The second Latvian Semi Final took place tonight and 12 songs battled for the six prestigious spots in the Final show. The results are in, check them out and let us know which songs you like the best. Qualifiers in the order they were announced: Ieva Sutugova – Cold Heart Marta Ritova – I Am Who I Am Grupa PeR …

The first Latvian Semi Final took place tonight and 12 songs battled for the six prestigious spots in the Final show. The results are in, check them out and let us know which songs you like the best. Qualifiers in the order they were announced: 1. Antra Stafecka – When you are with me! [vsw id=”ILMw6ad7COc” source=”youtube” width=”425″ height=”344″ autoplay=”no”] 2. …

Erik Anjou has two songs he has written in Dziesma 2013: “Let The Night Belong To The Lovers” by Framest; and “Joey” by Martins Ruskis & 4 Veji.  “Joey” is co-written by Peter Svensson.   We talk to both of them. ESC UNITED:  Hey guys!  Congratulations on making it to the next stage of Dziesma 2013.  Tell us a bit about yourselves …

Camilla Gottschalck is no stranger to National Selections for Eurovision.  She has co-written songs like Nikki Kavanagh’s “Falling” (Ireland 2011); Melissa Canta’s “Sueños rotos” (Spain 2011); and Hera Bjork’s “Someday” (Denmark 2009).  She is at it again this year at Dziesma 2013 with “Fool in Love” by Davids Kalandija & Dinara.  We learn more. ESC UNITED:  Hello Camilla.  Congratulations on making …

Sylvie Heyse is the songplugger and publisher of Raph Schillebeeckx, one of the writers of the song “When You’re With Me,” performed by Antra Stafecka.  Raph has written music for acts such as Selah Sue and Monrose.  Now he’s prepping for Dziesma 2013.  Sylvie gave us the inside scoop.   ESC UNITED:  Hello!  Congratulations to your team for making it …

Michael James Down has been busy this Eurovision season.  He has two songs in Dziesma 2013:  “One” by Niko, and “I Need A Hero” by Samanta Tina.  He also was a co-writer on Birgitta’s Icelandic National Selection song “Meðal Andanna.”   His co-writers on “One”, Johnny Andersson and Hanif Sabzevari, have also been busy, writing Ditte Marie’s entry from last …

Patrik Öhlund and Madelene Hamberg are the songwriters of the song “Here I Am” by Ruta Duduma, which is competing in Dziesma 2013.  We are excited to have had time to talk with them about their entry. ESC UNITED:  Hello Patrik and Madelene.  Congratulations on making it to the next stage of Dziesma 2013.  Tell us a bit about yourselves and …

A few weeks ago, we interviewed Filips Lindfors, who composed two Dziesma 2013 entries: “Upside Down” by Sabine Berezina and “Phoenix Fly” by Kristine Somase.  Today, we interview his co-composers of “Upside Down,”  Kristoffer Eriksson and Bertel Osterberg. ESC UNITED:  Hi Kristoffer and Bertel.  Congratulations on making it to the next stage of Dziesma 2013.  Tell us a bit about yourselves and …

Alex Mercy is a member of the band Aiwink, which is competing in Dziesma 2013 with their song “Now or Never.” Alex tells us more about how his band got involved with Dziesma 2013. ESC UNITED:  Hello Alex.  Congratulations on making it to the next stage of Dziesma 2013.  Tell us a bit about yourself and how you became a songwriter. ALEX:  Thank …

Marcis Redmanis is a member of the group Headline, which is competing in Dziesma 2013 with their song “Love.” Marcis was kind enough to talk with us a bit about his experience as he prepares for Dziesma with his bandmates. ESC UNITED:  First off, congratulations of your success in Dziesma 2013.  Tell us a bit about yourself and how you became …