JOWST, from Norway, will participate in the Norwegian national selection for Eurovision 2017, with his song ”Grab the moment”. He will compete alongside 9 other acts with the hope of obtaining the golden ticket to represent his country in Kyiv, at the Eurovision Song Contest 2017. He took the time to talk to ESCBubble about his song and his participation in the Norwegian national selection for Eurovision:

What was your first reaction when you were told that you would compete in the Norwegian national selection for Eurovision 2017?

I was very happy that they liked the song I’ve been working on as a side-project the last 5 months. At first I told them that it was to late. A record label had only a week before, told met hat they would release the song, and give me a record deal. So I thought that it wasn’t possible by now. But after I realized that I still could release it through the label, and still be a part of the Eurovision song contest, I gladly answered yes.

Why did you decide to enter the Norwegian national selection for Eurovision this year with your song ‘’Grab the moment’’?

It was because of the title, and what the lyrics is about. This is a chance I have to use when I can. I think it is the best possibility I have to show my music to as many people as possible, and I believe the song is strong enough to win.

How would you describe your song in a few words? Is there message behind your song?

The song is a modern production, and a result of my many influences from all the different genres I’ve been working with as a producer in my own music studio. In Norway we have a “law” that is called “The Law Of Jante” which is a big obstacle if you want to succeed as an artist. And the song is about that.

Could you tell us a bit more about yourself and your musical career?

I am a 27 year old music producer, living in Oslo, with my girlfriend, dog, and my 6 days year old daughter. I´ve had my studio “Red Line Studio” since 2011, and to recordings, production, mixing and mastering for others. I started playing in a alternative metal/punk/rock band is a 15 year old, gone from listening to Bon Jovi, Guns n Roses, to Metalica, to The Used and My Chemical Romance, to singer songwriters like Ben Howard and Charlie Simpson, to just likeing everything on the charts (almost).

Do you have other plans for 2017?

I will release more music, produce more music for others, and win Eurovison.

Do you have any goals for the national final this year?

My goal is to get the most streams before the show, and to get the most votes. That is my goal.

What would it mean for you to get the chance to represent your country in Kyiv?

It would surely mean a lot. It will be so awesome to show our song to the rest of the world. The song means a lot for me, but I want it to mean a lot for others as well. And this gives so many people the chance to like the song. I am sure people will like the song, but nobody likes a song they have never heard before.

Are you a Eurovision fan? What are your favourite Eurovision songs?

I’m a fan of music, so therefore I am a fan of Eurovision. I am not a fan of those who put the music in second or third line, behind some kind of silly show, or silly words. My favourite Eurovision song is probably Loreen – Euphoria, and Alexander Rybak – Fairytale. Those song sounds like it is made for the people of the world, not the contest itself.

What do you think of the previous Norwegian participants in Eurovision?

We have a lot of good ones. Agnete – Icebreaker, was a nice song. It was very up to date, and still sounds like a new song. It was something new, but I guess it was to complicated with that big change between the verse/buildup and the chorus. Norway in general is very “up to date” when it comes to music, and that could be a dumb thing in Eurovision. Unfortunately. I have tried to be “up to date”, but in a modest way.

Do you have any special ideas (ex: dancers, choreography…) for your live performance during the national selection?

I will use an awesome mask. The same mask as on my profile picture at Facebook. The rest will be a secret.

Do you have musical inspirations?

A lot. I love everything alternative. I listen to the to 10 at hypem.com every day. And like when things looks new. Im a big fan of Daft Punk, Deadmau5, Flume, Party Pupils and people that does awesome new things, when it comes to music!

What would you like to say to your fans who are going to support during the national selection?

If you like it, you will like the rest. If you help me succeed, the faster the rest will come.

Fun facts about JOWST:

What is your favourite…?

• Song:  Raw Artistic Soul – Flores Para Ti
• Book: Moonwalking With Einstein
• Artist: Corey Taylor / Charlie Simpson
• Movie: Fight Club / The Island
• Sport: Music Production
• Dish: Home made salsa, guacamole and tortillas.

We would like to thank JOWST for taking the time to do this interview and wish him the best of luck for the national selection.

If JOWST is your personal favorite in Melodi Grand Prix, make sure you cast your vote for him in our poll right here:

Give a listen to “Grab The Moment” right here: