Ahead of their participation at Selecţia Naţională 2026, Rory got to have a chat with Emforia about their song “Tipare”. They are hoping to represent Moldova at Eurovision 2026 with the track, and will perform the song at the Selecţia Naţională final on January 17th.
Tell us about yourself! Why did you decide to become a singer, and what are some highlights of your career so far?
We’re Emforia, a young alternative rock band from Moldova, officially formed in 2022. Music has always been our most natural way of expressing ideas, frustrations, and emotions that are difficult to put into words. Becoming musicians wasn’t a single, conscious decision—it happened organically through writing, rehearsing, and performing together.
Some of the key highlights of our journey so far include the release of our EP TRU Deluxe, an updated version of our original EP that also features two bonus tracks. One of them, EROU Deluxe, was accompanied by a music video, which marked an important step for us visually and artistically. Being selected to take part in Eurovision this year is another major milestone and a very meaningful moment in our career.
What made you decide to take part in Selecţia Naţională this year?
Selecția Națională felt like the right moment for us. We created a song that truly represents our journey and the strength of a small country—one with few people, but with a lot of beauty, character, and resilience. As the youngest participants in this year’s Selecția Națională for Eurovision 2026, we felt ready to step forward and bring something different to the Moldovan Eurovision stage.
For us, it’s not just about competing. It’s about presenting a sound and a message that feel honest, current, and true to who we are as artists and where we come from.
“Tipare” is quite a modern and fresh song for Moldovan music. Is this style becoming more popular in Moldova, and how important was it to show this internationally?
Rock music isn’t the most mainstream genre in Moldova. There are a few established rock bands that have been active for many years and have built a solid fan base, but for newer and smaller bands, breaking through to bigger stages is still a real challenge. In this context, discovering new rock acts takes time and patience.
For us, Romania has been a very important source of support, with an active and engaged audience that connected quickly with our music. In Moldova, Emforia is still in the process of being discovered, and we honestly embrace this stage—it’s a beautiful and necessary part of every artist’s journey.
Showing this song on an international stage matters to us because Emforia isn’t only about Moldova. It’s about feeling, energy, and reality— things that go beyond borders. We believe this side of our music speaks an international language.
What was the songwriting process for “Tîpare” like?
“Tipare” came together very naturally during a jam session with the band. The music appeared first, without overthinking it, and the lyrics followed just as organically. Everything flowed from the energy we already had in the room.
The real challenge came later, when we started adapting the song for Eurovision. The original version is longer and structured differently, so fitting it into the three-minute format required for ESC meant reworking the structure quite a lot. That part took the most time and effort, but it helped us focus the song and make it more direct without losing its essence.
What is the meaning behind your song?
“Tipare” is about breaking free from imposed patterns—about being told how you should think, act, or live, and choosing to question that instead. It speaks about individuality, resistance, and the courage to step outside what’s considered “normal,” even when that choice isn’t easy.
Beyond this universal message, the song also carries a national layer. Moldova is in a similar position, where many people are striving for a more stable and prosperous future in their own country. “Tipare” reflects that struggle—the desire to stay, to change things from within, and to build something better despite limitations. In that sense, the song is both personal and collective.
Can you give us any hints about what we can expect from the live performance?
You can expect a performance that’s intense, dynamic, and visually strong. We’re focusing heavily on energy, authenticity, and a very clear message, rather than overcomplicating the concept. Everything on stage is there to serve the song.
That said, we are preparing something bold and unexpected for the ESC stage. The live performance will have a strong visual impact and moments that amplify the tension and release of the track. Our goal isn’t just to perform “Tipare,” but to create an experience—something that feels raw, powerful, and memorable. We want the audience to feel the song, not just hear it.
Have you listened to the other competing songs in Selecţia Naţională? Do you have a favorite?
Yes, we’ve listened to the other songs, and there’s a lot of quality and diversity this year. Each artist brings something unique, which makes the competition exciting. We prefer not to single out a favorite—we respect the work everyone has put into their music.
Do you have a favorite Eurovision song or memory?
Eurovision has given us many unforgettable moments over the years, especially performances that dared to be different and stayed true to their identity. Those are the ones that really remain with us—the acts that take risks and fully commit to who they are.
Some of the most intense performances that stayed in our minds are “Cha Cha Cha” by Käärijä (Finland, 2023), “Zitti e buoni” by Måneskin (Italy, 2021), and “Rim Tim Tagi Dim” by Baby Lasagna (Croatia, 2024). All of them stood out through strong energy, authenticity, and a clear artistic vision, which is something we deeply appreciate.
Finally, what would you like to say to people discovering your music for the first time through Selecţia Naţională?
To everyone discovering our music for the first time through Selecţia Naţională, thank you for taking the time to listen and stay curious. Our music comes from real experiences and real emotions—it doesn’t try to be comfortable or polished just for the sake of it, but honest and sincere.
What you’re hearing now is only the beginning. There is much more music on the way, and each release will continue to explore this energy, intensity, and truth that define Emforia. On January 10, our official music video for “Tipare” will be released, and it represents an important next step for us both musically and visually. We invite everyone to stay tuned and follow the journey—this is just the start.
We would also like to sincerely thank the organizers, Compania Teleradio Moldova, and the entire production team for their support and trust. This year, together with the organizers and producers, we promise an exceptional show—one that aims to raise the bar and deliver something that hasn’t been seen before on the Moldovan Eurovision stage.
Who are Emforia?
Emforia are a five-piece rock band based in Moldova. The band focuses more on rock in terms of their genre, and has gained some notoreity in neighbouring Romania. Speaking about their musical style, the band centres itself around themes of doubt and hope. The group has slowly grown its following in both Romania and Moldova, but are now looking at expanding their musical horizons with their Eurovision song. Their song, “Tipare”, was written by Ion Staver.
Moldova’s Eurovision journey
Moldova is relatively new to the Eurovision Song Contest, joining in 2005. Their debut entry, Zdob și Zdub, finished in 6th place, which had remained their highest scoring entry up until 2017. They were dethroned by returners Sunstroke Project and the song ‘Hey Mamma’, which finished in 3rd place. At the close of voting, Moldova received 374 points.
After representing Moldova in 2007, Natalia Barbu returned to Eurovision in 2024 with the song “In the Middle”. She received 20 points in the first semifinal, ultimately placing thirteenth and missing out on the grand final.
What do you make of our interview with Emforia? Do you think they could go on to represent Moldova? As always, please let us know what you think by getting involved in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Threads, tumblr, and Bluesky for more information about Eurovision 2026!
News Source: That Eurovision Site
Photo Credit: Emforia
Tim J 
That Eurovision Site