A lot has happened for Sondre Skaftun since “Ya Ya Ya” won Melodi Grand Prix. He has performed on the Eurovision stage in front of millions of viewers, watched thousands of artists and fans sing along to a song he helped create, and already released new music. - It’s something I’ll never forget, he says.
It wasn’t long ago that Sondre Skaftun shared the story of his journey from the studio to the Melodi Grand Prix stage. Since then, he has experienced the next chapter: Eurovision. As a producer, songwriter and bassist in Jonas Lovv’s band, he got to experience the competition from the inside and looks back on a period that exceeded anything he had imagined.
Skaftun studied Sound and Music Production at Noroff in Bergen. Today, he works as a producer, songwriter and musician, and over the past few months he has experienced a journey few dare to dream of, from studio sessions to one of Europe’s biggest music stages.
- An incredible amount has happened in a short space of time. I wouldn’t say my everyday life has completely changed, but I’ve been able to experience things I never would have imagined a year ago, says Skaftun.
One of the things that has stood out the most is seeing how many people the music has reached.
- It’s been amazing to see the songs connect with so many people and to watch more and more listeners discover what we’re doing.
A Surreal Experience
Performing on stage in front of millions of viewers is something very few people ever get to experience. Yet Skaftun says it didn’t necessarily feel as overwhelming in the moment.
- When you’re right in the middle of it, you’re so focused on the job at hand that you almost forget how many people are actually watching. It’s only afterwards that the scale of it really sinks in.
There is one memory in particular that stands out.
- Standing on stage and feeling the energy from the audience was a truly special experience.
For the former Noroff student, Eurovision also offered a glimpse into the sheer scale of productions at this level.
- Eurovision is an enormous operation. It makes you realise just how many talented people are working together behind the scenes to make everything run smoothly.
Thousands Sang Along
The response to “Ya Ya Ya” also took the band by surprise beyond Norway’s borders.
- It’s been incredible to see how well the song has been received internationally.
One moment stands out above all others.
- During Semi-Final 2, we could see artists in the Green Room singing and dancing along to ‘Ya Ya Ya’. At the same time, the entire arena erupted during the performance.
For Skaftun, it was a moment he will never forget.
- Seeing several thousand people sing along to a song we wrote is something I’ll never forget.
Photo: Sarah Louise Bennett
New Opportunities After Eurovision
The Eurovision experience has already opened doors to new opportunities and connections.
- I’ve been in conversations with both publishers and management teams interested in collaborating, although nothing concrete has been finalised yet.
He says the journey has also led to new collaborations with artists and connections within the international music industry.
- I’ve been introduced to a few international songwriting camps and festivals that could be exciting to be part of. At the same time, my main focus right now is creating new music with Jonas.
There has been little time to slow down and reflect on the success.
- We actually released a new single just two weeks after the final, so it’s been non-stop.
From Student to Professional Producer
Since his time at Noroff, the way Skaftun approaches his work has evolved significantly.
- Back when I was studying, a lot of it was about learning the craft and experimenting. Today, I trust my instincts and experience much more. At the same time, I still feel like I learn something new every single day in the studio.
He continues to highlight his time at Noroff as an important part of his development as a producer.
- At Noroff, I had the opportunity to spend countless hours in the studio, collaborate with other students, and develop both technically and creatively. A lot of the foundation for what I do today was built there.
The Sound and Music Production programme combines hands-on studio work with production, songwriting, recording, and music technology. For Skaftun, it also became a place to build a network and discover the direction he wanted to pursue professionally.
- I’ve become more aware of what I want to achieve musically, while still trying to hold on to the curiosity and joy of creating.
Proof That the Music Connects
For Skaftun, however, the most valuable part of the journey has not necessarily been the television audience or the international industry connections.
- The biggest reward is probably all the experiences we’ve had and all the people we’ve met along the way.
He especially highlights the feeling of meeting audiences after Eurovision.
- Coming home and playing concerts where people are singing along to songs we wrote is pretty surreal.
When he looks back on where those songs started, the contrast feels remarkable.
Looking Ahead
Perhaps the most valuable lesson came from something unexpected. During parts of the Eurovision journey, Jonas experienced vocal challenges, giving Skaftun a firsthand look at the realities behind the glamour and spectacle.
- It gave me an even greater respect for artists and for everything that happens behind the scenes.
Now, his focus is already on what comes next — new music, new collaborations, and new stages. But one image from Vienna continues to stay with him.
- Not that long ago, we were just sitting in a studio working on these songs. Now they’ve taken on a life of their own in front of an audience. That’s a very special feeling.
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