Will San Marino's grand final appearance encourage the other microstates to return to Eurovision?



Valentina - will she return a fourth time?

By Steven Oldham

One of the big surprises of this year's Eurovision was Valentina Monetta advancing to the final for San Marino with Maybe.

Generally seen as weaker than her 2013 entry Crisalide (Voila), Valentina nonetheless advanced to the final, beating Portugal's Suzy by one point to claim the tenth and last place.

The tiny country had never advanced beyond the semi finals before and it proved a case of third time lucky for Valentina, whose Eurovision record has improved in each of her three attempts.

The audience response to San Marino progressing was huge.  Whether this was the Valentina factor, (everyone loves a trier), a love of the song or the novelty of a new country making Saturday night, we will probably never know.

But suddenly everyone was talking about the tiny landlocked country. Even in last night's final, I saw people on Twitter and Facebook asking where it is.  One travel addict even went to the trouble of Googling it and posting some pictures of the hilly terrain.

He's now planning to visit the country when he visits Italy later in the year.  This made me think of the less obvious benefits of success (no matter how small) at Eurovision can do for a country.

Increased awareness of their country can only benefit small nations like San Marino, particularly in terms of tourism and the benefits it has on their general economy.

This made me wonder if the other microstates within Europe may be more open to returning to the contest in Austria next year.

Luxembourg, Monaco and Andorra have all now been long absent from the contest. They last competed in 1993, 2006 and 2009 respectively.

Monaco withdrew after complaining about block voting making it impossible for them to qualify, while Andorran broadcaster RTVA stepped away due to financial difficulties.

Luxembourg withdrew following a string of poor results in their last years as a competing country, but have been close to returning on more than one occasion.

While there has been no indication these countries want to return, it may be the best time for them to do so.

The effects of block voting have been reduced, if not eradicated, by the reintroduction of juries.  San Marino picked up points from countries as diverse as Albania, Spain and Russia while qualifying from the semis, which would have been highly unlikely before.

The re-emergence of 'traditional' countries as contenders may also be of encouragement.  Of the last five winners, four have been old hands from Western Europe.  The years of domination by the Eastern bloc appear to be over as this year's contest was the most geographically balanced in many years.

Financial problems still limit Andorra's chances of a return.  RTL have form for stating their interest and then backing out, and Tele Monte Carlo have also changed their minds on returning.

San Marino have proven however, that in modern Eurovision, the small countries don't need to compete just to make up the numbers in the semi finals - they can progress to the finals - who knows, Luxembourg and Monaco may yet add to their previous victories.

Eurovision 2014 Grand Final - The runners, riders and outsiders

By Steven Oldham

It's that time of year again. 26 countries are ready to compete for Eurovision glory in Copenhagen on Saturday night and it looks like the closest contest for years with several songs in with a real shot of victory.

In this blog I'll look at the bookies' odds (I've used William Hill) one day before the contest which can obviously change in the coming hours.  Clicking a country name will take you to their preview video.

The current  favourites are Sweden (5/2). Sanna Nielsen's Undo has gained momentum since Tuesday's semi final and a second win in three years is a real possibility for the Swedes.  Scandinavian countries have been the dominant force in Eurovision since the mid 2000s with Norway and Finland also picking up victories in this time.


Sanna. (Per Kristiansen)

Another country who have benefitted from the semi final exposure is Austria. Conchita Wurst's excellent performance of Rise Like A Phoenix yesterday has seen the prospect of Vienna 2015 fall to an impressive 3/1. 

After years in the doldrums at Eurovision it's pleasing to see the Netherlands riding high. The Common Linnets' gentle country track Calm After The Storm is already rising on charts across the continent before the majority of people have even heard it.  If the comparatively tiny audiences the semi finals get  is any indication, 3/1 may be a good price to take before the final tomorrow.

Armenia were the heavy favourites for a long time but have drifted out to 11/2. Aram MP3's dubstep ballad Not Alone is still not to be wrote off and could be the entry that rebuffs a resurgent Western Europe in this year's contest.



Can Armenia win? (Arnos Martirosyan)



It's hard to remember a year when a United Kingdom entry had as much chance of winning as Molly does this year with Children of the Universe.  Her modern, melodic track is already set to break into the UK Top 40 this weekend and is likely to climb further by the time next week's countdown is announced.  She's 9/1 to bring Eurovision back to the UK for the first time since Katrina & The Waves won in 1997.

It's a surprise for me to see the hosts Denmark as low priced as 25/1.  Basim's Cliché Love Song is one of the worst entries this year and says to me that the Danes really don't want to host two years in a row.  Host nations tend to fare pretty well whatever they send however so maybe I shouldn't be so surprised.

Looking further down the odds, a song that has fallen further down the pack is Norway's Carl Espen with Silent Storm.  Another former front runner, this has slipped to 33/1 which is a very good price.  He put in a polished performance of the song while qualifying from last night's semi final and he may be a good each way bet for a top five place, as it's a song which really comes to life sung live.

Poland are back at Eurovision after two years away and their, shall we say, interesting staging of My Slowianie - We Are Slavic certainly got people talking.  An unlikely winner though as there's not much to the song, and controversy doesn't always mean votes - see Finland's miserable near-bottom finish last year with Krista Siegfrieds' same-sex kiss.  The Poles are a hefty 80/1 shot.

Messages of equality and tolerance have rarely been as fun as when Iceland (100/1) put them across.  Punk-rock band Pollaponk - also primary school teachers - have been a breath of fresh air this year and No Prejudice is a good song to boot.  They won't win, but I hope they get a respectable place as there are many worse songs than this competing.

Pollaponk (Jonatan Gretarsson)

It takes a lot to make Eurovision fans boo, but the announcement that Russia had qualified on Tuesday managed it.  While their entry is weak, the Tolmachevy Sisters wrongly bore the brunt of frustration with Russian policy, both domestic and foreign.  Odds of 125/1 tell you all you need to know and how they do in the final will be an interesting sidenote to follow in the voting.

There are two debutants in this year's final, having both been trying for numerous years and failing to qualify.  I doubt the entries from Montenegro (200/1) and San Marino (250/1) will be upset by their long odds - qualifying for the first time is an achievement in itself.  Both songs are decent and Montenegro will likely do well with traditionalists as it is one of the few entries in a native tongue.

Full odds

Sweden (5/2)
Austria, Netherlands (3/1)
Armenia (11/2)
United Kingdom (9/1)
Hungary (14/1)
Greece (20/1)
Denmark (25/1)
Norway (33/1)
Azerbaijan, Spain (40/1)
Finland (50/1)
Malta, Romania (66/1)
Italy, Poland, Switzerland (80/1)
Iceland (100/1)
Russia (125/1)
France (150/1)
Germany, Montenegro, Slovenia (200/1)
Belarus, San Marino (250/1)

Eurovision 2014 - Country-by-country guide to semi final two

By Steven Oldham

Tonight, 15 countries will compete for the final 10 spots in Saturday night's Eurovision grand final.

They will join the six automatic qualifiers - hosts Denmark, and 'Big Five' members United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain and Italy - and the ten qualifiers from the first semi final on Tuesday - Sweden, Iceland, Hungary, Montenegro, Russia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Armenia, San Marino and the Netherlands.

Listed by running order, here's my quick guide to tonight's contestants.  Click on the country's name to view the video.


01 - Firelight - Coming Home (Malta)
Hoping to make the final for a third successive year, Malta achieved their best result since 2005 with Gianluca's happy foot-tapping song Tomorrow.  Looking to continue this run are Firelight, a pop folk band which includes four siblings.  Coming Home is definitely a grower and I would be surprised if it misses out on qualifying.  Momentum builds throughout the song and this should translate in the band's performance on the big stage Folk has rapidly regained popularity both critically and commercially in recent years and Malta are hoping to take advantage of this.


02 - Mei Feingold - Same Heart (Israel)
Israel have missed out on the final in recent years, but this run should change with Mei Feingold.  Her pop-rock-dance number is proving popular with fans and should go down well with casual voters too - think Kelly Clarkson with a dancy breakdown.  Traditionalists will enjoy the middle verse being sung in Hebrew, and her vocals are powerful enough to command the gigantic stage in Copenhagen.

03 - Carl Espen - Silent Storm (Norway)
This year Norway have gone with a melancholy number that is among the early favourites. Tonight's performance could seal that status.  There's no doubting Silent Storm is a powerful track, which Carl sings flawlessly, but I wonder if it will be instant enough to really mount a challenge.  There may well be another Nordic victory this year but I doubt it will be this one.

04 - The Shin & Mariko - Three Minutes To Earth (Georgia)

With an interesting title like Three Minutes To Earth, it's hard not to be disappointed by Georgia's track this year.  Mariko has a strong voice but she is let down by her fellow competitors.  This sounds like the sort of thing aging hippies would love after one joint too many.  There's no discernible chorus or melody, just lots of noodling on acoustic guitars.  Outsider.

05 Donatan & Cleo - My Slowianie - We Are Slavic (Poland) 
Poland return to Eurovision after two years absence with this and look set to return to the final for the first time since 2008.  Already a big hit in Poland long before it was confirmed as their country's entry, My Slowanie is available in three versions - Polish, English and the contest version which mixes both languages.  A catchy if repetitive hip hop fusion with traditional Polish folk, some of the lyrics don't sit as comfortably in English but it still has enough to place in the top ten tonight.

06 Conchita Wurst - Rise Like A Phoenix (Austria)
This year's most controversial contestant, bearded lady Conchita definitely knows how to bring attention to herself and her entry.  Conservative nations such as Russia and Armenia have voiced their disapproval and there have been calls from some to remove her from the contest.  No such luck for them as the majority of Europe seems to be a fan of her and her song.  For me, Rise Like A Phoenix is disappointing given the hype, and sounds like a below par James Bond theme.  There's no doubt she will qualify though and is likely to give Austria their best result in years.

07 Vilija - Attention (Lithuania)

This is one of the worst entries in the contest this year and if there is any justice it will be left behind after tonight.  The chorus is a mess, the stuttering vocals are annoying and the music is just noise.  The staging leaves a lot to be desired as well.  It's a shame because Lithuania have improved in recent contests, but I won't be sorry if they fail to make the final for the first time in four years.

08 - Softengine - Something Better (Finland)
Finland will hope to improve on last year's disappointing near-bottom finish from Krista Siegfrieds despite her song Marry Me being a fan favourite and lots of media attention for her same-sex kiss in the finals.  Unfortunately I don't think Softengine will do that.  It's good to hear rock at Eurovision much more commonly now than in previous years (mainly down to compatriots and winners Lordi) but Something Better's problem lies in its simplicity.  It is a good track - but it sounds too similar to well known bands like 30 Seconds To Mars and My Chemical Romance to stand out and make you want to vote for it. Doubtful whether they will get through.

09 - Can-Linn ft Kasey Smith - Heartbeat (Ireland)
The Irish have the best history in Eurovision with seven victories, but it is fast approaching twenty years since their last win.  Some entries have been questionable in recent years (Dustin the Turkey springs to mind), but Jedward, Ryan Dolan and now Can-Linn have submitted worthy contenders.  Heartbeat's chorus is one of the strongest in the contest this year and they have found a winning way of importing traditional Irish instruments into an electronic pop track.

10 - Teo - Cheesecake (Belarus)
Oh dear Belarus.  Robin Thicke and his Blurred Lines have a lot to answer for.  Teo tries his best to look like Mr Thicke in the Cheesecake video but the whole thing comes across as a cheap rip off.  Cheesecake is a poor song too. Teo is fed up of being this girl's sweet cheesecake indeed. It tries to be cool but sounds like a Justin Timberlake cast off. In his N*Sync days. This is unlikely to improve Belarus's poor record of three finals appearances in their ten attempts so far.

11 - Tijana - To The Sky (FYR Macedonia)
I think this is the period in the show I'll be topping up my drink.  To The Sky is better than Cheesecake at least.  It's not saying much.  Tijana even sounds bored on this run of the mill dance track about taking it to the sky. Another country with a below average qualification record, though it's not really a surprise when they send stuff like this.

12 - Sebalter - Hunter of Stars (Switzerland)
Switzerland have been very unlucky in recent years at Eurovision.  They consistently send decent songs that mostly end up failing to qualify, quite what Takasa did to the juries last year to end up 13th after finishing 5th in the televote I don't know.  Happily, Sebalter's mix of folk, pop and whistling should see them make the final this year.  The whistling is catchy, not annoying and the singer is likable - he is this year's smiliest contestant - and more importantly his song is one of the best this year.

13 Freaky Fortune ft RiskyKidd - Rise Up (Greece)
Greece go back to more familiar ground with this quality dance number after Koza Mostra brought us skirts and ska last year.  This is probably the most commercial song in the contest this year and I expect to see it on iTunes charts across the continent before the end of the week.  Greece have an excellent record and have never failed to qualify from the semi finals. It's not a run that is going to end this year either.

14 Tinkara Kovac - Round and Round (Slovenia)
Slovenia keep trying but it's a rarity when they do qualify for the finals - just twice since the advent of semis in 2004.  This is one their better efforts, and surprisingly features 2013 flop Hannah Mancini credited as one of the lyricists.  This downtempo, brooding track has gone under the radar for a lot of people, but it may surprise a few people by making Saturday's final.

15 - Paula Seling & Ovi - Miracle (Romania)
Romania are one of those Eurovision countries whose entries I struggle to remember. Excluding Cesar, I'm still having my ears bleached to try and forget last year.  Eurovision veterans Paula & Ovi are back this year, hoping for a similar result which saw them take third in 2010.  They are another country with a 100% qualification rate, and Miracle is likely to continue that.  There are better songs, and both Paula & Ovi's voices don't sit quite right with the fast production for my taste, but they will undoubtedly qualify once again.

So, which countries will miss out? I think Belarus, Georgia, Finland, Macedonia and Lithuania will miss out. Let me know your thoughts.

With thanks to Eurovision, EBU and the national broadcasters for the pictures.

Rise Up is more than a song... it's a movement, say Greece's Freaky Fortune

By Steven Oldham

Greece's Freaky Fortune are looking at the bigger picture with their Eurovision contender Rise Up.

The duo will take to the stage alongside British-born rapper RiskyKidd in Thursday's second semi-final in Copenhagen.

Producer Theofilos took time out of his busy schedule to tell me about their track, ideas and their thoughts on Eurovision.

"To us, Rise Up is more than a song… It is a movement! We wanted to write a song and convey a message to the young people and urge them to be positive and jump out of all the things that keep them down.
We, the young people of Europe and beyond, are mostly influenced by the financial crisis and in some cases by the political imbalances. Are we going to let all those things put us down? Our answer is RISE UP. We “Rise Up” by looking things from the positive side, by looking things through the prism of youth, through the prism of creativity," Theofilos explained.

That Greece are even competing this year is a surprise to some in itself.  National broadcaster ERT was shut down last year and there were real doubts whether a Greek entry would make it to Copenhagen.

It wasn't until November last year the new broadcaster, NERIT, was confirmed and Greece were able to participate.

Several countries, including Cyprus, Bulgaria and Serbia have withdrawn due to financial restraints as the Eurozone continues to struggle.

"I don't know how close it came to Greece having to pull out. Of course, in a country with issues in the economy, the cost is always a significant factor when it comes to the realisation of a project.

On the other hand we could say that “whenever there is a will there is a way”… and besides presenting something nice don’t necessarily mean that a lot of money should be spent.

But as we said before this is what Rise Up is all about… its about being creative, positive and jumping out of what keeps us down. In our case this could be the financial crisis and the possible lack of budget," said Theo.

Their self-written track features RiskyKidd, a London-born rapper and Greek resident.  How did the two acts come to work together?

"When we were composing Rise Up and long before we even know that the Eurovision Song Contest was even an option we decided that we would like to add a rap part. Our management and our record company proposed that we work with RiskyKidd. We really liked the idea and we started working on it! Our associates liked the result so much that they proposed we participate in the Greek national final," Theo said.

It was a collaboration that proved successful, with the trio taking victory in a four-way national final, ahead of nearest rival Kostas Martakis.

Whilst on the promo trail, they decided to record a medley of recent Eurovision winners, including compatriot Helena Paparizou's My Number One.  The medley is impressive, and shows their versatility taking on songs as different as Hard Rock Hallelujah and Running Scared.

"All those songs are favourites.  If we had to pick our top three, Helena would be first because she made Greece proud by winning.  Next, would be Loreen, because we think Euphoria is one of the best songs ever presented in Eurovision.  Finally, we pick Satellite because it's closest to our personal taste."

Helena's victory in 2005 remains Greece's sole victory in Eurovision to date, but the country's record in the last decade is one any country would envy.

They have only finished outside the top ten once since 2003, and have finished third twice in that time, and boast a 100% qualification rate since the introduction of semi finals.  So can they keep this impressive record going?

"We are working really hard and we are confident that we will give 200%! We are really positive. However, it is up to the juries and the people to decide how good this whole thing will go," said Theo.

"We like a lot of songs this year.  Not in order of preference, here's our top five.  France's moustache people, Twin Twin, are really crazy and rhythmical and we like that! Armenia's combination of epic ballad and the dub element, we like that too.  Molly's Children of the Universe is also in our top five, and so are the Netherlands and Norway," he said.

RiskyKidd follows in the footsteps of Sarbel, a British-born act who went on to have big success for Greece and on the continent following his entry Yassou Maria coming seventh in 2007.

Better known to his parents as Shane Schuller, 19-year-old RiskyKidd will surely pick up some votes for his entry from the UK, who in any event usually give Greece good points every year.

Would he like to represent the country of his birth in future years?

"So far my short experience in the Eurovision Song Contest is amazing! I would be more than happy to represent UK in with a good song and the necessary support of the British people, of course.

But for now I am just focusing on our Rise Up project that seems to be going so well. I would like to invite everybody on the 8th and 10th of May to join us, rise up and vote for Greece!", he said.

You can buy Rise Up on iTunes internationally, and you can vote for Greece in the second semi final if you live in the UK, Germany, Italy or any of the other competing countries on that night.



RiskyKidd, Nick and Theo. Photo: Maria Delakou

Singing Swiss lawyer Sebalter achives longtime goal by competing at Eurovision

By Steven Oldham

Switzerland's Sebalter is less than a week away from fulfilling a long-time goal by competing at Eurovision for his country with his song Hunter of Stars.

The 28-year-old - a qualified lawyer - will compete in the second semi final on Thursday in Copenhagen, hoping to qualify for Saturday's grand final.

Despite his pride at being picked to fly the Swiss flag in Denmark, he admits he is feeling a little pressure as the contest draws nearer.

He said: "On one hand I feel positively overwhelmed and satisfied by a musical achievement I have wanted for a long time.
On the other hand I have a feeling of responsibility and serious commitment -   I am going to represent my country, and that is very important."

His self-written song stands out from the crowd due to it's insanely catchy whistling, which stays in your head long after you've heard it, and was based on his own circumstances.

"I wrote the song on a trip in the USA last summer. Hunter of Stars basically has one main meaning - it's about having confidence (or not) in myself when it comes to flirting and love," he explained.

He is hoping to break Switzerland's recent run of poor performances at the contest - they have failed to qualify in six of the last seven grand finals despite some of their entries being well received by fans - indeed Takasa finished fifth in the televote last year, comfortably inside the top ten qualifiers - only to be knocked down to 13th after failing to impress the juries.

So, is he the man to break their duck this year?

"Why not? Of course it is difficult to know what chance I have. For me it`s important to give my best possible performance on stage and to entertain and enthuse the audience," he answered.

Hunter of Stars music video

His pop-folk style seems in fashion this year at Eurovision - Malta and Latvia have also sent folky entries this year, while the Netherlands and Georgia have sent a country and jazz entry respectively as traditional genres experience something of a rebirth at the contest, moving away from the more common pop and EDM entries.

"In my opinion this kind of music has a lot of spontaneity and authenticity. This might be the reason why folk style entries have become more and more popular," he said.

Since winning the right to go to Copenhagen, Sebastiano Pau-Lessi (as his mum knows him) has experienced first hand the legions of Eurovision fans across the continent, whose knowledge and enthusiasm have surprised him.

"Oh yes, the fans are incredible, I didn`t expect it. There is a huge and true passion around Eurovision, and I must say that this makes the ESC adventure even more exciting," he said.

Talk turns to this year's contest, and Sebalter is keen to share his favourite entries from the other countries.

"There are definitely some very talented artists this year. I love the songs by Malta and Norway.
Silent Storm, the Norwegian entry by Carl Espen, is really sad and emotional. I am fond of that kind of music.
In contrast, the Maltese entry Coming Home is a very energetic song that makes you feel good. The United Kingdom's entry, Molly's Children of the Universe, is also very strong.

My favourite entry of all-time is Fairytale by Alexander Rybak.  It's a fantastic and powerful song."

Sebalter's song Hunter of Stars is available on iTunes now, and if you're in the UK, Germany, Italy or the other competing countries in the second semi final, you can vote for him by using the suffix 12 added to your country's relevant phone number.

Thanks to Merly Knorle for picture
 

EUROVISION 2014 - SAN MARINO - Third time lucky for Valentina Monetta?

By Steven Oldham

Eurovision fans love a trier.  Think of three-time entrant Chiara from Malta, or Lys Assia from Switzerland, still sending entries to the national pre-selection despite being 90 years old.

These artists quickly become fan favourites through their sheer determination to take part in the Contest, and falling neatly into this bracket is San Marino's 2014 representative Valentina Monetta.

After competing in both 2012 and 2013, Valentina, 39,  joins a short list of acts who have entered the contest three times.  She is yet to qualify, but her songs have achieved San Marino's best results, most notably Crisalide (Voila) which missed out on the 2013 grand final by one place.

She is back again for a third and potentially final year with her pop song Maybe (Forse), which is again composed by Ralph Siegel, also the writer of her previous entries.

Now an old hand at Eurovision, does she still get the same buzz from competing for her country?

"It's fantastic and amazing.  I am honoured to have had this opportunity again.  It would mean so much to me and San Marino to make the final this year," she said.

Music video for 'Maybe'

Competing for a micro-state with little influence in the wider world, and a minimal disaspora to rely on for votes, it's good to hear she is confident in her song's ability to do well in Copenhagen.

"I am confident in me, and the support my fans and team continue to give me.

Maybe has a positive message of the respect we should have for the infinite possibilities that life gives us - only if we want to, because we live only once, and unfortunately not for long sometimes.

Life is one and we should not limit ourselves to believe we do not deserve more than what we are used to getting," she explained.

In a competition such as Eurovision it seems natural to feel competitive about the other entries, but Valentina insists this is not the case for her.

"I'm not thinking of my fellow participants as adversaries rather than as companions of a wonderful journey.

I like a lot of the songs this year, it's hard to pick my absolute favourite this year.

I love the beat and energy of the songs from Greece, Hungary and Denmark.  I like Ruth Lorenzo's voice on the Spanish entry, and then there's the sound of Azerbaijan.

There are many others - I also enjoy Moldova, Israel and Austria and more," she said.

There have been reports saying 2014 will be Valentina's last time at Eurovision, but would qualifying for the final for the first time change her mind?

She cryptically answered with  one word.

"Maybe."

You can buy Maybe on iTunes here

Photo: Augusto Betiula & Valentina Monetta



EUROVISION 2014 - MALTA - Firelight looking to connect Europe with Coming Home

By Steven Oldham
 
Malta's Eurovision hopes lie with Firelight this year, and frontman Richard Edwards hopes his self-penned song Coming Home will strike a chord with voters across Europe.
 
Richard is joined in Firelight by sister Michelle (piano) and brothers Daniel (acoustic guitar) and Wayne William (backing vocals).  The band is completed by Tony (upright bass) and Leslie (drums & harmonica).
 
Coming Home is a driving folk pop song, which builds real momentum as Richard and Michelle trade vocals in the last half of the song.
 
Richard said:  "There was a personal story behind the song but I think it will mean different things to different people. It may be especially poignant for the thousands of Europeans who work abroad spending months away from their families."
 
Edwards is no stranger to Eurovision - he has entered the Maltese national selection before both in a group and as a solo artist, and was runner up in 2011 to Glen Vella with the song 'Finally'.
 
It is with Firelight however he has finally reached the Eurovision stage, and the 31-year-old says it is means a lot doing so surrounded by those close to him.
 
"It is a great honour to be representing Malta.  To win alongside my family and friends in Firelight was something special. I’ve been a fan of the Eurovision for as long as I can remember.
 
Growing up, our home was always full of music. Dad is a singer and my Mum was a dancer. My sister and brothers and I have been making music together from a young age."
 
Looking ahead to the semi final, Edwards won't be drawn on which countries they see as rivals for qualification, but says they are looking to make the most of being the first act on stage.
 
"There are a lot of good songs and I would think every artist has a chance. We are delighted to be performing first on the night. We will try to give the performance of our lives."
 
What about your personal favourites then Richard?
 
"I think Paula & Ovi from Romania and Aram MP3 from Armenia are strong, but there are many other great performers too," he said.
 

 

 Music video for 'Coming Home'

 
Firelight are aiming to continue Malta's recent run of success at Eurovision, with Gianluca Bezzina giving the island their best result since 2005 last year by finishing eighth with Tomorrow.  It was a big improvement on preceding years, where Malta failed to qualify for the final four times in six attempts.
 
The renewed popularity of folk in recent years thanks to bands such as Mumford & Sons and Noah & The Whale seems to be transferring to Eurovision, with more countries sending songs in this style at recent contests, with Latvia and Switzerland also choosing the folk route this year.
 
I asked Richard why he feels this is.
 
"Music is always evolving. All I can tell you is that we in Firelight have been working to produce a different sound, a fusion of rock, pop and folk. It is going down well in Malta. We just hope the rest of Europe finds it appealing, " he replied.
 
The band have been busy on the campaign trail, making promotional visits to the likes of the UK, Russia and the Netherlands, getting a warm welcome by fans across Europe.
 
Eagle-eyed UK fans may rememeber Richard from his appearance in the 2005 series of The X Factor, where he made the last 80.
 
"The X Factor experience was great fun. Simon Cowell gave me the thumbs up and I made it to boot camp performing alongside the likes of Leona Lewis. It would be fantastic if the Eurovision led to Firelight getting greater exposure in the UK and elsewhere in Europe. We would love to tour more and this is a big opportunity.  I just hope people who like Coming Home will vote for Malta."
 
If you do like Coming Home, you can help the dream for Valletta 2015 to become reality by voting 01 in the second semi final. 
 
The song is available to buy on iTunes here
 


Will Firelight bring Eurovision 2015 to Malta?