Laura & the Lovers

Formation and Eurovision Debut (2004–2005)

Laura & The Lovers was a Lithuanian pop band formed in the mid-2000s. The group was assembled through a collaboration between Lithuanian music producers and Scandinavian songwriters, specifically to compete in Lithuania’s Eurovision selection. Their lead singer, Laura Čepukaitė, was a rising star in Lithuania at the time, and the band’s goal was clear – to win the national contest and perform at Eurovision 2005. This goal was achieved when Laura & The Lovers won Lithuania’s national selection with the upbeat pop-rock song “Little by Little.” They went on to represent Lithuania at the Eurovision Song Contest 2005 in Kyiv, Ukraine. The band performed “Little by Little” second in the semi-final. Despite an energetic performance that earned audience applause, they did not advance to the final. 

Debut Album and Band Career (2005–2006)

After Eurovision, Laura & The Lovers continued their musical activities and maintained a presence in Lithuania’s pop scene. In 2006, the band released their first and only album, titled “Tarp krintančių lapų” (which translates to “Among Falling Leaves”). This album featured Lithuanian pop songs and showcased Laura’s vocal talent beyond their Eurovision entry. “Little by Little” remained their best-known single, but the group also performed other songs in both English and Lithuanian during this period. The album release helped the band stay active and engage with fans, and they gave concerts in Lithuania following their Eurovision appearance. However, Laura & The Lovers’ time in the spotlight was short-lived. The group eventually faced challenges in sustaining their success. By around 2008, the band’s activities slowed down significantly. Due to financial difficulties and the broader economic crisis of that time, Laura & The Lovers ceased performing and effectively disbanded by late 2008. 

Laura’s Solo Career After the Band (2007–Present)

After the band ended, Laura Čepukaitė moved on to a new chapter in her life and career. For a few years, she continued to be involved in music on a smaller scale, performing at local events and writing songs as a solo artist. However, a few years after Eurovision, she decided to pause her music career. Around 2007–2008, Laura stepped back from the pop music scene to focus on her personal life. During this period, she got married (to the band’s guitarist) and started a family, which shifted her priorities. As a result, her public musical output became quieter for some time.

Even though she stepped away from the spotlight, Laura’s love for music never disappeared. By the mid-2010s, she expressed a renewed interest in songwriting and even planned to record new material. In interviews, she mentioned that creativity was calling her again, and she slowly returned to writing songs in her free time. In addition to music, Laura also ventured into new fields. She discovered a passion for the culinary arts and entrepreneurship. Together with her husband, she established herself in the restaurant business, co-owning several restaurants and even helping run a private culinary academy to train chefs.