When Cyprus announced that they were sending a Greek-Cypriot “cover band” to Eurovision 2016 hopes of Cyprus finally winning the contest, a feat they’ve attempted since 1981, faded quickly. However, said “cover band” MINUS ONE have produced a stellar pop-rock entry and in turn are gathering a groundswell of support now reflected in the Eurovision odds.
With the 2016 contest offering up more bands than we’re used to, the Cypriot entry is clearly the best of this bunch. Cyprus has been a winner in waiting for many years - could the gamble pay off with 2016 bringing them the unlikeliest of wins from an unexpected and brave selection?
Watch MINUS ONE's official video for 'ALTER EGO':
Four Questions with MINUS ONE
What are the three most interesting aspects about your entry?
- We would say the energy our song has
- The different vibe than the usual Eurovision style
- ...and of course us on stage
What are the three most impressive facts about you?
- Our chemistry as a band and the energy that it emits, (if that can be considered as an interesting fact).
- The range of age differences between us
- ...and our so different yet so similar characters.
Do you have a (lucky) routine before you go on stage?
We all have a different thing before we get up on stage. One might just close his eyes and doze off for a couple of minutes on the dressing room couch, one would be in the back room doing voice exercises, one would be doing push-ups and stretching and the other two might be hanging around the bar socialising till the last moment.
Why is the Eurovision Song Contest important for you?
It’s a huge way for us to get an incredibly large audience meet us for the first time, see what we do and who we are. In the process we get to live an incredible musical experience, possibly the best party in the world and get to know people from all the countries involved.
