The Euro Fan Café is the only place in this year's Eurovision Song Contest home-city, Malmö, where it's program is specifically dedicated to Eurovision Fans. After several announcements on what is being held at Moriska Paviljongen (mostly known as Moriskan), here are some fresh new announcements about additions to the packed schedule for this amazing Euro Fan Café that everyone is waiting anxiously for them. escflashmalta.com is proud to support the Euro Fan Café, which is an innovative setup which is seemingly attracting fans already.

The Euro Fan Café Talk Shows

The Euro Fan Café just released the publication of their talk shows. These talk shows are very very interesting to attend. What will happen is that Eurovision fans gets to meet the performers closer and more personal than ever. Rick Jacobs, one if the editors on a companion website of ours www.12points.tv, will be the host of these talk shows. Jacobs was talking about this huge opportunity and great event and he said "As a huge Eurovision fan myself, I am excited to be able to meet with Eurovision contestants past and present. I am going to try to get them reveal their deepest and darkest schlager secrets each nights - who knows what will happen." 

The line up for the Euro Fan Café Talk Shows is as follows:

• 7th May at 22:00 - Birgit Õigemeel (Estonia) and Roberto Bellarosa (Belgium)
• 8th May at 22:00 - Despina Olympiou (Cyprus)
• 10th May at 22:00 - Natália Kelly (Austria) and Elitsa Todorova & Stoyan Yankulov(Bulgaria)
• 10th May at 23:00 - Hannah (Slovenia) and Klapa S Mora (Croatia)
• 13th May at 16:00 - Cezar (Romania)
• 14th May at 16:00 - Dorians (Armenia)

With this list, more countries are expected to be announced soon so keep an eye on this website to know who of the performers will get his/her own Euro Fan Café Talk Show.

The Biggest Eurovision Quiz Ever

Apart from the Euro Fan Café Talk Shows, it has also been released that the biggest event of the Euro Fan Café will be a quiz! OGAE Sweden (Melodifestivklubben) and Moriskan came to an agreement to create this big quiz about the Eurovision! On the 13th May between 00:00 and 02:00, you can test your Eurovision skills! Obviously, the winner of the quiz will win something! That thing to be won is no other than a ticket to the Green Room on the final night, 18th May, where all the final contestants will be waiting for their performance, relaxing after it, waiting for the result and hopefully jumping up and down with the happiness after the results! The commentary of this quiz will be done by Sweden's stand-up queen Lena Frisk, so insane commentary, difficult questions and lots of laughter are three things surely to be waited for. 

Also, adding to this quiz, it was revealed that four past Eurovision acts are also invited to take part in this marvelous quiz. These artists don't need any introduction as they are familiar names in music industry and mire familiar with Eurovision fans. First one to be named is Bobbysocks. Bobbysocks is a duet formed by Elisabeth Andreassen and Hanne Krogh. Bobbysocks, Norwegian representatives in 1985, won the contest with their song 'La Det Swinge' which translates to 'Let It Swing'. La Det Swinge is written by no other than the magnificent composer/author Rolf Løvland, who wrote 'Nocturne' which was a winning Eurovision song in 1995 too. 

Also, joining Bobbysocks at the biggest Eurovision quiz is Linda Martin who won the 1992 contest. Martin represented Ireland with the song 'Why Me?' Martin was also in a famous band in 70s and 80s called 'Chips'. 'Why Me?' written and composed by Seán Sherrad was the 4th win of a really successive country in the Eurovision Song Contest. Joining these two acts is no other than Hera Björk who was the Icelandic representative in 2010 with her song 'Je ne sais quoi' translating to 'I don't know what'. Lately, Björk won a competition in the United States of America and now has also released her 12th album named 'Because You Can' which the main single of this album, having the same name, peaked at number 21 on the Icelandic charts. The last and not least past act added in nonetheless, one from our own country. 

Adding to these three beautiful acts is Glen Vella who represented our country back in 2011 with his song 'One Life'. One Life ended up 11th in the first semi-final, nit making the cut to the final by just one point. Glen Vella is a certified by Victoria Music and Arts College London in voice. He is one of the most well-known artists in Malta and also, one of the most energetic people that lately participated in this contest bringing his own fashion of nerdy glasses to a trend. One Life was written was written by Paul Giordimania and Fleur Balzan, a writing and composing duo that has taken over Malta with their sings lately.  

A night of Melodifestivalen Stars

As it is quite obvious now that this year's Eurovision Song Contest would be held in Sweden, to be more precised, in Malmö, it is a chance for Melodifestivalen Stars to shine a bit, even though they didn't make it to represent Sweden. On Friday 17th May, a day before the actual Grand Final would be taking place, at 21:00, at the Moriskan, the event called Melodifestivalen Madness would take place. This event is part of the thirteen days packed with over fifty events at Euro Fan Café, where everything related to Eurovision is celebrated. This event is being presented in partnership to scandipop.co.uk. Scandipop is a leading UK website covering pop music from Scandinavia and mostly Eurovision songs. After the live performances, Karl Batterbee, the founder if Scandipop, would play a DJ-Set. He has had residences at G-A-Y London, and Stockholm clubs Torget, Paradise and Summer Nights City. 

There are going to be three live performances by leading artists from Melodifestivalen which will commence at 21:00 on the 17th May. Appearing at Moriskan are no other than Pay-TV. This group is created by a trio of Claudia Cash, Neena Fatale and Chanelle Ferrari. This lady-trio is going to reunite in Malmö to perform their biggest hits. Including to these hits, one notices that they are performing their 2004 and 2005 songs, 'Trendy Discotheque' and 'Refrain Refrain' respectively. The ladies have turned down an invitation from Pope Francis I to make sure to meet their fans at Moriskan. Adding to this, Eddie Razaz is also appearing at Melodifestivalen Madness. Razaz competed this year with his song 'Alibi'. He is mostly known as a competitor in Sweden's IDOL in 2009 who was eliminated at week 6. 

Eddie was also part of the group 'Rebound!' who had several singles such as 'Hurricane' and 'Not Helpless'. The last act to perform at Melodifestivalen Madness is Stockholm Syndrome. Stockholm Syndrome is formerly known as 'Love Generation'. This group is another trio made up of Charly Q, Cornelia Jakobsdotter Samuelsson and Melanie Taylor. These girls participated in the Melodifestivalen in 2011 with their song 'Dance Alone' and in 2012 with 'Just A Little Bit' where that same year, Loreen was picked to represent Sweden and finally got Eurovision to Sweden. Stockholm Syndrome will sing their singles at this event but will also bring new tracks to Malmö so keep an open eye if you like this girl-trio.

Source: Press Release

The festival will open on the 10th of May and will come to an end on the 17th of May and if last year’s event is anything to go by, this year’s festival will be better and even bigger, in fact they have moved the festival from their normal location to Bulebel. Slowly it is establishing itself as one of the event all the lovers of local music look forward to, in fact a number of people have been asking about the festival for quite some time. Each and every day has a special theme or a special act assigned to it which also includes a foreign tribute band of one of the biggest bands that ever existed.

Friday - 10th May at 21:00

Kevin Borg Live in Concert

Supported by: Glen Vella, Pamela, Barber’s Cut & Paul Curmi Dance Studio 

Saturday - 11th May at 21.00

Ira Losco Live in Concert

Supported by: Planet Seed & The New Victorians

Sunday - 12th May at 20.30

Pop Hits & Maltese Classics

Eleanor Cassar, Stephanie Zammit, Georgina, Franklin Calleja, Chris Grech, Olivia Lewis,

Luisana Bartolo, Nadine Barolo, Charlotte Bartolo & Gillian Attard’s Children Choir 

Monday - 13th May at 20:30

Red Electrick, The Riffs & The Crowns

Tuesday - 14th May at 20:30

The Green Gathering

Tarcisio Barbara, Kirstie Barbarbara, Kurt Galea, Naomi Balzan, Katoushka Mifsud, Malcolm Camilleri, Kirstie Balzan

Feast songs: Eleanor Cassar, Gillian Attard, Alexia Fenech, Stephen Mizzi

Wednesday - 15th May at 20:30 

Guns 2 Rose – Tribute Band

Supported by:  Fuse Box & Harriet Cohen

Thursday - 16th May at 20:30

Eurovision Song Contest – Second Semi-Final on a Big Screen (Malta’s Night)

Friday – 17th May at 20:30 

Bon Jovi Tribute

One can see the festival as an opening to the summer months activities as other activities take place all around the island during the summer months but most of them would not be held on such a grand scale. To organize such a massive event is not easy and Beland would not have been able to provide such a field with different artists were it not for the support they found from their sponsors. The event is free of charge but those in attendance are encouraged to give a small donation that will go directly to Puttinu cares as for another year, the event is being held in aid of Puttinu Care which works for such a noble case. So remember from the 10th of May to the 17th of May your entertainment spot should be in Zejtun at the Beland Music Festival. Stay tuned to escflashmalta.com for more information.

Source: The Beland Music Festival Facebook Page

Malta, represented by Gianluca with the track Tomorrow co-written by Boris Cezek and Dean Muscat has been receiving a lot of positive acclaim as of late for the simple reason that the track echoes a current genre of music, one that is enjoyed above and beyond. Following the recent comments made by the British Tabloids, it seems that a couple of votes from the international OGAE network are also being received despite the fact that Malta has never achieved stupendous results even when it performed at the actual Eurovision Song Contest. Following the ten points from Luxembourg, it seems that Gianluca has racked up a couple of points from Estonia. 

As a matter of fact, Estonia have given Malta a total of two (2) points whilst revealing that their most favourite entry is the one from Finland entitled Marry Me with vocals provided by Krista Siegfrids. As a matter of fact, this same entry will be the one performing just prior to Malta and therefore, one would definitely see a couple of Estonians cheering both entries on during the evening. Estonia who were extremely successful at last years' Eurovision Song Contest will be represented by Birgit and the song Et uus saaks alguse in the first semi-final. They have been drawn in the second position within the running order and are somewhat fearing the worst despite having an extremely beautiful country ballad. Stay tuned to escflashmalta.com for all of the latest news. 

Source: OGAE Estonia

Graham Norton, the outspoken commentator on behalf of the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest invited Bonnie Tyler for his programme on BBC One prior to her departure to Malmö, Sweden where this years' international showcase is set to be held. Along with Bonnie Tyler, there were a number of guests including; Chris Pine (Star Trek), Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock) and Kim Cattrall (Sex and The City). During the interview with Bonnie Tyler, Graham revealed his favourites to be none other than Malta and Russia with Bonnie noting Denmark and The Netherlands. Believe In Me, co-written by Desmond Child, Lauren Christy and Christopher Braide will be the song representing the United Kingdom in this years' edition of the Eurovision Song Contest.

In 2009, Sir Terry Wogan stepped aside as commentator for the United Kingdom following his several years of service with people outside of the country opting to watch the show through the British Broadcasting Corporation. Graham Norton stepped in and has given the country ample promotion through both television and radio shows which he hosts through the same broadcasting network. It is definitely positive to hear that Tomorrow co-written by Boris Cezek and Dean Muscat with vocals provided by Gianluca is one of his favourite entries and this augurs well should Malta make it through to the final, the show on which he will be commentating. Stay tuned to escflashmalta.com for all of the latest news about the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest with our collaboration with Radio International and escXtra.com kicking off in just a matter of days.

Source: Digital Spy Forums

One of the most notable tabloids in the United Kingdom is currently reviewing all of the competing entries in this years' Eurovision Song Contest with the running headline asking the readers on whether respective entries can join the list of elite winners of the competition. Malta who will be represented by Gianluca and the song Tomorrow co-written by Boris Cezek and Dean Muscat was analysed yesterday and it seems that despite a general positive perspective, they still pointed out the 'ukelele opening' which somewhat resembles the ones used in tracks such as Hey Soul Sister and Little Talks by Train and Of Monsters and Men respectively.

In recent weeks, Tomorrow performed by Gianluca has been on the receiving end of a lot of positive acclaim with shortening betting odds putting the country in sixteenth place to win this years' Eurovision Song Contest, one of the best results ever prior to the competition. On the other hand, the same betting odds are predicting the country to finish in sixth place within the semi-final ahead of countries such as Armenia and Romania who have troubled the scoreboard in recent years. It is also worth noting that Malta received second place with the fan club of Luxembourg yesterday along with leading the Europrediction second semi-final poll on Oikotimes.

The Daily Mirror awarded Malta a total of seven (7) points out of a possible ten (10), the same amount which they gave to the British entry Believe In Me performed by Bonnie Tyler, adding that the song is 'cheery and upbeat, if perhaps a bit slight'. The one doubt that they seemed to have is how well the performance will come across on screen considering that the 'summer sunshiney video' works extremely well. Stay tuned to escflashmalta.com for all of the latest news about Malta in this years' edition of the Eurovision Song Contest which is taking place in Sweden following the astonishing victory of Loreen and her entry Euphoria co-written by Thomas G:Son and Thomas Bostrom. 

Source: Daily Mirror

Alongside Sweden, Luxembourg is the second most successful country in the history of the Eurovision Song Contest but consecutive disappointing results achieved in 1992 and 1993 respectively saw to their withdrawal. The support between smaller countries has always been evident and in the two aforementioned years, Malta gave the tiny duchy ten points on both occasions. It seems that our long lasting friendship is still appreciated by the rather strong fanbase as the OGAE members have voted Malta's entry Tomorrow performed by Gianluca in second place just behind Denmark whose entry is entitled Only Teardrops and set to be sung by Emmelie de Forest.

Marion Welter, representative at the 1992 Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of Luxembourg was also part of the team of reviewers on escflashmalta.com last year seeing to the entries that competed in the second semi-final. As has already been noted by several online blogs and forums alike, Denmark is the outright favourite with the fans whilst San Marino's entry entitled Crisalide (Vola) is currently in second place overall. At this point in time, there are around nine countries who are yet to pick up any points with some having obtained votes from one country, as has been the case with Malta who has never really done well in OGAE voting along the years. 

• 1 point - Greece
• 2 points - Hungary
• 3 points - San Marino
• 4 points - Moldova
• 5 points - Norway
• 6 points - Sweden
• 7 points - Netherlands
• 8 points - Germany
• 10 points - Malta
• 12 points - Denmark

Track Number #9 off the fifth studio album by Ira Losco is entitled Dead or Alive (Save my Soul) and it seems that the public have grown extremely fond of the track, so much that they have bought it several times to make it peak at number #1 on the iTunes singles chart. Jagged House, the company that represents Ira Losco have already released two official singles in the form of What I'd Give, winner of the Best Video Award at the Malta Music Awards, and The Person I Am which features vocals by David Leguesse and has amassed several views through viral website, YouTube. It is yet unknown whether Dead or Alive (Save my Soul) will be officially released as a single but nevertheless, the public have a right to select the tracks which they enjoy listening to the most.

To signify the importance of the first two digital singles, official music videos were created and as a matter of fact, both tracks made it to number #1 on iTunes as well as on leading radio station, 89.7 Bay. The album itself entitled The Fire was at the top position of the chart for five consecutive weeks and despite sales still shifting at the moment, it finds itself at number #2 behind the album 21 by British singer/songwriter Adele. 'I keep re-confirming that The Fire keeps burning! So many positive comments which obviously make me ecstatic!' are the words which echoed from the mouth of Ira Losco this morning as the editorial team of escflashmalta.com got in contact to announce her latest success. We urge you to continue purchasing the record through the iTunes Digital Store and to stay tuned to escflashmalta.com for another blog from Ira Losco in a couple of weeks time.

Source: iTunes, Emil Calleja Bayliss (Image)

Gianluca, a recently graduated medical doctor, will be representing Malta at the upcoming edition of the Eurovision Song Contest but prior to jetting off for the esteemed event in a couple of weeks time, he had teamed up with the National Blood Transfusion Service and the team of Xarabank for a day of events outside the National Blood Transfusion Centre in St.Luke’s Square, G’Mangia. The aim, generally speaking is for the public to give blood and aid increase the supply which has been running on a relatively low amount in recent weeks. The eveng is taking place today between 08:00 and 15:00 CET.

A number of special guests will be making their way to greet the present crowd noting that fan favourites, Gorġ & Pawlu known for their hit track Hot & Famous will be present as well as former Eurovision Song Contest representative; Kurt Calleja whose song This Is The Night took Malta back into the final for the very first time in two years. Gianluca, being a doctor as mentioned above will be assisting the nurses and doctors present yet nevertheless, will surely bring a smile to those present during the day especially with his charisma clearly always viable for those to see.

In a Press Release issued by the Public Broadcasting Services in collaboration with the National Blood Transfusion Service, it is stated that 'anyone interested in donating blood is advised to eat lightly and drink water before visiting the blood transfusion centre.  Alcohol and food that contains high fat content, such as junk food should be avoided before the blood donation as this may impact the results of the blood tests. Blood donors will be required to present their ID Card before the blood transfusion takes place.'

In the meantime, Tomorrow, co-written by Boris Cezek and Dean Muscat will be representing the country in the sixth slot of the second semi-final. According to bookmakers, our entry is one of the top eight within the semi-final and should therefore qualify. Gianluca has listed the Icelandic entry Ég á líf performed by Eyþór Ingi Gunnlaugsson as his favourite entry. Stay tuned to escflashmalta.com for all of the latest news about the upcoming edition of the Eurovision Song Contest as soon as it becomes available. 

Source: Television Malta

Chiara, one of the most notable female vocalists in the Maltese Islands has been working on a number of original tracks in recent months following her signing to independent record label, Hands Up Music which is known for supporting the Icelandic acts at the Eurovision Song Contest. Following the release of her first single Forget Forgetting Me to positive reviews, many would have thought that the vocalist would be somewhat alternating between genres but as the release of her new single Żarbun came earlier than expected, the dance genre is still very much well represented. Joining her and providing guest vocals on the new track is none other than Haffi Haff, who also hails from Iceland and tried to represent his nation at the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest with the track Ho Ho Ho, We Say Hey Hey Hey alongside his group, Merzedes Club as well as in 2008 as a soloist with the track The Wiggle Wiggle Song. 

Chiara represented Malta at the Eurovision Song Contest on three occasions, the first time being in 1998 with the track The One That I Love composed by Jason Cassar and penned by Sunny Aquilina, the second time being in 2005 with the self-penned song Angel and last but not least in 2009 with the entry What If We composed by Marc Paelinck to the lyrics of Gregory Bilsen. The renowned vocalist has been re-branding herself in recent months, ditching away her ballads for an r'n'b / dance type of sound. The european audience had the pleasure to see this new image during the Melodifestivalen where on behalf of the Maltese Jury, Chiara gave the votes. Her latest single, Żarbun which of course translates into Shoe is quite intriguing and escflashmalta.com urges you to have a listen whilst staying in touch for all of the latest news.

Source: Hands Up Music, JJ Chircop (Image)

Martin Isherwood from the United Kingdom, Sharon Vaughn from the United States and Stano Simor from the Czech Republic represent different music genres but nevertheless, their tastes hover and they have predominantly agreed with each other as they analyse and assess the entries competing in this years' Eurovision Song Contest. The ten (10) qualifiers as decided through their respective outcome will be revealed on the day of the actual semi-final to increase the suspense.  In the second semi-final, seventeen (17) countries will be in contention and in slot number six (6), the producers have decided to put none other than Malta represented by the Public Broadcasting Services. The tiny nation will be participating in the esteemed international competition for the twenty-sixth time. Gianluca, a first time participant in the Malta Eurovision Song Contest was the winner following a cumulative public and jury vote with his entry Tomorrow co-written by Boris Cezek and Dean Muscat. 

Although fully committed to what he describes as his vocational calling, music has always served as a good break for the singing doctor, who has very adeptly found a balance between his daily ward rounds and his passion for music. Gianluca is the front man of a local band, whose dynamic performances and recent single releases have propelled it to the forefront of the island’s music scene. While funk and indie elements characterise the band’s distinctive sound, Bezzina draws on a wider variety of influences as a solo artist. He is mostly inspired by Michael Bubé’s brassy standards, John Mayer’s modern blues, the nu-folk style of Mumford and Sons and Noah and the Whale, while also being deeply captivated by Chris Tomlin’s contemporary Christian music. Gianluca is a regular singer with his prayer group and has also spent time doing voluntary work among children in Turin, Cairo and Palermo, with the sisters of Mother Theresa. 

He started off his music career by playing the piano accordion, eventually shifting his focus to singing in various charity concerts around Malta, including the popular biannual Voices concerts and Rockestra, a yearly event organised by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and held under the Patronage of the President of Malta. It was through one of these charity events that songwriters Boris Cezek and Dean Muscat approached Gianluca with the intention of collaborating. Originally intended to be a radio hit, Tomorrow's feel-good factor combined with its simple yet meaningful lyrics, possessed all the necessary ingredients to take it to the Eurovision stage this year. Gianluca looks forward to broaden his experience through the Eurovision Song Contest as he feels it will give his career greater potential for growth and exposure, while allowing him to make further contacts with foreign music professionals.

In the leadup to the Eurovision Song Contest, Malta has always had a selection procedure but nevertheless, it has been altered throughout the years to reflect a similar system to the one used internationally. This years' edition of the Malta Eurovision Song Contest was one of the best in terms of both quality of production as well as competing tracks and several could have represented the nation abroad. The overwhelming public favourite was Kevin Borg with the song Needing You co-written with Thomas Thornholm, Simon Gribbe, Danne Attlerud and Michael Clauss. This was the song which also won the public vote and spent a couple of days at number #1 following it's release on iTunes. The second runner-up slot went to Davinia Pace with the track Betrayed composed by Elton Zarb to the lyrics of Matt Mercieca (Muxu). Davinia will be joining escflashmalta.com to comment on the second semi-final which will see Gianluca competing. 

Malta has an extremely rich history at the Eurovision Song Contest, quite similar to Iceland for that matter noting that the small Mediterranean Island is yet to win the prestigious competition despite being the first runner-up on two occasions in the past decade, the first time in 2002 thanks to Ira Losco and her entry 7th Wonder composed by Philip Vella and penned by Gerard James Borg and the second time in 2005 with Chiara and her self-penned track Angel. Apart from that, Malta has also finished in the second runner-up position twice, in 1992 with Mary Spiteri and her song Little Child composed by Georgina Abela to the lyrics of Ray Mahoney and in 1998 with Chiara and her entry The One That I Love composed by Jason Paul Cassar to the lyrics of Sunny Aquilina.  Last year, Malta returned to the final following a two year absence with the stunning semi-final performance of This Is The Night by Kurt Calleja.

Professional Critics Voice their Opinion

Rating: 83%

Martin Isherwood: Nice idea for the title but a bit clever and hard to grasp. Good lyrics. Nice voice if slightly unusual sibilant sound. Great tune. Very hooky. Still reminds me of the Housemartins.

Sharon Vaughn: Hands down my favourite. This song is magical and the singer is the perfect vessel to carry it. Best of Luck!

Stano Simor: Gianluca was one of my favourite artists in this years' national selection, one which I follow closely prior to the Eurovision Song Contest. The track itself is very positive and will surely help Malta progress to the final for the second consecutive year. The caribbean sound is something specific and one which I very much enjoy to listen to. 

Source: eurovision.tv