Aeiavision Song Contest 2018 (OOC) (Aeia only)

[Aleia]

This is the OOC Thread for Aeiavision 2018. IC Thead is here.
This is an event for members of the region Aeia only. People interested in joining the region may consult our Discord (We will be kind, we promise!) and our page on NS.

RP Rules:

1. You must consider what is and what is not appropriate to post on the IC thread.

Here are examples of what you are encouraged to post (first two points may be considered mandatory):
- The performance of your country’s entry (Lyrics, a situation involving the artist, link to IRL song etc.).
- Your country voting
- A TV/radio commentary from your country about the current situation
- Someone at home in your country commenting on the progression of the contest
- Scenes from the “Green Room” (The room where artists relax and watch other artists perform during the contest)
- Snippet from an interview involving your artist
- The reactions of an audience member

Here are examples of what you are not encouraged to post:
- Text irrelevant to the event
- OOC posts (though minor instances may be necessary)
- Terrorism “for the sake of terrorism”
- Murder LOL
- Unnecessary god-modding (e.g. “He sang so beautifully all other artists turned into dust, wandering aimlessly in the empty sky…”)

2. Voting will be similar to the post-2016 Eurovision method: Each country is given 2 sets of points up to 12 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12). The first set of points given represents the jury, while the second represents the viewers. You may not vote on your own country, and cannot give the same country points more than once per set (however, you can give points to a country on both sets).

3. Please do not post your votes until all countries have posted their entry.

4. Please do not bash on other countries’ entries OOC.

5. No matter how another country votes, it is advised to refrain from bashing on their voting. This often leads to unnecessary, but most importantly potentially destructive debates.

6. If you do not post in the IC thread for a while, the higher powers will consider eliminating you from the contest.

7. If you do not abide by these rules, the moderators of Aeia will impose a punishment they find appropriate.

8. Consider the fact that the host and RP organizer, Aleia, is not a moderator of Aeia, and has little power over the decisions of region leaders. So please put that gun away.

9. Please refrain from using your puppets to boost votes (or excessively vote for yourself with your puppets)

10. Try to have fun! Really!

Current participants:
Aleia
Aquidneck
Brilliania
Crylante
Cuirpthe
Dayganistan
Dreyvisevich
Elhazia
Hipasia
Isolaprugna
Kagon
Midrasia
Motsvara
Navack
Onza
Ostrovija
Tyronova
Vrnallia

If you wish to participate, you may send a message to Midrasia, me (Aleia), or post below this post. Keep in mind that the RP starts soon after this thread is posted. The competition begins 25th Good luck!

[Onza]

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Khaliq Breaux's "Solo" to be Onza's Aeiavision entry

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Breaux, a notoriously private artist, won the nation's heart with the summer smash-hit
By Hisein Andile, Staff Writer

AKHMIS, ONZA - Khaliq Breaux had a small but devoted following on the internet as early as 2010 when he dropped several singles as a teaser for a mixtape that ultimately never saw mass release. That was him then. Eight years later, a song from the Midrasian-Onzaian singer's third studio album has won the nation's vote of confidence and is headed to Aeiavision to compete with the rest of the world's entries for song of the year. On the topic, Breaux has said absolutely nothing other than a single post on 'aniq -- the one social platform where the singer has been known to post -- where he posted a smiling emoji.

"Solo," which released as part of his album, "Ashqura," became a summer smash-hit for the nation, dominating radio airwaves. The chorus in particular was noted for its catchiness, and the power of Breaux's voice combined with little more than an organ provided a track that is heartbreaking when you want it to be and heartmending when you're looking to feel better. "The main beauty in the track is its ambiguity," music critic Ifa Kobina said. "We loved it because even though it carries a deep blue feel to it, we can find comfort in it when we're looking for relief to our sadness rather than fuel. It works the other way around, too."

Breaux himself wrote the track, and it ventures around the complex lifestyle of modern young adults whose main objective in life isn't as simple as their predecessors -- and the path there certainly more complex. The verse outlining a disparity in wishes between a man and his lover is particularly relatable for many, albeit in a manner most wouldn't publicly acknowledge.

The level of stardom that accompanies those whose hits are sent off to Aeiavision is unprecedented. They are usually known internationally and are widely acclaimed. Breaux has certainly earned the acclaim from the critics with his albums insofar, and his fan base is both international and incredibly loyal -- often waiting years in between albums with little if any communication from the artist. However, Breaux's ability to avoid the public eye in spite of the constant prying and spying comes almost completely without precedent. "For a man of his fame to be able to maintain an umbrella protecting him from the eyes of the press and the obsessed is quite unique, and has only been seen in the case of very few celebrities before him," fame blogger Fayiz Aali said. "Even as someone who has devoted their life to scrutinizing the details of big-named folks, I have to respect his ability to keep even the most basic details under the wraps."

Breaux's incognito identity does not come free, however. On the rare occasions that he has entertained journalists with interviews, he is always speaking from a different city. In some ways, he has embraced a lifestyle of urban nomadism, and quite impressively flies under the radar from one concrete jungle to another. "His insistence on maintaining a private life is understandable quite honestly," said Kobina. "In today's world, being famous means you get a pass to be harassed, for whatever reason. I mean, who wouldn't want to dodge the tide of obsession that comes along with any degree of clout in this day and age?"

Indeed, as the few times Breaux has been recognized in public have often translated to fans swarming him with questions about new projects and more. "Oftentimes, in fandom, we see fans begin to develop a sense of entitlement that's hard to explain. Just calling it entitlement falls short, really. It's this sense that after the love they've devoted to their [artist], it's almost as if they are owed -- in their mind at least -- as if they are owed more, whether that's another song, or another album, or what depends, they just know they are going to get it," said Aali, who noted that Breaux's anonymity adds a particularly reactive ingredient into the mix. "With Breaux, we see a unique permutation of that phenomenon -- fans that see him act as if they have spotted an Onza or an alien, they lose their self control."

Traditionally, artists whose work is entered into Aeiavision are expected to perform their tracks at the event. While Breaux hasn't publicly confirmed or denied whether or not he intends to attend, a representative for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs suggested to the OCNA that they were "confident" that the artist would oblige.

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Other stories

• OCNA writers return from strike as network agrees to pay raises, more vacation days.
• Will terrorism be a problem at Aeiavision? No, says concert organizers.
• OPINION: V8 four-door sedans may be absolute joy, but the pollution they produce is unsustainable.
• Officials working at Ihejirika's directive to review foreign affairs, possible state visits to Biladia and Hipasia rumored.

© Sadagh Media Group

[Brilinako]

[Crylante]

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17-year old to represent Crylante in Aeiavision

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The affluent borough of Marigne, Nebligen was alive with the sound of music yesterday, with sounds from all over the Federation greeting the residents at the annual festival to decide the nation's participant in Aeiavision, Nøys cante pro Aleie. Everything from Nausikaan folk metal, to Lentinian electronica, to Rigjordic synthpop, to Dybøll alt-rock was present at the event, and while many gave performing their all, one contestant stood out from the rest.

While possibly an unlikely entry at first, 17-year-old Magnus Jakobsson from Aversi, Aversi won the contest with the song "Hvis jeg var undskyld" - an electro-folk pop ballad about the aftermath of a breakup between a young couple, self-penned by Jakobsson himself. After many extravagant performances, the Aversian teenager walked onto the stage with nothing but an acoustic guitar and a microphone - no strobe lighting, no backup dancers, no pyrotechnics - just the singer with a guitar and some pre-recorded electronics.

However, it was enough to win the hearts of the audience - the televoting results came in an hour after the performance, with Jakobsson winning 62% of the vote, with Nausikaan folk metal band Lumivyöry coming a distant second with 15%.

Jakobsson, the only child of a single mother - while bearing a patronymic of his father, the two have had little contact over years - grew up in a musical household, being exposed to the Veyene music scene of Aversi from his mother's Veyene roots and participation in a Veyene folk band. He learnt to play the guitar from 11, and the keyboard from 13, and would often perform in school talent shows. His music teacher at West Aversi Gymnasium encouraged his talents, eventually suggesting to Jakobsson that he should try for Nøys cante pro in December.

On winning the contest, Jakobsson commented that it was "unbelievable" and that it was "like a miracle" - he had "expected to come last". Many in the nation took to Chirper to congratulate him afterwards - alt-pop musician Annette Anadottir, known for hits off her 2017 EP Lad Det Hele Gå such as Ring mig ikke længere, Prøve and Kære Mister Holt chirped "congratulations" to Jakobsson, calling him an "inspiration" and a "rising star". Director for Culture, Sports and Equality Rikard Steinsson also gave his congratulations, stating that "Crylante has a chance this year".

Notably, Jakobsson is not the only 17-year-old to qualify - 17-year-old Consolata's song City Lights topped the selection process for Isolaprugna.

[Vrnallia]

Hachtozaš Mbupsòš to Represent Vrnallia in AeiaVision
Dagiu Ska, 18/05/2018

The Hujre thrash metal trio Hachtozaš Mbupsòš (Newreyan: Alien Weapons) has been selected by public vote to represent Vrnallia in the upcoming AeiaVision Song Contest. Their song Thiuvehijat (Confiscation) was selected with some controversy over its lyrical content, which some have claimed breaks the rules on political songs. The band hit back, claiming that it was simply "about Vrnallian history, and how it shaped the society we live in today." This seemed enough to please the selection panel, who agreed to the results of the public vote.

Ustiena spoke with two of the three, brothers Diad and Horeč Jesiu, in their unassuming home in Hujremuso. Diad Jesiu graduated from school just last year, and Horeč is now in his own final year, so both still live in their family home. In the sparse lounge we sat upon the old sofa, watched over by a portrait on the wall who the boys tell me is their great-grandfather, who worked for the government of the United Kingdom of Lhedwin when Vrnallia was still a duchy. They have mixed feelings about the man in the picture by the hearth.

"He was an ordinary Vrnallian who worked his way up on his own merits," the elder Diad tells me. "But at the same time, he was working for an occupying force, and when push came to shove he sided with the occupiers." Diad is referring to his great-grandfather's arrest in Mlekie during the Great War by the rebellious Partisans. He was released after the war, but did not speak of his experiences during the war. The brothers say that learning about his experiences shaped them as people, but are irrelevant to the song. I wonder whether they are suggesting that their shaping as people is irrelevant to the song, in that case.

Our discussion inevitably turns to their song, Thiuvehijat. Even the title is provocative, reminding listeners of Vrnallia's treatment by its historical occupiers, but the Jesiu brothers tell me that they intended for listeners to consider the song in their own social contexts, not just that of Vrnallia. Horeč reminds me that many peoples throughout history have faced occupation, and many feel that they still do. The intent is not to make a political point, but merely to raise awareness of some of the ways our societies are still divided.

"The song deals directly with specific elements of Vrnallian history, indirectly with elements of many other people's history, and more indirectly still it's about how people relate to each other. The theme is unity and disunity, and I think that's pretty fitting for AeiaVision, really."

I finish our brief discussion by asking how they feel about their chances. They glance briefly at each other and stifle a laugh.

"Hasn't Vrnallia had metal acts in AeiaVision before?" Diad asks. "Well, we'll do our best, so let's say we're optimistic, yeah?"

[Hipasia]

Hipasia Confirmed for AeiaVision Debut
Yonah ben Yonah Wered

Hipasia will enter the AeiaVision Song Contest for the first time this year, with the song Sappari, performed by the band Erech Hefqeirah and singer Shlomith Leiwi having been confirmed already. The song, which blends modern rock music with traditional-style vocals and is mostly but not entirely sung in Mashahith, was selected to demonstrate that Hipasian music can be as diverse and gripping as anywhere else. Selection panel judge Yachiv Kesef commented that "the union of new and old niggunim in this song really encapsulates what I think the contest should be about: celebrating the diversity of the world through music. To me, Sappari captured this more than other options."

The song was one of the three highest-rated songs from the public vote, the other two being the traditional ballad Ahavath Hattequfah sung by Sarah Ze'eiv and the lighthearted pop song L'vad Im Hammahshavoth Sheli sung by Rafael Gran Ombre. Much surprise was expressed at the latter not being chosen, with one fan stating "Rafael's performance style would be perfect for AeiaVision! They love dandies, right? I think this is the wrong decision." The song reached number two in the All-Hipasia Charts, but Kesef stated that "[the panel] wanted something new, something fresh, to send to AeiaVision. That is why we did not choose simply the most popular artist."

Yet Erech Hefqeirah are no strangers to the spectacle themselves, though one wonders whether their usual affinity for pyrotechnics will be joining them in Aleia. Often performing in traditional garb, they are sure to be dressed to impress no less when they go to perform at AeiaVision than when they perform at any venue here in Hipasia, and the stage presence of vocalist Or Perah is sure to leave an impression on the audience.

Although both the band and the solo singer are very popular within Hipasia ─ though with different segments of its musical society ─ neither has had particular success outside of Hipasia, or at least outside of Arabekh. Leiwi posted on Chirper that the opportunity to perform abroad to a global audience represents "the most exciting opportunity" for her. Leiwi has performed in Onza previously, but otherwise has never played outside her home country.

Let us simply hope that Hipasia will have some beginner's luck in this contest. The contest will be broadcast on KHTV1, but readers can listen to all confirmed participants' songs on the Haerev website from tomorrow.

[Dayganistan]

Dayganistan to make Aeiaision Debut
Bahar Ahmadzai - Entertainment Writer
30 Saur 1397/May 20th, 2018

Since the Ministry of Culture confirmed several months ago that Dayganistan would participate in this year's Aeiavision song contest for the first time ever, there has been much excitement throughout the nation. Excitement among citizens to have a chance for Daygani culture to take an international stage. Excitement among Daygani musical artists to become known internationally outside of Daygani diaspora communities, or even to just become more successful within their home country if all else fails. There was much disappointment when pop singer Kimiya Aziz, perhaps the most popular musical artist in Dayganistan, announced she would not participate as a singer and would instead participate as a jury member for both Aeiavision and Dayganistan's selection event. However, the disappointment quickly subsided and gave way anticipation from a feeling of unknown about who would represent Dayganistan.

Millions tuned in last night for the Aeiavision selection event, which saw various genres of music from folk music, to pop, hip hop, and even heavy metal. By the end of the night, pop singer Zohal Panjshiri was chosen to represent Dayganistan with her song Mekhandam. While she is certainly popular in Dayganistan in her own right and has a fairly established career, she was certainly not one of the favorites to represent the country coming in to selection. Fans seemed to be generally supportive in Zohal in her new quest to win Aeiavision, even if they were disappointed that their favorite would not be representing the country. Many were quick to congratulate her, with even President Zahir sending his support over Chirper.

"I'm honored that I've been chosen to represent our homeland," Zohal said in an interview following her victory. "Even if I don't win, I hope that I can be a positive ambassador for our country."

Aeiavision will be broadcast live by Dayganistan Radio-Television Corporation, and will also be available for online streaming.