Bands

Gåte

© EBU/Corinne Cumming About Quick Facts MembersGunnhild SundliMagnus BørmarkJon Even SchrärerMats PaulsenJohn Stenersen Founded1999 Nationality🇳🇴 Norwegian National SelectionNorsk Melodi Grand Prix 2024 In Eurovision2024 Malmö SongUlveham (2024) Biography Gåte is a Norwegian folk rock band. The group traces its origins to spring 1999 when siblings Gunnhild Sundli, then 13, and Sveinung Sundli performed at Veita Scene in Trondheim, marking the beginning of their musical journey. This performance spurred a collaboration with Magnus Børmark, Halvor Hoem, and Martin Langlie, and soon after, Gjermund Landrø joined the team. Together, they released an EP featuring five tracks, including notable pieces like the lullaby “Byssan Lull” and the hymn “Eg veit i himmelrik ei borg”. The band achieved significant success between 2002 and 2005, a period marked by the release of their debut album, Jygri, in 2002, which sold 40,000 copies and won a Spellemann Award for “newcomer of the year”. Their music and performances, including a notable presence at by:Larm in Kristiansand and various nominations for prestigious awards, underscored their rising prominence in the Norwegian music scene. Despite their success, the band disbanded in 2005 after a final performance in Setesdal. From 2005 to 2017, Gåte occasionally reunited for performances, including a notable concert in Oslo in 2005 which was later released as the live album Liva and a DVD featuring additional performances. A brief return in 2009 for a cultural festival in Trondheim led to a mini-tour in 2010, showcasing the band’s enduring appeal. In 2017, Gåte reformed with a blend of original and new members, including Gunnhild Sundli, Sveinung Sundli, Magnus Børmark, Jon Even Schärer, and Mats Paulsen. This era was highlighted by collaborations with folk musician Knut Buen, resulting in the release of new music that embraced traditional Norwegian folk influences. Their work during this period included the EPs “Attersyn” and “Til Nord”, as well as the studio albums Svevn and Nord, which continued to explore and expand upon Norway’s rich musical heritage. In 2023, Gåte embarked on their largest tour yet, performing across Norway and Denmark and introducing new material from an upcoming album. Their participation in the Melodi Grand Prix 2024, where they competed with the song “Ulveham” and emerged as winners, solidified their status as leading figures in Norwegian folk rock. Their victory in the competition means Gåte will represent Norway in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 in Malmö, marking a significant milestone in their career. The group reached the Grand Final in the Eurovision Song Contest. However, after the final they admitted that they were in serious doubt about performing, after the Dutch artist had been disqualified. Entries Ulveham Country🇳🇴 Norway Year2024 LanguageNorwegian LyricsSveinung SundliRonny JanssenMarit Jensen LillebuenGunnhild SundliMagnus BørmarkJon Even Schärer MusicSveinung SundliRonny JanssenMarit Jensen LillebuenGunnhild SundliMagnus BørmarkJon Even Schärer Backings– Results Semi Points: 43Position: 10Running order: 15 Results Finals Points: 16Position: 25Running order: 14 https://youtu.be/YBbL8ORqNVU?si=TL6P-6EaqDDu3yOK

Koza Mostra

© Albin Olsson About Quick Facts MembersIlias KozasAlexis ArchontisStelios SiomosChristos KalaitzopoulosVasilis NalbantisDimitris Christonis (not on stage) Founded2011 Nationality🇬🇷 Greek National SelectionEurosong 2013 – a MAD Show In EurovisionMalmö 2013 SongAlcohol Is Free (2013, with Agathon Iakovidis) Biography Formed by Ilias Kozas in 2011, Koza Mostra is a Greek rock ensemble that seamlessly blends ska, punk, and rock with the distinctive sounds of traditional Greek folk, such as Macedonian Greek rhythms and rebetiko. The band features Ilias Kozas (lead vocals, classical and electric guitar), Dimitris Raptis (drums), Stavros Apostolidis (bouzouki and backing vocals), Giannis Bellos (bass and backing vocals), Tasos Gentzis (saxophone and backing vocals), and Asterios Fragos (electric guitar and backing vocals). In 2013, alongside Agathonas Iakovidis, they took the Eurovision Song Contest by storm with their catchy tune “Alcohol Is Free,” securing a commendable 6th place in the final. That same year, their debut album, “Keep up the Rhythm,” earned a triple Platinum certification from the IFPI, a key authority in the Greek music industry. Four years later, in 2017, they dropped their second album, “Corrida.” The single “Don’t panic, we’re on Titanic” followed. In 2018 they released a Theodorakis cover, “Leventis”. In April 2019, the band teamed up with the band Kultur Shock for several performances. The band did a European tour and performed in Bulgaria, Czechia and Italy and later in Germany. On January 31, 2020, a new single was released: “Requiem”. The song featured Pedro Erazo. It took 2 years, until June 29 2022, when a new song, “Bilio” was released. The song was followed by a tour. They visited Bulgaria again, and in 2023 Germany, Serbia and The Netherlands. Entries Alcohol is Free (With Agathon Iakovidis) Country🇬🇷 Country Year2013 LanguageEnglishGreek LyricsStathis PachidisIlias Kozas MusicIlias Kozas FeaturingAgathonas Iakovidis Results Semi Points: 121Position: 2Running order: 9 Results Finals Points: 152Position: 6Running order: 21 https://youtu.be/LFs9AdNV4Qw

Agathonas Iakovidis

About Quick Facts NameAgathonas Iakovidis Born02 January 1955 Deceased05 August 2020 Nationality🇬🇷 Greek National SelectionEurosong 2013 – A MAD Show In Eurovision2013, Malmö SongAlcohol Is Free (2013, with Koza Mostra) Biography Agathonas Iakovidis was a Greek rebetiko singer and composer. He was born in Evangelismos Lagada Thessaloniki in 1955. His parents were refugees from Anatolia; therefore, the first songs he listened to were melodies from that region. He began to engage with music in 1971 and gradually taught himself to play almost all string instruments of rebetiko songs, namely: guitar, baglama, oud, bouzouki, tzoura, mandola, mandolin. In 1973, he made his first professional appearance in a nightclub in Thessaloniki. He immediately realized that the music that expresses him and suits him is rebetiko and dedicated himself exclusively to it. He owned many rare phonograph records with rebetiko songs and used his collection for radio music shows. In 1977, he created the Rebetiko Group of Thessaloniki, with which he performed in venues, held concerts, and recorded two albums. In 1981, he decided to move to Athens. He collaborated with renowned artists of popular music. He became more famous and performed concerts all over Greece and abroad, in Europe and the USA. Since 1987, he lived and worked in Thessaloniki. His discography was exclusively about rebetiko. He had performed many popular rebetika as well as old, unknown songs that he retrieved from the rich archival material he owned. In 2013, he had accepted the invitation of the band Koza Mostra to participate with them in the Eurovision Festival in Malmö, Sweden, with the song “Alcohol Is Free”, with which they advanced to the final of the event and finished in 6th place. He passed away on August 5, 2020, from a heart attack while sleeping. Entries Alcohol Is Free (with Koza Mostra) Country🇬🇷 Country Year2013 LanguageEnglishGreek LyricsStathis PachidisIlias Kozas MusicIlias Kozas Koza MostraIlias KozasAlexis ArchontisStelios SiomosChristos KalaitzopoulosVasilis NalbantisDimitris Christonis (not on stage) Results Semi Points: 121Position: 2Running order: 9 Results Finals Points: 152Position: 6Running order: 21 https://youtu.be/LFs9AdNV4Qw

Mariko Ebralidze

About Quick Facts NameMariko Ebralidze Born1984 Nationality🇬🇪 Georgian National SelectionInternal selection 2014 In Eurovision2014 Copenhagen SongThree Minutes To Earth (with The Shin, 2014) Biography Mariko Ebralidze is a notable Georgian jazz singer who gained international attention when she was selected to represent Georgia at the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest, alongside the band “The Shin”, with the song “Three Minutes to Earth”. Ebralidze was born in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. She graduated from the Tbilisi State Conservatoire, where she studied piano. However, her passion for singing led her towards a career in music. She’s been performing professionally since 2008, primarily as a jazz singer. Prior to her participation in the Eurovision Song Contest, Mariko Ebralidze had been a respected figure in the Georgian jazz scene for several years. She performed with several big bands and jazz ensembles throughout Georgia and internationally, earning acclaim for her emotive performances and her smooth, sultry vocals. Despite her background in jazz, Ebralidze’s Eurovision entry with The Shin was an experimental piece combining elements of Georgian folk, jazz, and pop music. Although the song didn’t make it past the semi-finals in the contest, it highlighted Ebralidze’s versatility and ability to perform across different genres. Also in May 2014, she released a solo song, “Don’t say goodbye”. In 2017 she teamed up with the band Niutone to do some Christmas performances. She worked together with Otar Tatishvili for several songs and performances. For the Iavnana Charity Foundation, she did a performance in 2021 singing the song “Smile”. Together with Kato Chkareul she performed “Prince Ali” from the movie Aladdin. She did this performance in the childrens show Ranina. Entries Three Minutes To Earth (& The Shin) Country🇬🇪 Georgia Year2014 LanguageEnglish LyricsEugen Eliu MusicZaza Miminoshvili Backings– Results Semi Points: 15Position: 15Running order: 4 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/0v69AvCQJQY

The Shin

© Albin Olsson About Quick Facts MembersAlexander ChumburidzeMamuka GaganidzeZaza MiminoshviliZurab Gagnidze Founded1998 Nationality🇬🇪 Georgian National SelectionInternal selection 2014 In Eurovision2014 Copenhagen SongThree Minutes To Earth (2014, with Mariko) Biography “The Shin” is a Georgian band known for their innovative fusion of traditional Georgian polyphonic music with other music genres such as jazz and pop. They formed in Germany in 1998. The members of the band include Zaza Miminoshvili (guitars, panduri), Zurab Gagnidze (bass, vocals), Mamuka Gaganidze (percussion, vocals), and Eugen Vizir (drums). Zaza and Zurab, who have been friends since childhood, are the creative core of the band. Mamuka Gaganidze, a well-known performer of Georgian polyphonic songs, joined them in 2002. “The Shin” literally means “home” in Georgian, but it also has a broader connotation of the space where the east meets the west. Their music is often characterized by the use of traditional Georgian instruments and vocal styles, intertwined with elements of modern Western music. This style allows them to convey the fusion of their different cultural experiences in a unique way. Over the years, The Shin has performed in various music festivals and events around the world. They were also selected to represent Georgia in the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest, with their song “Three Minutes to Earth”, which again showcased their distinctive blend of Georgian and Western musical styles. The Shin performed on a lot of occasions in Germany and the Baltic states. They played a lot on folk festivals in those countries and in Georgia itself. On 12 August 2019, the sad news came that Mamuka Gaganidze passed away. He died of skin cancer. Entries Three Minutes To Earth (with Mariko) Country🇬🇪 Georgia Year2014 LanguageEnglish LyricsEugen Eliu MusicZaza Miminoshvili Backings– Results Semi Points: 15Position: 15Running order: 4 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/0v69AvCQJQY

Road to Liverpool: Ireland

We can not wait for the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool. Therefore, we have a closer look at one of the contestants every day. Today: Ireland. Wild Youth The national final in Ireland was won by Wild Youth. They sang the song “We are one”, which is written and composed by Conor O’Donohoe, Ed Porter and Jörgen Elofsson. Wild Youth was formed in Dublin in 2016. The band exists of David Whelan, Conor O’Donohoe, Ed Porter and Callum McAdam. In 2017 they released their first single “All or nothing“. In 2019 they released their first album “The last goodbye”. The band toured through Ireland and the United Kingdom. Last year, they opened for Lewis Capaldi on his concerts. At the same time their song “Live without you” was a hit. In 2023 they won, as said, the national final for the Eurovision Song Contest. Public Image Ltd. Ireland has chosen the song through a national final called Eurosong 2023. The competition was part of the show the Late Late Show. A total of six artists and songs participated. One of the participants was a very remarkable one: the band PIL. They sang the song “Hawaii“. They became 4th. PIL (Public Image Limited) is not new to the audience. The band already had a big hit in 1983, “This is not a love song“, and “Rise” in 1984. Singer John Lydon, aka Johnny Rotten, also was the singer of punk band The Sex Pistols. Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest In 1965 Ireland debuted in the Eurovision Song Contest. They only had to wait until 1970 before Dana took the prize for the green island. The 2nd, 3rd ánd 4th victory were for mr. Eurovision himself, Johnny Logan. He sang the songs in 1980 and 1987 himself, while he composed the song for Linda Martin in 1992. That was the start of a long row of Irish victories: Niamh Kavanagh in 1993, Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan in 1994 and Eimear Quinn in 1996. Oh, and let’s not forget 1995: Norway won, but the group Secret Garden was led by the Irish violinist Fionualla Sherry. Anyway, Ireland holds the record of 7 (!!!) victories. The last few years were not so succesful for Ireland. Since 2014, only one contestant (Ryan O’Shaugnessy in 2018) reached the final. Bookmakers Currently, Ireland is number 23 in the betting odds. That would mean a place in the final this year. The Irish will probably be happy with a result like that. The song And of course, here is the song:

Road to Liverpool: Latvia

We can not wait for the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool. Therefore, we have a closer look at one of the contestants every day. Today: Latvia. Sudden Lights Sudden Lights won Supernova, the Latvian selection for the Eurovision Song Contest. They sang the selfwritten song “Aijā”, which is sung in both English and Latvian. Sudden Lights exists of Andrejs Reinis Zitmanis, Kārlis Matīss Zitmanis, Mārtiņš Matīss Zemītis and Kārlis Vārtiņš. They started the band in 2012, but got their first chances to record songs in 2015. After they won a music competition they released their debut single “Tik Savādi”. One of their biggest hits in 2016 was “Priekšpilsētas valsis“. In 2018, Sudden Lights already took part in Supernova with their song “Just fine“. They became 2nd. In 2020 they teamed up with the band Astro’n’out for the song “Haosā“. In total, Sudden Lights released three albums. Supernova The national final for the Eurovision Song Contest in Latvia is named Supernova. The contest was held first in 2015, when Aminata won the contest with “Love injected”. Every year, one or two semifinals are held before the final. This year, it was only one semifinal. Aminata often took part, not only as a singer but also as a composer. One of her songs, sung by Justs, won in 2016. Another singer who attempted to win the ticket to Eurovision many times was Markus Riva. He never made it to the Eurovision stage so far. Latvia in the Eurovision Song Contest Latvia debuted in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2000, and immediately with success. Brainstorm reached a third place with “My star”. Two years later, Marie N led the country to a victory with her song “I wanna”. That brought the contest to the capital Riga in 2003. After this, only one top-5 position was there for Latvia. In 2005 Walters and Kazha sang “The war is not over”. It was in two languages: English and sign language. The bookmakers Latvia is in 35th place at the bookmakers at this moment. That would be a big disappointment for the country that never made it to the final after 2016. Let’s hope for them the bookmakers are wrong. The song And of course, this is the song:

Road to Liverpool: Malta

We can not wait for the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool. Therefore, we have a closer look at one of the contestants every day. Today: Malta. The Busker The Busker is the band that will represent Malta. The band already exists since 2012. In 2013, they released their first video “The ballad of John Brown”. After a few changes, the band currently exists of Dav Jr, Jean Paul Borg and Sean Meachen. In 2017, they released their debut album “Telegram”. In 2021 their second album “Ladies and gentlemen” followed. The band worked together with Matthew James for the song “Just a little bit more” and with Raquella for “Don’t you tell me what you feel“. The band never before took part in any national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest. As a solo singer, Dav jr. was involved in X-Factor Malta 2020. That was the national selection in that year. Dav jr. reached the last 10.This year they won the national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest with “Dance (Our own party)”. MESC Malta chose their entry through MESC (Malta Eurovision Song Contest), the same contest as last year. Malta has always chosen their entry through national finals. In 2019 and 2020 they selected their song through the X-Factor Malta. This year, it all started with 3 quarter finals. There was a semifinal with 24 songs and a final with 16 artists. Controversial: the favourite to win the contest, Aidan with his song “Regina”, was disqualified after the first quarter final. He made social media posts about his song in a way that was, according to the MESC rules, was not allowed. Malta in the Eurovision Song Contest Malta never won the Eurovision Song Contest. Their first participation was in 1971, but after 1975 the island quit. After their return in 1991, there was a second place in two occasions. In 2002 it was Ira Losco with “7th wonder”, in 2005 Chiara with “Angel”. Malta always sung in English, with the exception of the first two entries. The bookmakers The bookmakers currently predict a 31st place for Malta. That means Malta would not qualify for a second time in a row. Hopefully Malta does better than predicted. The song And of course this is the song:

Lord Of The Lost

© EBU/Corinne Cumming About Quick Facts MembersChris “Lord” HarmsClass GrenaydeGared DirgePiNiklas Kahl Founded2007 Nationality🇩🇪 German National SelectionUnser Lied für Liverpool 2023 In Eurovision2023 Liverpool SongBlood and glitter (2023) Biography Lord of the Lost is a German dark rock band from Hamburg led by singer and frontman Chris Harms. Lord of the Lost was founded by Chris Harms in mid-2007. Harms was previously active as a singer and guitarist in the rock band Philiae from 1999 to 2004 and from 2004 as a guitarist and second singer in the glam metal band The Pleasures. Originally he just called himself Lord. Musician friends quickly joined and a band developed from the planned solo project. To avoid possible name disputes with Lordi and The Lords, the band renamed themselves Lord of the Lost. After a single, “Dry the Rain”, the debut album “Fears” was released in spring 2010. During the recordings of the second album, Lord of the Lost went on an extensive tour in 2010. In spring 2011, the first single from the second album “Antagony” was released, titled “Sex on Legs”. In addition, the band opened for Mono Inc. on their first part of their tour. In summer 2012 the third album, “Die Tomorrow”, was released. Shortly before the release, the band already started working on the fourth album. In October 2012, Lord of the Lost opened for The Last Instance on their Ewig tour. In spring 2013 the co-headlining tour Darkness Kills (along with Unzucht) took place, followed in September by the We Are the Lost tour together with Lost Area. In February 2014, drummer Christian Schellhorn left the band. Tobias Mertens took his place. In March 2014, the band embarked on their first crowdfunded tour of the United States. In two months, fans and sponsors raised $12,775, surpassing the previous goal of $10,000. In March 2015, Lord of the Lost released a new album: “Swan Songs”. In 2015 Lord of the Lost released the EP “Full Metal Whore”. The tour for the album was themed Make Love Make War. In December 2015, “A Night to Remember – Live Acoustic in Hamburg”, the DVD and live CD for the spring acoustic tour, was released. The first single from the album “Empyrean” was titled “The Love of God”. It was released in May 2016. This was followed by the band’s first major European tour, Make Europe Great Again (M.E.G.A.). “Empyrean” was released in late July 2016 and is the second concept album after “Antagony”. Various festival appearances followed In December 2016, guitarist Bo Six announced his departure from the band for professional and personal reasons. At the beginning of January 2017 the band presented their new guitarist with π (Pi). In July 2017, Mertens announced that he would be taking a break from Lord of the Lost for personal and professional reasons. Since then, Niklas Kahl has represented him at live performances. At Christmas 2017, the line-up change was complete and Kahl was officially presented as the new drummer. In March 2020, a ZDF documentary was released, which accompanied the band and the senior choir Heaven Can Wait from Hamburg while recording a song together. After Iron Maiden bassist Steve Harris praised the band in the British version of the magazine Metal Hammer, Lord of the Lost should appear as a support act for some shows of their tour in summer 2020. Due to COVID19, the tour had to be postponed repeatedly. In 2022 it was realized and resulted in 18 support shows in 16 countries. With the song “Blood and Glitter”, Lord of the won Unser Lied für Liverpool, the national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest 2023. As the German representatives, they were able to meet the British king Charles III and queen Camilla. Unfortunately, they ended up in last place in the Grand Final of Eurovision. Entries Blood & Glitter Country🇩🇪 Germany Year2023 LanguageEnglish LyricsAnthony James BrownChris “Lord” HarmsRupert KeplingerPi Stoffers MusicAnthony James BrownChris “Lord” HarmsRupert KeplingerPi Stoffers Backings– Results Semi Points: –Position: –Running order: – Results Finals Points: 18Position: 26Running order: 21 https://youtu.be/dyGR4YWlPEs

Piqued Jacks

© EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett About Quick Facts MembersE-KingMajic-olittleladieHolyHargot Founded2006 Nationality🇮🇹 Italian National SelectionUna Voce Per San Marino 2023 In Eurovision2023 Liverpool SongLike An Animal (2023) Biography The Piqued Jacks are an Italian musical group formed in 2006 in Buggiano and composed by E-King (vocals, piano, synthesizer), Majic-o (guitar), littleladle (bass) and HolyHargot (drums). The Piqued Jacks were formed in 2006 in Buggiano, in the province of Pistoia. In 2010 and 2011 they released their first two EPs. They then worked with producer Brian Lanese on their third EP, “Just a Machine”, released in January 2013. In March 2014 they worked with Matt Noveskey of Blue October on the singles “Upturned Perspectives” and “No Bazooka”. Their first album “Climb like Ivy Does” came out in 2015, and in 2016 the acoustic version was released, titled “Aerial Roots”. In 2016 drummer ThEd0g was replaced by Damiano Beritelli, who was in turn replaced in 2017 by HolyHargot. In June 2018 the single “Wildly Shine” was released, produced by Michael Beinhorn. Four months later “The Living Past” followd, the band’s second studio album. In April 2019 guitarist Penguinsane left the group and was replaced by Majic-o. In the same year the Piqued Jacks won the prize in the rock category at the Sanremo Rock festival. In 2020 they were selected by MTV for the New Generation platform. In September of the same year the single “Safety Distance” was released, which anticipated the third album “Synchronizer” in March 2021. In 2023 they participated in the second edition of Una voce per San Marino, where they presented the song “Like an Animal”. They won the contest and thus represented San Marino in the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool. However, they did not make it to the Grand Final. Entries Like An Animal Country🇸🇲 San Marino Year2023 LanguageEnglish LyricsPiqued Jacks MusicPiqued Jacks Backings– Results Semi Points: 0Position: 15Running order: 12 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/pIdHjcqyLfo