Special - Claes Andreasson Interview | Eurovision Song Contest News - 2009 Moscow, Russia 

Claes Andreasson and Torjörn Wassenius are a well established song writing duo from Gothenburg, sweden. They have come close to winning a ticket to the Eurovision Song Contet in Sweden and Norway already, and they feature prominently in the Swedish avalanche of songs competing around Europe this year with songs in the Spanish and Polish national selection programmes. Destiny was announced last night as one of the 10 finalists in Spain, and Love is in the air competes in Poland, being sung by fellow swede, Erlandsson Mikael. This evening, esctoday.com spoke to Claes about this year's entries, his history with Eurovision and why Swedes are so popular amongst the national selections.

Did you enter any songs for Sweden and Norway this year?
"We sent in some songs to sweden. I think that after doing Norway 3 years in a row, it would be good to take a break for a year".

How did you get involved with Spain and Poland?
"It's the first year that we've sent songs to Spain and Poland. Actually we found out that they were open to foreign composers by reading the news on esctoday.com so we have you to thank! We sent in the songs and they were selected. Torjörn also has a song in Latvia".

Why did you decided to enter the songs anywhere else?
"Well, we write a lot of styles, and a couple were not selected in Sweden this year that we felt were too good to let drop or wait a year. It's a little bit hard to put the songs to certain artists because they are pre-written. Sweden selects songs based on quality, but also to create a great show. Sometimes, songs are good enough for the final, but are not selected because other types of songs are needed to create a balance.

It's a lot of work, it's hard to visit all the countries and to build careers and contacts there. It's a great experience but I don't think we'll start sending songs to every national final".

Have you heard any of the competing songs in Spain and Poland, and do you have any favourites?
"In Spain, I love you mi vida is fantastic I think its a great song and the one to beat. Of course, that's written by Thomas [G:son] who is one of Sweden's greatest composers. I've heard a couple of the Polish songs, Charizma is good, they are swedish too, and I heard two polish acts. Jet Set are really good and I think it will be a very tough competition in Poland. We're flying there on Thursday next week for the final and I'm looking forward to it.

Do you think that the Spanish selection can work for Destiny. If Nash, for example, were to be the most popular act, can you see them performing the song?
"Destiny is written as a solo song but I'm sure Nash or Santa Fe could find a style to adapt the song, I'm sure it wouldn't be a problem".

Why do you enter songs for the Eurovision Song Contest?
"I love the competition, I've watched it since I was a child and it's one of the highlights of the year. Maybe sometimes, it doesn't pay off so well, but it's so much fun and we will not stop trying".

Of all your entries so far, what do you consider to be your best entry?
"I am rock and roll. It came second behind Wig Wam in Melodi Grand Prix 2005. It was really good and I think it's the strongest so far.

How many songs do you enter in Sweden every year?
"This year, I think we sent 10 songs to SVT and then we have to produce a few new ones. If they don't get through, we enter some again the following year.

Why are so many Swedish writers and artists getting picked in national finals around Europe?
I don't know really. Maybe dor us, the song in Spain has a pan-European appeal so maybe they wanted something not 100% spanish. Sweden has some of the best producers in Europe, so maybe the demos sound stronger than other entries, we have good relationships with our neighbours and our style of music is popular in countries like Norway, Finland and Estonia. Further than that, maybe it's because our music fits with what selection panels look for - either to suit the competition or to contrast with local styles?".

If successful, Sweden, Norway, Latvia, Spain, Poland and Romania could all be represented by Swedes in Helsinki. How would Sweden decide who to vote for?
"I don't know, it's a good question [laughs]".

esctoday.com would like to thank Claus for talking to us and wish him luck with the challenges ahead.