Two songs, two completely different styles, and one exciting adventure!
This year, I've taken on a new and rather exciting challenge: submitting not one, but two original text lyrics and suggestion for melody to these for the Swedish selection for Melodifestivalen 2027!
The songs are called “Millions of Crossroads” and “Just Do It”, and they couldn't be more different. One is an uplifting, feel-good pop song bursting with energy, while the other is an emotional ballad exploring life's choices, uncertainties, and the unexpected ways they shape our lives.
Creating these songs has been an absolute joy. But it has also been surprisingly challenging!
One of the rules of Melodifestivalen is that songs cannot exceed three minutes. Three minutes might sound like plenty of time, but when you're trying to tell a meaningful story, build an atmosphere, create a memorable chorus, and give the music room to breathe, those 180 seconds disappear remarkably quickly!
It meant making some difficult choices. Lyrics had to be shortened, musical arrangements tightened, and some of my favorite moments had to go. It's a fascinating creative exercise, though. Sometimes less really is more.
And the result? I'm genuinely proud of both songs!
Of course, the competition is enormous. More than 4,077 entries have been submitted this year, so the odds of being selected are incredibly small.
But here's the thing...
I can't help feeling that both of these songs are considerably stronger than at least a few of the entries we heard in last year's Melodifestivalen heats. A bold statement? Perhaps! But if you don't believe in your own music, who will?
Whether the songs make it into the competition or not, creating them has already been a wonderful experience. And sooner or later, I look forward to sharing them with you.
For now, I'll keep my fingers crossed.
Because sometimes, against all odds, something extraordinary happens!
Love,
Alicia Z.