The Unlikely Rise of Nebulossa: From running a beauty clinic to representing Spain at Eurovision

Expectations are building as the 68th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest approaches, scheduled for May 11. This year, Spain will be represented by the duo Nebulossa, formed by singer María “Mery” Bas, 55, and keyboardist and producer Mark Dasousa, 47.

Owner of an electro-pop project with an 80s twist, Nebulossa has stood out from the start for her unique style, releasing several singles and an album, Polyédrica De Mí — home of songs like “Anoche,” “Glam” and “Armada Roja” — with which they were able to tour throughout Spain.

Although their music careers began in 2018, their union as a couple dates back more than two decades, during which they have raised a solid family with two children and taken on other business projects. In particular, Mark stands out as a recognized producer in the alternative scene of Valencia through his label Atomic Studio, while Mery runs an aesthetic beauty clinic inherited from her mother.

Since their victory at Benidorm Fest 2024, where they won over the audience with their song “Zorra”, Nebulossa's rise has been meteoric. The duo never expected to find themselves representing Spain at Eurovision when they started. However, fate had other plans for them. In fact, Mery submitted the nomination to Benidorm Fest without telling Mark: “I thought it was a good opportunity, a way to get exposure, but I didn't think everything that happened would happen,” she says. Billboard Español.

After their win at Benidorm Fest, an unexpected controversy arose surrounding the title of “Zorra”, as many felt it was unsuitable for Eurovision (zorra in Spanish slang it roughly translates to whore). However, María Eizaguirre, director of communications for RTVE (the Spanish radio and television company), counters that the song is in line with current regulations — and what's more, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has given it its approval.

The success of “Zorra” speaks for itself. In almost three months since its release on December 15, 2023, it has reached 10 million plays on Spotify. “It's very big what's going on with 'Zorra' and the controversy is behind us. We're a bit on the sidelines with the networks and we've been focused on what we were meant to be. we have hardly been affected by the controversy surrounding the song,” adds Mery.

“The song comes from an experience, it's a feeling that Mary had inside that she wanted to put out, so people got the message and loved it,” adds Mark. “Our intention was just that, there was no predilection. When we were selected, we decided to go with him and have fun. we still have the same attitude. We're enjoying that, we're at an age now, which is what the song is about, the age, and we take things differently. Everyone is free to have their opinion.”

Thanks to the success of “Zorra”, Nebulossa teamed up with Gloria Trevi for a new remix of the song that they recorded in Miami and premiered on March 15 at Radio City Music Hall in New York, in front of 6,000 people, closing the Mexican Artist Exhibition . “The joke is incredible, because Maria tells us, 'I've managed to get Gloria Trevi to come and record the song tomorrow,'” recalls Mark. “So overnight we went to work finding a studio, Gloria loaned herself to it and came, which was very worldly, very magical. all aligned. And so one thing led to another. Then when they suggested we go to Radio City Music Hall, we didn't have to think about it for more than two seconds, obviously.”

As the date of Eurovision 2024 approaches, Nebulossa are preparing to face their biggest challenge yet. With 'Zorra' as their opening letter, the duo is ready to take the stage in Malmö, Sweden and bring their music to an international audience. Throughout April, the pair will be traveling to London, Amsterdam, Stockholm and Rome as part of the official pre-Eurovision celebrations, which they are looking forward to seeing the public's response to. But first, they'll go through Madrid and Barcelona, ​​knowing that “it's a tour that a lot of up-and-coming artists would love to do, especially with the crowd's acceptance,” says Mark.

Regardless of the outcome of the competition, the duo from Alicante, Spain are grateful for the experience. “We already feel like we've won the hearts of so many people who have told us they identify with our message. I think the song itself is already a winner,” muses Mary. Mark adds, “Whatever position we end up with, we want it to be the best, especially for all the people who put their enthusiasm into it, both from RTVE and the public. We are happy. If we find ourselves in a good position, even better, if not, nothing will tarnish us.”

With a steadily growing fan base, they are both poised to continue enthralling audiences with their music and unmistakable style. While they've already booked gigs and festivals for the next few months, Nebulossa are also set to drop their EP, Virturrosismo, containing new songs they had planned to release before Benidorm Fest. But for now, all focus is on the May 11 meeting in Malmö.