Electric Fields will represent Australia in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö. The duo was selected internally and announced by SBS Australia. They will compete with the song “One Milkali (One Blood).” Due to their previous participation in Australia’s national selection in 2019, Eurovision fans were happy to see them finally representing their country. It’s time to get to know them offstage in these 10 Facts about Electric Fields.
Scroll down for 10 Facts about Electric Fields
10 Facts about Electric Fields
1. Both members are former contestants of X Factor Australia
Zaachariaha competed in X Factor in 2011, performing Tracy Chapman’s “Talkin Bout a Revolution” for his audition. Meanwhile, Michael competed in 2013, singing Phil Collins’ “You Can’t Hurry Love” during his audition.
2. Their music combines Australian cultures and numerous languages.
Michael hails from Adelaide, a city in South Australia. Meanwhile, Zaachariaha originates from Mimili, an Aboriginal community situated in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands (APY Lands) in South Australia. Aboriginal Australians encompass the diverse Indigenous peoples of the Australian mainland and many surrounding islands. The APY Lands constitute a region specifically designated for Aboriginal people, located in the remote northwest of South Australia. In addition to English, their songs incorporate languages indigenous to Aboriginal culture, such as Pitjantjatjara or Yankunytjatjara.
3. They wanted to represent Australia in Eurovision before
Electric Fields competed in Australia’s national selection in 2019 with the song “2000 and Whatever.” The track garnered significant acclaim from Eurovision fans and emerged as a runner-up in the contest, securing a 2nd place from both the jury and the public vote.
4. They collaborated with KEiiNO
Electric Fields teamed up with the well-known Norwegian trio who competed in Eurovision 2019 and won the public vote. This collaboration boosted their popularity in the Eurovision scene. They released the song “Would I Lie?” together.
5. They released the WorldPride song of 2023
Electric Fields released “We the People” last year as the official theme song for WorldPride. They delivered a powerful performance to a crowd of 20,000 attendees at the festival’s opening concert in Sydney’s Domain, emphasizing the message that pride extends beyond mere acceptance to embracing one’s individuality and feeling at home in it.
6. Both members embrace their queer identities
With their motto “bypass the barriers,” Electric Fields, describe themselves as “two feminine brothers.” They proudly embrace their queer identity. Despite their deep bond as friends, their relationship is strictly platonic. They find empowerment in embracing their femininity, believing it adds to their resilience.
7. Zaachariaha is an artist
Aside from music, Zaachariaha is also a painter. He has exhibited his works in several exhibitions and received multiple art awards. During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic in Australia, he sought solace with his family, participating in painting sessions with his nieces and nephews. Upon returning to Adelaide, he joined a community of artists at the APY Art Centre Collective, taking advantage of the opportunity to further develop his skills in visual art.
8. Michael has a fantastic music taste
Some of his favorite artists and greatest musical inspirations in his journey include Mariah Carey, as well as The Cranberries, Tracy Chapman, and Lauryn Hill.
9. They have a documentary made about them
Electric Fields were featured in a documentary titled “Voice From The Desert,” which aired nationally on SBS/NITV from December 10, 2018. The film, part of the Our Stories series, highlights emerging Indigenous Australian creatives and was directed by Daniel Clarke and Amy Pysden.
10. They are 10 years apart
They have a 10-year age gap, with Zaachariaha born in 1991 and Michael in 1981. They affectionately refer to each other as Mala (younger sibling) and Tjutja (older brother).
Come back for more exciting stories and facts about Electric Fields as we head towards pre-parties and Malmö 2024.
Can’t wait to see a man embracing his masculinity at Eurovision. That didn’t happen yet but hopefully one day
They Haven’t performed in the pre-parties have they?
Forget Phil Collins, “You Can’t Hurry Love” is a Supremes song. Holland Dozier Holland, for Motown. Factory pop at its finest!
Great rendition, Michael.