Helsinki loves Teapacks
Hundreds of Finns, members of delegations to upcoming Eurovision Song Contest dance to sounds of Israeli band's hits at party held in city club
Hundreds of people of all ages and from all over Europe attended last night's party. They danced to Arab and Hebrew songs as blue and white flags waved in background and a video presentation of Jerusalem photos flickered on huge screens. The party was organized by the Israeli Embassy in Finland and was definitely worth it.
Teapacks at the party (Photo: Merav Yudilovitch)
Fans waited at the entrance to the club in the hope of getting Kobi Oz' signature. They purchased demo albums especially prepared for the event, including Teapacks song 'Push the Button,' and other songs of the band.
'They're simply good'
Even without understanding the lyrics, the crowdes dance floor proved, once again, that music brings people together.
"I just like the sound of your language," one of the dancers told Ynet. "We occasionally get American and European bands but we never had the chance to hear Israeli music. I think Teapacks brings a really interesting song to the competition."
'Push the Button' (Photo: Merav Yudilovitch)
"We rocked," Kobi Oz concluded. "We felt the energy. People were dancing, singing along with us and clapping."
The band members' only concern following the party was deciding whether or not to go to the sauna. "Sauna for the Finns is like hummus for Israelis," said the band's bass player. "I'm trying to explain to them Tel Aviv in the summer is one big outdoor sauna."
So, are you ready for the show on Thursday?
Oz: "First of all, the most important day is actually Wednesday when we have two reversals and many things to fix. If all goes well on Wednesday, we'll be okay. Our plan is to simply go on stage Thursady and have fun."
Is this the beginning of a new phase for the band?
Oz: "It's definitely a new beginning. The goal is to perform a little bit in Europe and in the States. According to the feedback, we're on the right track. The Israeli audience knows us very well and expects us to do certain things. It's a bit suffocating. It's exciting to write for a new crowd, it's liberating."
Israeli party at 'Virgin Oil' club (Photo: Merav Yudilovitch)
You are very popular in Israel, but, honestly, how does it feel to perform for millions of people?
Oz: "In some way it reminds me of the time when we moved from Sderot to Tel Aviv. We were not understood in Sderot and, suddenly, in Tel Aviv, our music came to life. I feel like we're in a transitional period. I hope we'll be understood and we'll be able to carry this new energy back to Israel."
On the way back from the club to the hotel, it is already dark at the music village organizers set up in the center of the city. Yet, video clips are still playing on the huge screen. When 'Push the Button' starts, people standing in line for a hotdog stand nearby, drop everything and start dancing: A spontaneous street party that definitely warms the heart.
