Eurovision writer Larissa Tormey seeks backing for ‘Laika Party’

Kilbeggan-based songwriter Larissa Tormey is getting excited as the countdown begins to her departure – with the rest of the Irish delegation – for the Eurovision Song Contest, after co-writing this year’s Irish entry, Laika Party, performed by Norwegian singer Emmy.

Tormey, a professional musician and songwriter, originally from Russia, spoke about the journey that led to this moment during a special ‘Sofa Sessions’ event held at Mullingar on Friday night.

The event featured an evening of interviews and live music. Larissa shared insights into her songwriting career and personal journey from Russia to Ireland: "It was a really interesting format – part interview, part live performance. I performed my own songs acoustically, including a slow version of Like A Party. The audience also got involved by voting on their favorite Eurovision entries during the night," Tormey said.

‘Laika Party’ celebrates the memory of the street dog Laika, which was sent to space in the Russian Sputnik 2 spacecraft in November 1957. Co-written with Emmy, two Norwegian songwriters, and Emmy’s brother Erland, the song was born at a songwriting camp in Norway organised by the MGP – the body behind Norway’s Eurovision selection. Although originally intended for Norway’s national competition, Larissa realised the song’s potential and submitted it for Ireland’s Eurovision selection instead, utilising her Irish citizenship to make the entry eligible.

"It’s thanks to my being an Irish songwriter that the song could even be submitted for Ireland," she explained. "Otherwise, it wouldn’t have happened."

Larissa’s dedication to songwriting has accelerated in recent years. After beginning co-writing sessions less than two years ago under the guidance of UK-based publisher DWB Music, she has written more than 100 songs. She now pens three to four songs a week, often collaborating with other writers online. "It’s intense but I absolutely love it," she said. "I’m now a signed songwriter, officially under DWB, and it’s really like having a full-time job."

Larissa said her initial experience at songwriting camps and her rapid progress in the music industry felt like finding a "golden ticket". The success of Laika Party being selected for Eurovision has already boosted her profile. "It opens doors. Having a Eurovision song in your portfolio really helps when you pitch songs to artists or publishers," she added.

Larissa will travel to Malmö, Sweden, on May 14, a day before the second Eurovision semi-final where Ireland’s entry will compete. Despite the stiff competition – the second semi-final includes several of the year’s strongest favorites – she remains hopeful. "It’s a tough semi-final. Most of the best songs are in it. But we’re proud of what we’ve achieved already, and we’ll be there waving the Irish flag proudly."

Away from the spotlight, Larissa leads a busy life on the family farm at Kilbeggan, where she handles much of the administrative work alongside her husband, Christopher. Although not directly involved in heavy farm labour, Larissa says she’s deeply connected to the farming lifestyle. "I’m fully involved with the paperwork, inspections, and I help move cattle when needed. I’m very much a farmer’s wife," she said with a laugh. Larissa’s background is as rich and diverse as her music career. Born and raised in the forests of Russia, she grew up surrounded by nature before pursuing an extensive musical education in classical choir conducting, piano, and singing. She moved to Ireland 25 years ago after meeting her husband when he travelled to Moscow for three days for a stag party: she was at a birthday celebration in the same venue.

Looking ahead, Larissa hopes Irish supporters across the world will help Laika Party succeed in the semi-final. "If everyone with Irish connections abroad could ask them to vote, it would really help us. We just need to get through the semi-final – then anything can happen."