The Spring 2020 radio competition has established itself as one of the most prestigious competitions in Bulgaria. Its aim has always been to stimulate the creation of new Bulgarian pop and rock songs. According to the competition rules a jury of professional musicians and journalists selects the 13 top songs out of all entries. Within the space of one month every one of the BNR’s listeners is able to cast their vote for the song of their choice. That is how songs number 1, 2 and 3 are ranked, as well as the debut prize.

This year first place went to the song Phoenix by the rock band Casual Threesome, a name well known from the Bulgarian club scene. Casual Threesome is what is known as an “open format” band, but at its core is the trio which has given it its name. It was formed by Ivan Ivanov – vocals and guitar, and was joined by Nikolai Vodenicharov-Nikeca, vocals and bass, Martin Stoyanov – piano and mastering, Ivaylo Petrov-Pifa - drums and Ivelin Lobutov – guitar. The five musicians have been playing together for some time, writing their own music. Their song which was their entry for the 51^st radio competition Spring 2020, Phoenix, was written by Ivan Ivanov, a popular name from another well-known band from the recent past – Awake – with which he has also taken part in the BNR’s music contest. And though his new band has taken part in a number of festivals in this country and abroad, Ivan Ivanov says they don’t  have much experience with music contests:

“We are so happy to have won first prize at the radio competition for Bulgarian pop and rock songs Spring 2020. Our band has been together for ten years with different members through the years. But now we are very happy that the five of us who are currently Casual Threesome’s members, are taking part in this competition. We mostly perform in clubs, we don’t have a lot of experience with music contests. So, this is the first time we are taking part in an event like this.

We generally sing in English and Phoenix is no exception. The music we perform live is not necessarily our own – we do covers of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, The Doors and other rock bands. At the moment we are taking advantage of the situation, of the time we are not able to perform, to work on a new album. Phoenix will be part of it.”

The song Under Lovin’ Ice, the third single from Casual Threesome’s upcoming album, has also been made available.

Photos: Facebook /Casual Threesome and BNR