"The Tower" is a song by Polish singer-songwriter Aleksandra Katarzyna Wielgomas, also known mononymously as Luna. Self-described as an account of the journey of strength and self-realization from the depths of darkness and negativity, it was co-written by Luna, Paul Dixon and Max Cooke, and was released on 23 January 2024 by Universal Music Polska. The song represented Poland in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, and finished in 12th place with 35 points during semi final 1.
Background and composition
"The Tower" was written and composed by Aleksandra Katarzyna Wielgomas, Paul Dixon, and Max Cooke.[2] In interviews, Wielgomas has stated that the song is about a journey to self-realization and self-actualization from the negativity humanity faces. The song uses the metaphor of a tower of negativity and limited potential, urging the listener to topple the tower with strength.[3] Wielgomas later stated in an interview with Wiwibloggs that she wanted others to "create your own rules in the world, your own terms and build your own tower – the one that leads to your destiny, something that is great for your life and for your happiness".[4]
Vulture's Jon O'Brien ranked the song seventh out of 37 Eurovision entries, opining that it "echoes" Ellie Goulding, Aurora and Grimes. He concluded: "[It] is the kind of featherlight synth-pop that seems tailor-made not for Eurovision but for trendy Spotify playlists. In years to come, this may be regarded as 2024's lost gem."[7] On the other hand, Erin Adam of The Scotsman gave the song a rating of 6 out of 10, but called it "frothy" and "catchy".[8]
Music video and promotion
Along with the song's premiere, an accompanying music video was released. According to Wielgomas, the music video uses the metaphor of chess to describe the relationships she has endured. Wielgomas has stated in interviews that the appearance of her opponent represents struggles in her life, including "crossing boundaries". The duel itself represents her facing different loved ones and their relationships, and by the end of the video, she is battling herself, knowing that she has to defeat her past self to create her own fate.[9]
To further promote the song, Wielgomas confirmed her intent to participate in several Eurovision pre-parties, including the Nordic Music Celebration,[10] the London Eurovision Party,[11]Pre-Party ES 2024,[12] and the Barcelona Eurovision Party 2024.[13]
Poland's broadcaster Telewizja Polska (TVP) announced its intent to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 on 20 September 2023.[14] Following a controversy surrounding the previous year and its selection, TVP considered switching to an internal selection;[15] this was later confirmed in January 2024.[16] After 22 songs were shortlisted, a five-member internal committee awarded scores from 1 to 10 to ten of the received submissions on 13 February.[17] Six days later, Luna and her song were revealed to be Poland's representatives for the contest, winning by one point over second-place finisher, Justyna Steczkowska's "Witch-er Tarohoro".[6][17]
At Eurovision
The Eurovision Song Contest 2024 took place at the Malmö Arena in Malmö, Sweden, and consisted of two semi-finals held on the respective dates of 7 and 9 May and the final on 11 May 2024. During the allocation draw on 30 January 2024, Poland was drawn to compete in the first semi-final, performing in the first half of the show.[18] She was later drawn to perform sixth in the semi-final, ahead of Ukraine's duo of Alyona Alyona and Jerry Heil and behind Croatia's Baby Lasagna.[19] For its Eurovision performance, creative artist Jerry Reeve was put in charge of the song's staging.[20] The song failed to qualify for the final.
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