Dario Mifsud Bonnici is taking part in the Maltese Eurovision selection for the second time. His first try was back in 2009 when he was part of the band called Classic Rebels. This year he is taking part a soloist with the song called “I Love You”, written by Henric Pierroff, Sandra Nordstrom.

We wanted to get to know Dario Mifsud Bonnici a little bit better, so we asked him about his song, his team, and his career. Check out everything he told us in this interview right here:

First of all I would like to congratulate you for making it to the top 20! How do you feel about being in the semi finals of Malta’s selection?

I am over the Moon. I can’t wait to perform my song on that stage and experience the amazing vibe at MCC which is a venue packed with history.  Back in 2009 my experience with Classic Rebels with the song “Tonight At The Opera” was unforgettable and I’m sure this year will be the same. This year I’m performing as a solo artist and even though it is much more challenging I’m even more excited.

How did you decide to enter this Contest this year?

After the experience of 2009 I kind of liked the idea of being a part of the contest again. Furthermore apart from Eurovision being a good stepping stone for a local artist representing my home country on that European platform has always been my dream.  What can I say, I’m a step closer to fulfilling my dream!

Can you tell us more about the story behind your song, and the team who worked on it?

My Eurovision entry has a pop and fresh tune.  I feel that the catchy chorus and sound will help the audience to catch the tune easily and thus making it a good sing along tune.  Also I think that each and every person can relate to the theme of the song since everyone has his own way of expressing his love towards others.

Behind the song “I Love You” there’s also a team who I can rely on and they have also become family. WoodHouseProd my Swedish producers are amazing and a pleasure to work with. Working with such a team of professionals is a dream come true. Thomas Sassersson is my manager, he is such a professional. On the other hand Henric Pieroff  the writer of the song is the mastermind behind the catchy tune and the production; I cannot thank him enough.  Last but not least Sandra Nordstrom  , she is a real joy to work with and her work ethic and professionalism was an inspiration for myself.

How are you getting ready for the national final? Did your ideas for the stage performance all come together, and how is everything going to look like?

We are all busy brainstorming and sketching ideas and Woodhouse productions are currently taking care of the technical aspects of the performance. Thomas ensures we get exposure through sealing interviews in Sweden, the host country. Henric the producer is 100% focused on delivering great sound and quality to the song. Sandra since she is experienced in show business she is responsible for the scenery and staging with her team. Locally Kinetic Dance Company (Daphne Gatt & Clayton Mifsud) are getting busy with choreography and I’m constantly impressed with their pure talent and ideas. Additionally Gillian Attard is my vocal coach who has been very successful in the Eurovision. She was responsible for the birth of Gaia, Federica and we all remember last years Malta’s winner, Amber. Also my stylists Charles & Ron who are international renowned stylists and designers. I cannot say much on the staging as I would like to surprise all the viewers. But I can promise that viewers will be entertained and they are in for a great show.

Who do you think is your biggest competition to win the Maltese national final?

From what I’ve heard there are some really great tunes in the contest and as always vocal talent never disappoints in the Malta Eurovision.  I hope that the best song wins and finally brings the Eurovision to Malta.

What would representing Malta in Eurovision mean to you?

Having half of my team based in Sweden I would feel very proud to perform “I Love You” in Stockholm. But more than that I would be living my dream of representing Malta in the Eurovision.  Even simply thinking about it fills me with plenty of joy and motivation to work even harder to achieve my dream.

What would be your all time favorite Eurovision song?

My Maltese all time favourite would be “More Than Love” by Chris and Moira. Their simplicity in performance and their raw talent used to make me fall in love with them every time.

What sort of music do you listen to in your free time, when all you want is to relax?

I listen to all sorts of music from Beatles who revolutionised the music industry to Justin Bieber and 1D who are young and talented and literally taking the world by storm. I’m into good feel music, however to relax I’ll go for Maroon 5 who I can admit that they are my favourite band. Their Californian styling and Adam Levine’s vocal talent are two factors that I can never resist.

What do you do when you are not singing?

I’m a vocal coach at La Voix Academy so I’m well involved with music. Also I do dance classes which I also do with great passion. I love the stage so my free time is usually rehearsals or teaching. Apart from that I work for a pharmaceutical company locally.

Are you engaged in any other projects at the moment?

Yes, I’m in this year Christmas panto.  Also just got a part in Jesus Christ Superstar which will be in March. I’m very much looking forward for both events but to be honest nothing tops the Eurovision excitement.

Dario also recorded a video message for all of his fans, and all of the readers of ESCBubble. You can check it out right here:

We also wanted to learn a little bit more about Dario Mifsud Bonnici, so we asked him for his favorite:

• Book: John Lennon’s biography; he’s a legend!
• Movie: Sound of music
• Dish: My wife’s lasagna
• Sport: Not much into sports but I side with Man Utd …Football
• Singer/band: Adam Levine –Maroon 5
• Song of all time: “Everywhere” by Michelle Branch

If Dario Mifsud Bonnici is your personal favorite in Malta Eurovision Song Contest, make sure you cast your vote for him in our poll here (click!). Give a listen to Dario’s entry in Malta Eurovision Song Contest titled “I Love You”, right here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCee-ZGaL9c