folk music

Gåte

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

Kasey Smith

© Albin Olsson About Quick Facts NameKasey Smith Born29 March 1990 Nationality🇮🇪 Irish National SelectionEurosong 2014 In Eurovision2014 Copenhagen SongHeartbeat (with Can-Linn, 2014) Biography Kasey Smith is an Irish singer and songwriter best known for her participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2014 as part of the band Can-Linn. Born on March 29, 1990, in Dublin, Ireland, Smith started her musical journey from a young age. Her first major foray into the music industry was as a member of the girl group Wonderland in 2010, which was formed under the guidance of Louis Walsh and Kian Egan of Westlife. The band had some success, releasing a top ten album in Ireland before their disbandment in 2011. After Wonderland disbanded, Smith returned to Ireland and began working on a solo career. She first attempted to represent Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2013 with the song “Kiss Me There”, but she didn’t make it past the national finals. In 2014, Smith was chosen to represent Ireland at Eurovision as part of the band Can-Linn. They performed the song “Heartbeat”, which Smith co-wrote. However, they didn’t progress past the semi-finals. Despite her early exposure in the music industry, Smith has maintained a relatively low profile, continuing to make music and perform around Ireland. In 2019, she started performing in a resort in Dubai every Saturday evening. She did the job until COVID19 came. Entries Heartbeat (& Can-linn) Country🇮🇪 Ireland Year2014 LanguageEnglish LyricsJonas GladnikoffRasmus PalmgrenPatrizia Helander MusicHazel KaneswaranJonas GladnikoffRasmus PalmgrenPatrizia Helander BackingsSarah May Rogers (Violin) Results Semi Points: 35Position: 12Running order: 9 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/J9zEybTMeEs

Can-linn

© Albin Olsson About Quick Facts MembersDonna BissettJenny BowdenTarik ShebaniThomas Spratt Active2014 Nationality🇮🇪 Irish National SelectionEurosong 2014 In Eurovision2014 Copenhagen SongHeartbeat (ft. Kasey Smith, 2014) Biography Can-Linn was formed in Ireland in early 2014 with the specific purpose of representing Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest. The name of the band, Can-Linn, means ‘to sing together’ in Irish, reflecting the collaborative spirit of the group. The band is notable for including members from a variety of different backgrounds and for blending a range of musical styles. It features Irish singer Kasey Smith, formerly of the girl group Wonderland, and five traditional Irish musicians who play instruments such as the bodhrán, the fiddle, and the Uilleann pipes. At Eurovision 2014, Can-Linn performed the song “Heartbeat”, featuring Kasey Smith. Despite the group’s spirited performance, “Heartbeat” did not progress past the semi-final stage. Since Can-Linn was formed specifically for the Eurovision contest, the group did not produce further music together. Entries Heartbeat (featuring Kasey Smith) Country🇮🇪 Irish Year2014 LanguageEnglish LyricsJonas GladnikoffRasmus PalmgrenPatrizia Helander MusicHazel KaneswaranJonas GladnikoffRasmus PalmgrenPatrizia Helander BackingsSarah May Rogers (Violin) Results Semi Points: 35Position: 12Running order: 9 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/J9zEybTMeEs

Gipsy.cz

About Quick Facts MembersRadoslav ‘Gipsy’ BangaVojta LavičkaNoemi FialováTibor ŽidaMatěj ČernýOliver Lipenský Active2004-2013 Nationality🇨🇿 Czech National SelectionEurosong 2009Eurosong 2008Eurosong 2007 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongAven Romale (2009) Biography Gipsy.cz was a Czech Romani hip hop group renowned for their innovative fusion of hip hop and traditional Romani music. The band’s lyrics were primarily sung in the Romani language, with some songs featuring Czech and English. They have made significant strides in the music industry, gaining international recognition and acclaim. Early History and Formation: 2004-2008 In 2004, rapper Radovan “Radek” Banga released his solo album “Ya favourite Cd Rom.” Shortly thereafter, he met violinist Vojta Lavička and brothers Jan (upright bass) and Petr Surmaj (guitar and accordion). Together, they formed Gipsy.cz, blending their diverse musical backgrounds to create a unique sound. The band’s rise to fame began in 2006 with the release of their single “Romano Hip Hop,” from their debut album of the same name. This single reached the MTV World Chart Express and was later certified Gold in the Czech Republic. That same year, Gipsy.cz won the Discovery of the Year award at the Anděl Awards, marking their breakthrough into the mainstream music scene. In 2007, Gipsy.cz participated in the Czech national final for the Eurovision Song Contest with their song “Muloland,” finishing in second place. They achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Czech group to perform at the prestigious Glastonbury Festival. Additionally, their song “Jednou” was included in the “Gypsy Groove” compilation album published by Putumayo in 2007. The following year, at the 2008 Český slavík awards, they won the Rising Star of the Year award. With the song “Benga Beat”, they participated in the national final for the Eurovision Song Contest again. In June 2008, they released their second studio album, “Reprezent,” which reached second place on the World Music Chart in Europe and stayed there for four weeks. The album included the controversial song “A na závěr si s námi dejte trochu té Čunárny,” which mocked politician Jiří Čunek known for his anti-Roma comments. To avoid legal issues, Gipsy.cz released an alternate version of the song without the offending lyrics. Eurovision and Continued Success: 2009-2013 In January 2009, Jan and Petr Surmaj left the band. New members joined, including Tomáš Baroš on electric upright bass and Jan Sochor on accordion. This year marked a significant achievement as Gipsy.cz finally succeeded in representing the Czech Republic at the Eurovision Song Contest in Moscow with their song “Aven Romale.” Unfortunately, they finished last in the first semi-final without receiving any points. In 2011, Gipsy.cz toured Australia as part of the Karavan Festival and released their third studio album, “Desperado.” This album showcased the band’s ability to blend diverse musical influences while staying true to their Romani roots. Two years later, they issued their fourth record, “Upgrade,” further solidifying their presence in the music industry. That was the last album, released by Gipsy.cz as a group. Throughout their career, Gipsy.cz has received several accolades. They were nominated for the Best Hip Hop Album at the 2005 Anděl Awards. In 2006, they received nominations for Best Album in the World and Best New Artist, winning the latter. Band Members The last lineup of Gipsy.cz included Radoslav Banga aka Gipsy on vocals, Tomáš Baroš on electric upright bass, Jan Sochor on accordion, and Viliam Didiáš on violin. Past members who contributed to the band’s success include Vojta Lavička on violin and vocals, Noemi Fialová on violin and vocals, Tibor Žida on guitar and vocals, Matěj Černý on bass, Oliver Lipenský on drums, and the Surmaj brothers, Petr on guitar and accordion and Jan on electric upright bass. With a discography that includes “Romano Hip Hop” (2006), “Reprezent” (2008), “Desperado” (2011), and “Upgrade” (2013), Gipsy.cz continued to inspire and innovate within the music world. After 2013, Radoslav Banga aka as Gipsy continued solo. Entries Aven Romale Country🇨🇿 Czechia Year2009 LanguageRomaniEnglish LyricsRadoslav ‘Gipsy’ Banga MusicRadoslav ‘Gipsy’ Banga Backings– Results Semi Points: 0Position: 18Running order: 2 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/F39OvgrEEpg?si=hEv9lZXnTrUNYgTo

Inga & Anush

About Quick Facts MembersInga ArshakyanAnush Arshakyan Founded2000 Nationality🇦🇲 Armenian National SelectionEvrotesil 2009 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongJan Jan (2009) Biography Inga & Anush: Biography Inga and Anush Ashoti Arshakyan, known as the Arshakyan Sisters, are a famous Armenian folk singing duo. They represented Armenia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 and finished in 10th place in the final. Early Life Anush Arshakyan was born on December 24, 1980, in Yerevan. She graduated from S. Aslamazyan music school, specializing in piano. In 1994, she won first place and the audience prize in the “Sonorous Voices” competition in Omsk. Anush started promoting herself as a writer and composer. After finishing her studies in 2001, she graduated from A. Babajanyan music college, also in piano. She debuted as a soloist with the Armenia State Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus in 1999. From 2001 to 2005, she studied jazz vocals at Yerevan State Conservatory. Her sister, Inga Arshakyan, was born on March 18, 1982, in Yerevan. She graduated from S. Aslamazyan music school and A. Babajanyan music college as a violinist in 1997. While studying, Inga worked in the G. Achemyan violin ensemble and toured Armenian provinces. In 1998, Inga joined Anush, and together they started performing duets and arias, where the violin played a significant role. Inga graduated in strings in 2002 and followed her sister into the Yerevan State Conservatory, where she studied jazz vocals, graduating in 2005. Career In 2000, Inga and Anush joined the State Song Theater of Armenia. They performed national, ethnic songs and songs written by A. Grigoryan and Anush. They sang as soloists in many cities across Armenia. In September 2002, they went to the United States for a concert tour with song theater soloists. After performing at the “Alex” Theatre in Los Angeles, they received an offer to return for solo concerts. They also performed in Tehran with the same program. In 2002, the Armenian variety song festival Golden Lyre awarded Anush and Inga the “Sympathy of Audience” nomination. In February 2003, they prepared the concert program “Seasons of Life,” which included ethnic, national, and modern songs, along with songs accompanied by violin, guitar, and piano. In March 2003, Inga and Anush had solo concerts at the “Alex” Theater, and their first album, “We and Our Mountains,” was released. This led to invitations to perform in New York City, Toronto, Argentina, and Paris. In November, they left the theater staff to work independently. In 2004, their rendition of the folk song “Tamzara” won the Golden Lyre 2004 festival and the Tigran Naghdalyan award at the National Music Awards in December 2005. The song’s video was released the same year and included on their second album, “Tamzara,” in 2006. Following the release of “Tamzara,” they toured the USA, Tehran, London, Paris, Russia, and Germany. From 2008, Inga and Anush started working with SHARM Holding LLC. Their third studio album, “Heartbeat of My Land,” was released in November 2009. The single “Menq Enq Mer Sarerệ” was chosen as the 2009 song for the annual Armenian Telethon, under the name “Our Shushi.” They performed at the televised show on November 26, 2009. On May 21, Inga and Anush began a tour to promote “Heartbeat of My Land,” with shows in Yerevan, Syria, Beirut, and Russia. Eurovision Song Contest 2009 The Arshakyan Sisters were chosen by the Armenian public on February 14, 2009, to represent Armenia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 in Moscow with the song “Jan Jan.” The song was composed by Mane Akopyan, with lyrics by Avet Barseghyan and Vardan Zadoyan, and arranged by Ara (Murzo) Torosyan. They aimed to present Armenian folk music in a new way. “Jan Jan” advanced from the first semi-final on May 12 and finished in 10th place with 92 points in the final on May 16. Despite being Armenia’s less successful performance at Eurovision up to that point, it marked the country’s fourth consecutive top-ten finish. “Jan Jan” also entered the Pmachinery Top 30 chart, peaking at number 3 on August 1, 2009, and remained on the chart for 16 weeks. Eurovision Song Contest 2015 Inga represented Armenia again in the Eurovision Song Contest 2015 as a member of the group Genealogy. Discography and Videography Inga and Anush’s discography includes their first album, “We and Our Mountains,” released in 2003, followed by “Tamzara” in 2006. In 2009, they released “Heartbeat of My Land,” and in 2014, they came out with “Sketches.” Their singles include popular tracks like “Tamzara,” “Khlpane,” “Marry Song,” “Jan Jan,” “Gutan,” “The Road,” “You Will Not Be Alone,” “Don Hay,” “We Are Our Mountains,” “Love Yerevan,” “My Name is Armenia,” “Hay Hay [Hye hye],” and “Aysor Ton E”. They released a new single in 2019, “Dzyan heqiat”, from their 2018 album “Tsari”. In 2019 they also performed in Boston, United States. In 2019 the sisters started as vocal coaches. In 2021 they came up with a new children’s project, Hay Notes. They also produced a live concert video in 2006, titled “Inga & Anush.Live concert,” and in 2011, they released a video for “The Road.” Both sisters played a role in the movie 3 weeks in Yerevan, released in 2016. Awards In 2015, Inga and Anush won the “Best Video” category at the Armenian Pulse Music Awards in Yerevan. They won the Special Van Music Award in 2016 for the song “Aprelu April”. They were judges themselfs in Depi Evratesil 2017, the national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest. Entries Jan Jan Country🇦🇲 Armenia Year2009 LanguageEnglishArmenian LyricsAvet BarseghyanVardan Zadoyan MusicMane Hakobyan Dancers???? Results Semi Points: 99Position: 5Running order: 6 Results Finals Points: 92Position: 10Running order: 9 https://youtu.be/YhfqLTT8mpo?si=nNCSUkHR3I4UkpZJ

Flor-de-lis

About Quick Facts MembersPedro MarquesAna Sofia CampeãJorge MarquesJosé CamachoPaulo PereiraDaniela VarelaRolando Amaral (not on stage) Founded2008 Nationality🇵🇹 Portuguese National SelectionFestival RTP da Canção 2009 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongTodas as Ruas do Amor Biography Flor de Lis is a Portuguese musical group that won the Festival RTP da Canção in 2009. História (History) Flor de Lis started in 2008. Their music is based on Portuguese popular and folk music, with influences from around the world, especially Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East. In 2009, they joined the Festival RTP da Canção and won with the song “Todas as Ruas do Amor.” This meant they represented Portugal in Moscow at the Eurovision Song Contest 2009. They performed in the first semifinal on May 12 and made it to the final on May 16. In the Eurovision final, they finished in 15th place with 57 points. Their album “Signo Solar” came out in April 2010. The main influence was Portuguese popular music and folklore. In the next year, they released a limited edition with extra tracks. Flor de Lis released the single “Cinema Paraíso” in 2013 and the single “Dona Rosa” in 2014. After that, they took a break from making new songs and focused on live performances. In 2020, they came back with a new look and sound. The main band members were still Daniela Varela (vocals), José Camacho (guitars), Vasco Corisco (bass), and Pedro Marques (percussion and drums). They also had guest musicians like Inês Vaz (accordion) and Bruno Vicente (guitars). The band continues to play live concerts and create music regularly. Entries Todas as Ruas do Amor Country🇵🇹 Portugal Year2009 LanguagePortuguese LyricsPedro Marques MusicPaulo PereiraPedro Marques Backings– Results Semi Points: 70Position: 8Running order: 16 Results Finals Points: 57Position: 15Running order: 6 https://youtu.be/ryE2npWRICk?si=tYPlbdAtL2Rmt7_6

Sanja Ilić & Balkanika

© EBU/Andres Putting About Quick Facts MembersAleksandar RadulovićLjubomir DimitrijevićNevena StamenkovićDanica KrstićMladen LukićIva Banićević Founded2000 Nationality???????? Serbian National SelectionBeovizija 2018 In Eurovision2018 Lisbon SongNova deca (2018) Biography Aleksandar ‘Sanja’ Ilić (born in Belgrade, March 27, 1951) was a Serbian composer and architect. When he was 12 or 13, he wrote music based on a text by Dusko Radović performed by Dragan Laković. When he was 16, he sent his composition “Pesnik mira”, to Jugovizija, the national final for the Eurovision Song Contest. The song was sung by Lola Novaković. As a young man, he performed in the group Vragolani, and then in the group San. In the seventies of the 20th century, he composed music for the anthem of the Yugoslav national soccer team. Ilić graduated from the Faculty of Architecture in Belgrade in 1975. In 1976, he participated in Jugovizija again, the song “Bye, bye, bye” was performed by Bisera Veletanlić. Ilić’ song “Halo, halo” performed by the group Aska, represented Yugoslavia at the 1982 Eurovision Song Contest. His song “Princeza”, performed by Sladjana Milosević and Dado Topić, was a candidate in Jugovizija 1984. Aleksandar Ilić died on 7 March, 2021, of COVID19. On June 29, 2021, he was posthumously awarded the Gold Medal of Merit. The idea for creating the group Sanja Ilić & BALKANIKA certainly came from Sanja Ilić. He wanted to start thinking about some completely new music at a time when he thought that the musical milieu from the end of the nineties no longer suited him. He searched and inquired about young and talented musicians who play strange and already forgotten instruments and he found them. Kaval, džumbuš, tapan, darbuke, saz, ut, gadulka appear in the music of Balkanika. The first album was mostly made by Sanja in the home studio with the whistles of bombs in 1999. Sanja named it “Balkan 2000”. The album soon became the best-selling album of the country. Before the end of 1999, a decision was made by Serbian broadcaster RTS to do the first big television show after the bombing, with complete material from the album Balkan 2000. All the performers from the album participated in the show. Officially, the first concert of Balknika was held on June 26, 2000 at the Lent Festival in Maribor, Slovenia. That concert was probably a turning point in Sanja’s decision for the group to embark on a concert career. In 2001, Balkanika performed in Shanghai for the Shanghai International Art Festival. The concerts were preceded by promotions on Shanghai’s main television. In 2002, they went on a tour throughout Mexico. When coming back to Serbia, all the materials were arranged to a show called “Balkanika in …”. In 2005, Balkanika performed in Pakistan and in 2008 in Egypt with the mixed choir of the Cairo Opera. Balkanika gave more than 500 concerts on all continents. The style of Balkanika has not changed since 2000. The Balkans have always been the inspiration, but the approach to each new song has been enriched with new, modern sounds offered by new technologies. In 2006, a second album called “Balkan Concept” was released. The third album, “Ceeepaj” came in 20009. With the arrival of the famous musician Boris Krstajić in 2014, he made a sudden turn at the head of the BALKANIKA production team. A complete album in English called “Stand Up” was made. The orchestra is joined by a young but strong and very talented rhythm section and the excellent singer Mladen Lukić, who proved his qualities in X Factor. Three excellent female vocalists remained in the group, Nevena Paripović, Danica Krstić andMarija Paripović, who with their strong and solid ethno voices give a new dimension to the pop rock concept of the “new” Balkanika. After the songs for the album “Stand Up” were finished, the translations into Serbian started. One of the first translations was made for the song “Don’t cry”, which in Serbian translation is called “Za kraj”. In 2018, Balkanika won Beovizija and went to Lisbon for the Eurovision Song Contest as the Serbian representatives. In the grand final, they reached the 19th place. Also in 2018, the group received the first audience award and the first prize of the expert jury at the Ohrid Troubadours International Music Festival 2018. At the first international festival MAC Music Awards Ceremony held in January 2019 in the Belgrade Arena, the group received, probably the most prestigious music award in the region as the best ethno group, again with the song “Nova deca”. Entries Nova Deca Country???????? Serbia Year2018 LanguageSerbian LyricsSanja IlićTanja IlićDanica Krstić MusicSanja IlićTanja IlićDanica KrstićDarko Dimitrov Backings– Results Semi Points: 117Position: 9Running order: 3 Results Finals Points: 113Position: 19Running order: 10 https://youtu.be/WRQWQShbPHU