Daniel Lukas Kalelic is a singer – songwriter from Ellingsrud in Oslo. He comes from a musical family and his first time on stage was at MGP junior in 2013 with the song “Tiden går fort” (Time Goes Fast). In 2018, he was ready to try his luck in Idol, where he impressed the judges with a self-composed song. The following year, he won the talent competition H&M Loves Music. Daniel has previously worked as a swimming instructor and today works as a salesman but his dream is to be able to work with music full time.

Hello Daniel, you rose to fame among the Norwegian audience after you took part at the 10th season of Idol in 2018. How did that experience change your life and has it taught you some tips and tricks which could help you at MGP 2022?
– Idol was very fun , and I think the most valuable lesson I learned is to never give up even if you don’t win. Idol changed my mindset and made me practice a lot more on my performance this year.

What made you decide to take part at Melodi Grand Prix?
– I’ve always wanted to be a part of MGP, it has been a dream of mine ever since I was a part MGPjr.

Can you tell us a bit about “Kvelertak” given the fact that you are one of the co-authors of it and what does the song mean for you?
– The song is about my previous relationship. It was an unhealty realtionship where both of knew we weren’t good together. This song was the first song I wrote in Norwegian after the breakup, so it means a lot to me.

Can you reveal us something about your performance?
– I can say two things. A lot of dance and lights.

How does it feel to have one of the two songs sung in Norwegian language in the entire edition of MGP 2022? Do you think there should be more music in Norwegian at the future editions of the contest?
– I’m so happy to be one of few that sings in Norwegian. I think we should embrace our language and show it to the world.

Your first televised performance was in MGPjr back in 2013 with the song “Tiden går fort”, how was the whole experience for you and would you like to see Norway return at Junior Eurovision Song Contest in the future? 
– After MGPjr i realized that music is what i want to do. This experience was the start of my journey, and I’m so grateful for being a part of it. I would love to see Norway at Junior Eurovision Song Contest, I think it would be a good opportunity for the younger generation to show their talents.

Melodi Grand Prix has long history, 62 years have passed from the first edition, What is your favourite song which competed at the stage of MGP and tell us why did you choose it?
– My favourite song has to be “Fairytale” by Alexander Rybak. Its such a classic, and I love how he brought the Norwegian culture to Eurovision.

Do you watch Eurovision regularly, if so would you like to share a memory which you have of it or a favourite song from the contest?
– I watch Eurovision a lot, my favourite memory is the song “Heroes” by Måns. I love the staging and how emotional the experience was.

What do you do when you’re not singing and creating music? Any other hobbies or you could say that music is your life?
– I love to be with friends, and I also skate sometimes.

What are your plans after Melodi Grand Prix 2022?
– After MGP my plan is to release more songs, maybe in English this time.

Thank you so much for your time Daniel. We wish you the best of luck at Melodi Grand Prix. Do you want to share something else or you maybe have a message for readers of escbubble?
– Thank you for the interview. I wanna say thank you to all the people that streams the song, and thanks for all the love <3

You can listen to “Kvelertak” on Spotify or below

Don’t forget to vote for your favourite at the second semi-final of Melodi Grand Prix 2022!