So far, the UK national selection for Eurovision 2016 has been shrouded in secrecy, with only a select number of UK OGAE fans having access to the submitted songs. But local newspaper The Hartlepool Mail has revealed three of the acts who have submitted bids, and below you can listen to two of them.
Unfortunately for Scott Mills, these acts don’t quite have the name recognition of Little Mix. Still, all three acts have experience in the music industry, which is more than we could say for the thrown-together Electro Velvet. All three acts were submitted by a local charity called Red Dreams, which aims to support young people in the creative arts.
UK: EUROVISION SUBMISSIONS 2016
Paul Hart and David Arnett have submitted their self-composed song “Escapism”. Each of them have recorded songs in the past, both together and as solo artists. Paul Hart’s track “Poolie Til I Die” was recently played during a BBC FA Cup match. You can listen to “Escapism” here:
Then there’s Elena Larkin with her song “Introducing Me”. Currently on a gap year and working as a vocal coach, Elena’s track was recorded at the legendary Abbey Road studios. Her YouTube page features cover versions of songs such as “Use Somebody” by Kings of Leon and “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz, showing off a range of vocal styles.
What’s important to note is that both videos of “Escapism” and “Introducing Me” were released well over a year ago. Though the rules on songs being available before the standard cut-off point are slightly hazy (Anouk’s “Birds” being a prime example), it’s likely that the songs would probably be ineligible for competition in their current forms. Hopefully the BBC are on this and are confident that the songs would be able to compete.
A third act is Michael Rice, who competed on the X Factor 2014. He impressed the judges during his first audition but did not make it to the live finals. His song, which is not yet available publicly or online, is called “I Won’t Let You Go” and is described as “up-tempo and euro friendly”.
What do y’all think of the songs and the chances they have of making it further in the UK selection? Do you have a favourite act you want to see taking part? Let us know in the comments!
Check out Tigertailz Eurovision rejection ‘Pipped It Popped It’ released today!
http://www.teamrock.com/news/2016-01-29/tigertailz-in-pipped-it-popped-it-promo
@Ian MC Posting on YouTube **in any form** IS an official release. Sorry, but those two songs aren’t eligible, and will be rejected by the EBU if they’re submitted. The rules apply to charitable organizations as well, even the ones with “actual, honest, real talent”. I’m not trying to discourage anyone. The videos do show some talented people with promise, but the ESC is not the amateur hour, despite what UK fans and the BBC seem to think. Do you think either of those songs would’ve been competitive against “Heroes” (or anything else in this year’s top 10)? Seriously? Because… Read more »
It’s a great idea. I agree that ‘us Northerners’ đ have a disadvantage, not sure if BBC will actually get to know your story though. First stage is going through OGAE (which is kind of safe to say they like those ‘niche’ / ‘eurostyle’ songs you refer to) but I (and hopefully others too) wish you luck. That said I don’t know that much about the UK section of OGAE, just the .org as a whole. Great way to get more recognition for the work you do as a charity while providing opportunity at the same time for the young… Read more »
Songs have not officially been released and have been revamped for a 3 min time. Some of the songwriters have already charted, admittedly above 50 but hey. Red Dreams are a charity that develops young talent…we may not be the Brit school…but we are honest, develop all skills, have video, audio recording facilities. The people submitted have been coming to Red Dreams for at least 5 years, building craft and confidence. Why can’t the UK try something new with actual, honest, real talent…who believe in the words they are singing and aren’t just puppets or niche. We love criticism, we… Read more »
Introducing Me Acoustic Original by Elena Larkin (2013)
I think this version is even better and closer to BBC rules
– live performance of the artist in question
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnRjtdZMELM
Not hoping much from the U.K this year, BBC you have not got a clue what you want or need as far a it goes when it comes to Eurovision,
A “pretty good” song + BBC staging and camerawork = 26th place. And isn’t it amazing that the UK is now at the point that if they can listen to the song without getting queasy or falling over laughing, some of the UK fans think it’s a potential winner? InB4 (1) ALL the OGAE’s top selections turn out to be ineligible for the Contest, because none of the submitters took it seriously enough to read the gosh-dang rules. (2) One, just one, of the OGAE nominating committees lets one, just one, no-talent tone-deaf joke entry through, and that’s all she… Read more »
“All three acts were submitted by a local charity called Red Dreams, which aims to support young people in the creative arts.”
This sums up the UK perfectly.
They need to stop indulging people who are “playing” at being musicians without the talent to make it on their own.
I entered a song to the BBC đ
Never have i seen that Eugene guy say anything positive about ESC on this sight.
The songs are pretty good! But the first two arent allowed :/
Both songs are pleasant and already a big step up from the last decade of Uk’s entries (2014 excluded),
Maybe they have pulled their finger out and will have a competition worthy entry for next year.
Elena Larkin’s song is sooooooo gooooood!
Eugene: It comes from the charity website itself. The mail just report local news that’s all.
@mawnck
Money, Money, Money always funny in a rich mans world lol đ
“Whatâs important to note is that both videos of âEscapismâ and âIntroducing Meâ were released well over a year ago.”
I forget – Is UK one of the countries that the ESC rules apply to (like Montenegro) or not (like Sweden and Australia)?
I hope they send Engelbert Humperdinck again. Love his work.
Well neither song has been ‘released’ I think? I could put a song on YouTube but hardly makes me Sam Smith. Plus they would have to be revamp majorly to fit time Iimit also so won’t be the exact same song. Could argue they just took inspiration from old project. Introducing me is wanting to be Avril Lavigne in the chorus.
There’s something I don’t get. Both of the songs videos come from 2014 and 2013. How can they have submitted those songs into the selection?
I just love Introducing me! I surely hope there’s a way for it to at least make it to the national final.