Bands

Kalamari

About Quick Facts MembersJože Pepi JežMatjaž ŠvagelRok Tomažinčič (not on stage)Egon Prinčič (not on stage) Active1993 – 2020 Nationality🇸🇮 Slovenian National SelectionEMA 2010EMA 2004 In Eurovision2010 Oslo SongNarodnozabavni Rock (& Ansambel Žlindra, 2010) Biography Kalamari was a coastal music group that started in November 1993. Jože Jež (Pepi), Matjaž Švagelj, and Aleksander (Sandi) Kokošar came together to perform a few shows at a hotel. They quickly stood out because of their good performances and especially their three-part singing, which other groups couldn’t do as well. Early on, they tried writing their own songs and released an album called “Dobra vila” in 1995. This album had some radio hits, but the group became well-known across Slovenia with their second album “S tabo držim.” The song “Angelca” from this album became a big hit and is still popular at parties today. The group grew from three members to four and then five, which made their live shows even better. They became very successful with their third album, especially with the song “V vetru rdečih zastav,” which won second place and a lyrics award at the “Slovenska popevka” festival. Their live shows became even more popular, and they started performing not just in Slovenia but also in Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro. Because of their busy schedule, some members left, deciding not to become professional musicians. However, the group kept writing new songs and did well at music festivals, winning awards for songs like “Kup besed,” “Zadnja šansa,” and “Preden zaspi.” With the song “Boš prišla”, Kalamari took part in EMA 2004, the national final for the Eurovision Song Contest. Unfortunately, they didn’t make it to the EMA final. Their biggest success was at the EMA 2010 competition, where they won with the song “Narodnozabavni rock” along with the Roka Žlindre ensemble. Slavko Ivančić and the late Danilo Kocjančič, who wrote some of their songs, often performed with Kalamari. After their big win at EMA, the group’s popularity and the number of performances slowly decreased. In 2014, frontman Jože Jež (Pepi) left the group and was replaced by Darjan Gržina. In 2020, partly because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the group decided to split up. Entries Narodnozabavni Rock (& Ansambel Žlindra) Country🇸🇮 Slovenia Year2010 LanguageSlovenian LyricsLeon Oblak MusicMarino Legovič Backings– Results Semi Points: 6Position: 16Running order: 11 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/2faHkE1JZwc?si=8VAHdktaElgzHKPY

Ansambel Žlindra

About Quick Facts MembersRok ŽlindraBarbara OgrincNejc DrobničRok Modic Founded2005 Nationality🇸🇮 Slovenian National SelectionEMA 2010 In Eurovision2010 Oslo SongNarodnozabavni Rock (& Kalamari, 2010) Biography Ansambel Roka Žlindre, also known as Ansambel Žlindra, is a folk music group that started in 2005. They are from Sodražica. The group has three musicians and two singers. In 2010, they performed at the Eurovision Song Contest in Oslo with the group Kalamari. The Roka Žlindre Ensemble includes Rok Žlindra, who plays the accordion and leads the group, Boštjan Merhar on guitar, Rok Modic on bass, and singers Barbara Ogrinc and Kristjan Oven. Before Merhar, Toni Tomas Lovšin played guitar, and before Oven, Tadej Osvald was a singer. The group has been active since 2005. In the next two years, they joined the Graška Gora festival and won the Silver Shepherd award twice. After two years, they did well at a festival in Dolenjske Toplice, winning awards from both the audience and the judges. In 2008, they performed in Škofja Loka and Graška Gora, winning audience awards and other prizes. Their most successful years were 2009 and 2010. They won awards at top festivals like Slovenska polka in valček and in Ptuj. They are best known for winning EMA and performing at Eurovision in Oslo in 2010 with the song “Narodnozabavni rock.” They did not make it to the final round. In 2011, the group toured western Canada, hosted by Slovenian clubs. They spent most of their time in Vancouver and Calgary, and also visited Kelowna. During the tour, they saw sights like Myra Canyon and watched a hockey game. They even visited the USA for a day. The tour lasted one month. In 2015, to celebrate their 10th anniversary, they held a concert called “Mi ga pa žlindramo” in Ribnica’s Sports Hall. Television Slovenia recorded the concert and showed it in two parts the next year. At this concert, they introduced a new song “Nasmehni se,” recorded with their idols, the Franc Mihelič Ensemble, who are also from Sodražica. In February 2016, they released a single “Le tvoj parfum”. In June, it was followed by “Mi ga pa žlindramo”. Also in 2016, bass singer Tadej Oswald left the band. He was succeeded by Kristian Oven. The first record with the new bass singer was called “Pogrešam te” and was released in March 2017. The song immediately reached the Slovenian charts, and reached the #1 spot on the domestic charts. In December, the song “Neumen in mlad” came out. At the Pesem prepostih Ljudi concert the band received the award for best ensemble by the jury in February 2018. In the summer, they did a lot of performances. In September, Boštjan Merhar left the band. The last song including him was called “Ko se ženi ribnčan”. Matic Padaršič was the new group member. In December 2018 the band came up with two Christmas songs, “Srečno novo leto” and “Srečno novo leto”. The new song “Veliko je želja” was premiered at the Slovenska Polka in Valček Festival in 2019. For the festival they teamed up with the group Amabile. They reached the final with their song. In September of the same year they released the song “Kaj pa vidva”. In February 2020 the band started a concert tour along with Amabile, the Iskreno tour. Unfortunately, some of the concerts had to be cancelled. Due to COVID19 they could not be held on another time. In September 2020, the new single “V tvojem objemu se pomirim” came out. After a long time of silence, in January 2022 the news came that Rok Modic, Matic and Kristian left the band. Only Rok Žlindra and Barbara continued, together with new members Blaž Žnidaršič (guitar and drums) and Jernej Oblak (tuba, accordion, trumpet, baritone, and bass). In March 2024 they released a new polka, “Nočem bit ujet”. Entries Narodnozabavni Rock (& Kalamari) Country🇸🇮 Slovenia Year2010 LanguageSlovenian LyricsLeon Oblak MusicMarino Legovič Backings– Results Semi Points: 6Position: 16Running order: 11 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/2faHkE1JZwc?si=QcJWZx4srVTPW_yJ

🇳🇴 Road To Malmö: Norway

We can not wait for the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö. Therefore, we have a closer look at one of the contestants every day. Today: Norway. Gåte Gåte is a celebrated Norwegian folk rock band that began its journey in spring 1999 when siblings Gunnhild Sundli and Sveinung Sundli performed in Trondheim. This early gig set the stage for their collaboration with Magnus Børmark, Halvor Hoem, Martin Langlie, and later Gjermund Landrø. They released their first EP shortly after, featuring tracks like the lullaby “Byssan Lull” and the hymn “Eg veit i himmelrik ei borg.” The band enjoyed substantial success from 2002 to 2005, highlighted by their debut album “Jygri,” which sold 40,000 copies and earned them a Spellemann Award as “newcomer of the year.” Their performance at by:Larm in Kristiansand and various award nominations marked their prominence in Norway’s music scene. However, they disbanded in 2005. Gåte reunited occasionally from 2005 to 2017, performing live and releasing a live album and DVD. In 2017, they officially reformed, adding new members and collaborating with folk musician Knut Buen, producing new EPs and albums that embraced traditional Norwegian folk music. In 2023, they embarked on their largest tour across Norway and Denmark, and won Melodi Grand Prix 2024 with “Ulveham.” Gåte is set to represent Norway at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 in Malmö. Norsk Melodi Grand Prix Already from the first moment on, the Norwegian entry has been chosen through Melodi Grand Prix. Only in 1991 the contest was cancelled and the group Just 4 Fun was chosen to represent the country. This year, 3 semifinals with 6 songs each were held. Half of the songs from each semifinal went to the final. The final contained a total of 9 songs. Familiar names in the field of Eurovision were Margaret Berger, Keiino and Benedicte Adrian (former Dollie Deluxe, now Mistra). While Keiino won the jury vote, Gåte was the favourite of the televote and the overall winner. Norway in the Eurovision Song Contest The first time Norway participated in the Eurovision Song Contest was in 1960. It was a long and thorny path (said 1986 host Åse Kleveland) to the first victory. It happened in 1985 when Bobbysocks won with “La det swinge”. Ten years later Secret Garden took the trophy home with “Nocturne”. The 3rd victory came in 2009, when Alexander Rybak won with “Fairytale”. But let’s not forget the forementioned Åse Kleveland, who was 3rd back in 1966. And what to think about Elisabeth Andreassen, member of Bobbysocks but also 2nd in 1996 as a solosinger? Alexander Rybak, EBU/Thomas Hanses The Bookmakers Currently, Norway is in 6th place in the odds to qualify from the 2nd semifinal. In the odds to win the contest, the country is 15th. So the chances that Norway will make it to the final are high! The song And this is the song:

🇪🇪 Road To Malmö: Estonia

We can not wait for the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö. Therefore, we have a closer look at one of the contestants every day. Today: Estonia. 5miinust 5miinust is a popular hip hop group from Võsu, Estonia, established in 2015. The group initially consisted of Estoni Kohver, Päevakoer, Põhja-Korea, and Lancelot, with Venelane joining later. Venelane left the group in 2023, returning it to its original lineup. They first gained major attention in 2018 after their albums “Aasta plaat” and “Rämmar” became top sellers. Their 2019 collaboration with Nublu, “Aluspükse,” topped the Eesti Tipp-40 chart for six weeks. Signed to Universal Music Group’s Baltic branch, they’ve produced multiple number-one singles. 5miinust has won several Estonian Music Awards, including Artist of the Year twice. Recently, they won Eesti Laul 2024, earning the chance to represent Estonia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. Puuluup Puuluup is an Estonian nu-folk duo formed in 2014 by Ramo Teder and Marko Veisson. Known for their innovative use of the hiiu kannel (a traditional stringed instrument) and loopers, they create a unique sound. They began their music journey with the release of “Süüta mu lumi” in 2018, followed by “Kasekesed / Kasekäpa” in 2020, and “Viimane suusataja” in 2021. In 2023, Puuluup teamed up with hip hop group 5miinust for Eesti Laul 2024, Estonia’s national selection for Eurovision. Their entry won the competition, earning them the chance to represent Estonia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. Eesti Laul Eesti Laul, previously named Eurolaul, is the Estonian national final for the Eurovision Song Contest. This year, 15 songs competed in a semifinal. 5 of them headed to the final, where 5 other songs were added. Former participant Laura Põldvere participated in the semifinal but didn’t make it to the final. Ollie, 5miinust & Puuluup and Nele-Liis Vaiksoo competed in a superfinal, where televoters decided for 5miinust and Puuluup to win with the song “(Nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi“. Estonia in the Eurovision Song Contest The debut of Estonia came in 1993, when Janika Sillamaa participated in the Eastern European preselection Kvalifikacija Za Millstreet. The country failed to qualify, but Estonia had a song in the 1994 contest. So far, Estonia won only one time: in 2001 with Tanel Padar and Dave Benton and their song “Everybody”. The year before, Ines was 4th with “Once in a lifetime”. The year after, Sahlene was 3rd with “Runaway”. Those were the three times that Estonia made it to the top-5. Last year, Alika did well with an 8th place. The Bookmakers Currently, the Estonian song is 21st in the betting odds to win the contest. In the odds for the semifinal, Estonia has a 9th place. So at this moment it is likely for Estonia to qualify for the final. The Song And this is the song:

🇸🇲 Road To Malmö: San Marino

We can not wait for the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö. Therefore, we have a closer look at one of the contestants every day. Today: San Marino Megara Megara is an alternative metal band from Madrid, Spain, that started making music together in 2015. The group has four members: Kenzy sings, Rober plays guitar, Vitti rocks the bass, and Ra Tache keeps the beat on drums. They’re known for playing a unique kind of music they call “fucksia rock” or “fucksia metal,” which is all about mixing different musical styles into their own special blend. They kicked off with their first EP, Muérase quien pueda, in 2015, and kept the hits coming with albums like Siete in 2016 and Aquí estamos todos locos in 2018. They even played at the big Resurrection Fest in 2019! Their latest album, Truco o trato, came out in 2022. In 2023, they tried to represent Spain at Eurovision with their song “Arcadia” but didn’t make it, even though they got to the final of Benidorm Fest. They also got to open for Babymetal in Spain, which is pretty awesome. The band did not give up. They tried for Eurovision again in 2024 with “11:11” and, after not making it in Spain, got picked to represent San Marino! Una Voce Per San Marino A total of 126 (!!!) songs competed in the San Marinese national final Una Voce Per San Marino. In 5 long semifinals, half of the 16 finalists were chosen. In another competition, the San Marino Sessions, an extra song was chosen. The songs in this competition were al written by AI. The winner, Dana Gillespie with her song “The last polar bear”, reached a 7th place in the final. Eight established artists also competed in the final. Among them Jalisse, who represented Italy in the 1997 contest, and Loredana Berté. The latter was the favourite to win the competition. However, she did not. She ended up in 2nd place behind Megara. San Marino in the Eurovision Song Contest The country debuted in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2008 with the Italian group Miodio. San Marino often (not always!) selects artists from other countries. Even American rapper Flo Rida represented the country. There are also many artists who take part for the country more than once, like Senhit, Valentina Monetta and Serhat. With a 19th place in the final, Serhat was the best scoring artist for San Marino so far with his song “Say Na Na Na”. Serhat, photo: EBU/Thomas Hanses The Bookmakers The odds for winning the Eurovision Song Contest are currently not too positive about Megara: they give them a last place. In the odds to make it to the final, the country has a 13th place. A job has to be done by Megara to convince the jury and televoter and prove the odds to be wrong. The Song And this is the song:

Jon Lilygreen

About Quick Facts NameJon Lilygreen Born04 August 1987 Nationality🇬🇧 British National SelectionEurovision 2010: Epilogi tis kypriakis symmetochis In Eurovision2010 Oslo SongLife Looks Better In Spring (& The Islanders) Biography Jon Lilygreen is a Welsh singer and songwriter. Jon Lilygreen originates from Bettws, in the port city of Newport, where he still lives today and completed his education at Coleg Gwent in singing, guitar, and composition. During his training, he wrote his own songs, which were published in 2009 on the school’s own Coleg Gwent Green Album. Subsequently, Lilygreen performed numerous gigs in his hometown, including the Summer Sessions (2009) hosted by the Riverfront Theatre. He is signed to the independent label Long Life Records. In early February 2010, Lilygreen, together with the band The Islanders, won the Cypriot national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest in Oslo. Their song “Life Looks Better in Spring” was written and composed by Cypriots Nasos Lambrianides and Melis Konstantinou. They reached the final with the song. In 2011, Jon teamed up with Jon Maguire and formed the duo Lilygreen & Maguire. Maguire was involved in music production and had been part of the pop punk band The Story So Far. Additionally, they played together in the band Editions. Their partnership was formed after they met at an open mic night at Kama Lounge in Newport, where Lilygreen was performing cover songs. During the 2012-2014 period, the duo supported Olly Murs and Westlife on their UK tours and embarked on an open-air busking tour across Wales, covering cities like Bangor, Wrexham, and Cardiff. In October 2012, they supported Scouting For Girls on tour. They announced a new single, “Dear Photograph,” for 2013, inspired by the blog of the same name, with plans to collaborate with Taylor Jones of DearPhotograph.com for the music video. Their debut studio album, “Have a Good Time All the Time,” was scheduled for release in November 2013, featuring a mix of new songs, previous singles, and B-Sides. The duo revealed their decision to part ways in January 2014, citing the challenges of the previous year. However, by June 2014, they announced a reunion and soon after released a new single, “Counting Cars.” Meanwhile, Lilygreen frequently teamed up with Scruffman (Pete Morgan, aka Bongo Peet) and Sian King for performances. In 2017, Lilygreen took part in the X-Factor UK, where he sang, among others, “Life looks better in spring”. After the X-Factor he released an album and single, both titled “Pictures of you”. In July 2019, a new EP called “Bottlekids” was released.In September 2019 Lilygreen started performing with a new band, The Brotherhood Wedding & Party Band. In October 2020, Jon teamed up with Bmotion to feature in the song “Alive”. Entries Life Looks Better In Spring (& The Islanders) Country🇨🇾 Cyprus Year2010 LanguageEnglish LyricsNasos Lambrianides MusicNasos LambrianidesMelis Konstantinou Backings– Results Semi Points: 67Position: 10Running order: 14 Results Finals Points: 27Position: 21Running order: 5 https://youtu.be/ZGNtoR2hom4?si=5VylwyPTL_AGqBKL

The Islanders

About Quick Facts MembersJon GregorySylvia StrandKatherine SquireSean WattsCharalambos Kallonas Active2010 – 2011 Nationality🇬🇧 British (Jon, Katherine, Sean)🇳🇴 Norwegian (Sylvia)🇨🇾 Cypriot (Charalambos) National SelectionEurovision 2010: Epilogi tis kypriakis symmetochis In Eurovision2010 Oslo SongLife Looks Better In Spring (with Jon Lilygreen, 2010) Biography The Islanders were a British band. The band was built around John Gregory and Norwegian Sylvia Strand, who also formed a duo. They started their career in 2010, when they, along with Jon Lilygreen, represented Cyprus in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Life looks better in spring”. Entries Life Looks Better In Spring (& Jon Lilygreen) Country🇨🇾 Cyprus Year2010 LanguageEnglish LyricsNasos Lambrianides MusicNasos LambrianidesMelis Konstantinou Backings– Results Semi Points: 67Position: 10Running order: 14 Results Finals Points: 27Position: 21Running order: 5 https://youtu.be/ZGNtoR2hom4?si=plXLRIcCGLEB8BMf

Megara

© EBU/Alma Bengtsson About Quick Facts MembersKenzyRoberVittiRa Tache Founded2015 Nationality🇪🇸 Spanish National SelectionUna Voce Per San Marino 2024Benidorm Fest 2023 In Eurovision2024 Malmö Song11:11 (2024) Biography Megara, an alternative metal music ensemble from Spain, was established in 2015. Comprised of members Kenzy on vocals, Rober on guitar, Vitti on bass, and Ra Tache on drums, this Madrid-based quartet has made a name for itself in the music scene. Identified primarily within the alternative metal genre, Megara’s sound also embraces what they term as “fucksia rock” or “fucksia metal.” This inventive label, blending the words “fuck” and “fuchsia,” signifies their desire to incorporate a broad range of musical influences without being confined to a single genre, aiming instead to embody the broader spectrum of rock music. The band’s journey began with the release of their debut EP, Muérase quien pueda, in 2015, featuring notable tracks like “Seis” and “Baños de sangre.” This was followed by their first full-length album, Siete, in 2016, and their second album, Aquí estamos todos locos, in 2018. Their rising prominence led to a performance at Resurrection Fest in 2019. Their third studio album, Truco o trato, was released in 2022. In the early part of 2023, Megara competed in the Benidorm Fest 2023’s first semifinal, earning 111 points with their song “Arcadia” and securing a spot in the final. Despite not being chosen to represent Spain at Eurovision, their participation sparked discussions, especially due to some staging similarities between their performance and that of Serbia’s Eurovision entry. April of the same year saw them announced as the opening act for Babymetal’s Spanish tour dates. Attempting another shot at Benidorm Fest in 2024 with the track “11:11,” they faced rejection from the selection committee. However, not deterred, they entered the song into San Marino’s selection for Eurovision, Una voce per San Marino. With minor lyrical adjustments to include Italian verses, they managed to impress the jury in the final, leading to their selection as San Marino’s representatives for the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. Unfortunately, the band didn’t make it to the Grand Final of the contest. Entries 11:11 Country🇸🇲 San Marino Year2024 LanguageSpanish LyricsRoberto la Lueta RuizSara Jiménez Moral MusicRoberto la Lueta RuizSara Jiménez Moral DancersAria BedmarEmma Fernández Huerta Results Semi Points: 16Position: 14Running order: 10 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/IqyJvkGmAjo?si=nXITqURAaMC7qrCZ

🇸🇲 Megara represents San Marino!

Spanish Megara has won Una Voce Per San Marino and thus represents the small state in the Eurovision Song Contest. The song “11:11” is written and composed by Isra Dante Ramos Solomando, Roberto la Lueta Ruiz and Sara Jiménez Moral. San Marino will perform in the 2nd half of the 2nd semifinal. The full results are: Megara, “11:11” Loredana Bertè, “Pazza” La Rua, “Governo del cuore” Aimie Atkinson, “A dare for love” Booom!, “Dance like this” Marcella Bella, “Chi siamo davvero” Dana Gillespie, “The last polar bear” XGiove, “Nostalgia” Mate, “Big mama” Jalisse, “Il paradiso di qui” Massala & Foresta, “Paranoia” Daudia, “With you” Aaron Sibley, “Human” Wlady, DJ Jad, Corona & Ice MC, “Questa volta” Kida, “Invincible” Dez, “Freedom” Pago, “Il protagonista”

5miinust

© EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett About Quick Facts MembersEstoni KohverPäevakoerPõhja-KoreaLancelot Founded2015 Nationality🇪🇪 Estonian National SelectionEesti Laul 2024 In Eurovision2024 Malmö Song(Nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi (with Puuluup, 2024) Biography 5miinust, is a hip hop group from Estonia, founded in Võsu in 2015. The original members include Estoni Kohver, Päevakoer, Põhja-Korea, and Lancelot, with a later addition of Venelane (Pavel Bocharov). Venelane announced his departure from the group in the summer of 2023, and since his exit, the group has reverted to its original composition. Originating from Võsu in Lääne-Viru County, 5miinust gained significant attention in 2018, following the success of their studio albums “Aasta plaat” and “Rämmar”, released in 2016 and 2017 respectively through Legendaarne Records. Both albums secured positions in the top twenty of the national best-selling albums chart, ranking them among the 18 most successful albums of 2018. In collaboration with Nublu, they released the single “Aluspükse” in 2019, which led the Eesti Tipp-40 chart for six weeks in a row, earning the title of the 3rd best-selling song in Estonia for that year. That same year, they signed with Universal Music Group’s Baltic branch, under which they released hit singles “Paaristõuked”, “Peo lõpp”, and “Loodus ja hobused”, each reaching the number one spot on the Eesti Tipp-40 chart. 5miinust has been honored at the Estonian Music Awards, the premier awards of the Estonian music scene, winning the Artist of the Year category twice, in addition to receiving two other nominations. In November 2023, 5miinust, together with Puuluup, were announced as semi-finalists for Eesti Laul 2024, Estonia’s national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, with their entry “(Nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi”. They advanced from the first semi-final round and were victorious in the final, securing their place as Estonia’s representatives for the contest. In the contest itself, they reached the Grand Final, where they ended up in a 20th place. Entries (Nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi (with Puuluup) Country🇪🇪 Estonia Year2024 LanguageEstonian LyricsKim WennerströmKristjan ‘Kohver’ JakobsonPriit ‘Lancelot’ TomsonMihkel ‘Päevakoer’ TammKarl ‘Põhja-Korea’ Kivastik MusicKim WennerströmMarko VeissonRamo Teder Backings– Results Semi Points: 79Position: 6Running order: 13 Results Finals Points: 37Position: 20Running order: 9 https://youtu.be/RSMMU2wX0Bk?si=plzcHqhQvQ55gewE