Lauris in Eurovision Latvia 2011 FINALS with “Banjo Laura”!

he’s hot, knows how to play banjo and her name is Laura – Banjo Laura! That’s a title of a song that won the second semifinal now  is one of finalists at Latvian Eurovision National preliminaries “Eirodziesma 2011” and will be performed by Lauris Reiniks himself who is also the author of the song. “Banjo Laura” will compete for  a ticket to represent Latvia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2011 taking place in Dusseldorf, Germany in May, 2011.

“My Eurosong “Banjo Laura”  for Latvian National selection this year is very positive and cheerful. My most devoted fans probably recognized that this is an English version of “Labāk vēl neaizmiedz” which is one of the tracks in my new album “Es skrienu”.  I call this song a younger sister of “Es skrienu” as I’ve kept the same spirit and feeling in it. I’ll be happy for your support and crossed fingers during the finals! And I thank you all for voting during semifinals! We are already preparing our act very seriously, but also with lots of fun! Thank you all in advance!” – Lauris Reiniks

Recently Lauris Reiniks released the Official music video of “Banjo Laura” that tells a story about what happened before Lauris’ famous “Es skrienu” (“I’m running”) song/video and how he once met the girl he was later running to. The music video was directed by Aija Strazdiņa (JUMP studio), but the screenplay was worked out by Lauris Reiniks himself and the director. Camera by Uvis Burjans. The video was shot for 2 days at the popular “Mad House” bar in Riga and Dailes Theater.

The Latvian Broadcaster (LTV) returns to the pattern used two years ago when the song for Eurovision Song Contest was selected during two semi finals. Five songs from each semi final 10 entries will qualify for the final – three of these songs will be determined by the televote, but two will be chosen by the jury. There is also a novelty – The Second Chance Round where the 10 songs not qualified for the final compete. Only two entries, one chosen by televote and the other by jury, will pass to the final.

The first semi final was taking place on February 5, 2011, the second – on February 12, 2011, the Second Chance round – on February 19, 2011, but the final of Eirodziesma 2011 will be broadcast from Ventspils theatre hall “Juras Varti” on February 26, 2011.

Watch the Official Music Video of “Banjo Laura” here: