The eSpot Podcast

Renata speaks with friend of the pod, Louis, a.k.a. ESC Clarinet Moon, about the recent results of the ESC250, the ultimate ranking of the top 250 Eurovision Songs. Listen in as they discuss the results, some surprising statistics, and much much more.  Follow Louis on YouTube and Twitter @clarinetmoonesc

Back in November, The Guardian ran an article titled "Rightwing Eurovision fans love an 'ethno-traditional' tune" which reports on a recent academic article written by Political Scientists from the Netherlands. The Guardian article gained lots of attention and criticism amongst the Eurofandom on Twitter for its salacious and misleading headline, but little discussion was had regarding the actual contents of the article. In an effort to get to the bottom of what the research actually found, Renata read all 22 pages of the academic article so you don't have to (but she highly recommends it)! In this episode, Renata explains to Greg what the article is about and analyzes its findings. The text of the original academic article "Pop populism: ethno-traditionalism beyond national borders and the populist radical right" by Alessandro Nai, Elizabeth L. Young, and Linda Bos can be found at this link:  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9640908/ 

In this episode, we discuss the second semifinal of the American Song Contest, and we speak with ASC finalist Grant Knoche from Texas about the process of writing his song "Mr. Independent" and his experience on the show. Find Grant on Instagram and TikTok @grantknoche and on Twitter @GrantCKnoche  Interview begins at (24:30)

In this special edition of The eSpot Podcast, Renata speaks with Australia's Sheldon Riley from Turin about the writing and production of his song "Not The Same," how the sonic and visual elements came together to create his captivating performance, and how his vocal techniques enhance the impact of the song. (Interview originally released for and republished with permission of Oikotimes.co.uk)

In this episode, we discuss the first semifinal of the American Song Contest. This episode also features a conversation between Renata and Christian Pagan, in which they discuss his song "LOKO", fashion influences, and unique spots to visit on his island of Puerto Rico. (Interview originally appeared on the YouTube of our colleagues at Oikotimes.) Find Christian on Instagram and Twitter @christian_pagan and on TikTok @christianpagantiktok Interview begins at (32:45)

In this episode, we discuss the results of episodes 4&5 of the American Song Contest. We also talk to ASC semi-finalists Ni/Co from Alabama about their experience on the show and the process of writing their powerful duet "The Difference." Ni/Co can be found on Instagram and TikTok @ni.co_official and on Twitter @ni_co_official  Interview begins at (34:00)

In this episode, we recap episodes 2&3 of the American Song Contest, and discuss some of the changes and improvements made to the show. The episode finishes up with an exclusive interview with ASC's costume designers Erin Hirsh and Artemis Jafari! Listen to find out how the iconic looks come together for the show! Interview begins at (40:00)

Listen in as hosts Renata and Greg discuss the first heat of the American Song Contest! 

This episode is the first of our Spotlight Series, which looks in depth at countries that participate in Eurovision. In today’s Spotlight on Norway, we start off with an overview of Norwegian history, culture, and ethnomusicology. Then we take a closer look at the Melodi Grand Prix song contest and Norway’s participation in Eurovision. We finish up the episode with an interview with Norwegian singer-songwriter Elsie Bay, who was a finalist in this year’s Melodi Grand Prix. Songs featured: (0:00) Intro - "End of the Road" by Anthem of Rain (via Free Music Archive); Ukranian national anthem (1:40) Part 1 - "Ja, vi elsker dette landet" Norwegian anthem by Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra; "Resonemus hoc natali" by Anonymous (Theatre of Voices, director Paul Hillier); "Ecco La Primavera" by Mogen Pederson (Nordic Brass Ensemble); "Concerto for Violin and Strings in A Major: II Adagio" by Johan Daniel Berlin (Norwegian Baroque Orchestra); "Sæterjentens Søndag" by Ole Bull (Arve Tellefsen); "Bruremarsj" by Myllarguten (Knut Buen); "Soga jiellat" by Aslak A. Somby; "Tiger Rag" by Funny Boys (16:45) Part 2 - "Voi Voi" by Nora Brockstedt (1960); "Oj, oj, oj, så glad jeg skal bli" by Kirsti Sparboe (1969); "Mata Hari" by Anne-Karine Strøm (1976), "Sámiid ædnan" by Sverre Kjelsberg and Mattis Hætta (1980); "La det swinge" by Bobbysocks! (1985); "Brandenburger Tor" by Ketil Stokkan (1990); "Nocturne" by Secret Garden  (1995); "I'm Not Afraid to Move On" by Jostein Hasselgård (2003); "High" by Knut Anders Sørum (2004); "Fairytale" by Alexander Rybak (2009); "Haba Haba" by Stella Mwangi (2011); "Spirit in the Sky" by Keiino (2019); "Fallen Angel" by Tix (2021); "Give That Wolf a Banana" by Subwoolfer (2022) (32:01) Part 3 - “Death of Us” by Elsie Bay (2022); “Ocean” by Elsa & Emelie (2017); “Witch Woods” by EMMY (2021)

What do Austin Powers, Celine Dion, and Enrique Iglesias' dad have in common? THE EUROVISION SONG CONTEST!  For our first episode of The eSpot Podcast, we do a quick overview of Eurovision basics for listeners who are unfamiliar with the contest and explain how Eurovision fits into the larger cultural zeitgeist. We also have an exclusive interview with Jonas Gladnikoff, a songwriter and producer who has had multiple songs compete in Eurovision and Junior Eurovision. He shares with us some insight on his experiences in the contest and his process as a songwriter.  Follow us on social media @espotpod and visit our website www.espotpod.com Thank you for listening!  Intro (0:00) Songs featured: End of the Road by Anthem of Rain (via Free Music Archive);  Prelude to Te Deum by M.A. Charpentier (Eurovision fanfare); Wild Dances by Ruslana (Winner 2004); Ne Ver Ne Boisya by tATu (3rd place 2003)  Part 1 - Eurovision basics (4:50) Songs featured: Refrain by Lys Assia (Winner 1956); Satellite by Lena (Winner 2010)  Part 2 - Eurovision in pop culture (11:00) Songs featured: Nel blu, dipinto di blu by Domenico Modugno (3rd place 1958); Waterloo by ABBA (Winner 1974); Ooh Aah Just a Little Bit by Gina G (8th place 1996); Dancing Lasha Tumbai by Verka Serduchka (2nd place 2007)  Part 3 - Interview with Jonas Gladnikoff (20:00) Songs featured:  Et Cetera by Sinéad Mulvey & Black Daisy (National selection 2009); Niamh Kavanagh - It’s For You (23rd place 2010);  Banshee by Anna Kearney (12th place 2019, Junior Eurovision)