to be so much fun.

Are you happy just to take part, or do you want to win and make it all the way to Eurovision in Kyiv?

Just taking part is a good goal. But of course, I wouldn’t be sad if I won!

You seem, even before the competition, like a obvious breakthrough to happen. Are you ready for the onslaught of new fans out there?

Wow, thank you so much. Mello is actually kind of the beginning of everything that’s going to happen during this year. Shortly afterward, an original song that I’ve written myself will be released, and it’s going to be so incredibly fun to show people what I’ve written entirely by myself. I’m ready for everyone who likes my music. It’s actually my followers on YouTube who have made it possible for me to be where I am today. Without my fans, I am nothing.

Is there anything you’d like to say to all the fans, new and old ones, ahead of the semi-final in Växjö?

Yes, I’m going to do everything I can to give you some great entertainment and I think you’re going to like the song, and hopefully be humming it the day after.

Three quick ones! First thing you think of when you hear Kyiv is?