NEWS
Currently, Lithuanian radio stations are already playing "Simple Joy". We are happy about it! Additionally, since Friday, several foreign radio stations have also added the song to their playlists. This is important because it introduces more and more people to Lithuanian creators. We continue to work to spread the word about Lithuania as widely as possible. Thank you all for your support, it is much needed!
We want to answer the question, why are we going to the "Eurovision" selection again?
We have been to the big "Eurovision" only once, in 2021, the contest was held under strict restrictions of the pandemic. Basically we were sitting in a hotel. There were no meetings with fans, there was no “Eurovision” Village. Even after the contest, we could not visit foreign radio stations or TV for a long time due to the restrictions still in force.
When we went to Liverpool last year to open the "Eurovision" party, we said to ourselves "Wow, this is how everything should look".
This time we want to feel the full power of the competition and firmly carry the Lithuanian flag far into the world. We have experience, we understand that not only the song is important, but also the band's history, personalities, visions.
It is important to have something to say to the media and to represent your country strongly. We have all this, we are not going to enter it as a lottery, we have prepared a strategy.
Ease, experience, important message, good mood.
The messages from you keep coming and coming. We were so strongly prepared for rejection that this acceptance disarmed us. We just wanted to create something that resonates with us, and not just predict what others might like. We wanted to be ourselves. We wanted to change. And this is not always accepted in society. But we could not remain the same. Now we see that we are not alone in need of simple joy. Thank you for listening to “Simple Joy” and writing to us!
The Roop on the Eurovision song: genuineness is a virtue
The Roop band, which has already represented Lithuania in Eurovision, is once again entering the competition for the right to participate in the largest European song contest. Today, they are presenting the song 'Simple Joy'.
Simultaneously, on February 10, The Roop will participate in the Eurovision selection stage with a new song. The charismatic performers are starting 2024 with a light rhythm and profound thoughts.
Inspired by personal experience
"The song is about joy in everyday life—moments when we feel sufficient and self-sufficient. What do we need to fully accept ourselves and our lives? There is also light in every day, which leads through difficult stages," said the group's vocalist, Vaidotas Valiukevičius.
According to him, in order to understand the meaning of small things again, he had to overcome a difficult stage in his life. These challenges inspired him.
"I realized that I need to sing about what matters, what I live for, and what hurts. There was a long period when I hardly felt joy, when it felt like my world was exploding and there was nothing left," he said. "However, it helped me to rediscover the joy in a cup of coffee, in the sunshine, in a meeting with loved ones. Small joys are the biggest part of life; you just need to notice them."
Different, but the same
"This year, The Roop is determined to conquer Eurovision with authenticity and genuine emotions. The song 'Simple Joy' differs from the band's previous Eurovision hit, 'Discoteque'. According to the group members, it is essential not to repeat themselves but to move forward.
"Each era has its own topicality and sound. We feel that there is no need for monochromatic costumes or strict choreography now. We believe that what is needed is an air of simplicity with whistling and encouragement to navigate through life at such a pace," said the leader of the group.
According to him, this time the group wants to delve into fundamental questions and real values that emerge for people, such as the truth lost in a world full of artificiality.
"When considering the conclusions of psychologists that current society is increasingly depressed, and more and more people do not feel happiness, the question naturally arises: where is that simple joy?" said V. Valiukevičius. "The answer is obvious: when we return to human nature, when we listen and accept ourselves, when we start feeling gratitude for what we already have, then happiness returns."
A personal challenge
In both the music video and on the stage of the National Selection, the group's vocalist experiences something new. Vaidotas performs the song while wearing shorts, presenting another personal challenge for him.
"I only started wearing shorts a few years ago. I used to be ashamed of my thin legs. However, now I am happy with what I have, and I feel content. I hope that by overcoming my challenge, I will inspire other people to confront their own," said The Roop's vocalist.
The band is delighted that the song also features a mixed Bel Canto choir that joins in at the end of the tune. If The Roop were to go to Eurovision once again, "Simple Joy" would be the first Lithuanian song to feature a choir.
A desire to feel the full spirit of the competition
The members of The Roop, who have previously represented Lithuania at Eurovision, assert that if they succeed in securing this opportunity once again, they will finally experience the full scope of the competition.
In 2021, when they captivated Europe with the song 'Discoteque,' the competition still operated under strict pandemic restrictions. Consequently, they are making another attempt to earn the privilege of gracing the grand Eurovision stage and participating in a comprehensive contest.
"This time, we aspire to embrace the complete intensity of the competition and proudly wave the Lithuanian flag on a global scale. Drawing from our past experience, we comprehend that it's not only the song that matters, but also the band's history, personalities, and visions. We possess all these elements, and we aren't approaching it as a mere lottery; we have devised a strategy," stated V. Valiukevičius.
Multi-layer music video
The new song by The Roop is presented with a music video directed by Lithuanian creator Mija Kembrė, and overseen by Veronika Tamulionytė and Kamilė Gaidytė, producers of the music project agency Cunamis Music. They have produced music videos for many well-known Lithuanian artists.
In the music video for the song, the world is struck by a nuclear tragedy, and the last three minutes of its life are recorded. According to V. Valiukevičius, one can even see several layers of themes in the video, and the group leaves the choice to the viewer to find the one closest to them. M. Kembrė, the author of the music video's idea, mentioned that the script was dictated to her by the song itself.
"The idea of the video is captured in the lyrics, suggesting that people find happiness by learning to enjoy simple things. After hearing the song, I thought that it is often a characteristic of humanity to understand things by the principle of contrast. In the music video, Vaidotas seems to measure the end of the world, thus experiencing his daily routine with new eyes," she said.
Yesterday our performance with "Simple Joy" at the Lithuanian National Eurovision Selection “Eurovizija.lt” was filmed.
A few days ago, it was not yet clear whether Vaidotas would be able to recover from his illness or whether we would have to cancel our participation because of this. We are glad that we managed to get on stage. We regain our strength and move on!
The TV show will air on February 10. And our new song "Simple Joy" will be out on January 31.
Single cover art for “Simple Joy”. The song is out on January 31! One week left! ✅🥳
Ladies and Gentlemen. We shot a music video yesterday. Everything went great! Our Eurovision song #SimpleJoy will be released at the end of January.
Photo by Zina Auželytė
January 13
Today is the Day of Defenders of Freedom of Lithuania. Recollections of January 13 remain in our memory. Inner strength in people’s faces, determination and sacrifice. Endless desire for freedom! Thanks to all the people who did not remain indifferent during that time! Thank you for the freedom we enjoy every day.
A lot of work and preparations for a new stage are currently underway. Therefore, we are focused and a little quiet in the social space. We will be back with news. Soon.
Photos by Justinas Stacevičius
Let everyone finally feel that they are enough. Happy New Year!
Photo Dennis Swiatkowski
We will not hide it, 2023 was a difficult year for us. At one point, it seemed that everything was falling apart. Therefore, in the spring, we decided to take our time and find out what is happening, what are the mistakes, what we want, what we need to learn.
We were in no hurry. We devoted all these years to analysis, information searches, new acquaintances, our health, and creativity.
We haven't released any new songs since spring because we felt we needed to act like that.
But after a lot of training with ourselves, we are more than ready to enter the year 2024, full of music and action! Let the New Year begin!
Photos Dennis Swiatkowski
We have just received an official email that the commission has selected our song “Simple Joy” to participate in the Lithuanian National Selection for Eurovision Song Contest 2024! Green light! Let’s go!
Photo Dennis Swiatkowski
We look to the future with bright thoughts and curious eyes. What thoughts you sow, this kind of the reality you will grow.
Many philosophers and scientists have repeatedly said that our daily thoughts create our future lives. The power of the subconscious mind is enormous. If we think sadly, we are afraid, we are pessimistic - that will happen, that is how we will live. If we walk bravely, we believe in goodness - it will come to us. Have a nice day!
Photo by Tomas Juškevičius
