Settle's James Newman wants UK Eurovision entry to "feel like a celebration"

He's hoping 'Embers' is "something you can dance to, whether it is in an arena in Rotterdam or in your kitchen."

Author: Seb Cheer and PA Reporter Alex GreenPublished 16th Apr 2021

The UK's Eurovision hopeful, from the Yorkshire Dales, has revealed the inspiration behind this year's song, Embers.

James Newman, who grew up in Settle, says he looked to dance music producers, like chart-topper Joel Corry, for ideas about the entry.

The 35-year-old singer-songwriter, who's previously worked with Rudimental, Ed Sheeran and Calvin Harris, was due to perform a ballad, My Last Breath, last year, before the contest in Rotterdam was called off because of the pandemic.

Next month, he's due to perform an upbeat dance track in the Netherlands.

James said: "Obviously, last year, when I did My Last Breath, we were living in a different time. It was before we knew we were going to be in a pandemic.

"When I was thinking about what song I wanted to write for now I was thinking that we have been through such a rubbish time.

"I wanted to write something that feels like a celebration, something you can dance to, whether it is in an arena in Rotterdam or in your kitchen.

"I was listening to the British charts thinking 'What represents the UK in the charts right now?' And it was all dance music, like Joel Corry. It made sense to do something like that.''

Back-up plans

Current plans will see all performers travel to Rotterdam to perform in May, but organisers of the song contest have put contingencies in place

The plans include back-up performances, recorded "as-live".

"I did mine three weeks ago on the Comic Relief stage just before Comic Relief. It was all set up ready to go.

"So they wanted us to do a scaled-down version of the performance just in case, for whatever reason, unfortunately you can't go. So you have got this performance ready.

"It's the not the same as performing on that massive stage.

"It is good because I can look back at the video and go 'Right, I have got a lot of work to do'. And it is good to just see what the vibe is.''

The Eurovision Song Contest final takes place on 22nd May 2021.

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