Bands

PeR

© Albin Olsson About Quick Facts MembersRalfs EilandsEdmunds Rasmanis Active2007 – 2017 Nationality🇱🇻 Latvian National SelectionEirodziesma 2013Eirodziesma 2012Eirodziesma 2010 In Eurovision2013 Malmö SongHere We Go (2013) Biography PeR, a Latvian pop and beatbox band consisting of Ralfs Eilands and Edmunds Rasmanis, interpret their name as “Please Explain the Rhythm”. Originating from a 2007 performance at the Dziesma manai paaudzei (A Song for my Generation), their musical journey took a turn when they competed in Moscow’s talent show Minuta Slavy (A Minute of Fame), clinching the 4th spot. Back in Latvia, their involvement in the annual Bildes 2007 marked the end of their original lineup, with Emīls Vegners being replaced by Edmunds Rasmanis. Their reputation grew as finalists in the LNT’s Latvian Golden Talents Season 1 and various performances, one notable one being at the 2009 Musical Bank. That same year, despite Ralfs Eilands’ age barring his participation, they joined Sabine Berezina in the national final for the Eurovision contest, rendering Markus Riva’s “Bye, Bye” and landing in 9th place. They also collaborated with Mārtiņš Freimanis for the single “Bums”. In the subsequent years, PeR made multiple attempts at Latvia’s Eurovision selections. Their 2010 entry, “Like A Mouse”, reached the top 10, while 2012’s “Disco Superfly” made it to the top 5. Closing 2012 with a bang, their debut album “PeR” got nominated as the “Best Pop Album” for the Latvian Music Record of the Year. By 2013, they stood out in Latvia’s Eurovision selection “Dziesma 2013”, triumphing with “Here We Go” and earning the honor of representing Latvia in the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, Sweden. However, their journey was cut short in the semi-finals, ending in the 17th position. They also performed at the New Wave festival that year. With “Here We Go” they represented Latvia at the Top Of The Pops Sopot Festival. The song also won the Radio SWH Song Of The Year Award. The follow up single was in Latvian, callled “Jauns Sākums”. It became a new #1 hit. In 2014, PeR teamed up with Jurga for a new single, “Dancing Knights”. Meanwhile, Ralfs took part in Eirodziesma along with Valters Pūce. Their song “Revelation” reached a 4th place. The single “Smile” became a top-10 hit. In the summer of 2016 the duo performed in the Netherlands. In 2017 PeR had their last performance together in Roja. Entries Here We Go Country🇱🇻 Latvia Year2013 LanguageEnglish LyricsRalfs Eilands MusicRalfs EilandsArturas Burke BackingsArturas BurkeLauris Valters Results Semi Points: 13Position: 17Running order: 1 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/xze_ilAXwWE?si=jEkGe-Uj69MwOanT

Dorians

© Albin Olsson About Quick Facts MembersGor SujyanArman JalalyanArman PahlevanyanEdgar SahakyanGagik Khodavirdi Active2008 – 2013 Nationality🇦🇲 Armenian National SelectionEvrotesil 2013Evrotesil 2009 In Eurovision2013 Malmö SongLonely Planet (2013) Biography Dorians were an Armenian band, built up around singer Gor Sujyan. The band rose to fame when, in February 2009, they took part in Evrotesil, the national final for the Eurovision Song Contest. Their song, “Fly” reached a 3rd place in the contest. In April 2009, the band Dorians clinched the “Best Newcomer” award at the Tashir Music Awards in Moscow. By June, they commemorated their first anniversary with a major concert in Yerevan. A notable collaboration arose when they teamed up with renowned artists Ian Gillan of Deep Purple and Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath. Together, under the banner of Rock Aid Armenia, they held a charity concert. The proceeds were directed towards the renovation of a music school in Gyumri, Armenia. 2010 saw the Dorians headlining four concerts in Moscow. They also bagged the title of “Best Rock Band of the Year” at the National Music Awards of Armenia. Their achievements didn’t halt in 2011, securing accolades for “Best Rock Band of the Year”, “Best Video of the Year”, and “Best Vocal of the Year” at the same awards. Their debut album, recorded in April 2011, was mixed at ICP Studios in Brussels, Belgium, and mastered at the Translab studio in Paris, France. Later in August, they were the opening act for Serj Tankian’s concert in Yerevan. December 2011 was another significant month for the band. They not only won the “Rock Number One” and “Man Number One” accolades at the VAN Music Awards but also released their debut album, “Fly”. The subsequent year, in September, they performed concerts at the Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concerts Complex and in Nagorno-Karabakh. These concerts featured keyboardist Derek Sherinian and guest artist Glenn Hughes. In 2013, they represented Armenia in the Eurovision Song Contest. Armenian television had invited Gor Sujyan to represent the country. However, when the song “Lonely Planet” was chosen, Gor decided he didn’t want to do it solo. He was joined by the Dorians instead. They progressed to the Grand Final and ranked 18th out of 26. After the Eurovision Song Contest, they gave a consert in the Cascade Complex in Yerevan. They did an open air concert on international childrens day. In October 2013 the band performed at the Belomor-Buggie rockfest in Arkhangelsk, Russia. In November 2013 the band performed in the Mezzo Classic House Club in Yerevan. After this, Gor Sujyan had solo projects. From 2017, Gor Sujyan began to collaborate in the project founded by Levon Arevshatyan called Project LA. Here, Gor Sujyan presents the works of famous Armenian and foreign writers in the form of songs. Entries Lonely Planet Country🇦🇲 Armenia Year2013 LanguageEnglish LyricsVardan Zadoyan MusicTony Iommi Backings– Results Semi Points: 69Position: 7Running order: 11 Results Finals Points: 41Position: 18Running order: 12 https://youtu.be/UGOSZ7Uufno

Triana Park

© EBU/Andres Putting About Quick Facts MembersAgnese RakovskaArtūrs StrautiņšEdgars ViļumsKristaps Ērglis Founded2008 Nationality🇱🇻 Latvian National SelectionSupernova 2017Eirodziesma 2012Eirodziesma 2011Eirodziesma 2010Eirodziesma 2009Eirodziesma 2008 In Eurovision2017 Kyiv SongLine (2017) Biography Triana Park is a Latvian band consisting of vocalist Agnese Rakovska, guitarist Arturs Strautins, drummer Edgars Vilyums and bassist Kristaps Erglis. The band was formed by Agnese Rakovska and her father (Aivars Rakovskis), joined by Edgars Vilums, Kristaps Erglis and eventually Arturs Strautins. They took part in Eirodziesma, the national final for the Eurovision Song Contest in 2008 (Bye, 4th), 2009 (Call Me Any Time You Need A Problem, 4th place), 2010, 2011 and 2012, failing to win the Eirodziesma (Latvian National Selection). In 2011, their song “Upside Down” qualified for the final of the qualifying round, but the band withdrew due to Rakovska’s illness. Triana Park’s debut studio album “EnterTainment” was released in 2010, and in August 2014 the band released the Triana Park EP, including the lead single “Iron Blue”. The band participated in Supernova to represent Latvia with the song “Line” and was selected for Eurovision 2017. Unfortunately they didn’t reach the final in the contest. In 2018, Triana Park released another single called “Home”. The song was included in the third studio album, “Alive”, which was released in April 2018. At the same time, the new single “Domas” was released on video, followed one month later by “Dope”. “Domas” reached the number 1 spot in the Latvian charts. On 7 August of the same year another song in Latvian, “Rozā Brille” was released. In September and October, the band toured through the Baltic States. The song “Star”, a collaboration with Jānis Aišpurs, was released in October too. On 22 June 2019, a new single was released: “Tiekas divatā”, followed by “Viss Ir Izdomāts” on 9 September. On 15 October of the same year, the band presented their 4th album, “11”. In December, the song “Lavina” from this album came out. The band planned a tour in March and April 2020. However, this tour had to be postponed due to COVID19. Prior to the tour, Triana Park released a new single and video: “Kamēr”, a colaboration with Intars Busulis. On 27 October 2020, they released an EP, “Kompozīcijas”. A 26 minutes documentary about the EP was released in December. On 11 December 2021, a triptych was released called “Domu raksti”, containing three new videos. 2023 started musically for the band with songs in January and March. Entries Line Country🇱🇻 Latvia Year2023 LanguageEnglish LyricsAgnese Rakovska MusicAgnese RakovskaKristaps ĒrglisKristians Rakovskis Backings– Results Semi Points: 21Position: 18Running order: 18 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vxos6ceOrRA

ESDM (El Sueño de Morfeo)

© Albin Olsson About Quick Facts MembersRaquel Del RosarioDavid Feito RodríguezJuan Luis Suárez Garrido Active2002 – 2022 Nationality🇪🇸 Spanish National SelectionEl Sueño de Morfeo: Destino Eurovisión 2013 In Eurovision2013 Malmö SongContigo hasta el final (With You Until The End) (2013) Biography El Sueño De Morfeo (translated as “Morpheus’s Dream” in English) was a Spanish pop-rock band with Celtic influences that rose to prominence in the early 2000s. Formed in 2002, the band was made up of lead singer Raquel del Rosario from the Canary Islands, and Asturian musicians Juan Luis Suárez and David Feito, both on guitar. Before their current incarnation, the trio played under the name Xemà, releasing an album titled “Del Interior” in 2002. However, it was their reformation as El Sueño De Morfeo that truly brought them into the spotlight. Their debut album as El Sueño De Morfeo, released in 2005, was a massive success in Spain. The album was certified as a gold record and produced several hits, including “Nunca Volvera,” “Okupa de Tu Corazón,” and “Esta Soy Yo.” The latter song also earned Raquel del Rosario a nomination for Best Song at the Principality of Asturias Awards. In 2007, they followed up their successful debut with a second album titled “Nos vemos en el camino,” which further solidified their place in the Spanish music industry. This was followed by two more albums, “Cosas que nos hacen sentir bien” in 2009 and “Buscamos sonrisas” in 2011. The band represented Spain in the Eurovision Song Contest 2013 in Malmö, Sweden. Their song “Contigo hasta el final (With You Until The End)” unfortunately did not fare well in the competition, finishing in the 25th place out of 26 contestants. They decided to take a break as a group, and at the end of 2014 they announced that they would reunite in January of the following year to record their next album. However, they ultimately decided to pursue separate paths, not having taken it as a definitive breakup. Raquel moved with her family to the United States. They made a joint musical collaboration in 2020 during the lockdown due to the COVID-19 crisis online. In June 2022, following the initiative of Prensa Ibérica, they gave a reunion concert at the Príncipe Felipe Auditorium in Oviedo, the proceeds of which were donated to those affected by the eruption of the La Palma volcano. Although Juan Luis was present and helped organize the event, he could not play the guitar. They announced that this would be their last concert and that they have no plans to resume their career as a group. Entries Contigo hasta el final (With you Until The End) Country🇪🇸 Spain Year2013 LanguageSpanish LyricsDavid FeitoRaquel del RosarioJuan Luis Suárez MusicDavid FeitoRaquel del RosarioJuan Luis Suárez BackingsMey GreenJavi MendézMilena Brody Results Semi Points: –Position: –Running order: – Results Finals Points: 8Position: 25Running order: 5 https://youtu.be/5o_DnM_ANF8

Anti Social Media

© EBU/Thomas Hanses About Quick Facts MembersPhilip ThornhillNikolaj TøthDavid VangEmil Vissing Active2015-2016 Nationality🇩🇰 Danish National SelectionDansk Melodi Grand Prix 2015 In Eurovision2015 Vienna SongThe Way You Are (2015) Biography Anti Social Media was a Danish pop rock group. The band is composed of Philip Thornhill, Nikolaj Tøth, David Vang, and Emil Vissing. They took part in the Eurovision Song Contest 2015 as Denmark’s representative. They performed the song “The Way You Are”. Unfortunately they did not reach the final. On 4 May 2015 Anti Social Media released the single “More Than a Friend”. On 11 May 2015 they released their debut EP “The Way”. In July of the same year they performed at the Roskilde Festival. They also opened for Rasmus Seebach at his concerts. In September, one of the songs from “The Way”, “Fire exit”, was released as a single. The band also toured and performed in 2016. After that year, nothing has been heard or released from the band. Entries The Way You Are Country🇩🇰 Denmark Year2015 LanguageEnglish LyricsRemeeChief1 MusicRemeeChief1 BackingsNellie EttisonJohanna Beijbom Results Semi Points: 33Position: 13Running order: 13 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/J–Tgi_iZQ8

Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät

© EBU/Thomas Hanses About Quick Facts MembersPertti KurikkaKari AaltoSami HelleToni Välitalo Active2009-2016 Nationality🇫🇮 Finnish National SelectionUuden Musiikin Kilpailu 2015 In Eurovision2015 Vienna SongAina Mun Pitää (2015) Biography Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät (also known as PKN) was a Finnish punk band that operated from 2009 to 2016. The band consisted of Pertti Kurikka (guitar, compositions, lyrics), Kari Aalto (vocals, lyrics), Sami Helle (bass), and Toni Välitalo (drums). The band was managed and their music arranged by disability instructor Kalle Pajamaa. Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät originated in 2009 at the Lyhty Association’s art workshop in Konala, Helsinki, which provides services for people with disabilities. Film director Pekka Karjalainen wanted to include a band of individuals with developmental disabilities in his movie called “Vähän kunnioitusta” (“A Little Respect”). Although the association had several bands, they decided to form a completely new one specifically for the film, centered around guitarist Pertti Kurikka, who had a strong punk background. Kurikka composed the song “Kallioon” (“Into the Rock”) during the summer of 2010 for the film’s premiere, with lyrics written by the band’s vocalist Kari Aalto. Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät gained national attention in the spring of 2009 when Kalle Pajamaa, the instructor at the workshop, created a music video for the song and uploaded it to YouTube. Within a few weeks, it garnered over ten thousand views, and soon the band was offered a gig at the F*cking Disco punk club in Helsinki. In February 2010, Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät performed at Tavastia Club, and that same winter, they embarked on their first concert tour outside the Helsinki metropolitan area, playing in Tampere. Following that, the band played hundreds of concerts and also performed internationally in countries such as the United States, Germany, Canada, Kosovo, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Norway. In May 2014, the band performed at a charity concert in Rovaniemi alongside Mr. Lordi of the band Lordi. In December 2014, Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät embarked on a ten-concert tour in the United Kingdom with the English punk band Hard Skin. Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät participated in Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu, the Finnish national final for the Eurovision Song Contest, in 2015 with their song “Aina mun pitää” (“I Always Have To”). The band eventually won. However, in the Eurovision Song Contest, the band did not qualify for the final and was eliminated in the first semifinal, not among the ten acts that advanced. Pertti Kurikka announced his retirement from playing rock music after turning 60, and the band ceased its activities on Kurikka’s birthday, December 26, 2016. The tickets for their final show at On the Rocks club in Helsinki cost 60 cents. Otto Talvio from Helsingin Sanomat described the band’s last performance as sweaty, cramped, and emotional. However, on December 5, 2017, Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät performed one last time at Kansalaistori Square in Helsinki. The band had promised to do one more show if the “Ei myytävänä!” (“Not for Sale!”) citizens’ initiative received over 50,000 signatures, which is the requirement for the initiative to be considered by the Finnish Parliament. The citizens’ initiative opposes the outsourcing of housing and daily life services for people with disabilities. Entries Aina Mun Pitää Country🇫🇮 Finland Year2015 LanguageFinnish LyricsPertti Kurikan Nimipäivät MusicPertti Kurikan Nimipäivät Backings– Results Semi Points: 13Position: 16Running order: 5 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/v4Y0HOPL5GU

Voltaj

© EBU/Thomas Hanses About Quick Facts Members Călin GoiaGabriel ConstantinAdrian CristescuValeriu IonescuOliver Sterian Founded1982 Nationality🇷🇴 Romanian National SelectionSelecţia Naţională 2015 In Eurovision2015 Vienna SongDe la capăt (2015) Biography Voltaj was founded in 1982 in Bucharest with Horațiu Rad on bass, Nikki Dinescu on drums, Gabi Nacu on guitar, Cristi Minculescu on vocals, and Adrian Ilie on guitar. Their early sound leaned towards the heavier side of hard rock, making them one of the pioneering acts of traditional heavy metal in the Romanian music scene. During this period, the band went through numerous lineup changes, which eventually led to the formation of a second Voltaj known as Voltaj 88′. This lineup also released several albums in the 1990s. By the time of their debut album in 1996, “Pericol de Moarte,” only drummer Nikki Dinescu remained from the original lineup. The album, which also featured Tavi Colen Talisman on vocals, showcased their heavy metal style and remains their only record in that genre. In 1998, the two remaining members, bass player Vali Ionescu and guitarist Gabi Constantin, recruited a new lineup with Bobby Stoica on keyboards and Călin Goia as the new vocalist. With Goia’s vocals and creative input, the group quickly gained success and popularity. They transitioned to an electronic-influenced pop-rock sound with the release of their album “Risc Maxim 2.” In 2002, Oliver Sterian joined the band as the drummer. Voltaj went on to release numerous hit singles, including “20 ani,” “Albinuța,” “De mâine,” “De la capăt,” and “Doar pentru ea,” establishing themselves as one of the most well-known groups in Romania. They won the Best Romanian Act award at the MTV Europe Music Awards in 2005. After winning Selecția Națională in 2015, they represented Romania in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “De la capăt.” They advanced from the semi-finals and placed 15th in the final with 35 points. In 2016, a new album, “X”, was released. It contained several hits, like “Merci de box” and “De la capăt”. A third song, “Om”, became a hit in 2020. That was even after the release of the 2019 album “Ca La 20 De Ani”. Between December 3 and 5, 2021, Voltaj performed several concerts, both in Toronto and Montreal. During Christmas, they released “Anotimpuri” (Seasons), a collaboration with Vali Sterian, the late Romanian musician, singer, and composer known for his folk and rock music. The entire concert can be found on Voltaj’ Youtube Channel. On 1 June 2023, a new single was released: “Copile”. Entries De la Capăt Country🇷🇴 Romania Year2015 LanguageRomanianEnglish LyricsCălin GoiaGabriel ConstantinAdrian CristescuPăduraru Silviu-MarianAlstani Victor-RăzvanMonica-Ana StevensAndrei-Madalin Leonte MusicCălin GoiaGabriel ConstantinAdrian CristescuPăduraru Silviu-MarianAlstani Victor-Răzvan Backings– Results Semi Points: 89Position: 5Running order: 15 Results Finals Points: 35Position: 15Running order: 20 https://youtu.be/BGw0tUKOW7o

The Makemakes

© EBU/Thomas Hanses About Quick Facts MembersDominic ‘Dodo’ MuhrerMarkus ChristFlorian Meind Active2012-2020 Nationality🇦🇹 Austrian National SelectionWer Singt Für Österreich? 2015 In Eurovision2015 Vienna SongI Am Yours (2015) Biography The Makemakes were an Austrian rock music group consisting of Dominic “Dodo” Muhrer and musicians Florian Meindl and Markus Christ. The name is derived from the dwarf planet Makemake, which in turn was named after the creator deity Makemake in the culture of Easter Island. The band gained recognition in 2013 when they performed as the opening act for Bon Jovi. The band’s popularity was also fueled by a widely quoted rumor in the press that the group’s singer, Dodo Muhrer, could be an illegitimate son of actor Christoph Waltz. They were chosen as Austria’s candidate for the Eurovision Song Contest 2015. Their song “I Am Yours” faced plagiarism allegations, claiming similarities to the song “The Scientist” by the British band Coldplay. An official examination concluded that no plagiarism had occurred. Their participation in the Eurovision Song Contest, held in Vienna on May 23, 2015, was not successful, as they received zero points. They finished last out of 27 participating countries. In reference to the successful Swedish winning song, The Makemakes released a satirical video titled “We are the Zeroes of our Time” on Facebook on the night of the contest. The video received over half a million views in a few days and was interpreted by the media as a fitting gesture. In response, German particpant Ann Sophie, inspired by The Makemakes, released her own version of the Austrian parody the following day. For the reimagined version of the song “Climb Every Mountain” from the musical The Sound Of Music, the US producer Humberto Gatica enlisted The Makemakes as duet partners for American Idol finalist Joshua Ledet. In 2017, they filmed the ServusTV documentary The Makemakes in Hollywood – In the Footsteps of The Sound of Music. In March 2018, The Makemakes released their official comeback single “Keep On Moving” in Austria, in which they claimed to return to their musical roots. In December, The Makemakes participated in the production of the third episode of the first season of “My Hit Your Song” on ProSieben. With their rock arrangements of the songs “Love Is All Around” and “Freedom” by DJ BoBo, they emerged as winners, earning a prize of 25,000 euros. The German audience responded positively to the band, who were relatively unknown in Germany at the time. In 2019, two singles of the band, “The Beach” and “Heyo”, became successes in the United Kingdom. In 2020, the band released their version of “Vivo Per Lei”. That was the last time The Makemakes released music together. Currently, Dodo Muhrer is using the social media of The Makemakes to publish his own music. Entries Song Title Country🇦🇹 Austria Year2015 LanguageEnglish LyricsJimmy HarryDominic MuhrerFlorian MeindlMarkus Chris MusicJimmy HarryDominic MuhrerFlorian MeindlMarkus Chris BackingsChris CorasHarald BaumgartnerRegina Mallinger Results Semi Points: –Position: –Running order: – Results Finals Points: 0Position: 26Running order: 14 https://youtu.be/-f993p0CAV8