Melodifestivalen 2016 will start in February, and the aim is to select the best entry for Sweden which is the host country of 61st Eurovision Song Contest. Band Smilo (Arvid Ångström, Dennis Babic and  Oscar Berglund Juhola) is one of the newcomers to Melodifestivalen, and they will compete in the third semi final with the song “Weight of the world” composed by Smilo, Anton Göransson and Robin Danielsson. Band has been selected to participate in Melodifestivalen after their successful performance in the Svensktoppen nästa 2015 under the former name Smajling Swedes. Worth to mention, they received the MF wildcard even if they didn’t actually won this show.

First of all – why SMILO and not “Smajling Swedes” anymore?

We changed our name because it didn’t felt right the first time. SMILO is better from an international perspective.

Your way to the Melodifestivalen 2016 was quite different than for other contestants as you participated in Svensktoppen Nasta first. What was your first reaction when you discovered that you will take part in Melodifestivalen 2016?

It was pure happiness! 🙂 We joked about it when we applied for “Svensktoppen Nästa” so when they called our name we were blown away.

Svensktoppen Nasta is connected with Melodifestivalen since 2012 but so far Terese Fredenwall, Eko and Kalle Johansson (previous winners of Svensktoppen Nasta) didn’t managed to qualify even to Andra Chansen. Do you think you can improve this low statistics of Svensktoppen Nasta participants?

Yes we do! There was one big change this year; the judges picked the artist/band, they think would make a good show in Melodifestivalen. So therefore the artist who won “Svensktoppen Nästa” was not automatically qualified to compete in Melodifestivalen. We are going to bring something new to the competition and show the audience that three DJ guys can bring a magical vibe to the stage.

Can you tell us more about the collaboration with composers and about your song “Weight of the World”?

“Weight of the world” is a song about the problems the world of today faces. The message is that we all need to come together to make this world better. The collaboration was a really fun process. We already had the idea for the song about a year ago, but not the whole concept. It came together good and we are so excited to show you guys how it sounds! 🙂

How are the preparations for Melodifestivalen going? Do you have any ideas about stage performance, outfits etc.?

It’s really fun to be a part of this huge competition. We are making a beautiful stage performance and the crowd is going to feel the message of this song.

Melodifestivalen 2016 is full of come-back’s and in your semifinal three artists already performed in this competition before. You will be on that stage for the first time – is this advantage or disadvantage?

For us it’s an advantage since we have nothing to loose. We are underdogs and it feel just perfect! 😉

Can you tell us more about your career and music?

We have just started our career, but musicwise we want to spread happiness with our songs. SMILO has been a band for about a year so it has been a fast trip through different competitions and gigs. We are hoping that this is something we can do on daily basis for many years to come! 🙂

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_KdG8aSzPw

Are you the Eurovision fans? What’re your favorite Eurovision songs and why?

Yes we are! We all agree on Euforia with Loreen because it’s such a beautiful song with a great voice and it’s also a milestone in the Eurovision history.

Are you happy that Stockholm will host next year’s Eurovision?

Oh yes! Imagine playing in your hometown for so many people, it would be surreal. Let’s hope we’ll take us to the final 😉

Finally, do you have any message for Eurovision fans who will watch Melodifestivalen online?

We do. Whatever happens, always keep on smiling! 🙂

You can follow Smilo’s news on their fanpage on Facebook HERE