This morning Austria‘s broadcaster got in bright and early to reveal its act for Eurovision 2019. Electronic-pop singer Pænda was introduced as Austria’s act for Tel Aviv on the Ö3-Wecker radio show. She will represent Austria will a song called “Limits”.

Pænda is a Vienna-based artist originally from the Styrian region. While her music could best be described as electronic-pop, Paenda’s biography also notes that “PÆNDA is a conscious tightrope walk, right between listening experience and the force to dance.”

At Eurovision 2019, Pænda will perform the song “Limits”. ORF says the song will be released “in the next few weeks”, and describes it as sounding “very electronic, very reduced” and feeling “extremely modern and fresh.”

Pænda’s name — which can also be spelled Paenda — comes from the giant panda, as she says she resembles one when she wakes up first thing in the morning. Pænda is also known for her colourful hair, sporting a bob dyed in ever-changing tones of blue.

Musically, Pænda is an auteur. She writes all her songs, plays all the instruments and produces all her recordings.

Last year Pænda release her debut album Evolution I, which included the singles “Good Girl” and “Paper-thin”. She will follow that up with her second album, imaginatively titled Evolution II, due for release in April.

Pænda says she loves Eurovision because it shows Europe at its best and stands for cultural diversity and tolerance. Pænda cites Loreen and Alf Poier as her favourite Eurovision artists.

Pænda – “Paper-thin” (2018 single)

Austria at Eurovision

While Austria struggled at Eurovision in the early years of this decade, they made spectacular comeback in 2014. Conchita Wurst gave Austria its second Eurovision win with the now iconic “Rise Like a Phoenix”.

From 2017, ORF has internally selected its act, with decent results. In 2017, Nathan Trent placed 16th with his folky-pop song “Running on Air”. Last year, Cesár Sampson topped the jury vote with “Nobody But You” and placed third overall — giving Austria its third best ever Eurovision result.

With the Pænda having been selected using the same tried and true process, could Austria be in for another successful year?

What do you think? Are you excited to hear Pænda’s song? Tell us what you think in the comments section below!

Get more Austria Eurovision news here

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AngieP
AngieP
5 years ago

Very happy Austria is back on track! Hope they have a good song and achieve a great result.

CyxCy
CyxCy
5 years ago

Last year, Cesar’s song for Austria was my favorite of all, and I am very happy that he climbed to third place. Paenda seems to me another excellent choice and a candidate to follow. (Even though I’m waiting for the song she will present at the contest.)
On the other hand, she seems to me to have enough talent to avoid getting into panties as in this clip. Seriously, did the guy who danced with her need to put on a slip? How much longer will we impose this sexist and unbearable cliche?

brennan
brennan
5 years ago

LOVE HER (at least based on what she’s released on spotify)

brennan
brennan
5 years ago
Reply to  brennan

the drop in ‘Identity’… wow. how any of you can call that dated is beyond me

Lou
Lou
5 years ago

Really want to see Sara de blue at eurovision 🙁 Thought they possibly chose her to represent Austria this year… Pænda seems like a good choice though! c:

MddM
MddM
5 years ago

I just hope they did not pay more attention to being modern than being good. Waiting for the song, her voice sounds interesting

Héctor
Héctor
5 years ago

Past internally selected songs have worked for Austria, so I hope this one is good too. I like what I read.

Daniel
Daniel
5 years ago

Ok, now Austria goes for a risky choice. This can either finish in another Top 5 position or a complete meltdown. It’s all up to the song, because we know for sure we’ll have a very complex choreography

Conor K
Conor K
5 years ago

“Pænda cites Loreen and ALF POIER!!! as her favourite Eurovision artists”
She has my approval!

Skiwalko
Skiwalko
5 years ago
Reply to  Conor K

Totally! “Weil der Mensch zählt” has my Eurovision favourite lyircs of all time! He was brilliant, just like the cartoon animals on stage.

Joe
Joe
5 years ago
Reply to  Conor K

The other Styrian competitor. Doesn’t fill me with confidence but if she combines the weirdness of him with the scope of Loreen we could get something really good.

Skiwalko
Skiwalko
5 years ago

Last year was the year of pink (Lea, Claudia, Saska in Beovizja). Are we going to have a blue theme this year? Raiven & Saska, I’ve got a hair color suggestion for you!
And to say something about the song… I’m not particularly fond of this genre, but maybe we’ll get something with “City Lights” vibe, judging by the short description. Since 2012 Austria never disappointed me with their song, I believe they have something great prepared for us.

TheDrMistery
TheDrMistery
5 years ago
Reply to  Skiwalko

And Marta Ga?uszewska in Polish Krajowe Eliminacje as well.

Skiwalko
Skiwalko
5 years ago
Reply to  TheDrMistery

How could I forget. And Saszan too!

Balint
Balint
5 years ago
Reply to  Skiwalko

And also SuRie

eurovision6
eurovision6
5 years ago

Really interesting, hope the song is good. I like her a lot

Katariina
Katariina
5 years ago

Super excited for this. Definitely the type of artists I want to see at Eurovision. Can’t wait for her song.

Sabrina
Sabrina
5 years ago

I assume she’ll write and producer her song, which is a good sign. Based on her singles, I’ll probably like this one, but I fear it can end up being less “friendly” to a general audience than Austria’s last entries, who worked so well for them.

Stian F
Stian F
5 years ago

2 great choices. I am really excited now. This is the first time ever where I am happy with 95% of what we know of the contest so far… Only San Marino is a let down. I really like all of the songs selected so far as well. That never happens 😉

Joe
Joe
5 years ago
Reply to  Stian F

How could Sir Hot let you down?

FanESC
FanESC
5 years ago

Don’t know why but the description of her song reminds me of “Rhythm inside” from Loïc.

Darude
Darude
5 years ago

DU DU DU DARUDE WILL REPRESENT FINLAND IN EUROVISION 2019!!!

Vol
Vol
5 years ago
Reply to  Darude

Why would he do Eurovision though. That’s weird.

Darude
Darude
5 years ago
Reply to  Vol

He’s going to be the DJ while some other guys he chose Sebastian i think will do the singing

Loin dici
5 years ago

GUYS SANDSTORM GUY IS JOINING EUROVISION!!

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
5 years ago
Reply to  Loin dici

Darude? o.O

Loin dici
5 years ago
Reply to  Briekimchi

YES DARUDE!

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
5 years ago
Reply to  Loin dici

Whoa. Take back any complaints about Finland not doing UMK properly. lol.

Joshua
Joshua
5 years ago

Am I the only one who has the impression that this year internally selected songs will be better than the ones chosen through an NF? I don’t know, just a hunch…

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
5 years ago

Sounds like a positive announcement. Like what I’ve heard so far!

Mr. Vanilla Bean
Mr. Vanilla Bean
5 years ago

Okay, Finland is begging to make number 41 on my list. The countdown on their website ended at 12, just to reveal this statement: “The UMK Press Event starts at 1PM”. Genius, really. Making a countdown for THAT statement. GFY

Mr. Vanilla Bean
Mr. Vanilla Bean
5 years ago

They can’t decide. It started now.

Mr. Vanilla Bean
Mr. Vanilla Bean
5 years ago

And they need three presenters for that announcement. An old dude, the blonde who’s always there and an obligatory queer.

Mr. Vanilla Bean
Mr. Vanilla Bean
5 years ago

It’s a dude named Darude. Not to keen on his goatee, but other than that a cute DJ.

Mr. Vanilla Bean
Mr. Vanilla Bean
5 years ago

Sebastian Rejman is the singer, I suppose.

Mr. Vanilla Bean
Mr. Vanilla Bean
5 years ago

Both dudes seem to like their leather jackets. Certainly a step up from last year’s horror.

Loin dici
5 years ago

Sandstorm guy is in!

Lost in diaspora
Lost in diaspora
5 years ago

I don’t know about “ obligatory queer” but I do know of an obligatory bigot on this forum!

Mr. Vanilla Bean
Mr. Vanilla Bean
5 years ago

I must disappoint you, dear. I despise religion.

Nikki
Nikki
5 years ago

I like her style, the sound you post sounds really nice. Just say her name didn’t make me think about a Panda, but about King Penda of Mercia, a seventh century anglo-saxon monarch.
(Yes, I’m a huge History nerd and I love anglo-saxons)

Elvira
Elvira
5 years ago

Good, us lesbians want some eye-candy too~

More seriously though, I am looking forward to her song! It should be interesting 🙂

Roy Moreno
Roy Moreno
5 years ago

Well, I guess Sara de Blue can wait another year as long as Pænda’s good :3
At least we got the blue hair xD
Sounds very promising! Good luck <3

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
5 years ago

I love how Austria always selects unknown artists. I hope this’ll be another great surprise!

Ted
Ted
5 years ago

The campaign to get WiwiChris to dye his hair blue starts right here 😉

NickC
NickC
5 years ago

High risk-high return situation.

HBau
HBau
5 years ago

Shook. Eth. So excited for the song reveal, but just from the artist reveal I’m getting my first tinges of a winner alert.

Denis
Denis
5 years ago

Austria has become interesting since returning. They are stepping up their game!
This could be really interesting and great!

WannaEatMySpaghetti
WannaEatMySpaghetti
5 years ago

Some serious stuff there! Thank you Austria 🙂 since the country came back in 2011, it is simply great (except in 2012… bruuuuh)

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
5 years ago

And 2015

Miguel
Miguel
5 years ago

I’m not enthusiastic about her music, but she has a great voice (at least in the audios).

Coca-cola
Coca-cola
5 years ago

Her recent track is definitely not “extremely” modern and fresh.
I would say that it’s kind of “dated” since this kind of electro music,with an instrumental part for a chorus was a trend 2-3 years ago.
Having said that Eurovision fans are not so up to date on what’s current in music so I assume no one will bother.

Campbell Grace
Campbell Grace
5 years ago
Reply to  Coca-cola

2-3 years ago is still modern lol?

Coca-cola
Coca-cola
5 years ago
Reply to  Campbell Grace

This is why I said not “extremely” modern.

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
5 years ago
Reply to  Campbell Grace

Not really, pop music spoils like milk. 2017 pop is dated already.

Denis
Denis
5 years ago
Reply to  Coca-cola

Eurovision fans not up to date?
Sure, which is why latin pop Fuego came second and the Me too inspired Israel won.
Not to mention why Loreen won in 2012 with the old fashioned Euphoria

Coca-cola
Coca-cola
5 years ago
Reply to  Denis

Exactly,this is my point: Fuego was very dated but still fans didn’t seem to notice, “Euphoria” was also not following the trends of music in 2012 (EDM) but it still won.

Jo.
Jo.
5 years ago

Haha the fandom will be triggered by that blue hair.

Alaska
Alaska
5 years ago
Reply to  Jo.

Dying the hair blue was “alternative” in the 80s, not anymore, sweetheart…

yom124
yom124
5 years ago

Listened to her music on spotify, actually sounds really good for a solo upcoming artist. Will be interesting to see what she brings to the table. Whether or not she does well we can be sure she will bring something unique to the table.

phil
phil
5 years ago

So, no Eva Braun? Cowards.

Mr. Vanilla Bean
Mr. Vanilla Bean
5 years ago
Reply to  phil

Eva Braun’s song was too weak. I couldn’t get through that repetitive bore a single time.

Stefan Jovanovi?
Stefan Jovanovi?
5 years ago

Do you have a link to the Eva Braun’s song!?

Tonton Fée
Tonton Fée
5 years ago

Nothing special… blah !

Toby
Toby
5 years ago

Fantastic choice, very unique girl, nice vocals. Giving us an edgy vibe. Love her, and have been a fan of her since she was at German TV. I knew I was familiar with her and yeah, she was part of Popstarts 2015 here in Germany, the season wasnt very successful in Germany. But she yet managed to be my favourite. Sooooo cool!
If you wanna know what I mean here is a link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8ahGZbvFSw

esc stan
esc stan
5 years ago

seems like halsey and billie eilish had a baby

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
5 years ago
Reply to  esc stan

I hope she’s 100% Halsey and 0% Billie Eilishit then, we need talent here not tryhards

marty
marty
5 years ago

very promising choice. i guess the song will stand out. Austria got a very interesting music scene which is very strong in electronic music.

James
James
5 years ago

Will she be running/walking on top of a mountain like what Zoe, Nathan trent, and Cesar Sampson did? 😀

Nikki
Nikki
5 years ago
Reply to  James

She seems the urban type, so maybe is running around snowy Vienna this time.

oli
oli
5 years ago

Uh, when I read “electronic-pop” and after going through the description of her music, I was expecting something more intriguing and edgy, in the way of Grimes or Jona lee; but after listening to her songs available, I realized this is more pop than I was expecting, not as exciting as I wished. In any case, it still sounds like a refreshing bet for Austria this year, this country is really stepping up their game.

hebbuzz
hebbuzz
5 years ago

Nice and interesting artist. Good vocals and modern compositions. May be little to niche for eurovision but I welcome non mainstream artists. Austria is proofing very well they bring quality to the contest, in contrary to for example Spain and France.

Bahog Bilal Hassani
Bahog Bilal Hassani
5 years ago

The Limits does not exist (yet)

Loin dici
5 years ago

I have a feeling that we will have a decent amount of electronic indie artists this season, starting from induction of Lake Malawi–and now PÆNDA!

Thomas
Thomas
5 years ago

I took a moment to listen to her stuff. AMAZING! Austria really is coming hard and different from the last two entries. Its also great she writes and produces her own music. I think that Austria may be the dark horse with blue hair to look out for this year.

Nick
Nick
5 years ago

another artist I didn’t know before and I always wonder where does ORF aways find these people. But she looks as a good choice and I’m looking forward to be part of her eurovision journey.

Mr. Vanilla Bean
Mr. Vanilla Bean
5 years ago
Reply to  Nick

At the Viennese clubs or bars this Ö3 Forcher dude frequents, presumably.

Susi
Susi
5 years ago

Very good choice – a singer/songwriter and not a casting show alumn.
And all the Sara de Blue fans got at least their blue dyed hair 🙂

Mr. Vanilla Bean
Mr. Vanilla Bean
5 years ago
Reply to  Susi

That alone already makes her the better choice.

Mr. Vanilla Bean
Mr. Vanilla Bean
5 years ago

I am digging the blue hair though!

Mr. Vanilla Bean
Mr. Vanilla Bean
5 years ago

She decided to write herself Pænda because she found out that when one googles the word Panda, you get a lot of pandas. Deep stuff. Well, hopefully the song will manage to impress.
Finland is next. I am still blind with hope that they’ll announce Mikael Saari.

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
5 years ago

So I can just call her, “Panda” right?