We Are Not Alone - Alexander Bard talks to The Schlager Systems

Ahead of BWO's performance in Leksand, Sweden for this years Melodifestivalen, we find out the gossip from the man himself.

TSS: How are rehearsals going for the performance on Saturday night?

AB: Very well, but it is a very complex number so there are lots of details to work on.

TSS: Can you describe this year's BWO entry 'You Are Not Alone' for Melodifestivalen?

AB: A dramatic melodic modern electronic gospel ballad.

TSS: Does Marina wear a fabulous frock?

AB: We all wear cosmonaut suites on Saturday.

TSS: We loved 'It's My Life' by Amy Diamond, how did that song come about? Did you have Amy in mind while writing?

AB: Yes, when I write for others, I write what they want me to write. When I write for BWO, I write with my heart. Iäm glad Amy likes her song so much.

TSS: Apart from BWO and Amy, what other favourites do you have from this year's MF?

AB: Alcazar. They're back in full form and made a stunning performance with a catchy electro track.

TSS: We absolutely love Alcazar! Apart from winning MF and Eurovision what else have you planned for this year?

AB: The big priority is the release of our brand new album "Big Science" in April. "You're Not Alone" is only a first taster from the new album. A second single is planned for the summer and a third single is planned for the autumn. This time around we will have a Pan-European release (ncluding the UK) from day 1 of the new record.

TSS: Have you heard the Lloyd Webber penned UK eurovision entry yet? Do you like?

AB: I actually and honestly think the UK track is awful. This is one of the worst and most dated songs ever from Lloyd-Webber. But I really like Greece's entry this year which is very now and very sexy.

TSS: The Schlager Systems will be at the final this year again, any tip on where to party after the final?

AB: I will find out for you if BWO make it to the final again this year.

TSS: Do you have a message for you UK fans?

AB: We love you all!!! And we hope you will like the new sound of the "Big Sceince" album in April.

Thank you Mr Bard and lycka till for tomorrow!

MGP and MF 2009

Well Friday saw another absolute awful instalment from NRK's 'Melodi Grand Prix'. We don't mean to be bitchy but don't you think Per and Maria could have done a couple of weeks of 'Atkins' before appearing on telly? The only decent song this week coming from Alexander Rybak with the fiddle playing in 'Fairytale. We here at the Schlager Systems think it could possibly win for Norway. The only other decent song in the contest is the fantastic 'Find My Girl' by Zuma front man Alexander Stenerud. Compared the last few years Norway's song choices for this year are dire - we know there is much more talent in Norway that what has been put forward for the show.

On Saturday, the whole Schlager world tuned in the the first semi final of Melodifestivalen 2009. Wasn't sure of the Alcazar snippet STV had placed on there website but when we heard Alcazar perform 'Stay the Night' on the night, it blew us away and they deservedly won their place in the live final. Was it just us or does anybody else think that Emilia just couldn't hold a note? Maybe she was too nervous. Marty loved Shirely Clamp, but unfortunately her sore throat ruined the big vocal climax and she missed out altogether! It was so nice for the international jury to decide that Caroline av Ugglas' 'Snälla snälla' was the 'most eurovision sounding song' of the night - YES ONLY IF YOU'R DEAF!!!!!! Anyway here's Andreas, Tess and Lina doing what they do best........