It’s the first semi final of MGP tomorrow, and we’ve been lucky enough to talk to contest debutant Mathilde SPZ about her entry, ‘Woman Show’!

Read on below to find out about Mathilde’s musical inspirations, how her song was written and why after 10 attempts to enter MGP she’ll be bringing lots of surprises to her live performance.

S: Tell us about your song – how and when was it written, and why did you decide to enter it for MGP this year?

M: Our song ‘Woman Show’ was written at a songwriting camp in Norway last year, along with a great team of songwriters and producers! Chris Archer and I were the artists that day and we had such a good time writing this song. It started out with an idea for a theme about how I can be somewhat introverted but still love people and partying and this became the lyrics. Our producer Audun, together with Chris, wanted to make a modern Euro-Dance beat and together we just went crazy! Everyone just wanted to have a good time and so we added a guitar solo and a rap verse.

S: This is your first time at MGP,  so you’ll be reaching lots of new fans! Tell us about yourself as an artist – your story, inspirations and favourite genres, anything that will help us get to know you.

M: I’ve actually been wanting to do this my whole life! Since way back in 1998 I remember watching Eurovision on TV and I just loved the colours, the emotions and the vibes from all the songs, even though I didn’t always understand the lyrics. Ever since then I’ve been wanting to enter this amazing competition – and I have actually sent in contributions 10 times over the last 16 years. Finally I’m in!

As an artist, I have been inspired by everything from Toto to Prokofjev, Spice Girls and Al Jerrau – since both of my parents are musicians. But I just love to dance so my artist project is mostly pop music with a hint of club. Anything that makes the body move I love! But I am actually educated in jazz vocals too.

S: Your song is a collaboration with Chris Archer and Slam Dunk – how did that come about?

M: Well, Chris and I met at the camp where we wrote this song together and the vibe was immediately great! He is just the most lovable person there is! And when they invited us to an audition and wanted a second rapper as well I was already following Petter AKA Slam Dunk after we met backstage at an corporate event where he was doing a keynote presentation and I was singing. He has a very different energy than Chris since Petter is much more spontaneous, so I thought that it could be a perfect match – and it was! I really love the energy working together with these guys 😀

S: What can we expect from your live performance (if you can tell us anything!), any surprises?

M: Oh! There will be surprises…the song is kinda crazy and I can guarantee you that the performance will be too. There will be glitter, glam and something that the Norwegian MGP scene (at least) has never seen 😉

So stay tuned!

S: Finally, do you have any favourite MGP songs – or Eurovision songs generally? 

M: There are soooooooo many, but since I’m a sucker for dancing and vibey music I have to say ‘Heroes’ by Mans Zelmerløv, or of course ‘Euphoria’… I can’t decide!

Thanks for talking with us Mathilde, and best of luck in the first semi final!

You can listen to ‘Woman Show’ below, and catch the live performance during the live show tomorrow at 19:50 CET.

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