Sandra Nurmsalu

Last updated
Sandra Nurmsalu
Sandra Nurmsalu 2009.jpg
Nurmsalu performing in Moscow in 2009
Born (1988-12-06) 6 December 1988 (age 35)
Alavere, Estonia
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • violinist
PartnerTarmo Kask (2004–present)
Children4
Musical career
Genres
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • violin
Years active2007–present
Labels
Website sandranurmsalu.com

Sandra Nurmsalu (born 6 December 1988) is an Estonian singer, songwriter, and violinist. Recognized within Estonia for her genre-bending style, Nurmsalu has garnered success as both the lead singer of Urban Symphony and as a solo artist.

Contents

Nurmsalu rose to prominence in Estonia during her participation in the 2007 edition of the Eesti Televisioon (ETV) talent competition Kaks takti ette. While competing on the show, she formed the band Urban Symphony, of which she became the lead singer from 2007 to 2010. With Urban Symphony, Nurmsalu won Eesti Laul 2009 and represented Estonia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 in Moscow with the song "Rändajad", placing sixth. [1] After Eurovision, Nurmsalu competed in Eesti Laul twice more as a soloist: in 2014 and 2019, placing as a finalist both times.

Early life and education

Nurmsalu was born on 6 December 1988 in Alavere, a small village in Harju County. [2] She began experimenting with music as a student at a music school in Kose, where she learned how to play the violin. In her youth, Nurmsalu sang with the Kose-based children's folk group Pillipiigad for seven years, and then later the folk group Virre for three years. [3] [4]

As a teenager, she was a member of the Estonian three-piece girl group Pink Tank. Nurmsalu attended Georg Ots Music School in Tallinn, graduating in 2008. [2] [5]

Career

2007–2008: Kaks takti ette and formation of Urban Symphony

Nurmsalu began her professional solo career in 2007, competing in the Eesti Televisioon (ETV) singing competition Kaks takti ette. [2] During a special week of the competition where contestants were told their performances must be as part of an ensemble, Nurmsalu formed the group Urban Symphony with other stringed instrument musicians from her music school. The group's performance of "Hungry" by Kosheen blended classical crossover with electronic music; this sound became associated with Urban Symphony and Nurmsalu for the rest of their careers. [2] [6] Nurmsalu ultimately placed fourth in Kaks takti ette. [7]

Following the competition, Nurmsalu was signed by Estonian songwriter and record producer Sven Lõhmus to his record label Moonwalk Records. [8]

2009–2011: Further success, Eurovision, and hiatus

Nurmsalu at a press conference for the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 in Moscow. Sandra Nurmsalu (Urban Symphony).jpg
Nurmsalu at a press conference for the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 in Moscow.

After signing to Moonwalk shortly after Kaks takti ette, Nurmsalu and Lõhmus decided that she would continue performing with Urban Symphony instead of pursuing a solo career. In December 2008, Urban Symphony was revealed to be taking part in the debut edition of Eesti Laul , the newly created program to select the Estonian representative in the Eurovision Song Contest. [9] [10] Their entry in the competition, "Rändajad", also served as their debut single as a group and was released on 5 January 2009; the song was written and produced by Lõhmus. Urban Symphony competed in the final of Eesti Laul 2009 on 7 March 2009, where they were ranked first by the professional jury and second by the Estonian public. As one of the top two total vote-getters, they advanced to the superfinal with Traffic. In the superfinal, Urban Symphony and "Rändajad" received over 82% of the votes cast, winning the competition and holding the record for the biggest win margin in Eesti Laul history. [11] [12]

As the winners of Eesti Laul, Urban Symphony received the right to represent Estonia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 in Moscow, with "Rändajad". They competed in the second semi-final on 14 May 2009, placing third and qualifying to the final; this was the first time Estonia had qualified to the finals since the introduction of the semi-finals in 2004, and remains their best placement in the semi-finals of all-time. [13] [14] They later performed in the finals on 16 May, where they placed sixth with 129 points; this was the best result for Estonia since their third place finish at the Eurovision Song Contest 2002, and continues to be their best result since then as of 2024. [13] [15]

After Eurovision, "Rändajad" became a successful single internationally; it reached the top ten in Estonia, Finland, and Greece, the top twenty in Sweden, and also charted in Belgium, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Later that year, Nurmsalu was invited to perform as a special guest during season three of Eesti otsib superstaari , the Estonian version of Idols , performing "Rändajad" with eventual winner Ott Lepland during celebrity duets week; Lepland would later go on to represent Estonia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2012, placing sixth in the final as well. Urban Symphony released two other singles in their career, "Päikese poole" and "Skorpion"; both of which peaked in the top ten in Estonia.

In 2010, Urban Symphony announced that they would be disbanding. The announcement was due to Nurmsalu wishing to prioritize motherhood, while the group's other members wished to continue their studies and pursue other interests. [16]

2012–present: Solo career

Nurmsalu performing in Tartu in 2013. Sandra Nurmsalu Tartu July 2013.jpg
Nurmsalu performing in Tartu in 2013.

After a two-year hiatus in order to prioritize raising her child, Nurmsalu returned to music in 2012. She performed guest vocals on the single "Sel teel" by Estonian musician Sinine; the song went on to become a top ten hit in Estonia, and also received airplay in France and Germany. [17] Nurmsalu later began performing traditional Estonian folk songs at various musical events and festivals throughout Estonia. [18] In October 2012, Nurmsalu went on tour alongside several other Estonian musicians to celebrate 100 years of Estonian film and music, performing concerts at venues in Tallinn, Pärnu, and Tartu. [19] Later that year, Nurmsalu announced the Rändajad concert tour. The tour played at several small venues in Harju County, where Nurmsalu was raised, including her hometown of Alavere. [20]

In December 2012, to coincide with her return to the music industry, Nurmsalu formed her own record label Muusikalind to promote her music. [21] In 2013, Nurmsalu performed at the Estonian musical concert Öölaulupidu Järjepidevus where she debuted her first original single since returning to music, "Väike Eestimaa". On 26 September 2013, "Väike Eestimaa" was officially released by Moonwalk Studios and included an announcement that Nurmsalu was working on a new album with her former producer Lõhmus. [22]

In December 2013, Nurmsalu was announced as one of the semi-finalists in Eesti Laul 2014 with the song "Kui tuuled pöörduvad", written by Lõhmus. [23] This marked her first return to the competition since winning its inaugural edition in 2009 with Urban Symphony. Nurmsalu advanced from the second semi-final on 21 February 2014, to the final, held in Tallinn on 1 March. [24] In the final, Nurmsalu placed third with the Estonian public, but second-to-last with the professional juries, placing fifth overall and not advancing to the superfinal. Nurmsalu's placement was considered a shock, as many expected her to win the competition. Despite not winning, "Kui tuuled pöörduvad" became a top five single in Estonia and Nurmsalu's highest-charting hit since "Rändajad". [25]

After Eesti Laul, she planned to release the single "Mängurõõm" in early-2015, but the song was never released after Nurmsalu left Moonwalk Records and cut ties with her former producer Lõhmus. After leaving Moonwalk, Nurmsalu went on another hiatus from the music industry. She returned to music in 2017, releasing the singles "Jäälilled" and "Kevad on alati alles". She also developed a new working relationship with Estonian producer Priit Pajusaar. "Jäälilled" was written by Nurmsalu's partner Tarmo Kask, while "Kevad on alati alles" was written by Estonian poet Aapo Ilves; the music for both songs was composed by Nurmsalu, Pajusaar, and Pille Piir.

Nurmsalu returned to Eesti Laul once more, being announced as one of the semi-finalists for its 2019 edition in November 2018 with the song "Soovide puu"; the song became the first entry Nurmsalu had written, cowriting it with Pajusaar and Ilves. [26] Nurmsalu qualified from the first semi-final on 31 January 2019 as a second-round qualifier; she did not receive high enough scores from the professional jury or Estonian public in the initial round, but was one of two entries saved by the public as a first semi-final wildcard. [27] She then advanced to the final on 16 February, where she placed eighth in the competition. [28]

Personal life

Nurmsalu has been in a relationship with professional poker player Tarmo Kask since 2004. Kask is additionally a former physical education teacher, has composed songs for Nurmsalu and other musicians, and ran for leader of the Estonian Free Party. [29] Nurmsalu and Kask have three daughters and one son. [16] [30] [31] [32]

Outside of music, Nurmsalu is an animal rights activist who advocates for the prevention of animal abuse and abandonment. [33] She also took position against same-sex marriage, [34] COVID restrictions and vaccination. [35]

Discography

Urban Symphony

TitleYearPeak chart positionsAlbum
EST
[36] 		SWE
[37] 		FIN
[38] 		BEL (Vl)
[39] 		SUI
[40] 		GRE
[41] 		UK
[42]
"Rändajad"20093141068868117Non-album singles
"Päikese poole"12——————
"Skorpion"201011——————
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released.

Solo

TitleYearPeak chart positionsAlbum
EST
[36]
"Velvetiin"2007—Non-album singles
"Sel teel" (Sinine featuring Sandra Nurmsalu)20128
"Väike Eestimaa"2013—
"Kui tuuled pöörduvad"20145
"Aita mööda saata öö" (Sandra Nurmsalu and Margus Vaher)–
"Jäälilled"2017—
"Kevad on alati alles"—
"Soovide puu"2018—
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released.

Related Research Articles

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

Estonia has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 29 times since making its debut in 1994. Its first appearance would have taken place in 1993 but a qualification round was installed for seven former Eastern Bloc countries hoping to make their debut in the contest, with Estonia failing to qualify. Estonia has won the contest once, in 2001. The current Estonian participant broadcaster in the contest is Eesti Rahvusringhääling (ERR).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Evelin Samuel</span> Estonian actress and singer

Evelin Samuel is an Estonian singer, songwriter, musical theater performer, author of children's books and participant in the Eurovision Song Contest.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Laura Põldvere</span> Estonian musician

Laura Põldvere sometimes known professionally as simply Laura, is an Estonian singer. She is said to be the most played Estonian artist on Estonian radio in the past decade. She is internationally known for representing Estonia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2005 as part of the girl group Suntribe and did so again in 2017 in a duet with Koit Toome, singing "Verona."

Estonia participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 with the song "Rändajad" written by Sven Lõhmus. The song was performed by the group Urban Symphony. The Estonian broadcaster Eesti Rahvusringhääling (ERR) organised the national final Eesti Laul 2009 in order to select the Estonian entry for the 2009 contest in Moscow, Russia. Ten songs competed in the national final and the winner was selected over two rounds of voting. In the first round, a jury panel and a public vote selected the top two to qualify to the superfinal. In the superfinal, "Rändajad" performed by Urban Symphony was selected as the winner entirely by a public vote.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rolf Roosalu</span> Estonian singer

Rolf Roosalu, also known as Rolf Junior, is an Estonian singer who has participated in a number of musicals. He has also, yet unsuccessfully, competed to represent Estonia at the Eurovision Song Contest six times (2008–13), with him most recently competing at Eesti Laul 2018. In 2010, when the contest was held in Oslo, he announced the Estonian televoting results to the other countries. In 2013, he did the same when the contest was held in Malmö.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Urban Symphony</span> Estonian musical group

Urban Symphony is an Estonian music group. It represented Estonia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 with the song "Rändajad", finishing in 6th place with 129 points. In doing this, they achieved Estonia's best placement since 2002.

Eesti Laul is an annual music competition organised by Estonian public broadcaster Eesti Rahvusringhääling (ERR). It determines its entry for the Eurovision Song Contest, and has been staged every year since 2009. Eesti Laul was introduced in 2009, replacing the former Eurolaul festival which had been used since Estonia's first Eurovision participation in 1993. It is one of the most popular television programmes in Estonia; it is also broadcast on radio and the Internet. In 2012, the semi-finals averaged 199,000 viewers, and over an estimated 296,000 viewers watched the final.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maian Kärmas</span> Estonian singer and journalist

Maian-Anna Kärmas is an Estonian singer, songwriter, and journalist.

Estonia participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2010 with the song "Siren" written by Robin Juhkental. The song was performed by Malcolm Lincoln and Manpower 4. The Estonian broadcaster Eesti Rahvusringhääling (ERR) organised the national final Eesti Laul 2010 in order to select the Estonian entry for the 2010 contest in Oslo, Norway. Ten songs competed in the national final and the winner was selected over two rounds of voting. In the first round, a jury panel and a public vote selected the top two to qualify to the super final.In the super final, "Siren" performed by Malcolm Lincoln and Manpower 4 was selected as the winner entirely by a public vote.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Robin Juhkental</span> Estonian singer

Robin Juhkental is an Estonian singer. He is the frontman of Malcolm Lincoln.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rockefeller Street</span> 2011 song by Getter Jaani

"Rockefeller Street" is a song by Estonian singer and actress Getter Jaani. It was released on 24 January 2011 by Moonwalk Records as the lead single for Jaani's debut studio album, Rockefeller Street. Written by Sven Lõhmus, "Rockefeller Street" was the Estonian entry at the Eurovision Song Contest 2011, held in Düsseldorf, where it placed 24th, one away from last place in the grand final.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sven Lõhmus</span> Estonian composer and lyricist

Sven Lõhmus, also known as Beatboy, is an Estonian pop-composer, lyricist, and producer at Moonwalk Studios, a music company featuring Estonian artists.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tanja Mihhailova-Saar</span> Estonian singer

Tatjana Mihhailova-Saar, better known as Tanja or Tanja Mihhailova is a Russian-Estonian pop singer and actress. She was born in Kaliningrad, Russia, and has lived in Estonia from a very young age. Tanja has been a member of several bands in her professional career and has performed in several stage musicals. She represented Estonia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2014 with the song "Amazing" and finished in 12th place in the semi-final, failing to qualify.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Iiris</span> Estonian singer

Iiris Vesik, better known as simply Iiris, is an Estonian singer, songwriter, and stage actress. Her debut album The Magic Gift Box was released in March 2012 under EMI Music Finland. She's also the singer of the group Night Tapes.

Estonia participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2014 with the song "Amazing" written by Timo Vendt and Tanja. The song was performed by Tanja. The Estonian broadcaster Eesti Rahvusringhääling (ERR) organised the national final Eesti Laul 2014 in order to select the Estonian entry for the 2014 contest in Copenhagen, Denmark. The national final consisted of three shows: two semi-finals and a final. Ten songs competed in each semi-final and the top five from each semi-final as determined by a jury panel and public vote qualified to the final. In the final, the winner was selected over two rounds of voting. In the first round, a jury panel and a public vote selected the top two to qualify to the superfinal. In the superfinal, "Amazing" performed by Tanja was selected as the winner entirely by a public vote.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Uku Suviste</span> Estonian singer

Uku Suviste is an Estonian singer-songwriter, pianist and music producer. He was scheduled to represent Estonia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 in Rotterdam, Netherlands, before cancellation of the competition that year. Instead, he represented Estonia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2021.

Estonia participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2017 with the song "Verona" written by Sven Lõhmus. The song was performed by Koit Toome, who had previously represented Estonia in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1998 where he placed twelfth with the song "Mere lapsed", and Laura, who had previously represented Estonia in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2005 as part of the group Suntribe where she failed to qualify to the final with the song "Let's Get Loud". The Estonian broadcaster Eesti Rahvusringhääling (ERR) organised the national final Eesti Laul 2017 in order to select the Estonian entry for the 2017 contest in Kyiv, Ukraine. The national final consisted of three shows: two semi-finals and a final. Ten songs competed in each semi-final and five from each semi-final as determined by a jury panel and public vote qualified to the final. In the final, the winner was selected over two rounds of voting. In the first round, a jury panel and a public vote selected the top three to qualify to the super final. In the super final, "Verona" performed by Koit Toome and Laura was selected as the winner entirely by a public vote.

This is a list of Estonian television related events from 2009.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Elina Nechayeva</span> Estonian soprano

Elina Nechayeva is an Estonian soprano. She represented Estonia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2018 in Lisbon, Portugal, with the song "La forza".

Estonia participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 with the song "Storm" written by Stig Rästa, Vallo Kikas, Victor Crone and Fred Krieger. The song was performed by Victor Crone. The Estonian broadcaster Eesti Rahvusringhääling (ERR) organised the national final Eesti Laul2019 in order to select the Estonian entry for the 2019 contest in Tel Aviv, Israel. The national final consisted of three shows: two semi-finals and a final. Twelve songs competed in each semi-final and six from each semi-final as determined by a jury panel and public vote qualified to the final. In the final, the winner was selected over two rounds of voting. In the first round, a jury panel and a public vote selected the top three to qualify to the superfinal. In the superfinal, "Storm" performed by Victor Crone was selected as the winner entirely by a public vote.

References

  1. ↑ "Eurovision 2009 Final Scoreboard". Eurovision.tv. Retrieved 9 February 2013.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Sandra Nurmsalu" (in Estonian). Allstarz.ee. Retrieved 31 May 2019.
  3. ↑ Adams, William Lee (3 June 2009). "Estonia's Sandra Nurmsalu". Wiwibloggs.
  4. ↑ "Palju õnne, Sandra Nurmsalu!". Õhtuleht (in Estonian). 6 December 2018.
  5. ↑ "Pink Tank". Pink Tank. Retrieved 31 May 2019.
  6. ↑ 03.08.2009 00:00 - Kaks takti ette (Video of the episode) Archived 2012-07-10 at archive.today Estonian Television
  7. ↑ "Kahest taktist langes välja Sandra Nurmsalu". elu24.ee. Archived from the original on 5 May 2014. Retrieved 9 February 2013.
  8. ↑ "Online intervjuu: vastab Sandra Nurmsalu". naistemaailm.ee. Retrieved 28 September 2013.
  9. ↑ Klier, Marcus (2008-12-08). "Estonia: 110 songs submitted for Eesti Laul". ESCToday. Retrieved 2008-12-08.
  10. ↑ Floras, Stella (2008-10-14). "Estonia: New name, new format, new dynamics". ESCToday. Retrieved 2008-10-14.
  11. ↑ Calleja Bayliss, Marc (2009-03-07). "Urban Symphony to represent Estonia in Moscow". Oikotimes. Archived from the original on 2009-03-10. Retrieved 2009-03-07.
  12. ↑ Webb, Glen (2009-03-07). "Urban Symphony win Eesti Laul in Estonia". EBU. Retrieved 2009-03-07.
  13. 1 2 "Estonia History". EBU. Retrieved 31 May 2019.
  14. ↑ "Moscow 2009 Semi-final Two". EBU. Retrieved 31 May 2019.
  15. ↑ "Moscow 2009 Grand Final". EBU. Retrieved 31 May 2019.
  16. 1 2 Ohtuleht. "Sandra Nurmsalu: tahan lapsele kogu aeg olemas olla". Ohtuleht.ee. Retrieved 28 September 2013.
  17. ↑ "New Album "Dreams Come True" Out Now". SININE. 2009-09-18. Retrieved 9 February 2013.
  18. ↑ "Sandra Nurmsalu's Events". sandranurmsalu.com. Retrieved 28 September 2013.
  19. ↑ "Suur Eesti Filmimuusika Kontsert". Filmimuusika.planet.ee. Retrieved 9 February 2013.
  20. ↑ "Kontsertsari "Rändajad" KEILA KULTUURIKESKUSES". Facebook.com. Retrieved 9 February 2013.
  21. ↑ "Muusikalind ÖU Report". inforegister.ee. Retrieved 28 September 2013.
  22. ↑ "Väike Eestimaa". youtube.com. Archived from the original on 2021-12-20. Retrieved 28 September 2013.
  23. ↑ Cuffe, Jack (9 December 2013). "Estonia: Record breaking number of entries submitted". Esctoday.com. Retrieved 9 December 2013.
  24. ↑ Besim, Ramadan (21 February 2014). "Estonia: Eesti Laul Semi-final 2 qualifiers!". Wiwibloggs.
  25. ↑ Besim, Ramadan (1 March 2014). "Estonia: Tanja wins Eesti Laul with Amazing". Wiwibloggs.
  26. ↑ Granger, Anthony (15 September 2018). "Estonia: Eesti Laul 2019 Participants Revealed". eurovoix.com. eurovoix.com. Retrieved 16 September 2018.
  27. ↑ Farren, Neil (31 January 2019). "Estonia: Eesti Laul Semi-Final One Results". Eurovoix.
  28. ↑ "Estonia: Victor Crone To The Eurovision Song Contest 2019". Eurovoix. 16 February 2019.
  29. ↑ "Vabaerakonna esimeheks tahab saada ka Tarmo Kask" (in Estonian). ERR. 20 September 2018.
  30. ↑ MOONWALKstudio. "MOONWALK Studio: Palju õnne Sandra!". Moonwalkstudio.blogspot.com. Retrieved 9 February 2013.
  31. ↑ "Hurraa! Lauljanna Sandra Nurmsalu sai taas emaks!". Elu24.ee. 1 May 2018.
  32. ↑ "Palju õnne! Laulja Sandra Nurmsalu sai taaskord emaks".
  33. ↑ MOONWALKstudio (25 July 2009). "Sandra Nurmsalu saadaks loomapiinajad ravile". ELU24. Retrieved 28 September 2013.
  34. ↑ "Haritlaste avalik kiri: abielu mõiste muutmine süvendaks lõhestumist ühiskonnas". Eesti (in Estonian). 2023-05-15. Retrieved 2023-08-27.
  35. ↑ "Sandra Nurmsalu vaktsineerimisest: ma ei anna teile oma lapsi. Ka mitte üle minu laiba!". Objektiiv (in Estonian). 2021-12-07. Retrieved 2023-08-27.
  36. 1 2 "Estonian Airplay Chart". Raadio Uuno.
  37. ↑ "Swedish Singles Chart". Swedish Charts.
  38. ↑ "Finnish Singles Chart". Finnish Charts.
  39. ↑ "Flanders Singles Chart". Ultratop BE.
  40. ↑ "Switzerland Singles Chart". Hit Parade.
  41. ↑ Greek Singles Chart
  42. ↑ "UK Singles Chart". Zobbel.
Awards and achievements
Preceded by Estonia in the Eurovision Song Contest
2009
(as part of Urban Symphony)		Succeeded by
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.