The Northern Lights will be dancing as KEiiNO prepare to take the stage in Tel Aviv. They are representing Norway with the song “Spirit in the Sky”, which dances across multiple genres. The trio — that’s Tom, Alexandra and Fred — caught up with our William during the London Eurovision Party. You can check out our KEiiNO interview below.

KEiiNO interview — London Eurovision Party 2019

Tom was the one who started the KEiiNO project. He wanted to work with Alexandra after seeing her at Melodi Grand Prix last year. After starting to write the song with his husband, they decided they wanted to incorporate traditional Sami elements into the song. As a result, they reached out to Fred to complete the trio.

Fred says there are only three artists who perform Sami rap but he has never mixed it with pop music. He tells us that joik is about expressing feelings. “You don’t have to say anything, you just have to feel it,” he explains.

KEiiNO — “Spirit in the Sky” (London Eurovision Party performance)

“Spirit in the Sky” covers some interesting topics which hit close to home. It is a message conveying the struggles of acceptance for each of the three band members in different ways.

Tom discussed his sexuality and growing up in a conservative town in Norway. He wanted this to be communicated through the song because he believes that people all across Europe value acceptance.

For Alexandra, she had her struggles coming into the music industry, being told she wouldn’t succeed unless she changed how she looked or how she sounded. She was even told she needed to be more extraordinary. We think she’s extraordinary just the way she is and “Spirit in the Sky” celebrates that quality.

As for Fred, he represents a minority community and wants to share the Sami culture with the world. For about 200 years, his people weren’t allowed to speak in Sami or joik in Norway. He is eager to put the Sami culture on centre stage for the whole world to see.

KEiiNO will perform in the second semi-final in Tel Aviv. They will follow Albania’s Jonida Maliqi and precede The Netherlands’ Duncan Laurence.

What do you think of “Spirit in the Sky”? Are you feeling the message of the song? Let us know in the comments below.

Read more Norway news

Follow more of our Eurovision interviews

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Fun or ban?
Fun or ban?
4 years ago

I wouldn’t be surprised if they won’t qualify 1.5/10
Nice people at their 40’s acting like 19 years old. It’s a bit desperate

Ivar
Ivar
4 years ago
Reply to  Fun or ban?

Troll

ESC 2019
4 years ago

How could a song who is a copy of Finlands “monstet” lastbyear, an Barbie girl, be a favorit this year
Norway 1/10

Veta
Veta
4 years ago

Every line of the lyrics carries sooo much meaning, and at the same time they are so simple, it’s amazing!

Veta
Veta
4 years ago

And with her hair pulled back, cuz it uncovers her beautiful forehead and cheekbones.

Whisker
Whisker
4 years ago

I was very impressed with the interview, thanks Wiwibloggs. I love all three of them. They are brave, talented, warm and the list goes on.

Zuzia
Zuzia
4 years ago

Tom is so lovely!

Stella
Stella
4 years ago

i love them so much but putting them right before the netherlands kind of killed their chances unfortunately

Whisker
Whisker
4 years ago
Reply to  Stella

Maybe not.

Kosey
Kosey
4 years ago

Does anybody else get a really warm, safe feeling with these guys? Like everything is going to be ok after all?

Whisker
Whisker
4 years ago
Reply to  Kosey

YES!

Veta
Veta
4 years ago
Reply to  Kosey

They fill me with so much happiness everytime I watch or read something about them! I had the same feeling with Ilinca in 2017.

blondboybc
blondboybc
4 years ago

On of my favourites!Loved it from the get go! So Eurovision! In my top 3!

Tom Ripley
Tom Ripley
4 years ago

To me, one of the most irritating entry…
1/10

Whisker
Whisker
4 years ago
Reply to  Tom Ripley

No need to be rude.

Tom Ripley
Tom Ripley
4 years ago
Reply to  Whisker

Not rude. I wrote “to me”… simply express my own fellings towards this entry.

Whisker
Whisker
4 years ago
Reply to  Tom Ripley

May your spirit animal guide you. Dance with the Northern Lights 🙂

Whisker
Whisker
4 years ago
Reply to  Whisker

That sounds super amazing.

Whisker
Whisker
4 years ago

So, how “(more) extraordinary” are the people who told Alexandra she should be “more extraordinary”? I’am waiting. What are their achievements exactly? And of course, their looks and voice.

Whisker
Whisker
4 years ago
Reply to  Whisker

I agree with you.
I forgot to mention that Alexandra is VERY, VERY beautiful.