Welcome to the inaugural imperial final to select our entry to the 173rd edition of the globally successful BuzzJack Song Contest - Spolidifestivalen.

We've gone with internal selection since our first entry to the contest back in February 2023, the 152nd edition, with mostly favourable results but we thought we would see if an imperial final would change our fortunes.

After a 20 song long list we have decided on 3 finalists. Please meet them.

First we have Elsiane, a Canadian electronic music duo formed in 2000 by singer-songwriter Elsieanne Caplette and drummer Stephane Sotto. The band's sound blends elements of trip-hop, electronic, and progressive rock, creating an atmospheric and cinematic experience. Elsieanne distinctive, ethereal vocals—often compared to Björk or Elizabeth Fraser of Cocteau Twins—are a defining feature of their music.

Their track The Motive showcases these elements, a poignant and wistful song about self discovery.

Secondly, we have Lene Marlin, a Norwegian singer who had some success in the early 00s all over Europe. Despite her early success, she took a more low-key approach to her career, releasing albums at a slower pace while maintaining a dedicated fan base. Over the years, she has continued to write and release music, exploring themes of love, loss, and self-reflection, often with a melancholic yet soothing quality.

Her second album Another Day contained Fight Against the Hours, a haunting and sorrowful song about relationship doubts. A song to accompany a long dark night of the soul.

Lastly, we have Jewel. Jewel is an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and poet from Alaska, known for her folk-influenced pop sound and deeply introspective lyrics.

She competes here in Spolidifestivalen with with a piano-led song Foolish Games about power imbalances and insecurities in a relationships.

Edited March 9Mar 9 by Colm
typo

i’ll need to listen to the others but TIL Foolish Games never charted in the UK despite the fact that it went #2 on Billboard

I sent Elsiane back in 2010 with the beautiful Vaporous. Voting for them because it's another really lovely track.

The Jewel song is pretty well known, even despite not charting here, but it's a classic for a good reason, absolute beauty from one of the most underrated artists.

Wasn't too taken by the Lene Marlin track on first listen.

Thanks for the feedback, gd.

Any comments from anyone else?

Hi Colm,

Of the three, my favourite was Elsiane's “The Motive” - I particularly loved the string arrangements (always enjoy a bit of charango), but the vocals and melody were also pretty good. Go with what you want to send tho.

Oh how weird, I've been considering sending Elsiane also!

voted for fighting against the hours x