Litesound

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Litesound
Litesound Eurovision.jpg
Litesound at Eurovision Song Contest 2012 in 2012 performing We Are the Heroes
Background information
Origin Minsk, Belarus
Genres
Years active2005–present
LabelsMediaCube Music, West Records
MembersDmitry Karyakin
Vladimir Karyakin
Evgeny Balchuys
Max Bobko
Past membersAndrey Ravovoy
Mario Gulinsky
Sergey Genko
Alex Kolchin
Ignat Yakovich
Artyom Doronkin
Egor Doronkin
Jacopo Massa
Evgeniy Sadovskiy
Website www.litesound.com

Litesound is a Belarusian pop rock band formed in 2005 by brothers Dmitry and Vladimir Karyakin. [1] [2] In 2010, they released their debut album Going to Hollywood. Two years later, in 2012, the band was chosen to represent Belarus in the Eurovision Song Contest, performing the song "We Are the Heroes". [3] As of 2018, they released their second studio album Litesound.

Contents

History

Early years and debut album

The band, originally formed as an acoustic duo, was formed in 2002 by brothers Dmitry and Vladimir Karyakin. [4] In 2005, the band was changed into a quartet and became what is known as Litesound. The additions included bassist Mario Gulinsky and drummer Sergey Genko. [5] In 2006, the band won the Maiori International Music Festival, held in Italy, during which they met Italian singer Jacopo Massa, who was also taking part in the competition. [6] Massa and Litesound started collaborating, leading Massa to appear at several concerts as a guest. [6] Eventually, this lead Massa in becoming an official member of the band. Russian guitarist Alex Kolchin and Belarusian drummer Ignat Yakovich also joined the band, [7] while Gulinsky and Genko left the group in 2006. [5]

The band competed in the Eurofest 2006, in hope of representing Belarus in the Eurovision Song Contest, performing the song "My Faith", placing 6th. [8] Litesound participated in the Eurofest 2008, performing the song "Do You Believe", in which they qualified to the final as 2nd, but eventually lost out to Ruslan Alekhno. They gave it another shot and returned to the Eurofest 2009, placing 3rd with the song "Carry On", featuring vocals by Dakota. [8] In 2010, the band released the debut album Going to Hollywood, [9] including the single "Solo Per Te". [6]

Eurovision Song Contest 2012

Starting from December 2011, Litesound, once again aimed to represent their country at Eurovision, by taking part in the Eurofest 2012. During the semi-final of the contest, Litesound performed the song "We Are the Heroes". [10] After qualifying to the final, they decided not to change their entry. [11] On 14 February 2012, Alyona Lanskaya was announced the winner of the Eurofest 2012, while Litesound came in 2nd place. [12]

However, on 21 February 2012, the Belarusian president conducted an investigation about an alleged fraud in the televote, which turned out to be true. [13] [ better source needed ] As a result of the investigation, All My Life by Alyona Lanskaya was disqualified. [14] As a result, Litesound were then internally chosen to replace Alyona Lanskaya to represent Belarus in the Eurovision Song Contest 2012. [15] Their entry "We Are the Heroes" was later re-recorded in a new version, produced by Dimitris Kontopoulos. [16] The song ultimately failed to progress from the second semi-final into the final.

After Eurovision

In 2013, Alex Kolchin left the band. The new additions to the band were Artyom and Egor Doronkin, who are also brothers. Together they recorded the Christmas single "Shooting Star" accompanied with a music video. The Doronkin brothers left the band in 2015, while Andrey Ravovoy joined. Alex Kolchin returned to collaborate with Litesound on a cover of the Russian entry for Eurovision Song Contest 2015 "A Million Voices" by Polina Gagarina. On 16 April 2015, Litesound celebrated their 10th anniversary and released a new song for the occasion, "Give Me Your Hand".

In 2016, Litesound joined forces with Moldovan singer Katherine to enter the Eurovision Song Contest in Sweden, making this their 5th Eurovision attempt. After auditioning, they reached the semi-finals to represent Moldova with the song "Imagine". However, on 1 February it was announced that Katherine & Litesound withdrew their entry from the national selection for personal reasons.

Andrey Ravovoy left the band in 2016. After the departure of Ravovoy, the band released the single "Together (Young.Wild.Brave)". In 2017, they released "The Whole World", a song composed by international songwriters. Prior to the release of the song Evgeny Balchuys joined the band, becoming the new bassist. Andrey Ravovoy returned as the band's drummer in 2017. On 11 December 2017, Litesound released a teaser for their long-awaited second album, to be released in 2018, and the release of three new music videos. On 30 September 2018, Litesound released their long-awaited second album Litesound. In April 2019, Andrey Ravovoy and the band parted ways for a second time. On 25 June 2019, Litesound released the song "Champion", which was released as the official song to the European Games 2019 taking place in Minsk, Belarus. [17] On 15 December 2019, they released their new single "Fight For The Dream", a song for the 2020 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships – Division I A held in Belarus. [18]

2020 and beyond

In 2020, the musicians criticised the policy of the Belarusian authorities regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. After that, the group was denied concerts on July 3 and participation in the Slavianski Bazaar. In July 2020, Litesound released a Belarusian-language version of "We Are the Heroes". The group spoke at a rally in support of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. [19]

On 13 October 2022, the Karyakin brothers and their parents were detained by the SOBR (special rapid response unit) soldiers in full gear. In March 2023, all four were sentenced to several years of restriction of freedom for participating in the 2020 protests. [19] [20]

Band members

Current members [7]
Past members [5]

Timeline

Litesound

Discography

Studio albums

Collaborative albums

Singles

Music videos

Covers

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Belarus in the Eurovision Song Contest</span>

Belarus participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 16 times, making its debut in 2004 and having its last appearance in 2019. The Belarusian participant broadcaster in the contest was the Belarusian Television and Radio Company (BTRC). Since 1 July 2021, Belarus has been unable to participate in the contest following the suspension of BTRC's membership in the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). The country's first appearance in a final was in 2007, with the song "Work Your Magic" performed by Dmitry Koldun, where it placed sixth; this remains Belarus' only top ten placement. Belarus also qualified for the final in 2010, 2013, 2014, 2017, and 2019. More recently, the nation had planned to take part in the canceled 2020 contest and was disqualified from taking part in the 2021 contest.

Belarus was represented at the Eurovision Song Contest 2006 with the song "Mum", composed by Sergey Sukhomlin, with lyrics by Andrey Kostyugov and performed by Polina Smolova. The Belarusian participating broadcaster, Belarusian Television and Radio Company (BTRC), selected its entry through a national final.

Belarus was represented at the Eurovision Song Contest 2007 with the song "Work Your Magic", composed by Philip Kirkorov, with lyrics by Karen Kavaleryan, and performed by Dmitry Koldun. The Belarusian participating broadcaster, Belarusian Television and Radio Company (BTRC), selected its entry through a national final.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dmitry Koldun</span> Belarusian singer (born 1985)

Dmitry Aleksandrovich Koldun is a Belarusian pop singer.

Belarus was represented at the Eurovision Song Contest 2008 with the song "Hasta la vista", composed by Taras Demchuk, with lyrics by Eleonora Melnik, and performed by Ruslan Alekhno. The Belarusian participating broadcaster, Belarusian Television and Radio Company (BTRC), selected its entry through a national final.

Belarus participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 with the song "Eyes That Never Lie" written by Petr Elfimov and Valery Prokhozhy. The song was performed by Petr Elfimov. The Belarusian entry for the 2009 contest in Moscow, Russia was selected through the national final Eurofest 2009, organised by the Belarusian broadcaster National State Television and Radio Company of the Republic of Belarus (BTRC). The national final was a televised production which consisted of a semi-final and a final held on 15 December 2008 and 19 January 2009, respectively. Fifteen competing acts participated in the semi-final where the top five entries as determined by a jury panel qualified to the final. In the final, public televoting selected "Eyes That Never Lie" performed by Petr Elfimov as the winner with 11,475 votes.

Belarus participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2010 with the song "Butterflies" written by Maxim Fadeev, Robert Wells and Malka Chaplin. The song was performed by the group 3+2 featuring Robert Wells, who were internally selected by the Belarusian broadcaster National State Television and Radio Company of the Republic of Belarus (BTRC) to represent the nation at the 2010 contest in Oslo, Norway after broadcaster All-National TV (ONT), which was to take over BTRC, failed to receive EBU membership. 3+2 and the song "Far Away" were initially announced as the Belarusian entry on 25 February 2010, however the band opted to withdraw their song and the replacement entry, "Butterflies", was announced on 19 March 2010.

Russia participated at the Eurovision Song Contest 2010, held in Oslo, Norway in May 2010, and was represented by broadcaster Rossiya Channel (RTR).

Belarus participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 with the song "We Are the Heroes" written by Vladimir Karyakin and Dmitry Karyakin. The song was performed by the band Litesound. The Belarusian entry for the 2012 contest in Baku, Azerbaijan was selected through the national final Eurofest 2012, organised by the Belarusian broadcaster National State Television and Radio Company of the Republic of Belarus (BTRC). The national final was a televised production which consisted of a semi-final and a final held on 21 December 2011 and 14 February 2012, respectively. Fifteen competing acts participated in the semi-final where the top five entries qualified to the final. In the final, "All My Life" performed by Alyona Lanskaya was initially selected as the winner following the combination of votes from a jury panel and public televoting, however the entry was later disqualified due to vote rigging and replaced by runner-up "We Are the Heroes" performed by Litesound.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alyona Lanskaya</span> Belarusian singer (born 1985)

Alyona Lanskaya is a Belarusian singer. In 2011, she won the Slavianski Bazaar Contest in Vitebsk. Alyona represented Belarus in the Eurovision Song Contest 2013 in Malmö, Sweden with the song "Solayoh", qualifying from the semi-final of the competition and placing 16th in the final by scoring 48 points.

Belarus participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2013 with the song "Solayoh" written by Marc Paelinck and Martin King. The song was performed by Alyona Lanskaya. The Belarusian entry for the 2013 contest in Malmö, Sweden was selected through a national final organised by the Belarusian broadcaster National State Television and Radio Company of the Republic of Belarus (BTRC). The national final consisted of ten competing acts participating in a televised production where "Rhythm of Love" performed by Alyona Lanskaya was initially selected as the winner following the combination of votes from a jury panel and public televoting, however the singer opted to withdraw her song and the replacement entry, "Solayoh", was announced on 7 March 2013.

Belarus participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2014 with the song "Cheesecake" written by Yuriy Vashchuk and Dmitry Novik. The song was performed by Teo, which is the artistic name of singer Yuriy Vashchuk. The Belarusian entry for the 2014 contest in Copenhagen, Denmark was selected through a national final organised by the Belarusian broadcaster National State Television and Radio Company of the Republic of Belarus (BTRC). The national final consisted of fourteen competing acts participating in a televised production where "Cheesecake" performed by Teo was selected as the winner following the combination of votes from a jury panel and public televoting.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Teo (Belarusian singer)</span> Belarusian singer

Yuriy Alexeyevich Vashchuk, better known by his stage name Teo, is a Belarusian singer, songwriter, and television presenter.

Belarus participated in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2013 in Kyiv, Ukraine. The Belarusian entry was selected through a national final, organised by Belarusian broadcaster National State Television and Radio Company of the Republic of Belarus (BTRC). The final was held on 4 October 2013. Ilya Volkov and his song "Poy so mnoy" won the national final, scoring 18 points.

Belarus participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2015 with the song "Time" written by Uzari, Gerylana and Maimuna. The song was performed by Uzari and Maimuna. The Belarusian entry for the 2015 contest in Vienna, Austria was selected through a national final organised by the Belarusian broadcaster National State Television and Radio Company of the Republic of Belarus (BTRC). The national final consisted of fifteen competing acts participating in a televised production where "Time" performed by Uzari and Maimuna was selected as the winner following the combination of votes from a jury panel and public televoting.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maimuna</span> Musical artist

Maimuna Amadu Murashko, known professionally as simply Maimuna, is a Belarusian violinist who represented Belarus in the Eurovision Song Contest 2015 along with Uzari with the song "Time".

Belarus participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2016 with the song "Help You Fly" written by Viktor Drobysh, Alexander Ivanov, Timofei Leontiev and Mary Susan Applegate. The song was performed by Ivan, which is the artistic name of singer Alexander Ivanov. The Belarusian entry for the 2016 contest in Stockholm, Sweden was selected through a national final organised by the Belarusian broadcaster National State Television and Radio Company of the Republic of Belarus (BTRC). The national final consisted of ten competing acts participating in a televised production where public televoting selected the winner. "Help You Fly" performed by Ivan was selected as the winner with 23,167 votes.

Belarus was represented at the Eurovision Song Contest 2017 with the song "Story of My Life", written by Arciom Lukjanienka, and performed by the band Naviband. The Belarusian participating broadcaster, the Belarusian Television and Radio Company (BTRC), selected its entry through a national final. This was the first-ever entry performed in Belarusian in the Eurovision Song Contest.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Naviband</span> Belarusian band

Naviband is an indie pop band from Belarus (Minsk) that has been Warsaw-based since 2020. The band was founded as a duo between singer/songwriter and guitar player Artsiom Lukyanenka and singer/songwriter Kseniya Zhuk (Lukyanenka), later also featured guitar player, producer Aliaksandr Tabolski, bass - Uladzislaŭ Čaščavik, drums - Uladzimir Beher, Yaroslav Tomilo as a sound engineer and manager.

Belarus participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 with the song "Like It" performed by Zena and written by Zena along with Yulia Kireeva and Viktor Drobysh. The Belarusian entry for the 2019 contest in Tel Aviv, Israel was selected through the national final Natsionalny Otbor, which was organised by the Belarusian broadcaster National State Television and Radio Company of the Republic of Belarus (BTRC). The national final consisted of ten competing acts participating in a televised production where a jury panel selected "Like It" performed by Zena as the winner.

References

  1. ↑ "Belarus's Eurovision-2012 entry: Why not Azerbaijan as favorite?". Ann.az. 7 April 2012. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
  2. ↑ "Litesound (Беларусь) о песне на Евровидении-2012: Поем о людях, которые не сдаются и борются до конца" [Litesound (Belarus) about the song on the Eurovision 2012: We sing about people who do not give up and fight to the end]. CTV. 2012-05-21. Retrieved 2018-12-22.
  3. ↑ "Shock In Belarus: Alyona Disqualified!" (in Greek). Oikotimes.Com. Archived from the original on 2012-02-26. Retrieved 2012-02-25.
  4. ↑ "Litesound as new Belarusian representative in Eurovision-2012". News.az. 25 February 2012. Retrieved 29 February 2012.
  5. 1 2 3 "Litesound as new Belarusian representative in Baku". Eurovision.tv. 24 February 2012. Retrieved 29 February 2012.
  6. 1 2 3 "Jacopo Massa all'Eurofestival 2012: 'Gareggio per la Bielorussia'" (in Italian). Rockol.it. 29 February 2012. Retrieved 29 February 2012.
  7. 1 2 "Participants Profiles – Belarus 2012 – We Are the Heroes". Eurovision.tv. Archived from the original on 8 May 2012. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
  8. 1 2 Victor Hondal (22 November 2011). "Belarus: Litesound back to EuroFest". ESCToday.com. Retrieved 29 February 2012.
  9. ↑ "Going to Hollywood – Litesound". Allmusic . Retrieved 29 February 2012.
  10. ↑ Victor Hondal (18 December 2011). "Belarus: EuroFest final to be held on January 28th". ESCToday.com. Retrieved 29 February 2012.
  11. ↑ "Belarus: Interview with Litesound (EuroFest 2012)". ESCDaily.com. 16 January 2012. Retrieved 29 February 2012.
  12. ↑ "Alyona Lanskaya to represent Belarus". Eurovision.tv. 14 February 2012. Retrieved 29 February 2012.
  13. ↑ "Belarus 2012 information page". esckaz.com. Retrieved 26 March 2012.
  14. ↑ "TUT.BY | НОВОСТИ – Президент объявил результаты "Еврофеста" подтасованными и отправил в Баку Litesound – Общество – 24.02.2012, 16:31". News.tut.by. 20 January 2012. Retrieved 25 February 2012.
  15. ↑ "Alena Lanskaya will not be going to Baku – Litesound to represent Belarus instead | Eurovision Song Contest 2012 in Baku". EuroVisionary. 24 February 2012. Retrieved 25 February 2012.
  16. ↑ Victor Hondal (18 March 2012). "Belarus: Eurovision version for We are the heroes out". ESCToday.com. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  17. ↑ "Выбери композицию для церемоний открытия и закрытия ІІ Европейских игр :: II ЕВРОПЕЙСКИЕ ИГРЫ 2019 МИНСК, БЕЛАРУСЬ". minsk2019.by. Retrieved 2019-06-25.
  18. ↑ "«Fight for the dream». Litesound готовы представить хоккейный трек к МЧМ-2020". hockey.by (in Russian). Retrieved 2019-12-17.
  19. 1 2 "Эти ребята представляли Беларусь на «Евровидении», написали гимн для чемпионата мира по хоккею, а сейчас их судят. Вот их история". citydog.io (in Russian). Retrieved 2024-06-27.
  20. ↑ Братьев из группы Litesound и их родителей приговорили к «домашней химии»
Preceded by Belarus in the Eurovision Song Contest
2012 		Succeeded by
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