The disappointment of this years Eurovision is finally behind us as RTE are already preparing for next year. Today they announced the arrangements for the 59th Eurovision Song Contest including a new mentor line up and how you can get involved.
Keeping to the old format five new mentors have been appointed representing different backgrounds in the music and entertainment business in Ireland. So, do you think you have what it takes to be Ireland's next Eurovision contestant? Here's where you come in. In the coming months the five mentors will source songs and singers who, in their view, should compete to best represent the country. And to get involved you can contact any of the five via the links below.
The mentors include Billy Mc Guinness, member of Irish rock band Aslan. 'Normally I wouldn’t have had the time to be involved as a mentor for Eurovision, 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 billymcguinness@gmail.com' .
Hazel Kaneswaren, former member of Dove, and who also took part in Popstars The Rivals and was a judge on RTE's You're a Star, says 'I am really looking forward to mentoring my act for the Eurosong. 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.'
Cormac Battle is a presenter on 2fm. He has his own rock show on Sundays and co hosts with Rick in the Afternoon. Before joining RTÉ he wrote, recorded and toured worldwide 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? 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 eurobattle@rte.ie'.
Valerie Roe was chosen by Louis Walsh to be part of a UK chart topping band and she toured the world with the band. She sang in the Tokyo Song Festival coming 2nd to Dionne Warwick and did backing vocals for the Malta entry in the Eurovision. '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. Artists and songwriters can contact me via my email valerie@valerieroe.com'.
And finally Mark Murphy who has worked in the music industry for over twelve years. Mark is the tour manager for Olly Murs and also a tour manager for X Factor acts. 'I got involved to find a great song and singer to represent Ireland. 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 markmurphyeurosong@gmail.com'.
Mentors must submit details of their act and song to RTÉ by 3rd January 2014 and recorded versions of the song should be submitted to RTÉ by 3rd February 2014. 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 28, 2014. Good Luck!