WA progressive pop-metal powerhouse Voyager will represent Australia in the second semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 on Friday morning in Liverpool. As a way of showing their support for their fellow West Australians, the Perth Symphony Orchestra's Inneka has posted a cover of the song that Voyager have entered into the contest, Promise arranged for electric strings. The video partially shot on the roof of Perth's Optus Stadium showcases the musicality of both Inneka and Voyager and showcases just how strong the songs melodic bones and instrumental composition are.
Creative Director for Perth Symphony Orchestra, Fiona Campbell, said that “Perth Symphony are beyond excited to send this gift of love and support to Voyager from our beautiful home in the most isolated city in the world. Australia will be cheering you on and could not be prouder of you all, rocking it out on the world stage. GOOD LUCK VOYAGER!”
The band said of the performance and cover, “We’re truly speechless after seeing this incredible show of support from the Perth Symphony Orchestra and our beautiful State. This epic string version of our song "Promise" moved us to tears and we cannot be prouder to be ambassadors for Australia, Aussie music, and particularly our incredible WA music scene!"
Watch the Inneka performance video below.
See how it compares to the Voyager original below.
Voyager's selection for the honour is a testament to both the skill and resilience of Voyager, who have made several attempts to earn the nod as an Australian representative since Australia joined the competition in 2015. Most notable of these attempts was last year's entry Dreamer which placed second overall in the national final, despite winning the public vote.
Speaking about their selection for the 2023 contest in Liverpool, Voyager band leader, vocalist, master of the keytar and renowned immigration lawyer Danny Estrin, shared his thoughts.
“As a long-time Eurovision fan, this is the pinnacle - Voyager gets to play the greatest show on earth! Our song Promise is made for the Eurovision stage and collectively we feel it's one of our best yet. We filmed the music video in both the city of Perth and the beautiful parts of Western Australia to showcase the majestic beauty of our home state. Eurovisionation, we are coming!!!”
SBS Head of Entertainment Emily Griggs commented: “Voyager bring together my love for the 80’s and catchy lyrics that you can’t stop singing. I can’t wait to see Eurovision fans the world over embrace them as much as Aussie crowds have. Voyager have been determined to get centre stage for the biggest song contest in the world and SBS know they will bring that grit with them along with a whole lot of fun. Look out Europe, the Aussies are coming!”
The Eurovision Song Contest 2023 will be the 67th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest and will be held in Liverpool, United Kingdom between Tuesday 9th of May and Saturday 13th of May, with the final taking place on Saturday 13th of May. The event is taking place in the UK on 2022 winner Ukraine’s behalf with the theme United by Music.
Voyager's entry will see them continue a tradition of rock and metal acts representing their countries at Eurovision, with past entries such as 2021 winners Måneskin and 2007 winners Lordi among a list of memorable rock and metal contestants throughout the years.
Last week, the band announced their long-awaited eighth studio album, Fearless In Love, scheduled for release on July 14th via Season Of Mist.
In addition to the announcement of Fearless in Love, Voyager has released a new song from the album, Prince of Fire. Perhaps one of the heaviest tracks in the band’s history, Prince of Fire follows the album’s protagonist desperately trying harder to be better but continuing to go back to his old ways. The accompanying music video features showstopping visuals including pyrotechnics and LEDs which highlight the massive production and experimentation that went into creating the song.
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