GREECE
Helena Paparizou will announce Greece’s 12 points!
Greece’s Eurovision winner Helena Paparizou will be the spokesperson announcing the Greek jury’s 12 points on Saturday night at the Eurovision Song Contest Finale live at Malmö Arena.
Helena appeared on Thursday nights second semi-final and wowed the arena with a live rendition of “My Number One” during the sing-along medley. We admit to feeling teary eyed with the victorious Eurovision song still sounding as fresh and exciting as ever.
Born and raised in Sweden, Paparizou commanded the stage with her solo act, busting a few Greek dance steps and yelling “Opa!” to the crowd’s delight.
The interval act also featured former Eurovision winners Sertab Erener (Turkey 2004) and Charlotte Perrelli (Sweden 1999).
Greece’s Eurovision entrant Marina Satti with the ethno-banger “ZARI” (Greek word for = dice) went through on the night. Both Helena and Marina at the semis, lady luck, rolling out a couple 6’s at the Greek’s bequest.
Fun fact also, the “My Number One” co-writer is the iconic Christos Dantis, who’ll be headlining our Greekology event in July alongside former Cypriot Eurovision star Konstantinos Christoforou.
Helena has an inextricably close bond to Eurovision: in 2001 she was one-half of Antique with “Die For You”, finishing third in Copenhagen. In 2005, she won the contest in Kyiv and welcomed the world to Athens in 2006. In 2021, Paparizou participated at the “Rock The Roof” party in Rotterdam, in The Netherlands.
Helena who celebrates a 25-year milestone in the music industry, recently released the ultimate “club banger of 2024”. The single “Mavra Gialia” is now on the LGR playlist and fast-tracked to become a mega hit this summer.
She is also soon set to release her eleventh-studio album later this year, mixing pop, dance-floor-rhythms, R&B and the ethnic motif.
Pic (credit): Tryfonas Nakis
Marina Satti unleashes infectious vibes with “ZARI”, Greece’s 2024 Eurovision Entry
Article written by Tony Neophytou
“The Greek instrument of the zournas standing out in the mix. It makes “ZARI” powerful and exciting”.
As Eurovision excitement heats up, Marina Satti’s “ZARI” (Greek word for = dice) is set to take the stage at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 in Sweden at the Malmö Arena.
Satti will perform in the second semi-final tonight batting for a place at the final on Saturday.
The Eurovision hit song “ZARI” mixes traditional Greek melodies with a modern template. The up-tempo Greek banger feels current and on-trend with Greek music and local charts. It is a unique and original song with a mix of avant-garde and mainstream sounds. It blends ethno-pop with pop-laika, tsifeteli and hip-hop which is very modern and current.
The Greek delegation at Eurovision is setting out to rejuvenate the nation’s fortunes with this entry with a hopeful top 10 finish like classic 00s and 10s’ entries: Songs that were always catchy, super-fun and felt like genuine Greek songs.
Instantly triggering recognition as a Greek song, with the tabla percussion and the zournas standing out in the mix, “ZARI” is both powerful and exciting. It is catchy, contagious and addictive, claims our Eurovision man. It is a production with a strong bassline that reverberates when the volume is turned up full notch with the Ta-Ta-Ta vibrating through the floor at the LGR studio.
Tony Neophytou LGR’s ‘Eurovision fanatic’ says, “Satti is the experimental singer-songwriter and ZARI is a weird and wonderful song. It is brimming with Satti’s personality a little on the ‘brave, bold and brilliant’ side, is the eclectic Eurovision song and not too unlike her hit song “Tucutum” from last year.”
“ZARI” has an elevated ethno female bop with the eclectic Satti style we know, distinctive as a Greek-language song with a true cultural identity, Mr Neophytou views.
“The multiple hooks and a super lush, sumptuous bass are driving a strong song, with the syncopated rhythm demanding your attention. The woah moments and the most unexpected twists and turns have a captivating feel and it’s like a smack or a hit in the gut.” Tony adds. The hook is the useful asset a Eurovision song requires to create a strong impression.
Her closest allies whittled down through 150 songs before landing on this “competitive song” that stands on its feet, as a stage and TV-alluring package. “ZARI” is a hot-take of a Eurovision-engineered song, Satti says.
It is gutsy like lady luck with a dice roll and a fresh track shaking things up. A risky song, it’s like different sides of a zari, or dice, with layers and parts each congruent to each other. This sounds much better on repeat noticing the intricate details in the song. It’s the sort of song “to marinate on all the aspects it stitches together as a studio cut, it’s like a Greek spice with seasoning and feeds our appetite” our LGR ‘man’ says.
“ZARI” mixes up-beat and melancholic vibes – the quieter parts feel introspective. A creeping bass line and subtle drums provide a backdrop for Satti’s head-voice intro that quickly builds up to a fast tumba beat with a climax that feels exhilarating.
Satti blends groovy feels and airy vocals with its crowd-pleasing song. It is mostly sung in Greek, with the “put your hands up” verse switching up with a sweet urban spot.
The studio song is a club and radio-friendly hit for sure. The staging of the performance will be elevated with unique urban visuals and aesthetics with on-point vocals.
A 30-second teaser of the Greek staging is presenting a cohesive stage concept. The long, continuous shot focusses on Satti and the dancers whilst she looks into the camera to connect with the audience. The staging is bright, well-lit with neon colour palette, graffiti graphics and the floor alternates to blue with a nod to the Greek flag. They then pull-out handkerchiefs for a routine to the syrto and kalamatianos, which feels very Greek.
The official music to “Zari” had the quick cuts through the streets of Athens to add to the up-beat vibe to this song. “I am curious at the staging for this and how it channels the infectious vibe to the stage.” Mr Neophytou adds.
Satti’s team is made up of Creative Director Fokas Evangelinos, Mecnun Giasar (Majnoon) is the choreographer, and art direction by NMR.
Satti will perform with four dancers – Huso Cetintas, Vassilis Karagiannis, Yasin AO and Eirini Damianidou. Her backing-vocalist is Erasmia Markidi.
“Zari” was composed by Satti, OGΕ, Nick Kodonas, Kay Be, Jay Stolar, Gino The Ghost, and Jordan Palmer, with lyrics penned by VLOSPA, OGΕ, Satti, and Solmeister.
The official music video had taken a rather quirky slant poking fun at the perceived stereotypes of Greek people and its aesthetics are TikTok-inspired.
“Zari” since its release has smashed stream numbers and gone super-viral. Marina is only the with second female artist ever since Eleni Foureira to top the Greek Spotify chart.
The track released on digital and streaming services hit 10.000.000 streams on Spotify, gaining double platinum one month after its release. The music video surpassed 11 million views, a record-breaking statistic for a Greek Eurovision entry.
Fun trivia also, Greece have a lucky streak at Eurovision in Malmo, with Top 5th and Top 6th finishes, i.e. Koza Mostra featuring Agathonas “Alcohol is Free” (2013), and Cleopatra “Olou Tou Kosmou I Elpida” (1995), to be exact.
Luck, be a lady at the Eurovision semi-final tonight. Satti is rolling a couple of 6’s smashes the tele-vote and qualifies. Satti performs #3 in the running order of 16.
London Greek Radio wishes Greece and Marina Satti the best of luck at the competition.
Article written by Tony Neophytou
LGR 103.3 FM is the official media sponsor of Josephine live in London. 🇬🇧 One of the hottest acts on the Greek music scene, Josephine will be appearing at the world-renowned Lola’s Hippodrome Casino Leicester Square, on the 28th of March. This marks her first concert in London after the success of her recent album “Ta Kala Koritsia”.🔥
Josephine has become one of the biggest female superstars in Greek music, releasing a string of consecutive hits.
Her latest album “Ta Kala Koritsia” includes hit songs such as ” Tilefono”, “Berdemata”, “Kathrefti Kathreftaki Mou”, “Poly Poly”, “Eisai Mia Thea (2023 Version)”, “Pirkaya”, “Kyma Mou” and “Geia Sou”.
Get ready for an exclusive night at The Hippodrome Casino with Josephine alongside DJ Andreas Michaelides and DJ George Michaelides plus special guests!🙌
In a whirlwind of excitement and anticipation, tickets for the much-anticipated gig have officially sold out. The announcement came from the official Greek London Live page.
LGR sponsors this Greek London Live event as London’s only official FM-licensed Greek station, and first choice for new music.
This event is sponsored by @going.greek @3wisemonkeys_assos @delphifoods @apollobakeryfinchley @apollobakerycockfosters @archway_steel
This event is supported by @andrewsshipping and KOUNNIS & PARTNERS
Official Media Sponsor: @londongreekradio
@panik_entertainment_group
#londongreekradio #lgr #lgr1033 #greekmusic #greekradio #greeksongs #newmusic #panicrecords #greeksinlondon #cypriotsinlondon #josephine #greeklondon #greeknight #events #london #lgrclubnights #greekology #athens #greece
Article written by London Greek Radio
Marina Satti, renowned Greek singer/songwriter, is set to represent Greece at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 in Sweden at the Malmö Arena. The 36-year-old Greek artist, born and raised in Heraklion, is the daughter of a Cretan mother and a Sudanese father.
ERT bosses announced the artist on 25th October that Satti will be their next act at the 68th Eurovision Song Contest, marking the 50th anniversary of Greece’s first participant in 1974.
The song has not yet been chosen as the final song is yet to be chosen, but will be distributed by ERT and Marina’s record label, Golden Records and Minos EMI (a Universal Music Company). From 25th October, writers were invited to submit songs (in accordance with Eurovision Song Contest rules) for Satti by email with the deadline just passing on December 1st.
Satti is a singer/songwriter with roots in alternative ethnic, merging Greek, Balkan, and Middle Eastern influences. She mixes traditional and ethnic elements with pop and urban, hip-hop rhythms and electronic and is one of Greece’s most exciting artists today.
In terms of a Eurovision song Marina is favouring an ethnic modern song that is very relevant and cultural. She hinted that it will be an effective and intuitively catchy song for the Eurovision fan-base and wishes it to resonate with both young Greeks and peers of her generation.
Satti told Greek TV, “I believe a Eurovision entry should champion the culture of the country it represents” (translated). Furthermore, Satti wishes to smash through stereotypes about Greek music by illustrating Greek music can be both diverse and alternative yet still appeal to a wider audience. Her statement reveals that it will be an innovative Eurovision song with cultural and ethnic traits.
The OGAE Greece website, the official Greek fan-site for Eurovision on the selection of Marina, stated that Greece is reinventing its Eurovision identity by reverting back to the ethnic formulae of past years. Ogae said: “Greece re-defines its Eurovision identity by reverting back to its ethnicity roots and heritage.” Furthermore they stated: “On the 50th year of Greece’s Eurovision participation at the contest, the country is precipitating a change in momentum and recreating the Greek and ethnic formula which served them well in the contest for many years.” (translated).
Interestingly, Greece have always gained strong results whenever the contest was held in Malmö, particularly when sending ethnic-conscious songs: with a Top 5th and Top 6th finish for Kleopatra (1992), and Koza Mostra feat. Agathonas (2013).
Satti’s biggest hit so far in her career is undoubtedly ‘Mantissa’, a radio friendly super hit on LGR back in 2017, exceeding with over 50 million youtube hits. Other hits have included ‘Spirto ke Vinzini’ and ‘Koupes’, to name a few.
Her successful debut album, ‘YENNA’, was released in 2022. She also released the short documentary ‘FLABOURO’ as well as ‘TOCUTUM’, a song-commentary on Balkan trap, which became viral in the summer of 2023.
Satti holds a scholarship at the Berklee College of Music, with a creative and diverse background in music. She founded Fones, a female vocal group, as well as Chores, a choir of about 200 young talented women.
She also represented Greece in the EBU’s Euroradio Jazz Orchestra with works by Peter Herbolzheimer; singing at the John F. Kennedy Center, in Washington with the World Jazz Nonet; and participating in the a cappella vocal group The Singing Tribe in collaboration with Bobby McFerrin.
The Eurovision Final will take place at the Malmö Arena on Saturday 11th May with Semi-Finals on Tuesday 7th and Thursday 9th May.
London Greek Radio wish Marina Satti and Greece the very best of luck in the competition.
December 2023
Article written by London Greek Radio
The third film of the Big Fat Greek Wedding franchise is to hit cinemas worldwide on 8th September.
As the release date draws nearer, the excitement among fans has become palpable, reverberating through social media platforms with LGR playing ‘Opa’ of course, to mark the film event.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 official trailer released earlier in the year, teased a former Greek Eurovision entry.
The timeless Eurovision tune was a 2010 Eurovision Song Contest hit with Giorgos Alkaios and Friends, ‘Opa’, and ranked 8th in the music event. The tune could be described as a Greek-language up-tempo with the iconic, Pontiac Lyra instrument.
The catchy Greek number is a popular song with Eurovision fans, and 12 years later, is featured in trailer in the beloved franchise. The official club remix to this song, could be heard on London Greek Radio in recent weeks.
The architype Greek Eurovision song with its ethnic elements, is regarded as Greece’s strength and its super-asset, in Eurovision terms, particularly in the noughties and early 2010’s.
It is a fun song which in 2023 still sounds exciting. It is the ethnic banger, which stands the test of time.
The official trailer released earlier in the year, teased the fun-filled family reunion.
‘A lot has happened since my big fat Greek wedding…,’ Toula says in a voiceover. ‘My father passed away and his last wish was for us to visit his childhood village and reconnect with our roots, so we’re having a reunion.
‘And by we, I mean the whole family.’
As she greets several of her family members, she continues: ‘My father passed away and his last wish was for us to visit his childhood village and reconnect with our roots.’
After the family boards a plane to Greece, Thiea Voula, played by Andrea Martin, offers the group souvlaki, after which Nick Portakalos, portrayed by Louis Mandylor, asks: ‘Anybody by the name of Sue Vlaki on this flight?’
Toula’s daughter Paris, played by Elena Kampouris, then awkwardly encounters her prospective romantic partner Aristotle, portrayed by Elias Kacavas, and Thiea comments: ‘They had an amazing date. She ghosted him.’
Once the family lands in Greece, they are greeted by an eccentric cousin, who describes herself as ‘related through your pappou’s pappou, who was married to your great-yiayia’s sister’s sister-in-law.’
The family’s long-lost cousin then tells Toula that her deceased father’s friends will return to their hometown to participate in the family reunion, although when she is asked if she knows the group specifically, she dejectedly answers: ‘No.’
After the Portakalos family spends the night in the same room and are rudely woken up by a stray goat, Vardalos’ character remarks: ‘This is one reunion we’ll never forget.’
Thiea later goes out on a fishing trip and comments that ‘I am surprised, but I am not surprised, because I’m never surprised.’
Martin’s character later tells Paris that she ‘dreamt about Aristotle last night’ during a group dance, and after she is asked about how she found that out, Thiea quips: ‘Greek voodoo! Bam!’
When Toula tells her husband Ian, played by John Corbett, that she really wants to reconnect with her father’s friends, her sister Nikki and their Cousin Angelo, played by Gia Carides and Joey Fatone, rush off to complete the task.
After the Portakalosn family runs into the Mediterranean Sea, Nick, recognising Toula’s role in bringing the family back to their homeland, proclaims her to be the new ‘head of the family.’
Vardalos’ character then starts day-drinking with Thiea, and her husband becomes amused after she drunkenly struggles to hop on the back of a donkey.
The trailer ends after Ian encounters an old farmer who encourages him to pick one of her chickens to be slaughtered for dinner, and after he describes himself as a vegetarian, she flatly replies: ‘No.’
My Big Fat Greek Wedding became one of the most successful indie films of all time after its release, raking in $368.7 million (£302.2 million) worldwide, from just a $5 million budget (£4.1 million).
September 2023
Article written by London Greek Radio
Greece has selected Victor Vernicos Jorgensen as the act to represent the nation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 at the Liverpool arena.
16-year-old singer-songwriter who is of Greek-Danish descend, born in Athens, is the youngest Greek act ever to compete.
Victor with a deep, unique vocal-timbre is performing his introspective song about stress and anxiety.
“What They Say“, a song that oozes a mid-tempo ballad flair, also delivers an optimistic message to encourage those struggling mentally to overcome stress. Victor wrote it as a 14-year-old boy.
He released a song “Hope It’s In Heaven” at the age of just 14. Victor was then signed to Royal Music and 25/7 Management. Last year, Victor released his official debut song as a professional artist “Fake Club”.
Victor was taught piano at the age of 4-years-old, with vocal and guitar lessons which followed. Victor then went into music production and has been writing his own songs since he was 11. He has been editing the production of his own music and in attendance of Music Technology classes.
With his rehearsals under way for Liverpool at the M&S Bank Arena, Tony Neophytou caught up with Victor to learn a little more…
You’ve stepped onto the Liverpool Arena. What’s it like performing on stage?
I love the Liverpool Arena. It is amazing, the M&S Bank Arena!…
You’re of mixed heritage, half-Danish, half-Greek, born and bred in Marousi, Athens and you speak quite good English, at home which language prevails?
We speak both English and Greek, not much Danish. I speak more Greek with my mum; my dad has been living in Greece for 25 years. when we’re all together we speak English. In Liverpool we speak English… (Tony: are you learning Liverpudlian?) I am trying too (laughs).
You have a unique vocal fibre and it’s a mature voice. After playing your song to fellow colleagues without revealing your age, they were completely astounded to know you are just 16…
It’s a huge compliment. I am working on the voice, I’ve always thought my strength was song-writing, and it’s come to the stage (voice) its likeable at least, and people like the fact its deep and I’m young, that’s cool.
“What They Say” is a self-penned song. You’ve stamped your personality and authenticity and honesty on the song.
I write and produce my own songs. I wrote this song when I was 14 years old. it is truly one of the most open and honest songs I have ever written. I try to write my songs with honesty and that’s the most important part for me, and that’s why I think it has a stamp on it and my personality comes because of the honesty. I mean we are all unique, and when you’re honest that uniqueness comes out because you allow it too.
(Tony) The lyrics have a great depth about anxieties, and stress you felt once. The introspective song is fusing intense feelings, melancholy, frustration, angst and finishes with optimistic undertone…
It was about my first ever experience with anxiety when I was 13 years old and that was my understanding reality. I got overwhelmed by the feeling of anxiety hit me, the fear of responsibility of fear in my heart. Because managers from the US and UK started to get involved. It was a lot of responsibility to take on at such an age, and in that moment, I picked reality, it was a defining moment where I understood it was reality, you get what you give out. In that moment, I picked is it going to be reality or stay anxious or stay at home, no it’s not going to happen, and two and years later I’m at Eurovision.
It is a liberation of the end of it. The song is a monologue, and I can feel it in the second verse. It’s like ranting to your best friend and I when I get on that stage, I’ll be ranting to let go of my fears and getting on the biggest stage in the world and actually becoming an artist. My goals are huge. It’s going to be a defining moment and with all my strength finally let go of everything, I think. I hope. Honestly, it’s going to be the best experience.
I just put it all together in my head right now, as we’re speaking. I really feel it honestly. Now you’ve really helped me to clear my head… (Tony Neo: that’s what I am good at conversation), you’re good, I am not surprised. I understood that from the first moment we spoke… you’re amazing man!
(Tony) I instantly liked it from the first verse, “Late August” it’s because 26th August, it’s my birthday. August, it’s the eight-month, too, lucky number eight.
Late August… that’s really cool I’ll send you a happy birthday on the 26th of August. Ooh that was smart… yes, we are coming up in the second semi-final, we are performing eight place and yes “late August”, so I hope we’re not going to be late. I guess that’s the lucky number…
Konstantinos Rigos is responsible for the stage concept, and it’s quite creative. There’s youthful exuberance with bits of choreo, digital selfies and Greek alphabet letters, on the graphics. Victor, you move quite a bit on stage...
The staging is to show my athleticism because I do sports (not to show I am sporty), but to express the song to bring that energy forward, because I have a lot of that energy. I mean it’s the release we talked about before when it comes to balancing the vocal and the movement. We have 100% sat that down. It is all about technique and the voice. It is counting your breath.
With Eurovision I am learning to be a better performer every day. Eurovision is honestly turning me into the best version of myself when it comes to an artist. No matter what, Eurovision is a really great experience and it’s given me a lot to think about and practice on.
You are studying online from a London school, is that right?
Minerva’s Virtual Academy I love that school it has honestly given me a lot of flexibility and freedom to do what I need to do Eurovision and music in general. I stopped going to physical school and started going to this school in September (last year). I have gained 20 to 25 hours per week on music. and I wouldn’t have made that change to (online schooling) to do Eurovision.
LGR wishes you and Greece, the best of luck, in the competition.
You can follow Victor on instagram @victorvernicos.
Greece competes in Semi-Final 2 on Thursday, May 11th. Victor is #8 in the running order of 16 countries.
May 2023
Article written by Tony Neophytou
Greece has selected Victor Vernicos Jorgensen as the act to represent the nation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 at the Liverpool arena.
The talented 16-year-old singer-songwriter who is of Greek-Danish descend, born in Athens, is the youngest Greek act ever to compete.
“What They Say”, is a mid-tempo, melodic ballad. He describes it as “emotional” and heart-felt. The lyrics are about anxiety and stress.
Mr Vernicos said his song was written from his own experiences, feelings of anxiety and stress he felt once.
Victor won the coveted ticket to Eurovision through its internal selection, which announced its decision last month. He was chosen after combining votes from the ERT jury and the audience committee.
The Eurovision mix to the song is being recorded with a producer Vangelis Yalamas, at Modern Music Arts Studio, in Glyfada. The date of its release and the official video-clip is expected in March.
He is signed up to Panik Records, who will release the single soon.
“This is my favourite song”, Victor said about his entry, and we are guessing he is super-excited to have saved it as his Eurovision song.
LGR’s Eurovision fanatic, Tony Neophytou said: “Victor is a singer-songwriter with a deep, unique vocal-timbre and a self-penned song which arises from innate feelings, too, with a linear of authenticity and honesty, which could be assets”.
Mr Vernicos strongly believes in the song’s merits, with optimistic remarks about its chances to win. “I think it’s admirable to have a ‘competitive spirit’,” LGR’s reviewer reckons. “The semi-finals are very competitive this year, it’s 100% televoting, a strong staging and a good song helps a lot”.
In Mr Neophytou’s view, “Victor is a likeable artist, very focused with a positive mindset, which bodes well for the song’s fate.”
He released a song “Hope It’s In Heaven” at the age of just 14. Victor was then signed to Royal Music and 25/7 Management. Last year, Victor released his official debut song as a professional artist “Fake Club”.
Victor was taught piano at the age of 4-years-old, vocal (8) and guitar lessons (10) . Victor then went into music production and has been writing his own songs since he was 11. He has been editing the production of his own music and in attendance of Music Technology classes.
You can follow his Eurovision adventure on instagram @victorvernicos.
Greece will compete in the first half of the second semi-final in Liverpool on May 11th. The Top 10 qualifiers are through to the final on May 13th at the M&S Bank Arena.
London Greek Radio wishes Victor and Greece the best of luck in the competition.
Article written by Tony Neophytou
The seven acts in the running to represent Greece at the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 have been revealed.
The acts were shortlisted from 106 entries received by ERT following a request for submissions last year.
The winner will be chosen by a combination of jury panel and audience vote.
The voting is split into (i) a 7-persons jury panel, and (ii), a 70-person ‘Audience Committee’.
2,982 fanatic fans have responded to sit as “audience”, places were allocated through a random draw. The lucky 70 individuals were placed into ‘focus groups’ strictly according to age demographics. Its share of the vote is 50.6%, while jurists, other 49.4%. The “audience” have spoken and cast their verdict at a voting session held last month, in Athens.
Greek bosses are teasing fans about its Eurovision 2024 plans, meanwhile. ERT’s president Konstantinos Zoulas, speaking in December said, “we are planning something more, than a national final or ethnikos telikos, (translated)” for next year.
Take a look at the contenders below.
Antonia Kaouri & Maria Maragkou – “Shout Out!”
Konstantina Iosifidou – “We are Young”
Klavdia – “Holy Water”
Leon of Athens – “Somewhere to Go”
Melissa Mantzoukis – “Liar”
Monika – “I’ m Proud”
Victor Vernicos – “What They Say”
Updated: 19/01/2023 (Top 3 finalists)
Antonia Kaouri & Maria Maragkou, Melissa Mantzoukis, Victor Vernicos
Antonia Kaouri and Maria Maragkou’s entry is an English-language ‘up-tempo pop-rock’ song. Antonia is a former Voice of Greece act and Maria, a Greek actress.
Konstantina Iosifidou is a 22-year-old, former contestant on The Voice of Greece. “We Are Young” is an English-language ‘rock-pop ballad’.
Klavdia, is a newcomer artist and a former contestant, on The Voice of Greece. “Holy Water” is a ‘slow, melodic ballad’, with a social-conscience lyric. She’s working with Arcade, a team of music producers, who as co-writers of Greece’s entry in 2021, have Eurovision pedigree, too.
Leon of Athens is a recording artist and songwriter. The entry here is ‘up-tempo’ 80’s synth pop. He worked on the final version of this song, with singer and songwriter David Sneddon, who he co-wrote “Better Love” (Greece, 2019), with too. He co-writes it with Katerine Duska. Their latest single/duet “Babel” is a radio-friendly hit, on LGR.
Melissa Mantzoukis, 18-year-old German-Greek singer, she was a finalist on the “Deutschland sucht den Superstar” the German equivalent to Pop Idol. It is a mainstream song, which is ‘up-tempo pop-dance’ about female empowerment. The songwriters from Greece and the Netherlands.
Monika – real name Monica Christodoulou, is a singer-songwriter . Monika wrote the original soundtrack to “The Lost Daughter” recently, which means she is causing waves on the world-stage, too. “I’m Proud”, is ‘melodic’ and ‘mid-tempo’.
Victor Vernicos is a part-Danish/Greek singer-songwriter. The song is a ‘mid-tempo ballad’ and ’emotional’, about human stress and anxiety. Victor’s unique vocal timbre may be an asset, too. At just 16-years-old, Victor shows a lot of maturity.
Greek bosses will meet with artists and representatives from their record labels to assess their plans, before finalising their scores. As in recent years, the record label’s plans for Eurovision have been an important part of the final decision.
The Eurovision semi-finals are airing on 9th and 11th May and the grand final is on May 13th at Liverpool Arena.
Published: 22/01/2023
Article written by London Greek Radio
Singer-Songwriter Amanda Georgiadi Tenfjord on Tuesday night qualified for the Eurovision Grand Final with her song “Die Together”.
This year, the Eurovision Song Contest takes place in Turin, at PalaOlimpico and the 25-year-old, who is studying to be a doctor, is a half Greek and half Norwegian singer-songwriter, born in Ioannina, Greece and raised in Norway.
Of the 17 competing countries, Greece was one of the 10 that gained enough votes from professional juries and the public to advance to Saturday night’s sing-off.
This is the twelfth time that Greece has qualified for a Eurovision since 2008.
“Die Together” was a “grower” on the London Greek Radio play-lists peaking at #5 in recent weeks.
The introspective song, has the sounds of a strong, melodic electro-pop ballad with emotional overtones which seem to cut deep. It’s a break-up song about a genuine relationship that’s expected to tear at the heart-strings.
Amanda has co-written the track with fellow Norwegian producer and songwriter, Bjørn Helge Gammelsæterx.
LGR’s Eurovision fanatic Tony Neophytou said, “Amanda’s beautiful, captivating performance felt emotional, and intense. Her vocals were on-point, as in yesterday’s jury voting dress rehearsal.
“Goosebumps… man!” Mr Neophytou recollects.
“The camera zooms into a close-up in the acapella section as it gradually builds up with wider stage shots of blue melting chairs. The visually-arresting act is well-crafted and thought out”. Amanda said the imagery of melting chairs is “symbolising break-ups or things coming to an end…”
The dancing silhouettes on-screen added a nice tough. The excellent camera-work complimented Amanda’s story-telling narrative, which underscores this song.
“Her soaring melodies combined with vocal hooks gives the tune that feel of a competitive package as Greece embarks on a Top 10 placement.” LGR’s reviewer furthermore noted.
“The Greek staging was immaculate and well-executed. It was sufficiently subdued and effective, and every single frame and shot was thought-out, presenting a slick, professional routine.”
The singer’s creative staging director is Fokas Evangelinos, a well-known figure in Eurovision circles, tasked with the elevation of her song.
In Mr Neophytou’s view, “Amanda in a white frock is emoting throughout, the song’s three minutes. A stage bathed in whites and blues, not only are these Greek flag colours which is a nice aesthetic. These colours suit it’s sad and melancholic undertones. The blinking lighting effects were in sync with its electro-pop beats, and the crescendo or climatic ‘die together‘ choruses.”
Amanda gave a strong, stoic and dramatic performance. Her frantic, hand gestures to her “Take my heart and rip it out and bring it to the other side” line, in the bridge, intensified the emotion that is felt, on the stage.”
Amanda was second favourite to win Semi-Final 1, with Ukraine still odds-on favourite to win Eurovision. The full results of these semis are released post-Eurovision night.
The Eurovision Song Contest Final is broadcast on Saturday 14th May on BBC1.
London Greek Radio wishes Greece the very best of luck in the competition.
Article written by Tony Neophytou
Eurovision excitement continues as Greece releases this year’s act with Greek TV bosses confirming that Amanda Georgiadi Tenfjord will be their representing artist.
This year, the Eurovision Song Contest takes place in Turin, at PalaOlimpico and the 25-year-old, who is studying to be a doctor, is a half Greek and half Norwegian singer-songwriter, born in Ioannina, Greece and raised in Norway.
The song, “Die Together” has the sounds of a strong, melodic electro-pop ballad with emotional overtones which seem to cut deep. It’s a break-up song about a genuine relationship that’s expected to tear at the heart-strings.
Amanda has co-written the track with fellow Norwegian producer and songwriter, Bjørn Helge Gammelsæterx and Amanda mixes modern pop, folk, electronic, alternative and ambient sounds.
LGR’s Eurovision fanatic, Tony Neophytou’s view is that “the song starts with an acapella section through a vocoder, which steadily builds up into a full-orchestral electro-pop ballad. The progression has its peaks and dynamic twists, causing intrigue and curiosity for the listener. The slow song then explodes to a grand orchestral feel as it progresses to its climatic finish. It is instantaneous with its catchy chorus, which a competition song requires.”
He added, “The singer and songwriter ballad feels honest and sincere. Amanda is a likeable soloist and incredibly authentic, with a well-made, intimate tune. The minimalist stripped-back acapella builds patiently into the explosive, orchestration. This is a potential jury bait song with on-point vocals. Amanda is emoting a stirring intense ballad that has won lots of admirers in recent weeks.”
Tony Neophytou believes in Greece’s chances at a qualification spot: “Her soaring melodies combined with vocal hooks gives the tune that feel of a competitive package and a game-changer as Greece embarks on a Top 10 placement.“
He continued, “It is a sad, melancholic song with deep lyrics.”
Since it was released, many avid fans have interpreted its poignant lyrics to mean human bonds, the raging frontline, and conflict situations in the world now. The public reaction seems to give the track extra potency and powerful mileage.
Her immediate and direct lyrics is a sure asset in resonating intimately with the listener like, for example, when Amanda sings: “It’s been a hell of year, and we’ve been living in fear, close to giving up…”
Tony Neophytou also feels that the bridge section, with guitar, is almost uniquely dark and dramatic, with the verse, “Take my heart and rip it out, bring it to the other side”; a verse, she repeats four times, emphasising its blatant edgier undertones.
Tony says, “Amanda with a hauntingly beautiful, well-sung radio hit for the stage performance.”
The singer’s creative staging director is Fokas Evangelinos, a well-known figure in Eurovision circles, tasked with the elevation of her song. Her team says the “thoughtfully staged routine and emotional act” angles every single shot and frame as a captivating performance.
The official music video is filmed on the Greek island of Symi, as the backdrop to narrating Amanda’s song, which will be performed in slot number 15 of a running order of 17.
Greece competes in the Eurovision First Semi-Final which airs on 10th May on BBC Three. The Top 10 qualifying countries will advance to the Final on Saturday 14th May on BBC One.
London Greek Radio wishes Amanda and Greece the best of luck in the competition.
Article written by Tony Neophytou
