Bands

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

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: