Sandra Nurmsalu

Sandra Nurmsalu
Sandra Nurmsalu (2013)
Background information
Born	(1988-12-06) 6 December 1988 (age 28) Alavere, Estonia
Genres	Baroque pop, alternative, electropop, world
Occupation(s)	Singer
Instruments	Vocals, Violin
Years active	2004–present
Labels	Moonwalk Records
Associated acts	Urban Symphony, Sven Lõhmus, Pink Tank, Virre, Pillipiigad
Website	http://www.sandranurmsalu.com/et

Sandra Nurmsalu (born 6 December 1988) is an Estonian singer, violinist and lead singer of the band Urban Symphony. Urban Symphony represented Estonia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 on 16 May. Nurmsalu sang the lead for the Eurovision entry song "Rändajad". The song qualified from the second semi-final from 3rd place and finished 6th in the grand final.

Sandra Nurmsalu was raised in the Alavere village, Harju County. She made her first musical steps in the Kose music school, where she learned to play the violin.

Nurmsalu began to sing as part of the group Pillipiigad for seven years and Virre for three. During her teenage years Nurmsalu was also part of the Estonian pop group Pink Tank.

Participation in the youth soloist competition 2 takti ette, held biennially by the Eesti Televisioon and broadcast nationwide gained Sandra national recognition, she finished in 4th place in the competition. It was through her uniquely styled performances during this competition that Nurmsalu's future producer, Sven Lõhmus, first noticed her and from there collaboration started, which ultimately lead to the formation of the group Urban Symphony.

Sandra Nurmsalu became nationally known through participation in the Eurovision Song contest with the band Urban Symphony. Their début single, Rändajad won the national selection and went on to finish 6th during the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest. Since taking part in the contest, Nurmsalu has gained a considerable fan base in Europe.

Nurmsalu performed on the reality-competition show Eesti otsib superstaari (part of the Idol series). Each contestant had to choose an Estonian singer to perform a duet with. Contestant Ott Lepland, later winner of the contest, choose Nurmsalu to perform "Rändajad".