Austria’s entry for Eurovision 2017 wasn’t due to be released until Tuesday morning. But Nathan Trent‘s song “Running On Air” has now appeared on Spotify — and the good news is it’s not another ballad.

Note: The song may not be available in all countries.

“Running on Air” begins with a simple accompaniment of clean guitar and finger snaps. It slowly builds with more instruments coming in.

The song has a simple folky, slightly soul feeling to it. Nathan Trent cites Justin Timberlake as an influence, and it’s clear to hear a JT flavour coming through, though with a more folky feeling to it.

The good news for Austria is that so far there are no songs in Eurovision 2017 in this style. In a year that’s full of dramatic ballads, there’s a chance that the more upbeat and stripped-back “Running on Air” could stand out.

The lyrics are positive and uplifting. Nathan sings of the experiences, struggles and support he has had in live, and how he’ll always “keep running, I won’t stop”. It’s a song of perseverance, of keeping going no matter what happens in life.

Nathan even has a few chances to show off his voice, with one especially big glory note at the end.

“Running on Air” clocks in at 2:48, significantly shorter than most Eurovision songs that get in as close to the three-minute mark as possible. Last year Douwe Bob’s “Slow Down” was two seconds slower, coming in at 2:46, though he extended it with a long pause as part of the staging.

The song was intended to be released on Tuesday morning, as part of the morning show of Austrian radio station Ö3. It’s not known whether this debut will still take place.

National broadcaster OR internally selected the 24-year-old newcomer as Austria’s act for Kyiv. Trent’s song — which was self-written — impressed the broadcaster which led them to select him for Kyiv.

What do you think of Nathan Trent’s song? Can “Running on Air” get Austria into the grand final again? Share your thoughts below!

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Adria
6 years ago

This internet site is definitely a walk-through for all the info you wanted about this and didn’t know who to ask. Glimpse here, and you will surely discover it.

D
D
7 years ago

At 100-1 odds this is great value – really like the song and there is a big ending. If the live performance is good surely he has an outside chance in a lacklustre (so far, early days) year.

Justin K.
Justin K.
7 years ago

To me, this sounds more expensive than Spain if we’re talking about guitar-centric tracks. Should Austria make it to the Final, it’ll be interesting how the voting goes—I think this song is stronger than “Do it for Your Lover,” but I have a feeling the vote would be split between the two. It’s not a standout like everyone is saying, but it has a very 2010-2011 vibe when these kinds of songs were ubiquitous in the competition. By having this kind of song 6 years later, it might actually sound nice and fresh compared to a lot of the electronic… Read more »

AngieP
AngieP
7 years ago

This is a really good song! I like the tempo, it’s simple yet beautiful! I think many people will like it!
Like it!
Good job Austria!

MTD
MTD
7 years ago

To the ones down saying that someone likes this song, but didn’t Frans’s from last year…how to spell this for you? This one has the charm (and a likable singer), while Frans last year was…that pretentious kid in the class that had all those gadgets that his parents bought him all along with that tune that had the marketing coverage to make it big post-ESC. Yup. And I don’t see someone hating Nathan AS MUCH as Frans was hated last year solely by that fact. And now, Frans’s song didn’t send me up on the beach, it made me cringe.… Read more »

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
7 years ago

The song is completely inoffensive, can’t say that I like it because it’s just too safe. The performance will either make it or break it.

Yudhistira Mahasena
7 years ago

Sounds like an Ed Sheeran song IMO.

Ohi
Ohi
7 years ago

Reminds me of Denmark 2005 Talking to you. Should qualify but depends on live performance

Adele
Adele
7 years ago

I Really don’t like this song. Such cliche lyrics and the song makes me fall asleep. I Don’t see this qualifying, but it is in the weaker semifinal so u never know!

Erik
Erik
7 years ago

Eurofans like this and not Frans in 2016 (which was much better)?!?! What’s wrong with you?

Leo M
Leo M
7 years ago

I like it. I was expecting something good from Austria and they didn’t disappoint. It doesn’t have that WOW moment to make it a contender but I reckon Austria can definitely make the final

escAU
escAU
7 years ago

The ‘whoa whoa’ is giving me Freddie pioneer vibes

James
James
7 years ago

This the kind of song Brendan Murray would get death threats by ESC fans for sending yet somehow Nathan gets a free pass…interesting

Juuseven
Juuseven
7 years ago

I’m not impressed at all with this. Soooo Booooring. Even Spain became better than this.

DenizNL
DenizNL
7 years ago

I knew Nathan wouldn’t let me down, I love this already. Great stuff!

(J)ESC Fanatic
(J)ESC Fanatic
7 years ago

It looks like Austria does not want to win again. It’s an OK track, needs more oomph, more punch, something…

zheng
zheng
7 years ago

WOW! This song is so catchy

Skat
Skat
7 years ago

Lol, I as an Austrian, couldn’t care less about that song. Cannot imagine it being successful anywhere.
ORF try next year.

Music is the key
Music is the key
7 years ago

This is a nice “wake up call” song. Simple feelgood!

I like it…WAY BETTER than 2016 or 2014 (both bad and overrated!)

It’s a bit Jason Mraz…Maybe Ed Sharnan. With some rnb thwon in. This feelgood singer/song type is popular. I like the vibe.

In semi 1 esp. Austria stands a chance with this….along with boring ballads like Georgia et. They can do well in ESC. Maybe for ONCE Austria gets the result they deserve…..

James
James
7 years ago

Reminds me of Frans with it being the most radio friendly entry we have had so far.

Relieved that its not a ballad!!

Lisa
Lisa
7 years ago

I love it!! Even though I expected an upbeat song from him I’m not disappointed. It has such a feel-good feeling and I’m sure it will be great live

Avstriya
Avstriya
7 years ago

Boring. NEXT!

Nickc
Nickc
7 years ago

Not a winner, but sure qualifier. It will end up mid table in the final.

Roelof Meesters
Roelof Meesters
7 years ago

This semi is probably a HEAVEN for Austria (The Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, Serbia, Hungary and other countries wo would maybe give 2-3 points) and this song is very smooth, and VERY nice. I remember it for a very long time and it’s not something new, but it is something new to the contest.

Trululu
7 years ago

@Nikos Being Austria and having Germany in the same Semi is not a guarantee for Points and passing. Those two don’t tend to vote for each other in a way like Greece/ Cyprus.

Nick
Nick
7 years ago

It’s a nice song. I don’t get people who already call this a non-qualifier, but rank song like malta higher than this..

I hope it will do well c:

Kris
Kris
7 years ago

I like it. This genre is quite popular for songs in my country. Good job for not being a ballad.*insert sigh of relief emoji”

Nikos
Nikos
7 years ago

I’m liking this one too. I think Austria has a pretty good chance to qualify combined with the fact that Germany and Switzerland are in the same semifinal. Well done Osterreich!

ESC84
ESC84
7 years ago

It’ s like satellite in 2011.
So far,
1. Italy
2. France
3. Austria
4. Belarus
5. Hungary

blondboybc
blondboybc
7 years ago

As expected, a so-so R&B English ballad, but nothing to get excited about. Falls about mid-table for me. Borderline qualifier, unless he can bring great staging. Not a fan of this genre. Bring back Zoe next year!!

chromium
chromium
7 years ago

A very nice stripped back R&B song. If he nails those high notes live, then this could definitely qualify 🙂

Coolhand
Coolhand
7 years ago

I’m Obsessed with this omg!!! Will be so relaxing to listen to this inbetween screeching women!

Maclaren
Maclaren
7 years ago

It’s inoffensive and… that’s all really. Would not bank qualifying at this stage

Valeryn
Valeryn
7 years ago

I love this.. it’s so laid back and chill. Such a welcome song in this year’s pool. My fourth place at the moment.

JonathanUK
JonathanUK
7 years ago

Not feeling this one tbh… Although Nathan is a great singer so fingers crossed he makes the entry stand out!

Sam ESC
Sam ESC
7 years ago

for me he is 11th out of 19 so far. There is nothing wrong with this song, it is just a little boring and I see it as a non qualifier because unfortunately I have a feeling it will not be remembered in Kyiv.

am.casablancas
am.casablancas
7 years ago

this song it’s wonderful but it doesn’t fit the artist entirely, see if Austria would have given him an R&B song he would have probably nailed it since that’s his genre. But the song it’s good and it’s decent, might get them to the final since he has a gigantic charisma and lovely personality, if you didn’t saw his ESC Speeddating video you probably won’t get what I’m saying.

DR
DR
7 years ago

It’s okay. Nice to have a non ballad. It’s not really doing anything for me. It’s nice, but just nice. It could do a Malta 2013 and do better than most people would think. But for me… It’s a little dated and not a huge fan.

Frifri
Frifri
7 years ago

Chill but boring. Not bad and not great.

mad-professor
mad-professor
7 years ago

It’s quite… eh. It’s not bad, but it’s not that great. Reminds me of Standing Still but that was a more interesting song. Nathan’s a good singer though.

Ruud
Ruud
7 years ago

I was expecting something cool and all, but THIS IS AMAZINGGGG!!! I absolutely love it!! Very different than anything we’ve seen uptill now. Could do very well, especially with the juries. Good luck Nathan! slay slay slaaayy

Austrian Ari
Austrian Ari
7 years ago

Now that his entry is out there, one thing is clear: He’s already a winner for dodging the dreadful German selection. Whatever the outcome will be, he won’t embarrass himself like the German girl.

Hayley
Hayley
7 years ago

WOW I’m really impressed by this honestly, I’m usually like William and only wet myself over solo female singers but this is going straight into my top 3 with Hungary and Switzerland this is REALLY good! I’m so disappointed Australia got drawn into the first semi…

D
D
7 years ago

Boring

Austrian Ari
Austrian Ari
7 years ago

It’s an acceptable effort, actually. Not cringing at my country’s entry is the best result I could expect from our broadcaster. Too soon to say, but I feel like we might make the final again, if performs and stages it well. It’s a nice try but I have no desire to listen to it for a second time. Dutch Douwe Bob was one of my favorites last year, I just don’t see his kind of charisma in Nathan, though. But it’s a nice try and get-through-able, certainly okay enough to justify a spot in the final. I’d be interested how… Read more »

cheesecake
cheesecake
7 years ago

Well, this is okay. Nothing too exciting about it, but nice.
And at least better than what he would’ve got if he had made it to the German final…

fikri
fikri
7 years ago

this is quite good. i’m not mad at it.

Paul D.
Paul D.
7 years ago

Wasn’t expecting much from him but I really like it 😉 with good staging and performance this can do well

MTD
MTD
7 years ago

This is pleasant for my ears and my mind. I am already somewhere on the beach with the tune in the back somewhere. Oh my. Love this. My personal fave for now.

Everything else chosen is meh. For now.

Daniel
Daniel
7 years ago

Yay! Thanks for the links to youtube :).
I really love this one. Austria, congratulations on taking my top spot!
1. AUSTRIA
2. Moldova
3. France
4. Latvia
5. Finland/Switzerland