The band formed in Wales hoping to compete in this year's Eurovision - but not for the UK

Some people hate Eurovision, and some don't really know what it is, but for others it's a dream come true to appear on the world stage competing on behalf of their country. That's the goal for Aberystwyth band Misha and the Kings who are on the path to compete at this year's competition in Vienna.

The band are in the process of auditioning for the famous singing contest, although they won't be representing the UK. Instead they are hoping to perform on behalf of a small landlocked microstate which is located in north-central Italy.

The genre defying quartet are currently on their way to mountainous San Marino to audition to represent the country in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. 

The band came together when singer Misha Homayoun-Fekri, drummer Ivan Anchant, bassist Rolando Bertrand Ruiz and guitarist Glen Lawrence all met by chance in mid west Wales.

Despite living in Aberystwyth, the group is made up of characters from different nationalities and ethnicities, which they believe is what makes them stand out from other groups.

Misha explained: "I feel like we are sort of different in that we're all from completely different backgrounds, ethnicities, and eras.

"We're quite different. Yet we all have the same vision, and that vision is that we feel like our art form belongs where the glitz, the glam and the joy is and for us that's Eurovision. So we obviously have our sights set on that."

Rolando added: "We just gel together, we have different influences and like I'm from Nicaragua and I've had a different upbringing and a different exposure to different type of music.

"So, I've brought that type of like rhythmic, percussive influence into the band. Misha's got all the Persian influence, and she's been very vocal about it. So it's great just to have that type of blend.

Misha continued: "And the ballads and the musicals, and the rock and roll, and Glenn brings like the classic, and Ivan, he's just soul, and R&B.

"Then when we're together, it really is those four different tastes and genres all just meshed."

The band then discussed why they decided to apply to represent San Marino in the singing competition rather than the UK. The singer explained: "Well, it's been a dream of mine for quite some time, but I've only really been performing well since I joined this band, like I'd never performed before. So to be here right now, it is very surreal and I can't quite believe it.

"We tried different avenues, like we looked into how do we represent the UK, how do you represent Wales, and obviously there aren't really any open channels to that. I don't think it's quite the same as you can apply and be considered, so we did try all avenues.

"Then by just doing some sheer research really we did come across San Marino and saw that they do take international submissions. Myself and Glen have got Italian links, we're not Italian, but we both have sort of quite strong Italian connections that made it feel quite right really and that we'd love to represent San Marino.

"The connection that San Marino is its own country, but it's really small, like a really small population. Because we're here from Aberystwyth, we have that in common. Little towns and strong links with them. So we kind of resonate with them."

Rolando added: "We just want to go there and talk to them, and share with them who we are and the things we have in common, then go up and represent them on the big stage."

Guitarist Glen also shared: "I'm proud to be going out there, you know with Aberystwyth links and everything and going over to San Marino, tying it up. It's going to be wonderful."

Drummer Ivan shared: "It still doesn’t quite feel real. One minute we're rehearsing in West Wales, the next we're preparing to perform in front of Eurovision judges."

They'll be hoping to compete with a song called Hello, Hello, which was written by Ivan. The band have described it as a "feel-good" song and "Eurovision all over" which is about not seeing someone you love for a long time, but when you do see them nothing's changed and you pick up where you left things.

The man from Essex continued: "It's got that natural feel-good factor which brings a smile to your face and maybe a little tear as well."

Misha added: "I love performing it so much. It actually brings me joy, like it always brings me joy to perform but there's something special about that song."

The local community have been extremely supportive of the band, and have made it possible for them to try and achieve their dreams through donations. They've been "blown away" by the kindness of their fans as they take on the challenge of auditioning.

Glen said: "They've been wonderful. We have had just so much support, and it's just so nice to have everyone taking so much interest in what's going on."

Misha added: "I think everyone's really excited, and I feel like we all needed a bit of joy and a bit of spark, everyone needed it. I feel like everyone is really excited about this journey, I feel like they're on it with us."

The band balance music alongside full-time jobs and everyday expenses. To help them cover production and travel costs for San Marino, the band have launched a crowdfunding campaign.

Misha shared: "People have been so kind and generous with their donations. We have to say thank you to everyone who donated, this isn't possible without them."

This weekend, Misha and the Kings will be auditioning in the hopes of heading to the San Marino Song Contest on Friday, March 6.

This competition will then decide if they get head to the Eurovision Song Contest which will be taking place in Vienna, Austria on Saturday, May 16.