Greece: Eurovision song "Utopian Land" released

The relatively unknown band "Argo" were revealed as the Greek representative for Eurovision Song Contest 2016 just one month ago, and now their song "Utopian Land" has been released.

The song is a combination of the traditional Balkan sound combined with hip-hop and the song is in Greek, English and "Pontic Greek" (Greek dialect spoken in parts of northern Greece).

Head of the Greek national broadcaster, ERT, Mr. Dionisis Tsaknis says:
- The song has strong ethnic and Balkan sounds, but not in a traditional way. It's an exciting song in Greek, bringing the country's own identity to the contest. The lyrics will refer to the refugee crisis and the financial difficulties we are facing, but the song is really happy and upbeat.

Argo

The Greek broadcaster ERT chose an internal selection this year for the first time since 2004, and they chose the band "Argo" from Thessaloniki, Greece. They were earlier known as "The Europond". Band members are: Christina Lahana (singing), Maria Ventikidou (vocals), Vladimiros Sofianides (singing), Kostas Toupouzis (pontiac lyra), Elias Kesides (vocals).

Dionisio Tsaknis (ERT):
– The artists that will perform the song in Stockholm are not well known, but they're talented musicians. It is expected that they will carry out Greece's representation in a very professional way.

Greece in Eurovision Song Contest

Greece started its Eurovision adventure back in 1974, and has been participating in the contest 36 times until now. They won Eurovision Song Contest in 2005 with the song "My Number One" performed by Helena Paparizou. Since the victory they have been very successful in Eurovision. Greece, along with Russia and Romania have qualified for the Grand Final every single year since the introduction of the semi-finals back in 2004! Well done Greece! Since 2004 they have ended in top-10 nine out of 12 times. They never finished last in the contest.