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Looking forward to 2015

Guy Freeman

Executive Producer

After a long, hot summer and time to reflect on the excellence of Copenhagen, our thoughts are now turning to next year’s diamond anniversary show in Vienna. Ìý

The question of how we arrive at our UK entry is understandably foremost in many minds and the continued popularity of the contest is certainly reflected in the level of interest and comment it generates. With 60 years of heritage and an array of different approaches taken by the Â鶹ԼÅÄ and other participating countries, over the years, it’s no wonder there’s such a variety of views as to what works best.Ìý

There are pros and cons to every method and in the long run, no one formula has proved to be more likely to guarantee success than any other.ÌýÌý As we suggested last year though, the one thing that has changed more recently is the quality of the songs and performers that win or come close to winning the contest.ÌýÌý Although it is a SONG contest, the real secret is in the sum of the parts -Ìýsong, performance and staging – coming together perfectly at the contest, as did Conchita’s

So, alongside finding a brilliant song, we have to find a brilliant performer to interpret it, believe in it and connect with the thousands of fans at the event and the millions watching on TV. That person or group must also be able to handle the massive amount of media interest which becomes a whirlwind around the contest. It’s a big challenge but an amazing opportunity too!

We’re keen to provide as many routes into the selection process as possible, whilst remaining realistic about the proven amount of experience required by anyone wishing to put themselves forward.Ìý As we did last year, we will continue to talk to record labels and organisations who work with songwriters and artists every day – such as – to suggest or create viable entries. ÌýÌý

In addition, we will happily consider entries submitted formally; please click the email link below for details. The most important point to bear in mind is that entries must be in the form of a video recording of an appropriate artist or group performing the song. The video doesn’t have to be professionally shot and the audio production can be a demo – but it must be performed by the artist who you believe could perform it in Vienna, if it was selected. We are unable to accept songs submitted without an artist or artists applying without a song.Ìý

  • If you would like to submit an entry, it must adhere to the EBU 2015 competition rules {CLICK HERE } and the following:
  • The song must not exceed 3 minute duration.
  • All vocals must be performed live.
  • No more than 6 people can take part in the performance
  • The song must not have been publicly released before 1st September; it should not have been performed in public or officially published on any media including but not limited to radio, TV and the Internet.
  • The song cannot be a cover or sample another artist’s work.
  • The song must be original with regards to song writing and musical instrumentation.
  • The singer/s must be 18 years or older.
  • Composers and song writers may only submit one entry.

The closing date for entries is 5pm on Friday 7th November 2014.Ìý

All submissions will then be listened to by a panel of experts, at the same time, in the same conditions no later than Friday 14th November. The panel will shortlist any submissions they believe have potential and further feedback will be provided to those entrants. All entrants will be notified no later than Friday 21st November whether or not they have been shortlisted. Unfortunately, due to the likely volume of entries, the Â鶹ԼÅÄ won’t be able to provide individual feedback to entrants who are not shortlisted.

Any entries shortlisted through this process will ultimately be considered alongside any submitted by record labels or other means, by a panel of experts, who will have the final say on which song and artist will be the UK’s 2015 entry. Ìý

To register emailÌýÂ鶹ԼÅÄEurovisionSubmissions@bbc.co.uk

IMPORTANT: Do notÌýattach your video to the email

Instead send the name of your song, your artist, your composer and within four days of sending the email you will receive instructions on how to upload your video to the Â鶹ԼÅÄ Eurovision portal.

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