He’s overcome bullying and harassment to become Norway’s biggest star — recently winning the Norwegian Grammy for Artist of the Year.

And now TIX — real name Andreas Haukeland — is bringing his journey to life in the official music video for his Eurovision 2021 song “Fallen Angel”.

Speaking of the video, TIX said: “To grow up with something that makes you feel a little bit different than everybody else, can be challenging. When we were planning the video for ‘Fallen Angel’, this was the story I wanted to present, based on experiences from my own childhood, to inspire kids and youths that relates to that situation and those feelings.”

Tix releases “Fallen Angel” music video

“I grew up with Tourettes Syndrome and was named ‘Tics’ due to my involuntarily sounds and twitches in my face. I decided to embrace the name, and the character TIX was born.”

“In Norway, a big part of the population knows me as the one I’ve grown to be, and I believe it is important to tell my background story, and show them that there is always light in the end of the tunnel. Even an ugly duckling can become a swan.”

Directed and produced by Brusjan AS, the video recounts the ugly harassment Andreas faced at school — from being shoved and mocked in the halls to having water poured on top of him.

His now iconic glasses and headband are used as armour to shield him from the anxiety and stress of it all. Eventually we see him morph into the swan, standing on a piano with his signature white coat and feathers flying through the air.

Want to learn more? TIX tells me about the difficulties he’s faced and how he’s overcome them in the interview below. Big love to him for the openness and honesty. 

72 Comments
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blahh
blahh
3 years ago

this mv is beautiful.

Alex
Alex
3 years ago

milking the tourette story.

I like him but i can see there is a campaign to fix his profile after the KEIINO controversy.

The song is good but i cringy with the staging (wings etc) and his kitschy outfit

Chris
Chris
3 years ago

Really like this song but i hope they keep the wings in Norway.

Ria van de Velde
Ria van de Velde
3 years ago

I saw the great interview with TIX. I am very impressed !! Good Job William !!!

Mitchell
Mitchell
3 years ago

He needs to tell this story on the stage!!!

Ria van de Velde
Ria van de Velde
3 years ago

This video is so beautiful !! It brings me to tears !! I like to wish TIX the succes in Eurovision that he deserves. I love his beautiful song very much and I will vote for him !!

IPA
IPA
3 years ago

This video could have passed for a montage in Pop Idol = “the journey”. Why don’t we just focus on the song and an pleasantly tacky tv show which is providing a bit of annual fun! That’s why I tune in every single year! It’s great fun – and sometimes we even get the winner right (Sobral, Duncan etc.) This year I’m crossing my fingers for France and a bit of quality!

Last edited 3 years ago by IPA
zach
zach
3 years ago

this song has really grown on me, but i have to ask why is this somehow in the top 10 for the bookies… that’s just not happening

Kas
Kas
3 years ago

So many support…and hype from esc, bookies etc for an entry…good enough for esc 1995.
Borderline qualifier or ‘s’ NQ.

Jonas
Jonas
3 years ago
Reply to  Kas

Norway won in 1995. This does not remind me of Nocturne.

Kas
Kas
3 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

Heehee…Just wanted to see if somebody will respond…

Nocturne was a fair winner (great entry).
This doesn’t change the fact that Fallen Angel is a catchy as hell middle 90s song.
We are in 2021 and 80ties are in fashion.

Diamond
Diamond
3 years ago
Reply to  Kas

Thank God all of the other 38 songs are so fresh and modern, definitely not with a sound of 90’s or 80’s right?
Sheesh. Pathetic

Kas
Kas
3 years ago
Reply to  Diamond

80ties are in fashion. 90ties, 00s, 70ties and 60ties are not.

…and use your language in a less barbarian way please.

Dawid
Dawid
3 years ago
Reply to  Kas

You realise that no1 to win atm (Malta) samples (or at least I hope so) song from 1971?

Teddie
Teddie
3 years ago
Reply to  Dawid

That sample sounds much more antique than 1971 but idk

Kas
Kas
3 years ago
Reply to  Dawid

You mean France ?

Jake
Jake
3 years ago

WOW..can a music video actually change a way you feel about a song? cause I got the goosebumps from this…I still hated that stage show in MGP, but this is something special right here

Darren
Darren
3 years ago
Reply to  Jake

Video is 10 times better than the song.
And this is a song contest…
Just saying

wonder
wonder
3 years ago

I love him SOOO much! he deserve his success! great guy!

Kosey
Kosey
3 years ago

Aw, TIX is such a hero! This is what Eurovision is all about, finding something in a song that really means something on a human level. I can only wish him every success in Rotterdam.

Ende
Ende
3 years ago

TIX’s song is not only about a love story but a message to not put people into boxes, bully them or rank them. As you are a strong TIX fan, I am disappointed to read your comments which imply that other artists or people are worse or are even “pure trash”.
Pure trash can hide a beautiful Swan so be careful.

Catriona Colville
Catriona Colville
3 years ago

Well here we have the poll winner for best video of the season.

Kristian
Kristian
3 years ago

I actually really disliked the video .
It’s supposed to seem empowering but seemed narcissistic to me

Film
Film
3 years ago

Why is he is wearing fur coat? So many animals need to die unnecessary and be skinned alive that the message of the song is lost for me. Tell me which is worse to be bullied or be skinned alive? Not saying that bulling is okay, but i hate how blind he is to the suffering he is also creating to the non human animals, paying and promoting these fur coats and so many animals have to die for his choices.

Last edited 3 years ago by Film
Jonas
Jonas
3 years ago
Reply to  Film

How do you know it’s real? It’s probably not.

Diamond
Diamond
3 years ago
Reply to  Film

He is wearing faux fur, but okay.
Feel free to judge if you dont even do a facts check.

Sabrina
Sabrina
3 years ago

That was a very clever way to fill some blanks about TIX for those who don’t know his “origin story”. Well played, Norway. 🙂

Teddie
Teddie
3 years ago

Omg, this is incredible

Tom
Tom
3 years ago

But the song is basic.. Nothing more that.. There is no point in creating big story behind weak entry.

Yeah yeah fire
Yeah yeah fire
3 years ago

I like the message but it’s still a meh song. It just looks like crying for pity votes 2 weeks before eurovision. Especially along with that 40min documentary.
I’ll get downvoted but till today mostly everyone was saying the song is nothing special.
I believe he had a rough time like so many have but it’s a song contest after all isn’t it… and why would you use ur trauma as a public stunt.

Roodi
Roodi
3 years ago
Reply to  Yeah yeah fire

he do not need ESC he is a superstar in Norway and also a succesfull producer he produced for Ava Max and Flo Rida but he still participates in ESC why? Because he want to give a message to Europe.

Yeah yeah fire
Yeah yeah fire
3 years ago
Reply to  Roodi

Maybe because he wants to reach wider audience? And what is the message? It’s okay if you’re bullied you’ll become a superstar in norway one day. I wish I heard that as a 10 yo. Don’be be naive, please, of course it means self promotion for him as well

Kas
Kas
3 years ago
Reply to  Roodi

“Wear furs with sunglasses”

…the message !

tomtomtom
tomtomtom
3 years ago
Reply to  Yeah yeah fire

Agree. I like the video and message too. But 99% of viewers are casual watchers who will not know or care about that. They will have 3 minutes to like or dislike the song and performance, not the message behind it. This is a song contest after all.

Last edited 3 years ago by tomtomtom
Diamond
Diamond
3 years ago
Reply to  Yeah yeah fire

You know that this documentary was released and made by NRK like… few weeks ago, for norwegian audience? That’s why it’s in norwegian, not english. And eurovision channel just reposted it?
This is called marketing, dearie. And norwegians know how to do a smart marketing. If anyone else did it. You wouldnt mind. 😀

Yeah yeah fire
Yeah yeah fire
3 years ago
Reply to  Diamond

I very well know what marketing is, and therefore you just proved my point that it’s a sheer publicity thing. I guess it’s not just about the message anymore huh? And yes I wouldn’t mind then, because as far as I know he is the only one who got a 40 min documentary atm, dearie 😀

Art
Art
3 years ago

Norway or Russia for the win!

Alex
Alex
3 years ago
Reply to  Art

I really love both Manizha and Tix.
Unique artists with strong personalities and something to say

Last edited 3 years ago by Alex
Jacob S
Jacob S
3 years ago

i have tourette’s (tics) just like tix, and i’ve just grown to respect him as a person for who he has grown to be. luckily for be i wasn’t bullied because of it, people just ask why i do it and i was ashamed to say, but now i’m not. this music video should inspire many people, because i know it definitely inspired me to be stronger. i hope the juries and audience see this message. <3

Fabio
Fabio
3 years ago

Different… but still boring.

Tom
Tom
3 years ago
Reply to  Fabio

I agree. Boring.

Alex
Alex
3 years ago

Am I the only one that cried while watching the music video?

Arild Esnali
Arild Esnali
3 years ago
Reply to  Alex

Not at all ?. I am norwegian and was not a fan of the song. Nothing against the artist but middle tempo ballade-ish is not doing the trick for me. After seeing this viedo I have a hope that we will actually qualify for the grand final. This song grows a lot on me and I really like it now. And message about how stupid it is to bully others is always fashion. Always! I tell uuu. ?

Escfan
Escfan
3 years ago

Wow. Love the video, love the message and love the song. Definitely a vote from me

Destiny stan account
Destiny stan account
3 years ago

there’s no need to trash other artists to show that you like tix lmao

Matt Church
Matt Church
3 years ago

Love this video. Will be interesting to see if he can convey why he wears the bling though live in 3 minutes.

Diamond
Diamond
3 years ago

WHAT. A. COMMENT.
10/10 *imaginary clapping emoji* *imaginary heart emoji*

Diamond
Diamond
3 years ago

Artists have been telling their stories through their music since the dawn of time. That’s why they are such a role models to, especially young people. It helps youngsters to get over their problems and struggles, if they see their idols and people they look up to going through the same pain and struggle.
Andreas is doing the same thing and that’s why people love him. 🙂
Congratulations to a stunning music video. Thank you, Andreas, for being the person you are 🙂

Emily
Emily
3 years ago

Yeah, indeed. The documentary actually broke me at times… how can people be so cruel?

IPA
IPA
3 years ago

Good video – but from a Norwegian perspective it all screams publicists of the first order! It has all been extremely well timed and carefully presented to the Norwegian public – now it’s Europe’s turn. Sorry to be so cynical!

Stella
Stella
3 years ago
Reply to  IPA

As an international fan, I have the same feeling. Don’t get me wrong, I like the song (it’s not one of my favourites, but I was glad it won the MGP), but seeing how he was involved in reality tv, I feel a bit manipulated by the way he presented his trauma. I do believe he had an extremely hard time growing up, and I’m sure it was a struggle to make the music industry take him seriously, but the timing and the manner of the revelations seem calculated. That interview in particular. I still hope he does well, and… Read more »

Sot
Sot
3 years ago

Ok, great message and stuff, I definitely appreciate him but something I find kinda unfair is the fact that everyone will like it more after they see the music video, not because they feel bad for him, but just for the visuals

gurki loko
gurki loko
3 years ago
Reply to  Sot

You can say that about most of music videos.

ROXELANA
ROXELANA
3 years ago

This song is so overrated imo and doesn’t deserve the final. I usually love Norway’s entries, but this song is just so flat and boring. I really tried to connect with it, but it never gave me the desire to listen to it again.

Roodi
Roodi
3 years ago
Reply to  ROXELANA

it does

Darren
Darren
3 years ago

Stunning video and quite slick too. My opinion on the actual song remains the same and will continue that way, but I’ll give credit where it’s due. The video is beautiful atleast.

Colin
Colin
3 years ago

Does this have a layer of cheese? Yes. Is this totally 90s boy-band music? Yes. Is it still perhaps the most personal song in this year’s list? Quite possibly. If not the first, then certainly in top five. I just hope that the audiences will be able to connect. The video is very sweet and tells this touching narrative very well. Good luck, Tix!

Last edited 3 years ago by Colin
Fabio
Fabio
3 years ago
Reply to  Colin

Top 5? This song will struggle to make the final… No surprise, because there are better songs than this in semi 1. This one doesn’t really deserve a spot in the final.

Colin
Colin
3 years ago
Reply to  Fabio

I’m not saying that this is the top 5 song overall, but it is among top 5 songs when it comes to how personal they are to the artist.

Dawid
Dawid
3 years ago
Reply to  Fabio

Sorry, but anyone saying it’d struggle to get through semis is either biased or delusional.

finnished
finnished
3 years ago

Stunning video. Such a touching story. Regardless of what happened at MGP, I have always liked the song. I think he could pull out a Michal Szpak result!

Last edited 3 years ago by finnished
Safiya
Safiya
3 years ago

Oh, I didn’t expect that they would actually go for something like this in the video, i.e. present his story in such detail. It’s touching. I love the song and I’ve already loved it because I got to know TIX’s story. The story just makes it even better. I hope he does well. Anyway, I will definitely follow him as an artist after Eurovision.

Mircs
Mircs
3 years ago

What a great music video! It explains everything good and is very believable. It’s so personal and touching but that’s also the problem I guess: the staging from the National Final didn’t tell you anything and you had to inform yourself to get most of the symbolism Tix is using. I hope that they will make the message more accesable for the broader audience because the video itself is stunning and probably the best from this year’s competition.

Viggz
Viggz
3 years ago

After seeing this video, I understand now the song and love it much more than what I did before. So sad that Norway have to be in semi final 1.

Safiya
Safiya
3 years ago
Reply to  Viggz

I am also sad that TIX is a bit underrated by the fans, but personally I think he has a chance to qualify and do very well. The song is catchy and the staging and the costume will definitely be intriguing for many viewers – this kind of weird entries is what many people love about Eurovision. And his voice is really good! So hopefully juries will appreciate it, too. He’s in my top three, so I am hoping for the best.

Nati
Nati
3 years ago

Left my eyes watery.. loved it <3

Emily
Emily
3 years ago

I have to admit, I had a case of the sniffles watching the music video. Great job, Andreas and crew!

Pilot
Pilot
3 years ago

Archangel Andreil is ready to land in the final.

Jonathan
Jonathan
3 years ago

This music video massively elevates the song and think this is probably one of the best music videos of this year’s contest. I wonder if or how the message of the video will be portrayed on stage.

Last edited 3 years ago by Jonathan
Giolo
Giolo
3 years ago

This is so touching. It’s definitely worth the wait

MATA HARI
MATA HARI
3 years ago

Anyone ever wondered how the lyrics have nothing to do with this back story? Maybe he knows that the song alone isn’t good enough and he is trying to get some sympathy votes by pushing the narrative further and further. I mean, think about it. No one ever mentioned it before he won MGP.

dmg
dmg
3 years ago
Reply to  MATA HARI

Anyone ever wondered how some people are telling lies after lies after lies. Maybe because they are afraid “Fallen angel” will qualify and “Mata Hari” wouldn’t. The lyrics have everything to do with his backstory. His backstory was well known for the norwegian people and his fans abroad. So what you’re saying is WRONG.
But moste of europe did not know him, and that’s why they did not know his backstory before MGP.

Last edited 3 years ago by dmg