Srbuk: 10 facts about Armenia’s Eurovision 2019 singer

Back in November 2018, Srbuk became the first act to be revealed for Eurovision 2019. However, ironically, her entry was released right at the last moment. She will perform the edgy and artistic number “Walking Out” which currently sits just outside the top ten in the betting odds.

Srbuk was internally selected by the Armenian broadcaster AMPTV. The decision came after it decided against renewing its national final, Depi Evratesil, for a third season.  With Armenia failing to advance to the final last year for only the second time ever, the country is hoping to get its Eurovision mojo back.

As we draw closer to Tel Aviv, we have compiled a list of 10 facts you need to know about Srbuk. So without further ado, let’s take a closer look.

1. Srbuk ≠ Starbucks

When Srbuk was announced as Armenia’s representative, some confusion arose due to the songstress’ name being somewhat phonetically similar to a certain American coffee establishment.  Just in case any of you were still unsure, we can confirm that any similarities are purely coincidental. In fact, Srbuk’s real name is Srbuhi Sargsyan. But since the launch of her solo career, the Armenian songstress has gone by her shorter artistic name.

2. She was runner-up on X Factor Armenia

For any of you doubting Srbuk’s vocal capabilities, look no further.  The Armenian songstress took part in the first ever season of X Factor Armenia back in 2010. She quickly made an impact on the show, ultimately finishing second . She blew away the judges during the audition and continued to deliver throughout the rest of the series.  Additionally, Srbuk was invited back a few years later to perform her first hit single “Yete Karogh Es”.

3. She has had international success too

A few years after her X Factor stint and the release of her debut single in 2017, Srbuk sought to further progress her career by taking part in The Voice: Ukraine.  Stepping in front of former Eurovision legends Jamala and Tina Karol, Srbuk gave a powerful performance of “My Kind of Love”. It earned a standing ovation from the audience as well as the Eurovision 2016 winner.  The Armenian singer’s progressed through to the final, finishing fourth overall. Ukraine’s Junior Eurovision 2015 singer Anna Trincher came third.

4. She was in a band

Many of us are only aware of Srbuk’s solo repertoire. However, she was previously the lead vocalist with the band Allusion.  Subsequent to the Armenian songstress’ X Factor participation, she began performing at small local concerts in Armenia with her band.  According to eurovision.tv the group focused mainly on covers of American songbook standards, jazz, soul, R&B and contemporary pop. Even though Srbuk’s solo career is in full swing, she still occasionally takes to the stage alongside Allusion.

5. She’s an award winner

Srbuk has been the recipient of numerous awards.  One of the most recent was on 10 November 2018, a couple of weeks before her reveal as Armenia’s Eurovision representative.  Srbuk received the “Best Singer Award” from Kamoblog. Writing on Instagram, she said “Every award is a great pleasure and responsibility at the same time. Thanks to Kamoblog for the best singer award and appreciating my activity”.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bpwud0NFbFZ/

6. She’s multi-talented musician

Srbuk is more than a gorgeous voice. She’s a woman with diverse musical experience.  In her home town of Yerevan, Srbuk attended the Komitas State Conservatory. It’s a state-owned college of music where many famous Armenians, including Iveta Mukuchyan, laid the foundations for their careers.  In the college, Srbuk took up playing the qanun — a triangular stringed instrument somewhat akin to a harp.  While we haven’t heard much influence from the regional instrument in her discography, it’s still an impressive feat.

7. She loves animals

From just a brief peruse through Srbuk’s Instagram, the singer’s love for nature and the creatures that come with it is clear to see.  There’s not too much to say about this one but it’s always nice to see animals being taken care of. Take a look at some of Srbuk’s encounters with the animal kingdom.

8. She draws influences from far and wide

After that brief side-track, let’s return to Srbuk’s musical world, specifically her artistic influences.  Writing on her official Facebook page, Srbuk states:

“Srbuk began developing her own unique artistic style, drawing from her influences which encompassed a wide range of musical styles and heroes. Her influences range from legendary and classic vocalists such as Aretha Franklin, Etta James, and Ella Fitzgerald, to the soul and R&B influences of artists and performers such as Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles and Michael Jackson.”

9. She’s got ties to the Russian film industry

Aside from working on projects pertaining to her solo career, Srbuk also worked alongside Russian filmmaker Evgeniy Abyzov for his film Lyogok Na Pomine (Easy To Remember).  Srbuk was listed as a featured artist for Armenian musician Garik Papoyan’s song “Boat” which was included on the movie’s soundtrack. Released in 2014, two years before Srbuk’s first solo song came out, “Boat” has amassed almost 250,000 views on YouTube.

10. She works each and every camera angle

And finally, to wrap up this short list we thought we’d give a shout out to the plethora of high-quality and artistic photo-shoots featuring Srbuk. The Armenian songstress showcases various styles and genres on her official Instagram page, perfectly mirroring her music catalogue which has just as wide a spectrum.  The professionalism behind her photographs and the broad styles are all good signs that Armenia will produce an epic stage show once again.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BjeW4olADuh/

Are you excited to see Srbuk perform in Tel Aviv? What do you think of her past achievements? What do you hope to see on the Eurovision stage? Let us know in the comments below.

Read more Eurovision 2019 artist facts here.