Today RTÉ announced the mentor line-up for Ireland’s 2014 Eurosong search for the 59th Eurovision contest which is to be held in Copenhagen next year.
Five new mentors have been appointed that represent different backgrounds in the music and entertainment industry in Ireland. In the coming months, the mentors will scout out songs and singers as they try and source out who should compete to best represent the country.
Here’s the mentor line-up and their contact details:
1) Billy McGuinness
Member of Irish rock band Aslan and has been involved in the music industry for over 30 years. With great songs such as Crazy World, This is and numerous No 1 albums, Billy has toured the world playing in venues across the US, Australia and Europe.
“Normally I wouldn’t have had the time to be involved as a mentor for Eurovision” says Billy.
“But with Aslan on a break I feel I can commit myself to finding a great song and singer to represent Ireland. If there are songwriters out there who want to send me songs please email [email protected]”
2) Hazel Kaneswaran
Hazel has been a part of the Irish music industry since 1996. Her band, Dove, took part in Popstars-The Rivals and the singer was a judge on RTÉ’s You’re a Star.
“I am really looking forward to mentoring my act for the Eurosong” says Hazel.
“I’ve always loved the Eurovision Song contest ever since I fell in love with Johnny Logan as a young child! Every year the Eurovision winner is different, so it hard to know what the public want but I’ll give it my best shot. Artists and songwriters can contact me by clicking on www.hazelkaneswaran.ie”
3) Cormac Battle
2fm radio presenter Cormac Battle hosts his own rock show on Sundays. Before joining RTÉ he wrote, recorded and toured with his bands Kerbdog and Wilt.
“I thought they were joking when they asked me to be a mentor for Eurosong 2014 but on reflection I have been heavily involved in the music making process for a long time albeit in a different sphere – so why not?” says Cormac.
“A brilliant song is a brilliant song no matter what. And this is one of the most exciting and challenging projects I have ever taken on. I am in it to win it. If anyone would like to contact me please email [email protected]”
4) Valerie Roe
Valerie Roe is best known as being part of Chill, a chart-topping UK band that was chosen by Louis Walsh.
Roe sang in the Tokyo Song Festival coming 2nd to Dionne Warwick and did backing vocals for the Maltese entry in the Eurovision competition when it was hosted in Ireland. She also did PR for boy bands D’Side and Zoo. Valerie is currently managing Out Of The Blue, which made it to bootcamp stages on The X Factor.
“Music is my first love and my vision for Ireland this year is to go back to our roots with a powerful song and an exceptional singer with strong production and the inimitable artistic style that Ireland is famed for worldwide” says Valerie.
“Artists and songwriters can contact me via my email [email protected]”
5) Mark Murphy
Mark Murphy has worked in the music industry for over 12 years. He’s the tour manager for Olly Murs and also a tour manager for X Factor acts. Mark won an award for Unsung Hero of the Year, celebrating people behind the scenes in the music industry.
“I got involved to find a great song and singer to represent Ireland” says Mark.
“I feel there is so much musical talent out there that it’s the right time to get involved and find the perfect song for Eurovision. I would love to hear from songwriters and artists and they can contact me via email [email protected]”
Artists and songwriters who would like to take part in the competition should make contact with the mentors as soon as possible.
Details of the five acts and songs will be announced in the New Year and the mentors’ five chosen songs will be performed for the first time by their acts on The Late Late Show Eurosong 2014 on February 28th, 2014.
The winner will once again be decided by a combination of public vote and regional jury.
