Greece’s ERT wants to send sophistication to Eurovision (vid)

Greek state broadcaster ERT is sifting through Eurovision hopefuls in an effort to take a step towards greater quality in its Eurovision entry for 2016 according to the wishes by ERT President Dionysis Tsaknis, a well-respected musician in his own right. Many names have been bandied around concerning Greece’s entry and it is rumored that the selection team has aproached  numerous successful artists who represent the alternative music scene, such as Natassa Bofiliou, Eleonora Zouganeli, Panos Mouzourakis and Mariza Rizou. Rather than jump at the chance, they all kindly turned down the opportunity to represent their country.

Then, the organizers turned to less well-known artists such as Irene Skylakaki, but finding doors closed there are rumors that a rock group from Thessaloniki Sleepin’ Pillow is being considered. They describe themselves as a band that brings together “modern psychedelic rock along with Greek and Eastern traditional music and English lyrics.”

Then again, if all else fails there are names that have been circulating for years, such as Eleni Foureira, Tamta and Demy as possible options.