Welcome to our new series of posts!
The moment of truth has come, and all of the 37 competing songs of Eurovision 2024 have been revealed.
Therefore, we are ready for an extended review of them and a ranking of the songs.
Each post in the series will focus on 5-6 songs.

The 2nd post will focus on 5 countries that will compete in semi-final 1: Croatia, Ireland, Portugal, Serbia, and Slovenia.
You can find the previous chapters here:

Part 1 (Azerbaijan, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland and Ukraine)

Baby Lasagna – Rim Tim Tagi Dim

Marko Purišić (known as Baby Lasagna) is a 28 year-old Croatian singer-songwriter and music producer. Between 2011 and 2016 and between 2018 and 2022, he has been the guitarist of the rock band Manntra (who competed in “Dora 2019” and ended in 4th place).
In 2023, he wend on a solo career, releasing his debut song “IG Boy” in October 2023.
He describes his music style as a mixture of pop punk, techno, metal, and house.

In 2024, he won “Dora 2024” (The Croatian selection for Eurovision 2024), a total of 28 artists took part in this selection.

He will perform the song “Rim Tim Tagi Dim“:

Allocation in Semi-Final

Croatia will perform in the first half of semi-final 1 at Eurovision 2024.
Croatia was allocated to perform in the 7th position, after Poland and before Iceland.

Musical Review

It is a techo trap pop song with metal rock influences.
The song starts with the main instrumental part of the melody, relying on fast and dense beats accompanied by drum beat, bass guitar and electronic guitar.
The first verse’s melody is based on slower and lower volume beats, while the main melody is based on bass and drums. He sings with a smokey voice and is almost effortless.
The following part is mainly instrumental, and once again the beats come in their more powerful version. Lyrics wisely, we get the same phrase multiple times.
The second verse follows the same pattern as the first one, but this time the singing is more towards spoken word.
The pre-chorus is shorter and relies on shorter musical boxes. Towards the end, we can hear multiple backing vocals.
The first chorus comes in, and it sounds more hymn. His voice is more husky, and the singing is more powerful. The melody is based on drums, bass and electric guitar. Towards the end, the bass playing becomes more intense.
The 3rd verse is more theatrical. The melody is based on uniform drum playing, while the bass guitar appears from time to time until it stays as the main part. Vocally, this part is served more softly.
The second chorus follows, where we can hear multiple backing vocals. The melody is based on electro beats, drums and bass.
Thereafter, we get an instrumental part which is more tech-oriented with bold electronic production. This part is more danceable and we can also hear some electronic keyboards.
The bridge follows, once again supported by rich backing vocals. The melody is based on electric guitar and bass.
As the last chorus comes in, we get more electro/techno production, and the sound goes wilder. He sings and roars, and the song ends with another instrumental part.
Overall, the song has great stickiness potential, as well as many options to stage it convincingly. I am sure the public voters will love it, however it is still a mystery how will the jury will rank it.
I think the weakest node at the moment is the vocals. In the live performances he gave, it tends to be too shouty and sometimes off tune. It isn’t a song to showcase amazing vocal abilities, but there’s a certain expected quality from the performer.

Translated Lyrics

Ayy, I’m a big boy now
I’m ready to leave, ciao, mamma, ciao
Ayy, I’m a big boy now
I’m going away and I sold my cow
Before I leave, I must confess
I need a round of decompress
One more time for all the good times
Rim-tim, tagi-digi, dim-tim-tim (Oah)

(Rim-tim, tagi-digi)
(Rim-tim, tagi-digi)
(Rim-tim, tagi-digi)
(Rim-tim, tagi-digi)
(Rim-tim, tagi-digi)
(Rim-tim, tagi-digi)
(Rim-tim, tagi-digi)
(Digi-digi-digi-digi)

Gonna miss you all, but mostly the cat
Gonna miss my hay, gonna miss my bed
But most of all, I’ma miss the dance
So come on y’all, let us prance

(Rim-tim, tagi-digi)
(Rim-tim, tagi-digi)
(Rim-tim, tagi-digi)
(Rim-tim, tagi-digi)

Now don’t call, don’t write
I’m leavin’ with the first light
Don’t cry but dance
Rim-tim, tagi-digi, dim-tim-tim

There’s no going back (Woah)
My presence fades to black (Woah)
Yeah, there’s no going back (Woah)
My anxiety attacks (Woah)
Rim-tim, tagi-digi, dim-tim, tagi-digi-dim

(Rim-tim, tagi-digi)
(Rim-tim, tagi-digi)
(Rim-tim, tagi-digi)
(Rim-tim, tagi-digi)

I hope I find peace in the noise
Wanna become one of them city boys
They’re all so pretty and so advanced
Maybe they also know our dance

(Rim-tim, tagi-digi)
(Rim-tim, tagi-digi)
(Rim-tim, tagi-digi)
(Rim-tim, tagi-digi)

Bye mom, bye dad
Meow, cat, please, meow back
Don’t cry, just dance
Rim-tim, tagi-digi, dim-tim-tim

There’s no going back (Woah)
My presence fades to black (Woah)
Yeah, there’s no going back (Woah)
My anxiety attacks (Woah)
Rim-tim, tagi-digi, dim-tim, tagi-digi-dim

There’s no going back (Woah)
My presence fades to black (Woah)
There’s no going back (Woah)
Anxiety attacks (Woah)
Rim-tim, tagi-digi, dim-tim, tagi-digi
There’s no going back (Woah)
My presence fades to black (Woah)
Yeah, there’s no going back (Woah)
My anxiety attacks (Woah)
Rim-tim, tagi-digi, dim-tim, tagi-digi-dim

(Rim-tim, tagi-digi)
(Rim-tim, tagi-digi)
(Rim-tim, tagi-digi)
(Rim-tim, tagi-digi)
(Rim-tim, tagi-digi)
(Rim-tim, tagi-digi)
(Rim-tim, tagi-digi, dim-dim-dim)

Poetry Analysis

The song tells the story of many young European people who decide to leave their home country and try their luck, exploring new opportunities in another country.
In the first verse, the spokesperson tells us about himself. He is probably towards the end on the teen years, and feels like he is ready to take the step.
He probably comes from a village, where people make their lives from fields like agriculture (selling his cow).
He knows that saying goodbye will be hard for him. Therefore he asked his loved ones to let go and reduce the drama as much as possible. He asks them to keep on living their lives as they are used to. It is also a hint that he needs time and place to understand what will be his new path in life, starting almost from scratch.
Now there’s going back, as is his final decision. The new road might be challenging, he might experience fear and anxiety attacks, as the new future is unknown. With “Rim Tin Tagi Dim” we learn that he is quite positive about this change, and he celebrates it.
In the 3rd verse, he expresses his desire to find peace and calm in life. He wishes to become one of the successful city boys. He is hopeful that maybe some of them share the same story as him, so they are familiar with his dance.

Initial Personal Ranking

6th in semi-final 1, 12th overall

The impact of the allocation in semi-final 1

Among the countries that usually vote for Croatia , 4 countries will vote in semi-final 1: Slovenia, Serbia, Germany and Ukraine

Betting Odds

Croatia chose its Eurovision 2024 song on the 25th of February 2024.
The country has been 2nd-3rd in the odds for 4 days.
Even since the 29th of February, Croatia has been the winner according to the bookies.

Early Prediction

Croatia will surely qualify for the final, especially when we are in a televote semi-final.
I am not sure if this is a Eurovision winner, but I can see Croatia getting a lot of votes from the public.
I believe the song will be ranked lower with the jury.
Therefore, my final prediction is: 4-8 in the final

Bambie Thug – Doomsday Blue

Bambie Ray Robinson (known as Bambie Thug) is a non-binary 31 year-old Irish singer-songwriter.
They define their style as “ouija-pop“. Their music combines several different genres like pop, alternative, jazz, industrial and more.
Their songs discuss different topics like: breakups, drug addiction and breakups.
Their father is of a Swedish origin and they have 3 sisters. They initially planned a career in dance (ballet), but later on switched to study musical theatre, following an injury.
Bambie started their musical career as a feature artist in 2020. They released their debut single “Birthday” in 2021.
So far, they have released 3 Eps (2 in 2021 and 1 in 2023).
In 2024, they competed in the Irish “Eurosong 2024″, where 6 artists competed to represent Ireland at Eurovision 2024.

They will perform the song “Doomsday Blue“:

Allocation in Semi-Final

Ireland will perform in the first half of semi-final 1 at Eurovision 2024.
Ireland was allocated to perform in the 4th position, after Lithuania and before the UK (an interval act) and Ukraine.

Musical Review

It is a dark alt pop with metallic and electronic influences.
The song starts with a pre-recorded sampled vocal which is mixed by a constant mid beat.
The first verse is based on a more theatrical singing, which is characterized by almost whispering. The melody is based on drums and soft bass playing
The pre-chorus is more psychedelic, and it features a sound like witchcraft effect. The singing is a bit more “shouty”. The melody is more intense, as it relies on high volume guitar riffs, and the beat is denser.
The chorus takes a number of steps backward, it is more intimate, laid back and calmer. Bambie Thug sings it in quite calm vibes. She sings in a slightly higher tone of voice. The melody is based on acoustic guitar and keyboards, while the pre-recorded processed vocals from the introduction are sampled.
The chorus is followed by psychedelic singing. The second verse follows, with vocal effects, and recorded sound that fits into a horror movie. The pre-chorus continues in the same line.
The second chorus comes after, it is more natural, simpler and with less effects.
The bridge starts mysteriously, she sings in with a mid-high tone of voice. We can hear some percussion and wind instruments. Thereafter, a sampling of alerts is included, and some effects. The melody is dominated by drums and bass
The song ends with a witchy singing.
Overall, this is one of the most complex compositions in this line-up (and in general in this Eurovision season). The song suggests an experimental and futuristic point of view on alt pop, featuring several different genres. The biggest advantage is that it won’t leave the listener indifferent. The song can be considered an “out of the box” entry. It isn’t more of the same average pop song Ireland used to send.
My only concern is how it will be performed live.

Lyrics

Avada Kedavra, I speak to destroy
The feelings I have, I cannot avoid
Through twisted tongues, a hex deployed on you
That all the pretties in your bed
Escape your hands and make you sad
And all the things you wish you had, you lose

I, I
I know you’re living a lie
I, I
I see the scars in your eyes
I, I
I know you’re living a lie
I, I

I guess you’d rather have a star than the Moon
I guess I always overestimate you
Hoodoo all the things that you do
I’m down, down in my doomsday blues

I, I
I know you’re living a lie
I, I
I know you’re living a lie

Avada Kedavra, the thoughts in my head
Thе places I touch when lying in bed
Thе visions of you, the words that you said, undo
My heartbeat buried in the ground
And to the strings I bind, you’re bound
So when you sleep you’ll hear the sound (Cuckoo)

I, I
I know you’re living a lie
I, I
I see the scars in your eyes
I, I
I know you’re living a lie
I, I

I guess you’d rather have a star than the Moon
I guess I always overestimate you
Hoodoo all the things that you do
I’m down, down in my doomsday blues
I guess you’d rather have a star than the Moon
I guess I always overestimate you
Hoodoo all the things that you do
I’m down, down in my doomsday blues

For your romance I’d beg, steal and borrow
It’s draining me hollow, you (I guess you’d rather have a star than the Moon)
You could slow dance me out of my sorrow (I guess you’d rather have a star than the Moon)
But your favourite colour compared to the others is doom
Doomsday blue

Blue (Blue, blue, blue, blue, blue)
Blue (Blue, blue, blue, blue, blue)
Blue, blue, blue, blue
Blue, blue, blue, blue
Blue, blue, blue, blue
Blue, blue, blue, blue
Avada Kedavra, I speak to destroy

Poetry Analysis

The song speaks about dealing with breakup, trying to go on after a heartbreak and unrequited love.
The song starts with a reference to a spell from “Harry Potter”, and it has a fatal aim (“Here to destroy”). The spokesperson struggles to control their feelings. Their intention can be either a spell to eliminate those feelings or to take revenge over the addressee. The spokesperson wants the same plan to be reflected in the addressee’s side, wishing him to stay alone.
The addressee has also gone through a hard time, and is now described as living a lie.
In the chorus, it turns out they come from different worlds (star and moon), and their expectations won’t be met. The spokesperson mocked the things the addressee does.
“Doomsday blue” symbolizes the despair and sadness the spokesperson is going through, but also an upcoming doom, the “dead end” and loss of energy.
However, on the bridge the spokesperson clarifies that she will do everything for the addressee (steal, beg, borrow).
The spokesperson acknowledges that the addressee can get her out of sorrow. However each one of them is focused on their own routine, and therefore their fate is the sad blue.

Initial Personal Ranking

8th in semi-final 1, 16th overall

The impact of the allocation in semi-final 1

Among the countries that usually vote for Ireland, 2 countries will vote in semi-final 1: UK, and Australia.

Betting Odds

Ireland chose its Eurovision 2024 song on the 26th of January 2024.
On the day and the 2 following days, Ireland was 16th-17th with the bookies.
Later on, the country went from 10th to 9th and 8th place in 3 days.
Between the 2nd and the 10th of February, Ireland was in the 7th place.
Between the 11th and the 22nd of February, Ireland moved in a range of 9-12 with the bookies.
Ever since then, Ireland has moved in the range of 15-19, mostly around the 16th or 17th place.

Early Prediction

Ireland will have to sharpen their live performance, compared to the one presented in the national selection. The more intense part was performed a bit shouty.
Having said this, it is one of the quirky acts of this year, and therefore might somehow stand out (even if it is divisive).
I think Ireland will end in the 8th-12th places in the semi-final.
If Ireland qualifies, I believe (considering jury votes) they will end in 18th – 24th place in the final.

Iolanda – Grito

Iolanda Costa (known as Iolanda) is a 29 year old Portuguese singer-songwriter.
She rose to fame in 2008, when she participated in the “Uma canção para ti” TV show.
She has shown an interest in music from a young age, and her parents to study music in 2 different schools.
Later on, she moved to London and studied at the British and Irish Institute of Modern Music, at the University of Sussex.
In 2017, she competed in the 5th season of “Ídolos“, but didn’t advance for the live shows.
In 2022, she was one of the co-writers of Blacci’s song for “Festival da Canção 2022”.
She released her debut EP “Cura” in 2023.
In 2024, she won the “Festival da Canção 2024“, where 20 artists competed to represent Portugal at Eurovision 2024

She will perform the song “Grito“

Allocation in Semi-Final

Portugal will perform in the second half of semi-final 1 at Eurovision 2024.
Portugal was allocated to perform in the 14th position, after Australia and before Luxembourg

Musical Review

It is a modern ballad.
The song starts unplugged, we can only hear Iolanda singing with resonating vocals and some echo. The first verse continues with a heavenly simple acoustic guitar playing melody. Iolanda sings fragilely with a mid-high tone of voice.
The first pre-chorus is based on slower guitar playing, but this we can also hear additional orchestral string elements. From time to time, we can hear secondary vocals.
The first chorus starts with decaying backing vocals. Iolanda sings this part powerfully with some vibrato and long notes and a mid-high tone of voice.
The second verse relies on a more dramatic/theatrical atmosphere. She sings in a mid-low tone of voice, while backing vocalists emphasize some of the words. The melody is based on keyboards and guitar.
In the second pre-chorus, we can hear drum beat build up, combined with violion playing which adds orchestral dimension to the composition.
The chorus is more energetic this time. Iolanada starts with strong vocals, while the melody features piano playing and fast drum beats.
The post-chorus starts with some vocal trilling. The melody is based on piano playing, and it ends with a very long and captivating note.
The song ends in a very soft Lullaby song atmosphere.
Overall, it is a very emotional ballad with a rich musical production. One of the strengths here is the emotional delivery and the professional vocals. The performance with the modern dance adds a lot to the message, and looks like the right way to stage it.
I am not sure if it will be a televote magnet, but the jury will appreciate it, in case it is in the final.

Translated Lyrics

I heard, I felt the body carrying
We continue like this
One and another, one and another, one and another
I’m falling free, I’ll let you know when I get there
I surrender here, little by little

Long strides, stuck in the starting line
I want to let go of what left me wounded
I ask the Mother Star to make the day rise again

(It still burns) I transformed every verse of me (It still burns)
And surrendеr to the courage that still burns, still burns
Hit the light on your chеst and open it
I’m the flame that still burns, still burns, still burns

Today I want to prove myself
That I can be whatever I want (Whatever I want)
Bring together those who love me at a table
Forgive anyone who wanted to see me suffer
They don’t fool me (No, no)
I’m every size (I am)
I still remember when I was little
I dreamed first

Long strides, stuck in the starting line
Today I let go of what left me wounded
And I ask the Mother Star to make the day rise again

(It still burns) I transformed every verse of me (It still burns)
And surrender to the courage that still burns, still burns
Hit the light on your chest and open it
I am a flame that still burns, still burns, still burns
I am a flame that still burns, still burns
I am a flame that still burns, still burns
Burns, burns, burns
I transformed every verse of me
And surrender to the courage that still burns, still burns
Hit the light on your chest and open it
I am a flame that still burns, still burns, still burns

Poetry Analysis

The song spans several different topics, and may be interpreted in many different ways. The song discusses self acceptance, transformation and embracing our own identity despite the failures and struggles of the past.
The song starts with a metaphor of the sound of body carrying, which represents the burden of keeping going and living the present as it is.
However, the spokesperson is determined to continue (“We continue like this/ one and another”).
She gives herself to daily survival.
In the pre-chorus, she expresses leaving behind the pain and scars from the past. She is looking for a new chapter in life, symbolized by the mother star to guide her in the the right path.
The chorus focuses on the importance of transformation. The way it is described (“every verse of me”) makes us understand the complexity of the process.
She feels brave enough to make the change that still burns into her as a flame. The fire/flame also represents hope won’t shutdown.
In the second verse, the spokesperson tells us about self acceptance, she wants to ensure that she has the power to be and become who she wants.
She is positive towards people who showed her love, but also forgives the ones who hurt her. Even though, she approached the change in a very mature attitude, she still acknowledges the need in dreaming, like in her childhood.
The song can also be interpreted in a different way: The spokesperson talks about healing from mental issues and longing for the change. the scream/shout is the yearning to escape from the dark room of despair.

Initial Personal Ranking

2nd in semi-final 1, 7th overall

The impact of the allocation in semi-final 1

Among the countries that usually vote for Portugal , 5 countries will vote in semi-final 1: Luxembourg, Iceland, Moldova, Lithuania and Azerbaijan

Betting Odds

Portugal selected its Eurovision 2024 song on the 9th of March 2024.
Between the 10th and the 22nd of March, Portugal was ranked in the 31st-32th place with the bookies. Since then, Portugal has been ranked 33rd and 34th in the odds

Early Prediction

Portugal brought a touch of modern ballad this year.
However, I am not sure if the public is connected to this one.
This is the case of Estonia 2023, she can get very nice jury support.
I think the running order is in Portugal’s favour.
Therefore, I predict it will most likely qualify (but there are chances it won’t).
In case of qualifying, Portugal will end around 12th-18th in the final.

Teya Dora – Ramonda

Teodora Pavlovska (better known as Teya Dora) is a 32 year-old Serbian singer-songwriter and producer.
Along with the secondary school in Belgrade, she also attended the music school “Dr. Vojislav Vučković” in the piano department. Thereafter, she continued to study singing at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. In college, she studied with Charlie Puth.
Teya was a backing vocalist for well-known singers like: Patti Austin , Sydah Garrett , Jerry Allen and Valerie Simpson.
In 2018 she broke through in Serbia, first as a song-seier for Zoi, Nataša Bekvalac, Jovana Nikolić, and Jovana Nikolić.
In June 2023, she became the 3rd Serbian artist to exceed one million monthly listeners on Spotify. The 2 other Serbian artists to experience this success were: Konstrakta (Eurovision 2022), and Luke Black (Eurovision 2023).
In 2024, she won “Pesma za Evroviziju 2024″, where 28 artists competed to represent Serbia at Eurovision 2024

She will perform the song “Ramonda” at Eurovision 2024:

Allocation in Semi-Final

Serbia will perform in the first half of semi-final 1 at Eurovision 2024.
Serbia was allocated to perform in the 2nd position, after Cyprus and before Lithuania

Musical Review

It is a lyrical ballad
The song starts with background singing and keyboard playing.
The first verse sounds like a lullaby, the flow is very specific and constant. Teya sings this part in a mid-low tone of voice.
In the second verse, we can hear more instruments, this time percussion elements which gives it a dreamy atmosphere. Her voice is deeper in this part.
The first pre-chorus is based on orchestral string elements and piano playing. We can also hear some backing vocals. The chorus comes afterwards and she sings softly with angelic voice.
The first chorus is based on simple keyboard playing which is empowered by a slightly heavier orchestral production and backing vocals. The chorus has a cinematic quality in it.
This is followed by another pre-chorus which is served a bit faster, and more intestively. Teya sings some parts of it very softly
The following chorus is the bridge. The production is minimal and raw, which enables us to hear her beautiful voice.
The final chorus is once again rich on the production side, we can hear the backing vocals again. In addition, the melody is based on piano and some string elements.
The ballad ticks all the boxes to be an emotional one: From the meaningful lyrics, to the production and beautiful voice.

Translated Lyrics

I have no, I have no, I have no
I have no peace or sleep
the night won’t let the day come
oh it’s so hard for the alone ones

Everything’s quiet like underwater
I’m screaming but I can’t be heard
Behind the hills, there’s a white glow
There’s no glimpse of the end of this for me
this is the road for the wounded ones

And there’s no one there to guide me
to the bright star Danica

The world is on fire, every flower is on fire
where have all the lilac Ramondas disappeared?

Lilac Ramonda
Lilac Ramonda
Lilac Ramonda
Lilac Ramonda
Ramonda
Lilac Ramonda
Lilac Ramonda
Lilac Ramonda

And there’s no one there to guide me
because all the stars are asleep
Prayers are not helping either
where have all the lilac Ramondas disappeared?

Chorus:
Lilac Ramonda
Lilac Ramonda
Lilac Ramonda
Lilac Ramonda

Lilac Ramonda
Lilac Ramonda
Lilac Ramonda
Lilac Ramonda
Ramonda
Lilac Ramonda
Lilac Ramonda
Lilac Ramonda

One lilac Ramonda
is rising from the ashes

Poetry Analysis

Ramonda is considered the national Serbian flower, which symbolizes hope, survival and peace. The flower is marked as one of the protected species.
The song talks about solitude, longing and searching for guidance in an unknown world. The Lila Ramonda symbolizes the missing or lost thing, which might differ from one to one, and that’s why the message is global. It can be either someone who passed away or a love story that has ended too soon or even the lack of love.
The spokesperson struggled to find peace and to sleep, there’s something that bothers her. The dark and mysterious night defeats the hopeful light of the morning. The reason for her difficulty is being alone. She feels like being captivated underwater, with no chance of being saved. She is calling for help, but no one can hear her. This is a metaphor for people who might be transparent for us, but there’s a storm inside them. She is feeling trapped and unaware of what the future will hold (“white gleam behind mountains). The spokesperson clarifies that this unknown road mainly appears for the ones who got hurt (“the wounded ones”). In the pre-chorus she is looking for someone to guide her and take her to the bright star Danica, which represents a new beginning and hope.
“Lilac Ramonda” is repeated several times. On the one hand, it emphasizes the significance of the missing part or missing guide light. It might also be explained as a prayer or mantra to make the spokesperson calmer and hoping for a better future.
All the stars fall asleep, so she has no hope to get help and even no hope her prayers will help. Those stars can also represent the good people who have gone and will never comeback.
This also aligns with the call for “Lilac Ramonda” who seems to disappear.
Towards the end, we get a mystical view of lilac ramonda rising from the ashes – it represents rebirth, new hopes and the recovery after a trauma or conflict. It tells us we must go on and never give up.

Initial Personal Ranking

5th in semi-final 1, 11th overall

The impact of the allocation in semi-final 1

Among the countries that usually vote for Serbia , 4 countries will vote in semi-final 1: Croatia, Slovenia, Sweden and Germany

Betting Odds

Teya Dora was selected to represent Serbia on the 2nd of March 2024.
Between the 2nd and the 11th of March, Serbia was the 21st and 22nd with the bookies.\
Later on and even since then, Serbia was 18th-20th with the bookies

Early Prediction

Serbia has received one of the least desired allocations in the semi-final: the 2nd position.
However, I can see them advancing to the final with the support of some neighboring countries (Slovebnia, Croatia, Serbian diapora) but also due to the talent of Teya.
The final might be a bit challenging as Serbia will compete against additional ballads.
My prediction: 13th – 18th in the final

Raiven – Veronika

Sara Briški Cirman (better known as Raiven) is a 27 year old Slovenian singer, songwriter and harpist.
Raiven tried her luck 3 times in national selection before getting the right to represent Slovenia at Eurovision:
She ended up as the runner up twice (2016 and 2019) and once in 3rd place (in 2017).
In 2017, she released her debut album “Magenta”.
In 2019, she released the EP “REM”.
In June 2021, she graduated with a master’s degree in Opara singing.
In 2021, she won the local pop festival “Popevka” with her song “Volkovi”.
In 2024, she was internally selected to represent Slovenia at Eurovision 2024

She will perform the song “Veronika “

Allocation in Semi-Final

Slovenia will perform in the second half of semi-final 1 at Eurovision 2024.
Slovenia is allocated to perform in the 9th position, after Iceland (8th) and Germany (as interval act) and before Finland.

Musical Review

It is a mid-tempo electro dark pop ballad with opera elements.
The song starts with breaths. electronic keyboards and staggered rhythm.
These beats continue in the first verse, where the production is a bit more modest. Raiven opens the singing part with a mid-tone voice. The melody is based on keyboards playing and some studio effects made by electronic elements and samples synth. The atmosphere is dramatic and mysterious.
The chorus starts with an animal whistle and an amazing head voice. The first part is performed with long notes. The chorus continues with electronic beats and keyboards playing, and it ends with a spinning synth beat.
The second verse is based on piano and orchestral string elements. She starts singing it with a mid tone of voice which grows into a vibrato singing with long resonance. She uses a very unique technique of combining head and chest voice.
The second chorus comes as Raiven sings the main part while the backing vocalists supply the background vocal frame. As this part progresses, more layers of the production are revealed. It starts with a studio cut that emphasizes the vocals to a more alt electro piece.
The post chorus repeats the lyrics of the chorus, but the production is different. This time there is a more ciematic quality in it, as the melody is based on violion, cello and piano. The sound of water dripping creates a pause, which precedes the final chorus.
The final chorus puts the opera vocals in the center, while we can hear a mid-low tone of voice singing the chorus itself.
Overall, the song suggests a very whole package, with mysterious production and rich arranagment. Raiven showcases a wide range of vocals. The video clip elevates the story, and I think it should somehow be reflected on stage.

Translated Lyrics

I hid in the river and entered the quiet night
with loud footsteps, silent cries for help.
Now, as I’m only water, I seek peace in the waves,
drowning in myself, surrendering to the light.

Find me, wound me, defend me,
when you chase me, when you abandon me.
Lift me up, release me, love me,
who chases you, makes you afraid of me?

Who are you afraid of when you deny your desires?
You gaze into my eyes, your image glows within.
I am an endless mirror,
a mere reflection of your fears.

Find me, wound me, defend me,
when you chase me, when you abandon me.
Lift me up, relax me, love me,
who chases you, makes you afraid of me?

I am
You are
Veronika
Only she discerns your truth

Only she discerns your truth

I am
You are
Veronika
Only she discerns your truth

Poetry Analysis

The song tells the story of Veronika of Desenice, a historical figure from 1425.
She was suspected of witchcrapting. She was acquitted by the court.
Despite the court’s ruling, she was incarcerated and murdered by drowning.
Raiven’s song tells a more global story.
Raiven puts herself in the tragic position of Vernoika.
The first verse opens by describing her hiding underwater, she is calling for help but can’t be heard. This is a metaphor for the way Vernoika drowned. She is a victim who has no defense.
After drowning in the water, she unites with the water and puts peace and silence as her main aim, even between the waves. This can also be interpreted as the death that releases her from the burden of unfair life. Death also gives her a new life, which she hopes will grant her more light and less darkness.
In the chorus, she ends her transformation, she asks the people to find her, feel her and challenge them to hurt her. She isn’t afraid anymore. After experiencing what she had in the past, she sees each human interaction as one that ends with chase. She is interested in getting love, and asked not to judge her.
In her new life, she is much more sensitive to other people’s pain, she sees herself as an endless mirror which reflects their fears and pain. When you’re looking at her eyes, you can see your own burden and suffering.
“I am/ You are/ Veronika” – This phrase represents the global message: Everyone can be found in a situation where he/she is accused of something he/she has never done. It’s also a feminine, empowering message. This is a place where people can be judged unjustifiedly.
“Only she discerns your truth” – This phrase explains how women can stand together as a significant power. They will know each other’s story and will fight for equality.

Initial Personal Ranking

1st in semi-final 1, 1st overall

The impact of the allocation in semi-final 1

Among the countries that usually vote for Slovenia, 5 countries will vote in semi-final 1: Serbia, Croatia, Poland, Finland, and Ukraine.

Betting Odds

Raiven released “Veronika” on the 20th of January 2024.
Between January 20th and February 25th, Raiven was ranked in the 31th-34th place in the odds.
Between February 26th and March 16th, Slovenia was ranked in the 27th-30th places.
Thereafter, 10 days have been spent in the 22nd-25th place,
Ever since March 27th, Sovenia has been 31st with the bookies.

Early Prediction

Traditionally, Slovenia tends to be underrated with the public (but also with the jury).
Therefore, I will consider this in my final prediction.
I think Slovenia will bring one of the most beautiful staging visuals in the history of participation.
In addition, Raiven is one of the best performers this year, and I am sure she will appreciated by the jury.
I believe she will most likely qualify for the final (and hope so!).
The final prediction is around:15th-20th in the final (even though she deserves top 5)