Bands

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:

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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:

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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

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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

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Piqued Jacks will sing for San Marino!

Piqued Jacks will sing for San Marino. After a very long evening the band has been chosen to sing the San Marinese entry “Like an animal” in the Eurovision Song Contest. Piqued Jacks will perform in the second half of the second semifinal. Here are the full results: Piqued Jacks, “Like an animal” Le Deva, “Fiori su marte” XGiove, “Fucco e benzina Mayu, “C’e qualcosa in me che non funziona” Eiffel 65, “Movie star” Edoardo Brogi, “Due punti sull’equatore” Ellynora, “Mama told me” Tothem, “Sacro e profano” EEF, “Something for you” Vina Rose, “Oblivious”   The other songs were: Alfie Arcuri, “Collide” Deborah Iurato, “Out of space” Deshedus, “Non basterà” Iole, “Sui tetto del mondo” Kida, “Stessa pelle” Lorenzo Licitra, “Never give up” Mate, “Prisma” NeVruz, “L’Alieno” Ronela Hajati, “Salvaje” Roy Paci, “Tromba” Thomas, “23:23”

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Slovenian Joker Out! presents “Carpe Diem”

photo: primož lukežič Tonight, the Slovenian band Joker Out! presented their Eurovision entry. The song is called “Carpe diem”, as was already revealed in an earlier stage. The song was presented after a show called Misija Liverpool. Joker Out will perform the song in the 2nd half of the 2nd semifinal.

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Joker Out

© EBU/Chloe Hashemi About Quick Facts MembersBojan CvjetićaninJure MačekKris GuštinJan PetehNace Jordan Founded2016 Nationality🇸🇮 Slovenian National SelectionInternal selection 2023 In Eurovision2023 Liverpool SongCarpe Diem (2023) Biography Joker Out is a pop rock band from Ljubljana. They describe their style as “shagadelic rock’n’roll”. The band was formed in May 2016, after the breakup of the band Apokalipsa, in which Bojan Cvjetićanin, Martin Jurkovič, Matic Kovačič and Luka Škerlep played. Three of them – Cvjetićanin, Jurkovič and Kovačič – were joined by Kris Guštin and Jan Peteh from the group Bouržuazija and Joker Out was born. Their first public performance was at the Festival Na Gaj in May 2016. In November of the same year, they released their first single “Kot srce ki kri poganja”, for which they also recorded a music video. A few days later, on November 10, they had their first (preliminary) appearance in the Špil Liga, a talent show for bands. In the following months, they performed a lot on festivals and in television shows. They also competed for a performance in the finals of the Volkswagen Rocks tour. In the final of the Špil Liga they became the winners of its 4th season. In November, their second song “Omamljeno telo” was released. They kept on performing a lot in live shows, also in 2017 and 2018. Their next single “Gola”, in which they collaborated for the first time with producer Žaret Pak, was released on September 12, 2019. Before that, they had a break of about 8 months, which was the result of Cvjetićanin wanting to try a solo career, but in the end he found that working in a group suited him better. On 2 November 2019 they had their first completely independent concert, at the Ljubljana Castle, and in December they performed again at the Rhythm of Youth. “Goli” was followed by the fourth single “Vem da greš” in March 2020, and then “Umazane misli” (October 2020) and “A sem ti sajal” (July 2021). Jure Maček replaced drummer Matic Kovačič between the releases of “Umazanih misli” and “A sem ti sila”. The composition “Umazane misli” was chosen by the audience as the “newest Slovenian composition of the last year” at the festival Frišno/Fresh – Dan Nove Slovenske Glasbe, which took place on October 1, 2021. Their first album “Umazane misli” was released in October 2021. It was originally supposed to be released in April 2020, but its release was postponed several times due to COVID19. In those two years, they received two golden flutes: in 2020 for Newcomer of the Year and in 2021 for Artist of the Year. In April 2022, they released the music video for the last single from the first album, “Barve oceana”. On May 12, at the eighth awarding of the Golden Pipes, for the second year in a row, they celebrated in the performer of the year category. On August 31, they released their second album “Demoni”, which was announced by the song “Katrina”. On October 10, they announced on Instagram that bassist Martin Jurkovič was leaving the band due to studying abroad. For now, they continue as a quartet, and Nace Jordan accompanies them on their performances. “Katrina” was followed at the end of October by “Demoni”, their first single in Serbian, which represents their first official release for the market of the former Yugoslavia. On December 8, 2022, RTV Slovenia announced that Joker Out will represent Slovenia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 in Liverpool. With their song, “Carpe Diem”, they reached the final and were 21st there. Entries Carpe Diem Country🇸🇮 Slovenia Year2023 LanguageSlovenian LyricsBojan Cvjetićanin MusicBojan CvjetićaninKris GuštinJan PetehJure MačekNace Jordan Backings– Results Semi Points: 103Position: 5Running order: 10 Results Finals Points: 78Position: 21Running order: 24 https://youtu.be/3LXlPviGiWc

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The Black Mamba

© EBU/Andres Putting About Quick Facts MembersPedro TatankaMiguel CasaisMarco PombinhoRui Pedro “Pity” VazGuilherme “Gui” Salgueiro Established2010 Nationality🇵🇹 Porutgese National SelectionFestival da Canção 2021 In EurovisionRotterdam 2021 SongLove is on my side (2021) Biography In May 2010, Pedro Taborda ( aka Tatanka), Ciro Cruz and Miguel Casais formed The Black Mamba. They soon released their first album with the same name.  In just over a year, they passed through London, Philadelphia, Luanda, Madrid and Seville on their debut tour, having also visited Brazil in 2013. In 2014, the band released their second album, “Dirty Little Brother”, after which a new national and international tour followed. In 2016, the band presented a series of concerts in acoustic format. In October 2018, the band presented the third album, “The Mamba King“. The next year, the Good Times Tour tour celebrated the band’s 10-year career, ending at the end of February 2020. In 2021, the band participated in Festival da Canção, the Portuguese national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest. They won and represented Portugal in the contest in Rotterdam.  Entries Love is on my side Country🇵🇹 Country Year2021 LanguageEnglish LyricsTATANKA MusicTATANKA Backings– Results Semi Points: 239Position: 4Running order: 12 Results Finals Points: 153Position: 12Running order: 7 https://youtu.be/qq9SceXaukA

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Måneskin

© EBU/Thomas Hanses About Quick Facts MembersDamiano DavidVictoria De AngelisThomas RaggiEthan Torchio Established2016 Nationality🇮🇹 Italian National SelectionFestival di Sanremo 2021 In Eurovision2021 Rotterdam SongZitti e buoni (2021) Biography In November 2015, a few years after their first meeting, David contacted bassist Victoria De Angelis with the aim of forming a group; guitarist Thomas Raggi, a friend of De Angelis, and drummer Ethan Torchio joined the group through an ad posted on a Facebook group. In 2016 the group took part in the Pulse – High School Band Contest and won it. For the first time they used the name Måneskin, a Danish word (translated into Italian as Moonlight). Danish is Victoria’s mother language. In the same year they debuted with the first official concert.In 2017 they took part in the X Factor talent show. They ranked in second place. Soon, their first EP was released.Their first studio album “Il ballo della vita” was released, accompanied by a documentary “This is Måneskin”, which was played in several cinemas. They opened on a concert of Imagine Dragons. Their single “Torna a casa” became a great success. The album was followed by a European tour in November 2018. In october 2020, their single “Vent’anni” from the new album was released. In March 2021 they took part in the Festival of Sanremo with the song “Zitti e buoni” and won it. In may 2021 they won the 65th Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam. After the contest, “Zitti e buoni” became a worldwide hit.”Zitti e buoni” and “I Wanna Be Your Slave” also entered the top ten of the Billboard top 100 in the USA. Their 2017 cover of “Beggin’” also became a worldwide hit. It even reached the no. 13 spot in the Billboard list. The band went on a European promotional tour between June and July.  The band’s eleventh single “Supermodel” was released on 13 May 2022, and was performed at the final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 held in Turin. Entries Zitti e buoni Country🇮🇹 Italy Year2021 LanguageItalian Lyrics & MusicDamiano DavidVictoria De AngelisThomas RaggiEthan Torchio Backings– Results Semi Points: –Position: –Running order: – Results Finals Points: 524Position: 1Running order: 24 https://youtu.be/RVH5dn1cxAQ

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Blind Channel

© EBU/Thomas Hanses About Quick Facts Group membersJoel HokkaNiko VilhelmJoonas PorkoOlli MatelaTommi LalliAleksi Kaunisvesi Established2013 Nationality🇫🇮 Finnish National SelectionUMK 2021 In Eurovision2021 Rotterdam SongDark side (2021) Biography Blind Channel is a five-, now six-man rock band founded in Oulu in 2013. The band itself defines its music with the term “violent pop,” which the band has used since its inception.  After two self-published releases, Blind Channel participated in the 2014 Wacken Metal Battle. They won, and the prize was a performance in the festival Wacken Open Air. In the same year, the band signed their record deal with the Finnish company Ranka Kustannus.Their debut album Revolutions was released on October 1, 2016. In June 2016, Blind Channel was chosen to open for the Canadian band Simple Plan in Finland and all Baltic countries. In 2017, the band also opened for Royal Republic. Their second album Blood Brothers was released in April 2018, while in February, Blind Channel opened for Hollywood Undead, who played at the Helsinki Ice Rink. It resulted in the band opening for Hollywood Undead at four other European concerts as well. In May, Blind Channel played at Tavastiafor the first time  as the main performer. Following the release of the album, the band went on a tour in June that included performances in Finland and abroad. In December 2018, Blind Channel toured the UK with All That Remains and Sevendust. After the tour, Blood Brothers was nominated for the Emma Gala in the category Rock Album of the Year. In November 2018, Blind Channel released their first single from their third album, “Over My Dead Body”. In March 2019, the band released a song called “Timebomb” in which Alex Mattson (Aleksi Kaunisvesi) was a visiting artist. With the collaboration, Blind Channel also ended up playing a joint gig later that year with him. The third studio album Violent Pop was released in April 2020. In October 2020, the band announced Alex Mattson would join the band as its sixth member. He plays samples, synthesizers and percussion in the band and produces the band’s music. In february 2021 the band won UMK, the Finnish national final for the Eurovision Song Contest, with the song “Dark side”, and thus represented Finland in Eurovision. In May 2021, Blind Channel signed an international record deal with Century Media Records, a record company focused on metal music under Sony Music.  In August 2021, the band released the single “Balboa.” In November 2021, the Blind Channel released the single “We Are No Saints,” which, according to band members, reflects how they were pressured to become role models. At the end of 2021, the band was awarded the Kaleva Publicity of the Year award.  Entries Dark side Country🇫🇮 Finland Year2021 LanguageEnglish Lyrics & MusicAleksi KaunisvesiJoonas PorkoJoel HokkaNiko Vilhelm MoilainenOlli Matela Backings– Results Semi Points: 234Position: 5Running order: 14 Results Finals Points: 301Position: 6Running order: 16 https://youtu.be/fOPGxQ4fgVw

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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:

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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:

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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

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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

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Piqued Jacks will sing for San Marino!

Piqued Jacks will sing for San Marino. After a very long evening the band has been chosen to sing the San Marinese entry “Like an animal” in the Eurovision Song Contest. Piqued Jacks will perform in the second half of the second semifinal. Here are the full results: Piqued Jacks, “Like an animal” Le Deva, “Fiori su marte” XGiove, “Fucco e benzina Mayu, “C’e qualcosa in me che non funziona” Eiffel 65, “Movie star” Edoardo Brogi, “Due punti sull’equatore” Ellynora, “Mama told me” Tothem, “Sacro e profano” EEF, “Something for you” Vina Rose, “Oblivious”   The other songs were: Alfie Arcuri, “Collide” Deborah Iurato, “Out of space” Deshedus, “Non basterà” Iole, “Sui tetto del mondo” Kida, “Stessa pelle” Lorenzo Licitra, “Never give up” Mate, “Prisma” NeVruz, “L’Alieno” Ronela Hajati, “Salvaje” Roy Paci, “Tromba” Thomas, “23:23”

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Slovenian Joker Out! presents “Carpe Diem”

photo: primož lukežič Tonight, the Slovenian band Joker Out! presented their Eurovision entry. The song is called “Carpe diem”, as was already revealed in an earlier stage. The song was presented after a show called Misija Liverpool. Joker Out will perform the song in the 2nd half of the 2nd semifinal.

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Joker Out

© EBU/Chloe Hashemi About Quick Facts MembersBojan CvjetićaninJure MačekKris GuštinJan PetehNace Jordan Founded2016 Nationality🇸🇮 Slovenian National SelectionInternal selection 2023 In Eurovision2023 Liverpool SongCarpe Diem (2023) Biography Joker Out is a pop rock band from Ljubljana. They describe their style as “shagadelic rock’n’roll”. The band was formed in May 2016, after the breakup of the band Apokalipsa, in which Bojan Cvjetićanin, Martin Jurkovič, Matic Kovačič and Luka Škerlep played. Three of them – Cvjetićanin, Jurkovič and Kovačič – were joined by Kris Guštin and Jan Peteh from the group Bouržuazija and Joker Out was born. Their first public performance was at the Festival Na Gaj in May 2016. In November of the same year, they released their first single “Kot srce ki kri poganja”, for which they also recorded a music video. A few days later, on November 10, they had their first (preliminary) appearance in the Špil Liga, a talent show for bands. In the following months, they performed a lot on festivals and in television shows. They also competed for a performance in the finals of the Volkswagen Rocks tour. In the final of the Špil Liga they became the winners of its 4th season. In November, their second song “Omamljeno telo” was released. They kept on performing a lot in live shows, also in 2017 and 2018. Their next single “Gola”, in which they collaborated for the first time with producer Žaret Pak, was released on September 12, 2019. Before that, they had a break of about 8 months, which was the result of Cvjetićanin wanting to try a solo career, but in the end he found that working in a group suited him better. On 2 November 2019 they had their first completely independent concert, at the Ljubljana Castle, and in December they performed again at the Rhythm of Youth. “Goli” was followed by the fourth single “Vem da greš” in March 2020, and then “Umazane misli” (October 2020) and “A sem ti sajal” (July 2021). Jure Maček replaced drummer Matic Kovačič between the releases of “Umazanih misli” and “A sem ti sila”. The composition “Umazane misli” was chosen by the audience as the “newest Slovenian composition of the last year” at the festival Frišno/Fresh – Dan Nove Slovenske Glasbe, which took place on October 1, 2021. Their first album “Umazane misli” was released in October 2021. It was originally supposed to be released in April 2020, but its release was postponed several times due to COVID19. In those two years, they received two golden flutes: in 2020 for Newcomer of the Year and in 2021 for Artist of the Year. In April 2022, they released the music video for the last single from the first album, “Barve oceana”. On May 12, at the eighth awarding of the Golden Pipes, for the second year in a row, they celebrated in the performer of the year category. On August 31, they released their second album “Demoni”, which was announced by the song “Katrina”. On October 10, they announced on Instagram that bassist Martin Jurkovič was leaving the band due to studying abroad. For now, they continue as a quartet, and Nace Jordan accompanies them on their performances. “Katrina” was followed at the end of October by “Demoni”, their first single in Serbian, which represents their first official release for the market of the former Yugoslavia. On December 8, 2022, RTV Slovenia announced that Joker Out will represent Slovenia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 in Liverpool. With their song, “Carpe Diem”, they reached the final and were 21st there. Entries Carpe Diem Country🇸🇮 Slovenia Year2023 LanguageSlovenian LyricsBojan Cvjetićanin MusicBojan CvjetićaninKris GuštinJan PetehJure MačekNace Jordan Backings– Results Semi Points: 103Position: 5Running order: 10 Results Finals Points: 78Position: 21Running order: 24 https://youtu.be/3LXlPviGiWc

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The Black Mamba

© EBU/Andres Putting About Quick Facts MembersPedro TatankaMiguel CasaisMarco PombinhoRui Pedro “Pity” VazGuilherme “Gui” Salgueiro Established2010 Nationality🇵🇹 Porutgese National SelectionFestival da Canção 2021 In EurovisionRotterdam 2021 SongLove is on my side (2021) Biography In May 2010, Pedro Taborda ( aka Tatanka), Ciro Cruz and Miguel Casais formed The Black Mamba. They soon released their first album with the same name.  In just over a year, they passed through London, Philadelphia, Luanda, Madrid and Seville on their debut tour, having also visited Brazil in 2013. In 2014, the band released their second album, “Dirty Little Brother”, after which a new national and international tour followed. In 2016, the band presented a series of concerts in acoustic format. In October 2018, the band presented the third album, “The Mamba King“. The next year, the Good Times Tour tour celebrated the band’s 10-year career, ending at the end of February 2020. In 2021, the band participated in Festival da Canção, the Portuguese national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest. They won and represented Portugal in the contest in Rotterdam.  Entries Love is on my side Country🇵🇹 Country Year2021 LanguageEnglish LyricsTATANKA MusicTATANKA Backings– Results Semi Points: 239Position: 4Running order: 12 Results Finals Points: 153Position: 12Running order: 7 https://youtu.be/qq9SceXaukA

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Måneskin

© EBU/Thomas Hanses About Quick Facts MembersDamiano DavidVictoria De AngelisThomas RaggiEthan Torchio Established2016 Nationality🇮🇹 Italian National SelectionFestival di Sanremo 2021 In Eurovision2021 Rotterdam SongZitti e buoni (2021) Biography In November 2015, a few years after their first meeting, David contacted bassist Victoria De Angelis with the aim of forming a group; guitarist Thomas Raggi, a friend of De Angelis, and drummer Ethan Torchio joined the group through an ad posted on a Facebook group. In 2016 the group took part in the Pulse – High School Band Contest and won it. For the first time they used the name Måneskin, a Danish word (translated into Italian as Moonlight). Danish is Victoria’s mother language. In the same year they debuted with the first official concert.In 2017 they took part in the X Factor talent show. They ranked in second place. Soon, their first EP was released.Their first studio album “Il ballo della vita” was released, accompanied by a documentary “This is Måneskin”, which was played in several cinemas. They opened on a concert of Imagine Dragons. Their single “Torna a casa” became a great success. The album was followed by a European tour in November 2018. In october 2020, their single “Vent’anni” from the new album was released. In March 2021 they took part in the Festival of Sanremo with the song “Zitti e buoni” and won it. In may 2021 they won the 65th Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam. After the contest, “Zitti e buoni” became a worldwide hit.”Zitti e buoni” and “I Wanna Be Your Slave” also entered the top ten of the Billboard top 100 in the USA. Their 2017 cover of “Beggin’” also became a worldwide hit. It even reached the no. 13 spot in the Billboard list. The band went on a European promotional tour between June and July.  The band’s eleventh single “Supermodel” was released on 13 May 2022, and was performed at the final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 held in Turin. Entries Zitti e buoni Country🇮🇹 Italy Year2021 LanguageItalian Lyrics & MusicDamiano DavidVictoria De AngelisThomas RaggiEthan Torchio Backings– Results Semi Points: –Position: –Running order: – Results Finals Points: 524Position: 1Running order: 24 https://youtu.be/RVH5dn1cxAQ

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Blind Channel

© EBU/Thomas Hanses About Quick Facts Group membersJoel HokkaNiko VilhelmJoonas PorkoOlli MatelaTommi LalliAleksi Kaunisvesi Established2013 Nationality🇫🇮 Finnish National SelectionUMK 2021 In Eurovision2021 Rotterdam SongDark side (2021) Biography Blind Channel is a five-, now six-man rock band founded in Oulu in 2013. The band itself defines its music with the term “violent pop,” which the band has used since its inception.  After two self-published releases, Blind Channel participated in the 2014 Wacken Metal Battle. They won, and the prize was a performance in the festival Wacken Open Air. In the same year, the band signed their record deal with the Finnish company Ranka Kustannus.Their debut album Revolutions was released on October 1, 2016. In June 2016, Blind Channel was chosen to open for the Canadian band Simple Plan in Finland and all Baltic countries. In 2017, the band also opened for Royal Republic. Their second album Blood Brothers was released in April 2018, while in February, Blind Channel opened for Hollywood Undead, who played at the Helsinki Ice Rink. It resulted in the band opening for Hollywood Undead at four other European concerts as well. In May, Blind Channel played at Tavastiafor the first time  as the main performer. Following the release of the album, the band went on a tour in June that included performances in Finland and abroad. In December 2018, Blind Channel toured the UK with All That Remains and Sevendust. After the tour, Blood Brothers was nominated for the Emma Gala in the category Rock Album of the Year. In November 2018, Blind Channel released their first single from their third album, “Over My Dead Body”. In March 2019, the band released a song called “Timebomb” in which Alex Mattson (Aleksi Kaunisvesi) was a visiting artist. With the collaboration, Blind Channel also ended up playing a joint gig later that year with him. The third studio album Violent Pop was released in April 2020. In October 2020, the band announced Alex Mattson would join the band as its sixth member. He plays samples, synthesizers and percussion in the band and produces the band’s music. In february 2021 the band won UMK, the Finnish national final for the Eurovision Song Contest, with the song “Dark side”, and thus represented Finland in Eurovision. In May 2021, Blind Channel signed an international record deal with Century Media Records, a record company focused on metal music under Sony Music.  In August 2021, the band released the single “Balboa.” In November 2021, the Blind Channel released the single “We Are No Saints,” which, according to band members, reflects how they were pressured to become role models. At the end of 2021, the band was awarded the Kaleva Publicity of the Year award.  Entries Dark side Country🇫🇮 Finland Year2021 LanguageEnglish Lyrics & MusicAleksi KaunisvesiJoonas PorkoJoel HokkaNiko Vilhelm MoilainenOlli Matela Backings– Results Semi Points: 234Position: 5Running order: 14 Results Finals Points: 301Position: 6Running order: 16 https://youtu.be/fOPGxQ4fgVw

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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:

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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:

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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

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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

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Piqued Jacks will sing for San Marino!

Piqued Jacks will sing for San Marino. After a very long evening the band has been chosen to sing the San Marinese entry “Like an animal” in the Eurovision Song Contest. Piqued Jacks will perform in the second half of the second semifinal. Here are the full results: Piqued Jacks, “Like an animal” Le Deva, “Fiori su marte” XGiove, “Fucco e benzina Mayu, “C’e qualcosa in me che non funziona” Eiffel 65, “Movie star” Edoardo Brogi, “Due punti sull’equatore” Ellynora, “Mama told me” Tothem, “Sacro e profano” EEF, “Something for you” Vina Rose, “Oblivious”   The other songs were: Alfie Arcuri, “Collide” Deborah Iurato, “Out of space” Deshedus, “Non basterà” Iole, “Sui tetto del mondo” Kida, “Stessa pelle” Lorenzo Licitra, “Never give up” Mate, “Prisma” NeVruz, “L’Alieno” Ronela Hajati, “Salvaje” Roy Paci, “Tromba” Thomas, “23:23”

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Slovenian Joker Out! presents “Carpe Diem”

photo: primož lukežič Tonight, the Slovenian band Joker Out! presented their Eurovision entry. The song is called “Carpe diem”, as was already revealed in an earlier stage. The song was presented after a show called Misija Liverpool. Joker Out will perform the song in the 2nd half of the 2nd semifinal.

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Joker Out

© EBU/Chloe Hashemi About Quick Facts MembersBojan CvjetićaninJure MačekKris GuštinJan PetehNace Jordan Founded2016 Nationality🇸🇮 Slovenian National SelectionInternal selection 2023 In Eurovision2023 Liverpool SongCarpe Diem (2023) Biography Joker Out is a pop rock band from Ljubljana. They describe their style as “shagadelic rock’n’roll”. The band was formed in May 2016, after the breakup of the band Apokalipsa, in which Bojan Cvjetićanin, Martin Jurkovič, Matic Kovačič and Luka Škerlep played. Three of them – Cvjetićanin, Jurkovič and Kovačič – were joined by Kris Guštin and Jan Peteh from the group Bouržuazija and Joker Out was born. Their first public performance was at the Festival Na Gaj in May 2016. In November of the same year, they released their first single “Kot srce ki kri poganja”, for which they also recorded a music video. A few days later, on November 10, they had their first (preliminary) appearance in the Špil Liga, a talent show for bands. In the following months, they performed a lot on festivals and in television shows. They also competed for a performance in the finals of the Volkswagen Rocks tour. In the final of the Špil Liga they became the winners of its 4th season. In November, their second song “Omamljeno telo” was released. They kept on performing a lot in live shows, also in 2017 and 2018. Their next single “Gola”, in which they collaborated for the first time with producer Žaret Pak, was released on September 12, 2019. Before that, they had a break of about 8 months, which was the result of Cvjetićanin wanting to try a solo career, but in the end he found that working in a group suited him better. On 2 November 2019 they had their first completely independent concert, at the Ljubljana Castle, and in December they performed again at the Rhythm of Youth. “Goli” was followed by the fourth single “Vem da greš” in March 2020, and then “Umazane misli” (October 2020) and “A sem ti sajal” (July 2021). Jure Maček replaced drummer Matic Kovačič between the releases of “Umazanih misli” and “A sem ti sila”. The composition “Umazane misli” was chosen by the audience as the “newest Slovenian composition of the last year” at the festival Frišno/Fresh – Dan Nove Slovenske Glasbe, which took place on October 1, 2021. Their first album “Umazane misli” was released in October 2021. It was originally supposed to be released in April 2020, but its release was postponed several times due to COVID19. In those two years, they received two golden flutes: in 2020 for Newcomer of the Year and in 2021 for Artist of the Year. In April 2022, they released the music video for the last single from the first album, “Barve oceana”. On May 12, at the eighth awarding of the Golden Pipes, for the second year in a row, they celebrated in the performer of the year category. On August 31, they released their second album “Demoni”, which was announced by the song “Katrina”. On October 10, they announced on Instagram that bassist Martin Jurkovič was leaving the band due to studying abroad. For now, they continue as a quartet, and Nace Jordan accompanies them on their performances. “Katrina” was followed at the end of October by “Demoni”, their first single in Serbian, which represents their first official release for the market of the former Yugoslavia. On December 8, 2022, RTV Slovenia announced that Joker Out will represent Slovenia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 in Liverpool. With their song, “Carpe Diem”, they reached the final and were 21st there. Entries Carpe Diem Country🇸🇮 Slovenia Year2023 LanguageSlovenian LyricsBojan Cvjetićanin MusicBojan CvjetićaninKris GuštinJan PetehJure MačekNace Jordan Backings– Results Semi Points: 103Position: 5Running order: 10 Results Finals Points: 78Position: 21Running order: 24 https://youtu.be/3LXlPviGiWc

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The Black Mamba

© EBU/Andres Putting About Quick Facts MembersPedro TatankaMiguel CasaisMarco PombinhoRui Pedro “Pity” VazGuilherme “Gui” Salgueiro Established2010 Nationality🇵🇹 Porutgese National SelectionFestival da Canção 2021 In EurovisionRotterdam 2021 SongLove is on my side (2021) Biography In May 2010, Pedro Taborda ( aka Tatanka), Ciro Cruz and Miguel Casais formed The Black Mamba. They soon released their first album with the same name.  In just over a year, they passed through London, Philadelphia, Luanda, Madrid and Seville on their debut tour, having also visited Brazil in 2013. In 2014, the band released their second album, “Dirty Little Brother”, after which a new national and international tour followed. In 2016, the band presented a series of concerts in acoustic format. In October 2018, the band presented the third album, “The Mamba King“. The next year, the Good Times Tour tour celebrated the band’s 10-year career, ending at the end of February 2020. In 2021, the band participated in Festival da Canção, the Portuguese national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest. They won and represented Portugal in the contest in Rotterdam.  Entries Love is on my side Country🇵🇹 Country Year2021 LanguageEnglish LyricsTATANKA MusicTATANKA Backings– Results Semi Points: 239Position: 4Running order: 12 Results Finals Points: 153Position: 12Running order: 7 https://youtu.be/qq9SceXaukA

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Måneskin

© EBU/Thomas Hanses About Quick Facts MembersDamiano DavidVictoria De AngelisThomas RaggiEthan Torchio Established2016 Nationality🇮🇹 Italian National SelectionFestival di Sanremo 2021 In Eurovision2021 Rotterdam SongZitti e buoni (2021) Biography In November 2015, a few years after their first meeting, David contacted bassist Victoria De Angelis with the aim of forming a group; guitarist Thomas Raggi, a friend of De Angelis, and drummer Ethan Torchio joined the group through an ad posted on a Facebook group. In 2016 the group took part in the Pulse – High School Band Contest and won it. For the first time they used the name Måneskin, a Danish word (translated into Italian as Moonlight). Danish is Victoria’s mother language. In the same year they debuted with the first official concert.In 2017 they took part in the X Factor talent show. They ranked in second place. Soon, their first EP was released.Their first studio album “Il ballo della vita” was released, accompanied by a documentary “This is Måneskin”, which was played in several cinemas. They opened on a concert of Imagine Dragons. Their single “Torna a casa” became a great success. The album was followed by a European tour in November 2018. In october 2020, their single “Vent’anni” from the new album was released. In March 2021 they took part in the Festival of Sanremo with the song “Zitti e buoni” and won it. In may 2021 they won the 65th Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam. After the contest, “Zitti e buoni” became a worldwide hit.”Zitti e buoni” and “I Wanna Be Your Slave” also entered the top ten of the Billboard top 100 in the USA. Their 2017 cover of “Beggin’” also became a worldwide hit. It even reached the no. 13 spot in the Billboard list. The band went on a European promotional tour between June and July.  The band’s eleventh single “Supermodel” was released on 13 May 2022, and was performed at the final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 held in Turin. Entries Zitti e buoni Country🇮🇹 Italy Year2021 LanguageItalian Lyrics & MusicDamiano DavidVictoria De AngelisThomas RaggiEthan Torchio Backings– Results Semi Points: –Position: –Running order: – Results Finals Points: 524Position: 1Running order: 24 https://youtu.be/RVH5dn1cxAQ

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Blind Channel

© EBU/Thomas Hanses About Quick Facts Group membersJoel HokkaNiko VilhelmJoonas PorkoOlli MatelaTommi LalliAleksi Kaunisvesi Established2013 Nationality🇫🇮 Finnish National SelectionUMK 2021 In Eurovision2021 Rotterdam SongDark side (2021) Biography Blind Channel is a five-, now six-man rock band founded in Oulu in 2013. The band itself defines its music with the term “violent pop,” which the band has used since its inception.  After two self-published releases, Blind Channel participated in the 2014 Wacken Metal Battle. They won, and the prize was a performance in the festival Wacken Open Air. In the same year, the band signed their record deal with the Finnish company Ranka Kustannus.Their debut album Revolutions was released on October 1, 2016. In June 2016, Blind Channel was chosen to open for the Canadian band Simple Plan in Finland and all Baltic countries. In 2017, the band also opened for Royal Republic. Their second album Blood Brothers was released in April 2018, while in February, Blind Channel opened for Hollywood Undead, who played at the Helsinki Ice Rink. It resulted in the band opening for Hollywood Undead at four other European concerts as well. In May, Blind Channel played at Tavastiafor the first time  as the main performer. Following the release of the album, the band went on a tour in June that included performances in Finland and abroad. In December 2018, Blind Channel toured the UK with All That Remains and Sevendust. After the tour, Blood Brothers was nominated for the Emma Gala in the category Rock Album of the Year. In November 2018, Blind Channel released their first single from their third album, “Over My Dead Body”. In March 2019, the band released a song called “Timebomb” in which Alex Mattson (Aleksi Kaunisvesi) was a visiting artist. With the collaboration, Blind Channel also ended up playing a joint gig later that year with him. The third studio album Violent Pop was released in April 2020. In October 2020, the band announced Alex Mattson would join the band as its sixth member. He plays samples, synthesizers and percussion in the band and produces the band’s music. In february 2021 the band won UMK, the Finnish national final for the Eurovision Song Contest, with the song “Dark side”, and thus represented Finland in Eurovision. In May 2021, Blind Channel signed an international record deal with Century Media Records, a record company focused on metal music under Sony Music.  In August 2021, the band released the single “Balboa.” In November 2021, the Blind Channel released the single “We Are No Saints,” which, according to band members, reflects how they were pressured to become role models. At the end of 2021, the band was awarded the Kaleva Publicity of the Year award.  Entries Dark side Country🇫🇮 Finland Year2021 LanguageEnglish Lyrics & MusicAleksi KaunisvesiJoonas PorkoJoel HokkaNiko Vilhelm MoilainenOlli Matela Backings– Results Semi Points: 234Position: 5Running order: 14 Results Finals Points: 301Position: 6Running order: 16 https://youtu.be/fOPGxQ4fgVw

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Piqued Jacks will sing for San Marino!

Piqued Jacks will sing for San Marino. After a very long evening the band has been chosen to sing the San Marinese entry “Like an animal” in the Eurovision Song Contest. Piqued Jacks will perform in the second half of the second semifinal. Here are the full results: Piqued Jacks, “Like an animal” Le Deva, “Fiori su marte” XGiove, “Fucco e benzina Mayu, “C’e qualcosa in me che non funziona” Eiffel 65, “Movie star” Edoardo Brogi, “Due punti sull’equatore” Ellynora, “Mama told me” Tothem, “Sacro e profano” EEF, “Something for you” Vina Rose, “Oblivious”   The other songs were: Alfie Arcuri,

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Slovenian Joker Out! presents “Carpe Diem”

photo: primož lukežič Tonight, the Slovenian band Joker Out! presented their Eurovision entry. The song is called “Carpe diem”, as was already revealed in an earlier stage. The song was presented after a show called Misija Liverpool. Joker Out will perform the song in the 2nd half of the 2nd semifinal.

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Joker Out

© EBU/Chloe Hashemi About Quick Facts MembersBojan CvjetićaninJure MačekKris GuštinJan PetehNace Jordan Founded2016 Nationality🇸🇮 Slovenian National SelectionInternal selection 2023 In Eurovision2023 Liverpool SongCarpe Diem (2023) Biography Joker Out is a pop rock band from Ljubljana. They describe their style as “shagadelic rock’n’roll”. The band was formed in May 2016, after the breakup of the band Apokalipsa, in which Bojan Cvjetićanin, Martin Jurkovič, Matic Kovačič and Luka Škerlep played. Three of them – Cvjetićanin, Jurkovič and Kovačič – were joined by Kris Guštin and Jan Peteh from the group Bouržuazija and Joker Out was born. Their first public performance was at the

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The Black Mamba

© EBU/Andres Putting About Quick Facts MembersPedro TatankaMiguel CasaisMarco PombinhoRui Pedro “Pity” VazGuilherme “Gui” Salgueiro Established2010 Nationality🇵🇹 Porutgese National SelectionFestival da Canção 2021 In EurovisionRotterdam 2021 SongLove is on my side (2021) Biography In May 2010, Pedro Taborda ( aka Tatanka), Ciro Cruz and Miguel Casais formed The Black Mamba. They soon released their first album with the same name.  In just over a year, they passed through London, Philadelphia, Luanda, Madrid and Seville on their debut tour, having also visited Brazil in 2013. In 2014, the band released their second album, “Dirty Little Brother”, after which a new national and

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Måneskin

© EBU/Thomas Hanses About Quick Facts MembersDamiano DavidVictoria De AngelisThomas RaggiEthan Torchio Established2016 Nationality🇮🇹 Italian National SelectionFestival di Sanremo 2021 In Eurovision2021 Rotterdam SongZitti e buoni (2021) Biography In November 2015, a few years after their first meeting, David contacted bassist Victoria De Angelis with the aim of forming a group; guitarist Thomas Raggi, a friend of De Angelis, and drummer Ethan Torchio joined the group through an ad posted on a Facebook group. In 2016 the group took part in the Pulse – High School Band Contest and won it. For the first time they used the name Måneskin, a

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Blind Channel

© EBU/Thomas Hanses About Quick Facts Group membersJoel HokkaNiko VilhelmJoonas PorkoOlli MatelaTommi LalliAleksi Kaunisvesi Established2013 Nationality🇫🇮 Finnish National SelectionUMK 2021 In Eurovision2021 Rotterdam SongDark side (2021) Biography Blind Channel is a five-, now six-man rock band founded in Oulu in 2013. The band itself defines its music with the term “violent pop,” which the band has used since its inception.  After two self-published releases, Blind Channel participated in the 2014 Wacken Metal Battle. They won, and the prize was a performance in the festival Wacken Open Air. In the same year, the band signed their record deal with the Finnish company Ranka

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