Source: ESCDaily.com
Image Source: Ellert Jóhannsson

ESCDaily.com caught up with Icelandic songwriter and singer Ellert Jóhannsson, who has a song in the upcoming Icelandic National Selection, Söngvakeppni Sjónvarpsins 2012. This is the second attempt for the artist in the competition.

You can read the full interview below:

ED: This is the second time you are taking part in Söngkvakeppni Sjónvarpsins. Why did you decide to come back?

I am a fan of the Eurovision since I was a little boy, my mother and I used to watch the contest together but in those days it wasn´t live on RUV just a rerun because Iceland didn´t participate, and I always got a milk shake while watching. So what I am trying to say is that it has always been a special event since I was little boy and of course the music, with many good and some not so good songs, but what is also interesting is to see the diversity in European music.

ED: Can you tell us a few things about your career?

I was in some garage bands when I was a teenager, plus I released an album back in 1997 called “You´re not alone”. In 2001 me and some guys formed a band called Von and we were pretty active in the local music scene playing almost every weekend. With the band we released two albums entitled  “þú gafst mér líf” & “í bítið” . I quit the band two years ago and I am currently working on a new album that looks promising.

ED: Some people call you The Icelandic Bon Jovi, what do you think about that?

Well, I don´t know! I really like his music and he is one of my favorite singers but it´s not as if I am trying to copy him; if people find our voices to be similar then I guess it’s a compliment.

ED: Do you naturally feel the need to compose music?

Yes, I love composing music, it´s the passion in my life! Being alone at night just me and my guitar trying to shake out a song is an essential part of my life.

ED: Can you tell us a few things about your entry in this years Söngkvakeppni Sjónvarpsins?

I decided to write an upbeat simple party song with the same chords through out the song but with different singing parts. This was the only song that I could make in the time limit 3 min. My friend Mikael Tamar Elíasson wrote the lyrics and it´s just about having fun, a joy ride and “ég kem með” means I´ll come along.

ED: What will you do if you will win Söngvakeppni Sjónvarpsins?

I will celebrate and get ready for Baku!

ED: Do you have any message for the ESCDaily.com readers?

I just hope life is treating you well -- if so then remember to enjoy it cause we only get one life!

We wish the best of luck to Ellert Jóhannsson for Saturday and the second semi-final in Iceland! You can listen to his entry Ég kem með, below;

• Ellert Jóhannsson -- Ég kem með