Eurovision week 2024: A Yidaki, Z’s “superpower” -and a DJ at breakfast.

From Malmö, Sweden, Paul Clarke, Australia’s Creative Director for Eurovision delegation tells TV Tonight about a very big week for Zaachariaha Fielding and Michael Ross of Electric Fields.

You’ve been to many Eurovisions now. How does Malmö feel now that your team is on the ground?
PC: Fascinating from the perspective of travelling with an Indigenous group of artists. It’s a city totally open to diversity – it reminds you Eurovision is one giant project about different. The Swedes are very supportive of our team.

What have Electric Fields been up to and how are they being received?
PC: The staging direction is to our backing vocalists as a vocal ensemble behind Z and Michael. We are the only team in the contest the I’ve seen with BV’s onstage – we are accentuating that difference. Plus, we are in front of a beautiful animated painting by Z. Watching him perform the song for the first time to audiences at the parties last weekend, you can feel connecting with people is truly Z’s superpower.

Describe the staging we will see this year. A yidaki in Eurovision!
PC: For the first time, the Yidaki makes a huge cameo, along with the language of Yangkantjajarra on the Eurovision stage. We want Z and Yidaki player Fred to represent original and contemporary Aboriginal culture performing together. It’s a moment that speaks of cultural survival and growth.

What changes get made after your first rehearsal, and what do you still hope to resolve before the first Semi Final?
PC: Many of the artists have come through their own national selection shows, and we have met as a group of artists for the first time in Malmö and begun rehearsals. So we have been tightening, working on choreography, lighting and strongest shots. One thing stands out – Z is absolutely made for this stage – the Eurovision team are very impressed by his vocals and style.

What have Joel, Myf and Courtney been up to in the lead-up to the big event?
PC: We have added Courtney to the team as a backstage correspondent to allow Myf and Joel to anchor the broadcast. Courtney has been doing interviews with the artists in her hotel room, having Fika – coffee and sweets and deep feelings exposed as per the Swedish institution. Myf and Joel always arrive at the hotel as they have today with several kgs of notes about each of the artists and songs, with an urge to feel the vibes on the ground. This year all the delegations are in the same hotel. Its fair to say this is the queerest ESC ever…even breakfast has a DJ!

Australia has always fared better with juries than televoting. Are you concerned about changes to Semi Final voting this year?
PC: It’s something to be aware of. We won the SF last year with Voyager, but this is one tough Semi-final. We will be ourselves and turn the volume up on that, and see if Europe responds. It’s always a little exciting, daunting and challenging – for people to judge original music and performance with qualifying or not for the grand final is difficult. But the important thing to do is present your story the best way you can, then face the music!

What is keeping you awake at night?
PC: Nothing. I’m exhausted with the jet lag by 9pm….

Who is the biggest threat, and dark horse?
PC: Portugal for me. We bring the party, then they are so calm and poised immediately afterwards.

Zaachariaha is an arresting performer, with Michael full of enthusiasm. It’s been a long time coming, but this platform is their time to shine?
PC: I loved them the first time I heard Z’s voice in 2018, when we selected them for Australia Decides. Z is the real thing. Full of little bites of wisdom, gratitude and power. He’s quite a regal presence, like the lion king of Mimili, SA. Michael is a deadset music genius. Together they are a license for change and hope for our future. I love them dearly and I feel we’ve never worked harder as a team to present their message.

SBS broadcast:

Semi Final One
Australia performs!
Live Wednesday 8 May at 5:00am AEST (replay Friday 10 May at 7:30pm AEST)

Semi Final Two
Live Friday 10 May at 5:00am AEST (replay Saturday 11 May at 7:30pm AEST)

Final
Live Sunday 12 May at 5:00am AEST (replay Sunday 12 May at 7:30pm AEST)

Voting:
Australians can vote Live during Semi Final One 5am AEST Wed May 5 and Final 5am AEST Sun May 12. by following the prompts on screen. The jury and Australian public can vote for any country except Australia.

NB: TV Tonight will be publishing Live results following all early morning broadcasts. Please avert your eyes if you are awaiting primetime replays.

Photo: Sarah-Louise Bennett / EBU