Double trouble from Azerbaijan: Tell us more about TuralTuranX

03 May 2023 at 12:53 CEST

TuralTuranX will represent Azerbaijan in Liverpool Corinne Cumming / EBU

From busking in Azerbaijan to the Eurovision Song Conteststage in Liverpool, it’s been a big journey for twins Tural and Turan Baghmanov, who together make the band TuralTuranX. They’re representing their country with a song they wrote with friends, ‘Tell Me More.’

TuralTuranX rehearsing Tell Me More for Azerbaijan at the First Rehearsal of the First Semi-Final at Liverpool Arena
Chloe Hashemi / EBU

The brothers applied for Eurovision “simply to try” and their risk paid off. Broadcaster İctimai whittled down their favourite acts to 5, and ultimately went with TuralTuranX. The Eurovision Song Contest is going to be their first big gig.

TuralTuranX might not be used to the spotlight, but they didn’t show it at their first rehearsal on Monday 1 May. The twins stepped out matching in smart dress, and with guitars in hand; perhaps a nod to their acoustic days in parks around Baku. The stage was set with a raised platform for the brothers, and they sang Tell Me More while bathed in multi-hued spotlights.

230501_Sarah Louise Bennett_EBU_0265.jpg — TuralTuranX rehearsing Tell Me More for Azerbaijan at the First Rehearsal of the First Semi-Final at Liverpool Arena Sarah Louise Bennett / EBU

Tell Me More is the kind of song that demands a gentle sway or a slight shoulder bop. The official Eurovision Live Blog, mid-bop, noted: "This is joyfully low key and charming - just Tural and Turan on a heart-shaped podium centre stage, wearing matching green and purple suits and giving it beautiful harmonies."

Tural and Turan might have excellent taste in music, as well as some snazzy style, but they do have one questionable take. When we asked them how long it’s acceptable to wear the same pair of socks, they both agreed, “Forever.” There might be a couple of new pairs waiting for them in the Green Room, for the sake of everyone else performing in the Live Shows.

The pair spent their teenage years listening to the sounds of Pink Floyd, Billy Joel, and Guns ‘n’ Roses, and their music has definite 1960s and 1970s vibes, too. So it’s no surprise that a lot of their favourite music comes straight from that era, or has a distinctly vintage vibe, like Amy Winehouse’s version of Valerie. But they’re also partial to some early 21st-century tunes, including Damien Rice’s heart-wrenching The Professor and Linkin Park’s Shadow of the Day, as well as musical numbers from La La Land and Les Miserables.

You can learn more about TuralTuranX from Azerbaijan right here. And you can find a full set of photos from their very first rehearsal at Liverpool Arena right here.