James Hyland, one of the founders of Irish digital music channel Bubble hits, has made public his intention to form a four piece band for the Irish national selection, Eurosong 2009, due to be held on February 20th.
James told herald.ie that he has been receiving advice from Louis Walsh, an X-factor judge and former manager of both Johnny Logan and Linda Martin.
Hyland also let known his feelings on Ireland’s recent run in the competition “Ireland’s Eurovision entry has basically gone to pot over the last few years, they have all been a total embarrassment. Over in the UK, Andrew Lloyd Webber has come on board but we don’t seem to be taking it seriously.”
He went on to reveal his solution to Ireland’s Eurovision woes, "I’ve been speaking with a lot of people and I reckon a modern Bucks Fizz would work so I’m looking for two guys and two girls who are aged between 16 to 25 years of age, and who are natural-born performers."
Those of you who tuned into RTÉ’s Eurosong 2008 will have seen Donal Skehan, who sang ‘Double cross my heart‘. Donal produces shows for Bubble hits and also stands in to present the gossip show from time to time. Donal song didn’t manage to finish in the top two last year, but he could get a second chance at the prize. Rumours have been aired that he is trying again this year and could possibly be one of the four that James Hyland is talking about ‘finding’.
Hyland also told of his plan for a song “I’ve got some really good tracks from people who have written for the likes of Rihanna and Westlife, so finding the right song won’t be a problem. We do a lot of gigs and we know the younger market inside and out and know what appeals to people".
Expanding on his proposed group Hyland said “We want people who can sing and dance. We’re looking for a High School Musical-style group. It’s all about having fun with it”.
The superbly quotable Hyland continued on his tirade of abuse against former Irish Eurovision ‘failures’ saying, “It’s time to stop repeating the mistakes of the past by sending over people like Donna & Joe and do it properly, bring back a bit of national pride.”
The TV manager finished with a defence of the contest, “I know everyone slags off the Eurovision, but it’s still one of the most-watched shows of the year.”
