Thomas Jenssen is an artist and songwriter from Levanger in Trøndelag. In recent years, he has studied music at the University of Agder and is now in his final year of a master’s in songwriting. He was a tenor in the Oslo Fagottkor for many years, before he chose to pursue a solo career as an artist.

Hello Thomas, you are studying music at University of Agder and you are getting a  master’s degree in songwriting. Can you tell us about your musical beginnings and how did they further influence your life?
Hello! I started my humble musical beginnings at music school when I was 11 years old. Started with guitar lessons, then switched to vocals. I think the guitar teacher was happy to get rid of me! I listened to lots of pop music in my childhood such as Britney Spears and Mariah Carey. Later it went on to artists like Elton John, Prince and Lady Gaga. I didn’t begin music studies until I was 27 years old, but it was always the dream to become a musician.

Can you tell us a bit about how “Take Me To Heaven” came to life and what does it mean for you?
“Take Me To Heaven” was written in Malmö in August 2023. It is a result of a British-Swedish-Norwegian songwriting collaboration and was written from start to finish in one day. The song is special for me because it emphasizes people’s need for being vulnerable and daring to love someone. As a gay person myself I have struggled a lot with these issues throughout my life.

For you entry you cooperated with Jonas Holteberg Jensenwho is also one of the authors behind Elsie Bay’s “Death of Us” (MGP 2022), Eline Thorp’s “Not Meant To Be” (MGP 2023) and this years contestant at Luxembourg national final One Last Time’s “Devil in the Detail” how did that cooperation start?
Jonas and I met at “The Woods” – a songwriting camp in Rena, Norway where he is one of the founders. We had good chemistry, and understood each other musically. He is very talented and has been a dream to work with.

What can we expect from your performance? Can you share with us any details of it?
I will give 100%, let’s just leave it at that. You’ll just have to wait and see!

Before pursuing solo career you performed in a Norwegian gay choir which is marking their 20th anniversary this year. How was that experience and how did it help you in your career?
Oslo fagottkor was essential for me. It is a place where you can be yourself, and also get lots of stage-experience. It was a lot of fun, and I miss it. The experience with this show choir of flamboyant gays has definitely helped me daring to dive into a solo career for myself.

In the long history of Melodi Grand Prix, what’s your favourite memory of the show, or do you have favourite lyrics of a song which competed at the stage of MGP which you could share with us?
When my gay squad was gathered in the living room for a Eurovision viewing party. It was in 2022, when Spain had the song “SloMo” and we all had gay panic! Another memorable moment is the dancing-sequence from Madcon’s “Glow” when Norway hosted the event back in 2010.

In a case you could choose any artist do make a duet with, who would it be and why?
Loreen for sure, because of her her genuine musicality, songwriting style and great voice.

Do you watch Eurovision regularly, what is your favourite song from the contest?
I watch it every year like clockwork. It is the peak of the year for me. One song that sticks out is Verka Serduchka with the 2007-entry «Dancing Lasha Tumbai». That’s a vibe.

What do you do when you are not creating music and singing? Any hobbies?
I like skiing!

What are your plans after Melodi Grand Prix 2024?
Keep producing music, doing shows and promoting gay rights.

Thank you so much for your time Thomas. 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! I hope you like my song and that you vote for me on January 27^th in the semi-final!

You can listen to “Take Me to Heaven” below

You can let us know who are YOUR favorites in the third semi-final of MGP 2024 by voting in our poll below, and you can also leave your impressions in the comments and at our social media @escbubble

[democracy id=”245″]