Australia’s first national final, Eurovision – Australia Decides, has been drumming plenty of interest internationally for its February debut. With Australian broadcaster SBS confirming some big names earlier this month, one of the entries has come out swinging.

Indie-pop group Sheppard have said they have a “song written which (is) perfect for Eurovision.” The sextet were announced as participating in the inaugural contest alongside singer-songwriter Kate Miller-Heidke, electronic duo Electric Fields, and Australia’s Got Talent champion Mark Vincent, with other entries yet to be announced.

The group said they’re eager to showcase their newest song, which has a “massive, anthemic Sheppard sound, celebrating the love and the fire that burns within you when you’re in love.”

The group, who have been getting a taster of Eurovision through their most recent European tour, also shared their vision for staging, saying:

“We are also planning an epic performance using technology and colour and light to tell the story in an interesting, unique way”.

And even though the group will be fighting hard to win the national final and represent Australia in 2019, they maintain the typical Australian ethos of mateship, saying that they will support whichever act that wins Eurovision – Australia Decides:

“The chance to represent our country in anything is an offer we couldn’t turn down, and Eurovision is like the Olympics of music. I get the feeling the artists involved will become great friends through the experience, and whoever Australia decides to send over — we will all be cheering.”

Even though Sheppard will be supporting each of their competitors, they will certainly have the home advantage. Based in Brisbane, they have already tasted international success. Their biggest single, “Geronimo”, hit #1 in Australia and charted in the top ten across European charts, amassing over 41 million views on YouTube.

Fellow entrants Electric Fields,  a duo comprised of Zaachariaha Lowah Fielding and Michael Ross, have also appeared in a documentary released earlier this week. Screening on SBS On Demand, Voice from the Desert follows the multi-octave Indigenous Fielding back to his desert home town in Australia, exploring his relationship to Aboriginal country and his experience growing up queer in remote South Australia. You can watch his documentary here.

Plans for Eurovision – Australia Decides, appear to be well under way, with Australia enlisting some support from Sweden’s Melodifestivalen producer Christer Björkman and Eurovision 2014 senior director Per Zachariassen. The pair have been spending time with Australia’s Head of Delegation and producers Paul Clarke and Stephanie Werrett.

SBS has confirmed the grand final of Eurovision – Australia Decides for Saturday 9 February 2019, with the jury show staged the day before. With Australia pulling out the big guns for their inaugural national final, we could be seeing the Melodifestivalen of the southern hemisphere!

How do you rate Sheppard’s chances to win Australia’s national final? Which other singer would you like to see at Eurovision – Australia Decides? Let us know in the comments below.

Read more Australia Eurovision news here

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Skiwalko
Skiwalko
5 years ago

Well, I believe Bjorkman is a good sign – during Melodifestivalen 2018 he said, that Cypriot song is a really good one, and we all know what happened later.

voix
voix
5 years ago

Any bets on whether Sweden and Australia will exchange again 12 points?

ESCFan2009
ESCFan2009
5 years ago

I want Kate Miller-Heidke to win already! “You’ve Underestimated Me, Dude” is a great song by her. It’s a pity that I can’t travel to Australia in February to see my queen live, but it’s so faaar faaar away 😀

123
123
5 years ago

this is the only chance for UK to host Eurovision tbh (referring to one of the previous articles)

Mark
Mark
5 years ago
Reply to  123

If Australia wins, then Germany will host. SBS has close relations with the German Broadcaster and next to no relations with the BBC.

Denis
Denis
5 years ago
Reply to  Mark

I think that was only the deal for 2015 when they were guests. Now they can choose which country they want to hold it in.

Geo
Geo
5 years ago

I can’t stand this man, Bjorkman. He’s like everywhere, so stupid for some countries to invite him and involve him, where is their identity? Their only goal is the qualification, they care less about the song…

Anna
Anna
5 years ago
Reply to  Geo

The man’s doing a good job, so it’s normal that other countries want to learn a thing or two from him.

voix
voix
5 years ago
Reply to  Anna

He doesnt. They produced a winner after 10 years since he became the director of mello. Lets not forget the past

Popyy
Popyy
5 years ago
Reply to  Geo

What a bull! Sweden has been a powerhouse when he is in charge. What’s wrong with countries resorting to him for help?

Henrikh Mugosa
Henrikh Mugosa
5 years ago
Reply to  Popyy

The thing is: can a single country (or a bunch of its nationals) monopolize a whole contest just because they can? Is it in the true spirit of the contest? Is it what the contest was created for?

Denis
Denis
5 years ago
Reply to  Geo

Why not? Björkman is the most experienced out there. He managed to turn MF from an obscure thing to a major event. Plus he does have a thing for hits. He did say Fuego would do great and it did. He knows things.
And seeing how SBS hasn’t done this before it makes sense he advises them

florin
florin
5 years ago

i swear if Sheppard dont win i will riot.. i love them

Mark
Mark
5 years ago
Reply to  florin

I like them, but I love Kate Miller Heidke.

Jo.
Jo.
5 years ago

Oh look, Borkman is involved…

EscAU
EscAU
5 years ago

actually can’t believe we got a national final <3

Cedric
5 years ago

I can’t wait for Sheppard’s song <3 It's gonna be a banger for sure *-*

Popyy
Popyy
5 years ago

It would be more fun if they had semi finals with more songs. Still, can’t wait for the remaining artists.

Phillbot84
Phillbot84
5 years ago

So excited for this… especially Electric Fields!

Mark
Mark
5 years ago
Reply to  Phillbot84

I predict Electric Fields will miss the mark because their perception is Eurovision is off base.