Ahead of this week's second semifinal of Melodifestivalen, escXtra has been catching up with the artists. We were lucky enough to talk to David Lindgren about his career, his participation and what the future may hold!

escXtra: Firstly David, can you tell us a little bit about your career and what made you enter Melodifestivalen 2012?

David Lindgren: I'm a musical artist who has been working in different shows and musicals for the last 8 years. I got my break when I played the lead in "High School Musical" in Stockholm, a part that gave me my second "goldmask" nomination. After that, I played Link Larkin in "Hairspray". Right now, I'm playing a show with the Swedish artist Tomas Ledin.

X: What is your usual music style?

DL: Hard question... I listen to "good" music. When the musicality is good, I find inspiration in everything from Chris Brown to Iron Maiden. So to answer your question, I listen to almost everything :)

X: Can you tell us a little bit about your song "Shout It Out"? What can we expect from your performance on Saturday?

DL: it's a house/pop song with a really strong melody. There's going to be some dancing!!

X: Are there any plans for an album release in the near future?

DL: You never know in this business, it depends how it's going in the competition and some other stuff. But we are talking about it and I'm signed at EMI. The one who lives will see... :)

X: What would it mean to you if the Swedish public voted you through till Globen or even to Baku as the winner of Melodifestivalen 2012?

DL: oh, of course that would mean a lot for me. It would mean that it is a interest for me as a solo artist and it is something I been dreaming of and working for for a long time. Also, it would make it easier for me to provide my family which is the most important now that I have a baby boy!

X: Congratulations on that new addition to your family! Finally, do you have a message for the readers of escXtra?

DL: I know that I'm a new face for you but give me a honest chance and listen to the song because it's great! :)

X: On behalf of escXtra, I would like to wish you the best of luck with your performance on Saturday and I hope that rehearsals are going well!

DL: Thank you so much! I'm trying too push the pause button every now and then and look around and realise that I'm living my dream!

Thanks to Sara Thorstensson at EMI for her assistance.

• By Nathan Waddell on Feb 9, 2012Source: escXtra.com, escXtra, SVT, © Carl-Johan Söder