Since Remember Monday were announced as the UK's Eurovision act in March, they've barely slept in their own beds. "It's definitely in the single digits," says singer Holly-Anne Hull, trying to calculate how many nights she has spent at home. "We don't have time for that." Instead, they've been on a whirlwind tour of Europe, meeting fans, filming endless TikToks and performing their song, What The Hell Just Happened, to anyone who'll listen. If they're tired, it doesn't show. The country-pop trio – Lauren Byrne, Holly-Anne Hull and Charlotte Steele – are chatty, excited and focused on fun, and for good reason. They formed at school over a decade ago, and determinedly stayed together during long periods where, in their words, "no-one was listening". Even after a successful turn on The Voice in 2019, Charlotte had to return to her job as a deputy head teacher, while Lauren and Holly-Anne appeared in West End shows like Phantom of the Opera and Six: The Musical. Eurovision offers chance to change that. They head to Basel, Switzerland this week, hoping to erase the memories of Olly Alexander and Mae Muller, who both finished at the bottom end of the table. It helps that Remember Monday's song is a certified banger - full of glittery glam-pop flourishes and sizzling harmonies that (crucially) they can pull off live. Just before they set off for Euroland, we sat down with the trio to discuss quitting their jobs, overcoming phobias, and the dreaded "nul points". It's eight weeks since you were announced as the UK's Eurovision entry… Charlotte: No, it can't be. It feels like six years! How many air miles have you racked up in that time? Lauren: Honestly, I feel bad about our carbon footprint. Charlotte: The thing is, I'm a nervous flyer. I always put an eye mask on, put my headphones in and avoid looking out the window. Then we had to catch a propellor plane from Reykjavik in Iceland, and as it was taking off, the whole thing was shaking from side to side. Lauren: It was really treacherous… but then, the next Easyjet flight we had to catch, Charlotte was like, 'What a breeze'. Charlotte: I was smiling, talking. It's like I was cured! When I first heard What The Hell Just Happened, I thought it sounded like something from Six: The Musical… Then I discovered you'd actually been in it. Lauren: That was me! I was Jane Seymour. She's the one that died, instead of being beheaded. Was it always the plan to put a musical theatre vibe in the song? Lauren: We wrote a brief for the song and there were so many references: Bohemian Rhapsody, Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter. But we also said 'let's not be afraid to write the pop version of Defying Gravity'. We wanted it to have all that epicness and drama and the West End tricks you don't get in pop music. You wrote 15 songs in total. What were the rejects like? Holly-Anne: There are a few we'll definitely keep [for our album] but there was also one called Achilles Heel that went straight in the bin. Charlotte and Lauren [singing]:How do you feel, Achilles? How is your heel, Achilles? Holly-Anne [cringing]: We'd been writing for three weeks and I think we started to go delusional! That reminds me of something Ed Sheeran says about songwriting: A tap has to run brown before it runs clear. Charlotte: It's so true, and funnily enough, What The Hell Just Happened was the last song we wrote, a day before the deadline. We'd got to the point where we were like 'let's just go 100% on every idea and see where it lands'. Holly-Anne: We thought we had the Eurovision Song, I would say, four or five times. Then this one came up and we were like 'OK, it's beaten all of them'. What can you tell me about your performance? Holly-Anne: We come from theatre background, so it's definitely going to be theatrical. We want to give that a girl-band, concert feeling, like you're stepping into the world of Remember Monday. There's a line in the song about ripping your dress. Is that a sneaky Bucks Fizz reference? Lauren: Oh my God! Let's say yes. We didn't write it specifically with that in mind... but if the shoe fits! Charlotte: There's loads of little Easter eggs in the lyrics about our friendship. We've had a lot of nights out that ended in a tattoo parlour or losing a shoe somehow. Do you remember the first time you met? Holly-Anne: It's impossible to tell because we were in the same sixth form but for the first year we were in different classes. Lauren: I remember Charlotte coming into my class and singing that song from Parade. Charlotte [singing]: "You don't know this maaan." Holly-Anne: Then, in the second year, we all joined the same performing arts class, and we were like 'oh, let's sing together'. When you graduated you all had full-time jobs – so how did you keep the band together? Charlotte: We always had Mondays off… hence the band name. Holly-Anne: It was so important to us to keep the band alive that we just never let it die. Charlotte: At one point, Holly went on tour for a year and we flew out to Singapore so we could be together. Lauren: Then, maybe 18 months ago, we quit our jobs to do this full-time. Charlotte: We thought, if we don't throw everything in now, we'll always regret it. Were your resignation letters like, 'I'm off to be astar!'? Lauren: Well, Holly and I were in the theatre, so we just didn't renew our contracts, whereas Charlotte was actually a deputy head teacher. Charlotte: The head was one of my closest friends and a lot of the kids had already seen us at gigs – so everyone knew it was gonna happen. It was just a matter of time. Are you prepared for how overwhelming Eurovision week is? Lauren: Yeah, but we're quite good at immersing ourselves in what we're doing. Charlotte: Even if there wasn't a bubble around us, the three of us make a bubble. Eurovision is all we talk about, even if we're not together. Lauren: And then I'm sure from the 18th of May onwards, we'll have a fair amount of downtime. Holly-Anne: The comedown is going to be rough. What are your hopes for the result? Holly-Anne: We do have a preference. And I think the closer we get to it, the more hungry we are for a good result. A placement in the single digits would be nice. You have loads of festival performances booked for the summer – so life won't grind to a halt afterwards. Lauren: That's so true. And actually, every experience that we're having in the lead-up to May 17, that's Eurovision as well. Charlotte: All the places we've been to and the people we've met – it literally feels like a girls' holiday. Holly-Anne: Even if we get zero points, we'll still be singing together, even if it's in my living room. What's the one memory you'll take away from this? Lauren: I will always, always remember the feeling of finding out we'd represent the UK. We've been around for a long time, and we've had a lot of 'noes' as a band, so when we auditioned, we assumed this would be another one. 'Thank you so much, but we're going in another direction'. So to finally get a yes after all these years, and to start living what feels like a dream come true with your two best friends? I will never forget that phone call.
Eurovision act Remember Monday: 'The closer we get, the hungrier we become'
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Remember Monday Reflects on Journey to Eurovision and Future Aspirations"
Bbc News
7.2
TruthLens AI Summary
Since being named as the UK's Eurovision representatives in March, the country-pop trio Remember Monday has embarked on an exhausting yet exhilarating journey across Europe. The band's members, Holly-Anne Hull, Lauren Byrne, and Charlotte Steele, have spent only a handful of nights in their own beds as they engage with fans, record promotional content, and perform their catchy single, 'What The Hell Just Happened?' Their dedication is palpable, as they reflect on their long history together since forming in school, enduring years of obscurity before gaining recognition on shows like 'The Voice' in 2019. With Eurovision on the horizon, they aim to improve upon the UK's recent performances, which have often ended in disappointment. Their upbeat track, filled with vibrant pop elements and harmonies, is designed to captivate audiences and make a lasting impression at the competition in Basel, Switzerland.
As the trio prepares for Eurovision, they candidly discuss the challenges of balancing their musical aspirations with previous careers. Charlotte, who previously worked as a deputy head teacher, and the others, who have had roles in West End productions, ultimately decided to pursue their passion full-time. They express excitement and nervousness about the upcoming event, reflecting on their journey and the memories they have created together. The group acknowledges the pressure to perform well, expressing a desire for a top-ten finish but also recognizing that the experience itself is invaluable. They cherish the bonds they've built and the adventures they've had along the way, emphasizing that regardless of the outcome at Eurovision, they will continue to support one another and create music together, making their journey memorable, regardless of the results. Their enthusiasm and commitment shine through as they look forward to the festival performances scheduled for the summer following Eurovision.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article sheds light on the UK Eurovision act Remember Monday and their preparations as they approach the competition. The narrative follows the trio's hectic schedule, highlighting their excitement and determination to succeed in an event that could significantly impact their music careers.
Purpose of the Article
The intention behind the publication seems to be to generate excitement and support for Remember Monday as they represent the UK in Eurovision. By emphasizing their hard work, dedication, and the fun aspects of their journey, the article aims to foster a sense of connection between the artists and the audience. This is particularly important as the group has faced challenges in their career, and Eurovision represents a pivotal opportunity for them.
Public Sentiment and Perception
The article cultivates a positive image of the group, portraying them as relatable and hardworking individuals who have persevered despite past setbacks. The lighthearted tone, combined with anecdotes about their travels and personal experiences, is designed to engage readers and build a fanbase. The mention of their previous struggles adds depth to their story, potentially eliciting sympathy and support from the audience.
Hidden Agendas or Omissions
There does not appear to be significant information concealed in the article. However, the focus on the artists' positive experiences may overshadow the pressures and challenges they face in a competitive environment like Eurovision. The fact that the UK has struggled in recent years at Eurovision, as indicated by the mention of previous acts finishing poorly, could suggest a cautious optimism that is not fully explored.
Manipulative Elements
The article effectively employs narrative techniques to create a sense of urgency and excitement. By highlighting the artists' dedication and the fun aspects of their preparations, it seeks to manipulate public sentiment in favor of Remember Monday. The language used is upbeat and positive, which can create a bias towards supporting the group.
Credibility of the Content
The article appears to be credible, with direct quotes from the members of Remember Monday providing authenticity to their experiences. The context of their performances and past challenges is well-grounded in reality, making the narrative believable. However, the portrayal is notably favorable, which could be a factor of promotional intent.
Community Support
This article likely appeals to fans of pop and country music, as well as those who enjoy the Eurovision phenomenon. The relatable backstory of the artists may resonate particularly well with younger audiences or those who appreciate underdog success stories.
Impact on Markets or Industries
While this article may not have a direct impact on stock markets, it could influence the music industry by increasing visibility and engagement with Remember Monday. The success of their Eurovision performance could potentially lead to increased sales of their music and merchandise, thereby benefiting associated businesses.
Geopolitical Relevance
In terms of global power dynamics, the article does not directly connect to broader geopolitical themes. However, events like Eurovision can be seen as cultural showcases that foster international unity, which is relevant in today’s climate of global interconnectedness.
Use of AI in the Article
There is no clear indication that artificial intelligence was used in the writing of this article. The conversational style and personal anecdotes suggest a human touch rather than automated content generation. However, if AI were involved, it could have influenced the tone and structure to enhance reader engagement.
Manipulation Indicators
The language and narrative style do suggest a manipulation aimed at garnering support for the group. The emphasis on their hardworking nature and the celebratory aspects of their journey could be viewed as a strategic approach to rally public sentiment before the competition.
Overall, the article provides an optimistic and engaging portrayal of Remember Monday, successfully positioning them as a promising act for Eurovision. The credibility is bolstered by direct quotes and relatable storytelling, while the underlying intent appears to focus on building support for the artists as they embark on this significant journey.