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.
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
Troll
How could a song who is a copy of Finlands “monstet” lastbyear, an Barbie girl, be a favorit this year
Norway 1/10
Every line of the lyrics carries sooo much meaning, and at the same time they are so simple, it’s amazing!
And with her hair pulled back, cuz it uncovers her beautiful forehead and cheekbones.
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.
Tom is so lovely!
i love them so much but putting them right before the netherlands kind of killed their chances unfortunately
Maybe not.
Does anybody else get a really warm, safe feeling with these guys? Like everything is going to be ok after all?
YES!
They fill me with so much happiness everytime I watch or read something about them! I had the same feeling with Ilinca in 2017.
On of my favourites!Loved it from the get go! So Eurovision! In my top 3!
To me, one of the most irritating entry…
1/10
No need to be rude.
Not rude. I wrote “to me”… simply express my own fellings towards this entry.
May your spirit animal guide you. Dance with the Northern Lights 🙂
That sounds super amazing.
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.
Preach!
I agree with you.
I forgot to mention that Alexandra is VERY, VERY beautiful.