Katarsis have their sights set on the Eurovision Song Contest 2025. They’re heading to Basel, ready to represent Lithuania with the song ‘Tavo Akys’.

The long journey to Basel

Lithuanian band Katarsis (which means catharsis) have been gazing longingly at Eurovision. And they gave a sigh of relief when they took the crown at the country’s pre-selection contest, EUROVIZIJA.LT. They’d already faced 5 weeks of semi-finals, and they were one of 12 acts competing in the final, with their song Tavo Akys, which means “your eyes.”

The jury and public votes were counted up, and the top three were picked to go through to the ‘superfinal,’ Katarsis being one of them.

When the final three had performed, the Lithuanian viewers got the final say. And they made it very clear who they wanted to represent them in Basel. Katarsis got a televote of 9,374, more than double that of the next runner up.

Artistic vision

This experimental rock band have been creating their distinctive sound since they formed in 2020. Their debut track Vasarą galvoj minoras was a big hit, racking up over 4 million streams on Spotify.

Their first EP, Dausos, came out in May 2024 (a year before the Contest in Basel). Since then, they’ve continued to create music that blends alternative rock, post-punk, and indie sounds.

Their songs are all about pain, longing, and personal liberation, as well as the catharsis that has inspired their name.

The band is made up of singer Lukas Radzevičius, guitarist Alanas Brasas, bass guitarist Emilija Kandratavičiūtė, and drummer Jokūbas Andriulis. Lukas, from the city of Klaipėda, is also the group’s lead songwriter, and has shaped their musical direction. He wrote the music and lyrics for Tavo Akys.

Aside from music, the band are clearly into American film. If they could pick any three people from all of time to invite for dinner, they’d bring together Stanley Kubrick, Quentin Tarantino, and David Lynch. Might they be hoping for a bold, experimental music video?

If they had Aladdin’s lamp, they know what they’d be asking the genie for: 1 billion Euros (tax free), to always stay healthy, and to win Eurovision for Lithuania. And with some of that billion Euros they could put on a great after-show party.

Eurovision in view

Katarsis say one of their favourite Eurovision memories was watching Lithuania’s 2006 representatives LT United take to the stage and get the country’s best ever result of 6th place. They sang We Are The Winners, a football chant-style song all about the band being the winners of Eurovision.

But Katarsis’ Eurovision heroes are ABBA, which they feel doesn’t need any explanation. And they would be right about that. They love how many brilliant songs ABBA have – could we get an Angeleyes and Tavo Akys (Your Eyes) mash up?

The emotional release of music

A lot of the band’s favourite songs have the same melancholy vibes as their own music, like King Krule’s Seagirl, Mac DeMarco’s My Kind of Woman, and Connan Mockasin’s Forever Dolphin Love.

Their playlist is packed with indie tracks, including Fontaines D.C.’s Favourite, and The Cure’s Friday I’m In Love and A Forest. They also love more upbeat songs like Skrillex’s Bangarang.

If you go out to karaoke with Katarsis, you’ll be in for an indie-filled treat. Alanas says he’d sing The Killers’ Mr. Brightside, Jokūbas would perform Arctic Monkeys’ Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?, and Emilija would choose the band’s own song, Tavo Akys. Only Lukas would break the mould with a 1980’s track, RONDO’s Margarita.

Building up to Eurovision

Katarsis are ready to head to Switzerland, which they associate with three famous Swiss exports – cheese, watches, and pocket knives.

They’re most looking forward to the country’s natural wonders, and of course the opportunity to represent their country at the Eurovision Song Contest.

Listen out for Katarsis on the Official Eurovision Song Contest Podcast .

You can learn more about Katarsis from Lithuania right here .