As we previously reported, JOWST has submitted a track for consideration from the BBC panel for Eurovision: You Decide. The 2017 Norwegian representative has shared his passion for the contest on social media ever since his stint in the contest, and has poured it into writing songs for the 2019 contest in Tel Aviv.
Speaking to Wiwibloggs on Wednesday, JOWST opened up about his decision to try and create the best song possible for the United Kingdom as opposed to his native Norway.
JOWST eyes up UK talent and one hell of a challenge…
First of all, he made it clear that he does not want to take part as an artist, but as a songwriter. He wants to use the talent the UK already has — he knows the artists here can really slay with the vocals! When discussing why he chose the Big 5 nation, JOWST — real name Joakim With Steen — focused on the talent pool.
“The reason I chose the UK is because of two things mainly. One is that they have the biggest potential. Some of the biggest and best artists and songwriters are from the UK”.
He further elaborated that the generally poor attitude of the average Brit gives him motivation to take part.
“The UK has the worst ‘attitude’ against ESC in general. You could probably say reputation. So I feel it’s also the biggest challenge. I want to prove to the people there that it’s not about politics, it’s just about the song/performance and the emotions.”
Familiar faces
To get fans even more excited about the involvement of the EDM producer, he has dropped a few names of those helping him. As if he wasn’t fabulous enough, fellow Scandinavian former participants Norma John and Morland have helped him with a track which has been submitted to the Beeb. Whilst Morland was considerably more successful in the contest (eventually winning the Marcel Benezon composer award in 2015 for ‘A Monster Like Me’), Norma John’s latest music has been modern and achingly cool, so their influence shouldn’t be simply put down to “slow ballad”. This year they released the upbeat ‘Hellfire’ which showed a new flair to the Finnish duo.
JOWST’s sound will certainly be present in some of his songs. Whilst speaking with Eurovision Norway, he stated that “some of them are sounding like JOWST, others aren’t”. It isn’t clear if the aforementioned collaboration is more EDM or not, but it’s exciting nonetheless.
The UK can win when the BBC want to?
As mentioned previously, JOWST is aware that the UK’s attitude toward Eurovision isn’t quite there yet. He wants to improve this, that’s for sure! He referred to a time when mega-famous British artist Robbie Williams said he’d be willing to sing at the contest if the BBC were willing to win. It was inferred that they can win if they want to. It’s a case of actually making the most of the potential.
What do you think to JOWST’s comments? Would you like to see an EDM style song at the contest or something more laid-back like his Scandi-counterparts sent? Do you think his songs will be chosen for Eurovision: You Decide, or is it just too early to say? Either way, we’re excited and we want to hear your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below!
Did JOWST mean with his song?
UK might have potential but unfortunately BBC is the Big 5 broadcaster that has the least interest in winning, or even getting a good result. Maybe next after Spain but still..
Jowst x Louisa Johnson would be a winning formula!
Although I dont mind her, I doubt that combination would get many people excited.
The apathy shown towards the ESC from the UK media and publib alike is embarressing. Outside the Eurovision bubble there is a distinct lack of interest from the UK. I get the feeling that even if we won, hardly anyone would be bothered.
No it’s the exact opposite. Look at the world cup. No one gave a rat’s bum if we succeeded until we trashed some small country. If the UK becomes a favourite to win, watch how 10mil+ watch the final
With all due respect, I think the only viable option for JOWST and co. is San Marino, because United Kingdom is there to make fun of Eurovision and disrespect it. BBC is like UKIP doing ESC these days and they may well send Nigel Farage to sing a little song about Brexit next year.
Am I reading this wrong, or does it look like JOWST, Norma John AND Mørland are preparing for a monster collaboration for the U.K. contest?
God I hope so. That could be the ticket.
Mørland is the best writer. So melodic and catchy. He wrote Rebecca’s Who We Are that should have represented Norway 2018 instead of that horrible song Alexander Rybek sung. I am looking forward to this.
It’s clear he’s thought this through, and both his and the other composers listed’s songs are all fantastic. The UK can do it, I know they can!
Yeah, right. Every country has people who can sing, so scratch that. The UK selection could be appealing to songwriters everywhere because it’s easily accessible, literally anyone can try their luck. Also, they are either dying to get half decent songs (recent national finals) or they do not want anything great and are deliberately awful (2015 internal selection). However, Jowst AND Morland working together on a song is something that might actually be worth getting excited about. “A Monster Like Me” was of course the rightful winning SONG of 2015. And I certainly would have liked Jowst in 2017 as… Read more »
He’s not the only D.J. with a mask as his selling point. We’ve got Daft Punk, Deadmau5, Marshmello and Angerfist, among others.
I am aware. It ain’t a selling point to me. His cute face is a much better selling point.
“The UK has the worst ‘attitude’ against ESC in general”
Wind your neck in fella!!
graham norton actively bashes it whilst being paid to ‘commentate’ hes not wrong
Diss Terry, not Graham. Graham is doing fine.
It’s all part of Graham’s and British humour, he has openly stated he loves the show and people in the UK watch Eurovision just for Graham’s commentary, so if anything he is gaining British interest in the contest
He’s right though
Terry Wogan was alright in the 80s and 90s, but when the 2000s came along, he became ignorant and damn right rude. Graham however has a softer side than Terry, his humour isn’t too much and doesn’t complain too much about neighbourly voting (because he knows why they do so).