Angus sits down with Paulo Zé Pimenta, who usually performs under the stage name PZ. He is competing in Festival da Canção with his new band O Vampiro Submarino with the track “Ao Lado De Mim.” This romantic song offers a unique mix of jazz and rockabilly. PZ talks about his songwriting process, what makes Festival da Canção so exciting, and when O Vampiro Submarino’s first album will come out.
Festival da Canção consists of two semi-finals on March 5 and 7, and a final on March 12. The winner will be decided by a jury and televote. The winning song will then go on to represent Portugal in Italy in May.
About O Vampiro Submarino
O Vampiro Submarino is a new band formed by songwriter PZ and others. PZ was one of the 16 songwriters invited by RTP to compete in Festival da Canção. O Vampiro Submarino sees him move away from his electronic instrumentation to a more jazzy, retro style of music.
Portugal’s Eurovision Journey
Portugal debuted in the Eurovision Song Contest with António Calvário’s “Oração” in 1964. Since then, Portugal has participated in the competition 52 times – appearing the final 43 times. Their only win in the competition came in 2017 with Salvador Sobral, performing his heart-wrenching song “Amar Pelos Dois”.
Portugal’s most recent participation was with The Black Mamba with the song “Love Is On My Side” – the first song Portugal sent in the English language. The Black Mamba managed to qualify for the Grand Final finishing 12th, after receiving 153 points from the jury and the televote.
What do you think of Ao Lado De Mim? Would you like to see O Vampiro Submarino on the Eurovision stage? As always, let us know what you think by getting in touch in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow ‘THAT Eurovision Site’ on our social media – we are on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
News Source: That Eurovision Site
Photo Source: RTP
