Eurovision in Liverpool is now less than a month away. In the run-up to rehearsals we will be getting to know a little more about this year’s artists, their discography and their Eurovision journey so far. The next act we will be previewing is Croatia’s Let 3.
Let 3’s Eurovision journey so far….
Let 3 started their Eurovision journey when Croatian broadcaster HRT announced they would be one of the 18 contestants in DORA 2023. The band performed 16th during the show on the 11th of February with their song “Mama ŠČ!”. Following this, Let 3 absolutely dominated the results, topping the jury and the televote with considerable margins.
Let 3 are set to perform seventh during the first semi-final on the 9th of May. They will be following Ireland and preceding Switzerland, hoping to qualify for the final.
Let 3 also attended a number of pre-parties this year. The band performed at the Polish Eurovision Party in Warsaw, Pre-Party ES in Madrid and the London Eurovision Party.
What do we think of “Mama ŠČ!”
The team at That Eurovision Site has been doing their reviews for this year’s contest. Rory and Janek gave their thoughts on “Mama ŠČ!”, which you can see here.
Who are Let 3?
Let 3 are one of the most iconic bands in the Croatian music industry. The band have been prominent in the local music scene for nearly five decades blending satirical themes with traditional folk and rock.
The band is currently made up of Zoran Prodanović (lead vocals), Damir Martinović (vocals, bass guitar), Ivan Bojčić (drums), Dražen Baljak (guitar and mandolin) and Matej Zec (guitar). However, over the course of their history, some fourteen other people have formed part of the band. Zoran and Damir are the only two original members of the group.
As the band was formed, the first two albums the band released were mostly progressive rock, but as the group evolved, as did their music. In addition to this, the visual performances also became more striking and provocative. Their most well-known album – “Jedina” (The Only One) – initially only had one copy released in 2000. However, when the record label mass-produced the album, the band controversially staged an execution in the centre of Zagreb.
As well as this, the band is also well known for performing completely nude, which has resulted in the group being arrested and fined for public indecency. Their bombastic performances, coupled with their music, have helped them to become mainstays in Croatian music.
Their song for Eurovision – ” Mama ŠČ!” – is a satirical take on dictators and the frivolity of going to war, alluding to Russian and Belarusian presidents Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko. The song was written by original members Damir and Zoran.
Croatia’s Eurovision journey
Croatia has been a part of the Eurovision family since 1961, as part of Yugoslavia. Ten Croatian artists went on to represent Yugoslavia in the Contest – the most famous of which being Riva, who gave Yugoslavia its only win in 1989. The 1990 Contest was held in Zagreb as a tribute to their Croatian heritage.
Croatia debuted in the Contest as an independent nation in 1993 with the band Put and their song “Don’t Ever Cry”. Since then, Croatia has gone on to score as high as 4th place in 1996 and 1999. Last year, Mia Dimšić won Dora 2022 to represent Croatia at the Contest in Turin with her song “Guilty Pleasure”. However, at the close of voting, Mia failed to qualify for the final, finishing in 11th place with a total of 75 points.
What do you think of Mama ŠČ!? Can Let 3 bring Eurovision to Croatia next year? Let us know your thoughts! Also, be sure to follow “That Eurovision Site” on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok as we prepare for Eurovision 2023!
News Source: That Eurovision Site/Let 3
Photo Credit: Renato Branđolica
Let 3 are way ahead of all the other entrants. Their song is just on a different level with an incredible energy. The visual art on the screen is outstandingly brilliant.