The Noroff graduate behind the MGP-winning song: “It still feels surreal”

When the song “Ya Ya Ya” by Jonas Lovv won Melodi Grand Prix, Sondre Skaftun was involved both behind the scenes and on stage. For the former Noroff student, the journey began with a simple idea in the studio.

As a producer and co-writer, Skaftun helped create the song “Ya Ya Ya”, which ultimately went on to win Melodi Grand Prix. He also plays bass in Jonas Lovv’s band, giving him the rare opportunity to experience the competition from the stage as well.

– I also got to be on stage during the show. Being part of that journey feels pretty surreal, he says.

Skaftun studied Sound and Music Production at Noroff campus Bergen and now works as a producer, songwriter, and musician, mainly within pop music.

– It still feels surreal that an idea which started as a small project called “FIFA haha” on my computer is now going to represent Norway in Eurovision, Skaftun says.

From a studio idea to the MGP stage

Skaftun has collaborated with Jonas Lovv for several years, and the opportunity to write a song for Melodi Grand Prix came after a call from the competition’s music team.

– After Jonas appeared on The Voice last year, Tarjei Strøm, the music director of MGP, reached out to ask if Jonas would be interested in trying to create a song for the competition. We thought it sounded like a really exciting opportunity, Skaftun explains.

He describes the experience of participating both as a songwriter and musician as something truly special.

– As a songwriter, it’s incredible to see something you created in the studio turn into such a large TV production.

A song that started as “FIFA haha”

The songwriting process actually began much like many other projects.

– We usually start with small sketches or demos and see where the energy of the song takes us, he explains.

But when they first entered the studio to write a song for MGP, they actually started working on something entirely different.

– We just couldn’t quite find the right vibe. Then I pulled up a guitar riff I had recorded earlier – basically the same as the intro of the final song, just without vocals.

The project had already been given a rather informal working title.

– I had called the project “FIFA haha” because it reminded me of something you’d hear in an early 2000s FIFA game. Jonas immediately liked the idea, and we started building the song from there.

The name has actually stayed with the project.

– It’s still called “FIFA haha” on my computer, which I think is pretty funny. For a long time we referred to the song as “FIFA Rock” before eventually settling on “Ya Ya Ya”.

A massive production

Taking part in Melodi Grand Prix also gave Skaftun a unique look behind the scenes of one of Norway’s largest television productions.

– The entire MGP production is huge. It was incredibly inspiring to work alongside so many talented people – artists, technicians, and the production team.

He also believes the strong bond within the band contributed to the energy on stage.

– We’re a very close-knit group that works well together, and I think that really shows both for the production and the audience.

Photo: Martin Fjellanger

Finding direction at Noroff

Today, Skaftun works as a producer, songwriter, and musician, mainly within pop music. His path into the industry developed naturally after completing his studies.

– After finishing my studies, I continued working in the studio, collaborating with different artists and building connections in the music industry.

He highlights the practical nature of the Noroff programme as particularly valuable.

– We spent a lot of time working directly in the studio and had plenty of opportunities to develop both technically and creatively. I practically lived in the studio during those two years.

It was also during his studies that he realised music could become a real career.

– Much of the foundation for what I do today was built during my time at Noroff.

A creative environment

Skaftun says the collaborative environment among students was one of the most valuable aspects of his studies.

– What I remember most is working with other students. I collaborated a lot with Monika, who performs under the artist name Moyka.

One of their school assignments later developed into the single “Bones”.

– We spent countless hours in the studio experimenting with ideas, helping each other and learning together. That kind of creative environment is incredibly important when developing as a producer and songwriter.

During his studies, he also experienced early success.

– One of my assignments ended up becoming a song that was B-listed on Norwegian radio for several weeks, which I definitely didn’t expect at the time.

Around the same time, he also received a talent scholarship from the municipality of Bergen.

– That gave me even more motivation to pursue music seriously.

Photo: Bjørk Ellingsbø

Starting out as a guitarist

Skaftun’s interest in music originally began as a performing musician.

– I started playing guitar at a fairly young age. Over time I became more interested in the creative side of things – writing songs.

He downloaded a DAW and began experimenting at home.

– I quickly discovered how fun it was to build a song from scratch.

Not long after, he discovered the Sound and Music Production programme at Noroff.

– I applied and I haven’t regretted that decision for a second.

Advice for future producers

For students who dream of working in music production, his advice is simple.

– Make as much music as possible. You learn an incredible amount through repetition and practice.

He also emphasises the importance of collaboration.

– Many of the best songs happen when people create together. And don’t be afraid to share your music – that’s often how new opportunities arise.

Looking ahead to Eurovision

Even though the Melodi Grand Prix victory still feels surreal, Skaftun is already working on several new projects.

– Right now I’m working on Jonas’ upcoming EP.

He is also involved in another release.

– An album by Markella will be released on April 10, where I’m a co-writer, producer and mixer on most of the tracks.

In the coming months, however, one event will dominate the schedule.

– The next couple of months will mainly be about Eurovision. We’re really looking forward to developing the show even further.