Rory sits down with Rodolfo Matos and Manuel Simões, from the Portuguese band Norton. The band is competing in Festival da Canção with their track “Hope.” This song is an upbeat call on the world to spread hope in the midst of all the chaos and confusion today’s world holds. Together with Rory, drummer Rodolfo and guitarist Manuel talk about their songwriting process, the revival of love for Festival da Canção, and what the band hope for people to take from their song.
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 Norton
Norton is a well-established musical duo formed in Castelo Branco with over twenty years of experience. Norton was one of the 16 songwriters invited by RTP to compete in Festival da Canção. Together, the foursome have been able to tour all over the world, all the way from Lisbon to Tokyo spreading their indie, alternative take of rock to thousands of fans!
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 ‘Hope’? Would you like to see Norton 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: Norton
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