North Macedonia will participate in the 65th Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam with the song 'YOU', performed by Vasil. North Macedonia will kick off the Contest in the first half of the first Semi-Final on 12 May.

YOU was composed by Nevena Neskoska, a Macedonian composer and producer who was born in the city of Ohrid but raised in Chicago. Nevena also contributed to the song’s lyrics, alongside co-writers Kalina Neskoska and Alice Schroeder. Music producers and arrangers for the song are Nevena Neskoska, Darko Dimitrov and Lazar Cvetkoski.

Describing the song, Nevena says: "[It] was created around strong ethnic chants that feel like home to me. We used bass, plucks, tarabuka and chords to enhance that ethnic vibe throughout the song. YOU is about the human connection we have to music and the art of letting go through dance… It’s like a complete takeover of your senses. After compiling together the first demo, I knew there was something magical about it that only Vasil’s powerful voice could portray. Vasil’s interpretation and artistic touch brought YOU to another level, and I know audiences throughout the world will feel the story he is telling."

Vasil (North Macedonia 2020) on the set of his music video for 'YOU' Natasha Velickovska

The video for YOU was directed by Milena Vitman, recorded and edited by Gjorgi Vacev and produced by Jellmaz Dervishi. The message behind YOU is an invitation for everyone to connect, open up, dance, and celebrate the moment, and the video represents just that message: "It’s 7:00 AM, after a crazy night out. You’re at a bar choosing what to do next when in walks a person who shows that it takes just one look, one connection, to make a difference and start a beautiful change for the better."

Vasil, North Macedonia's Eurovision 2020 representative Martin Trajanovski

About the feeling of his entry, Vasil adds: "We’ve all been there. The moment when that unexplainable thing happens and sensations take over you. The choice is yours: let go, put your dancing shoes on, celebrate, and just dance." As the lyrics tell us, "We May only have tonight, hold me tight and let’s ignite ... and for the moment I ... just wanna dance with YOU."

What do you think about North Macedonia’s entry for 2020? Let us know in the comments below!

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Posted 15 January 2020 at 17:30 CET

Macedonian Radio Television, North Macedonia's public broadcaster, has chosen Vasil to represent the country at the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 in Rotterdam.

Vasil was part of Tamara Todevska’s Eurovision team as a backing vocalist at last year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv.

About performing at this year's Eurovision Song Contest, Vasil says it is a dream come true. "I am beyond honoured to present my country at the Song Contest in Rotterdam and I can hardly wait to put all my experience and knowledge into creating a magical journey that will touch people’s heart across Europe.”

Vasil MRT

About Vasil

Vasil Garvanliev started his musical journey at age 7, performing at some of North Macedonia’s most popular children’s festivals. Soon thereafter, he moved with his family to the United States, where he continued his career as a soloist at the Chicago Children’s Choir.

From child pop star to over 50 operatic roles and recitals at music festivals across the world and collaborations with some of the world’s most prolific artists, Vasil’s motto in life is simple: wherever words fail, sing.

Since his return to North Macedonia in 2018, Vasil has released 3 highly successful singles: Gjerdan (Necklace), “Patuvam (Travelling) and Mojata Ulica (My Street). His first solo concert in his native Strumica in November 2019 was sold out and showcased his vast musical experience from across the world.

Vasil's entry will be released at a later date.

What do you think of North Macedonia's choice for Rotterdam? Let us know below!