Broadcaster SBS has again announced another two artists to join the lineup for the national selection Eurovision – Australia Decides, bringing the revealed artists to six.
Art pop auteur Montaigne and alternative artist Didirri will each perform a new original entry for their chance to represent Australia in Rotterdam in May.
SBS formally confirmed the first two artists with their official announcement today at 14:01 CET (12:01 Australian Eastern Daylight Time).
Montaigne
24 year old Montaigne has made quite the impact on the Australian indie music scene, making the coveted Triple J’s Hottest 100 list, an annual poll of popular-voted favourite songs. Receiving many accolades, she’s also won an ARIA award in 2016 for Best Breakthrough Artist and a nomination for Best Female Artist on her debut album ‘Glorious Heights’.
Her most recent album “Complex” was released in August this year, to critical acclaim. Publication BEAT described her style on the album colourfully:
“(Complex) shines as an unapologetic storyteller. It’s embedded in toxic environments and self-destructive behaviour but, like all good stories, Montaigne emerges worn but strong – an independent and evolved hero.”
Montaigne hopes to capitalise on Australia Decides as a way to bring out her inner-diva, showcasing another side to the varied singer:
“I’m excited to participate in Eurovision – Australia Decides for the opportunity to release the part of me that is dramatic and extreme. I manage to do it without a massive international music event as impetus, but on the big stage in Europe in front of millions would be everything the drama queen egomaniac inside me could want and more. It’s licence to let her out. And of course to represent my country! I didn’t quite get that far in football, so it would be cool to do it in music. It’s like the World Cup for pop.”
Didirri
The son of a painter and children’s performer, singer-songwriter Didirri honed his ability to perform in public as a circus performer. As a teenager, he learned to play music at on the piano, before learning guitar and earning a Bachelor of Music.
His debut EP Measurements has collected over 30 million streams, and led the singer to playing renowned festivals including the UK’s The Great Escape and Latitude Festival, Australia’s Splendour In The Grass and Barcelona’s Primavera Sound. He’s also honed his connections on the Australian music scene, having shared the stage with well-known acts Vance Joy, Hozier, Tash Sultana, The Temper Trap and more.
Despite his recent up and coming fame, Didirri’s passion revolves around connecting honestly with audiences in a live setting, from intimate shows in living rooms, busking on streets, or performing at festivals – which makes him the perfect candidate for Australia Decides.
Didirri spoke of his late-entry into the Eurovision scene, as well as his love for Eurovision royalty, ABBA:
“I have always been interested in writers. Although the world of Eurovision is new to me, from the outside it seems to respect a well written song above all else. People seem to be free to express their art in whatever way they want. I’m a fan of ABBA, they wrote unfiltered, iconic anthems. My sister and I used to sing their stuff together in the bathroom. Who knows how they have influenced me, I’m quite a mix bag of ideas. Personal experience inspires most of my own writing – all I hope to do is to help people express some part of themselves. I’m also over the moon to be joining the line-up with my friend Montaigne who I respect very much.”
Creative Director for the national final and Head of Delegation Paul Clarke said of the two artist announcements:
“I’ve been watching the careers of Didirri and Montaigne for a long time. They’ve been two of the most exciting Australian songwriters and performers to emerge in recent years, and we’re delighted to have them perform in Eurovision – Australia Decides. They bring a different energy and audience to the event, and you can feel the brilliant diversity of talent who are gathering. We can promise a terrific show in February – it will be next level!
Montaigne and Didirri join the previously announced lineup for Australia Decides, including Casey Donovan, Vanessa Amorosi, Mitch Tambo and iOTA.
Eurovision – Australia Decides will take place on the Gold Coast on February 7 (preview show) and February 8 (Grand Final).
What do you think of Montaigne’s and Didirri’s addition to the national final line up? Let us know in the comments below.
I think a musical style like Didirri’s might be a little but niche, but if he is allowed staging which showcases his emotional vulnerability he could connect to a lot of people and be successful.
Two incredible additions. I specially like Didirri. Good, good! Hope Electric Fields are in again, though they most probably won’t.
We were sharing our concerns about some national finals becoming too safe in the other post, Tibor, but Australia’s is doing an interesting job so far. There’s a little bit of everything in their selection. I hope everyone delivers what they can do best with their songs.
Internal selections sometimes make sense (for example, I think it was the right move for Spain and the UK at the moment, while other countries have no reason to stop a series of solid internal choices), but I don’t like when people want to get rid of a national final because they didn’t like the winner or the result in Eurovision wasn’t great. First because the result is not necessarily linked to the quality of the entry. Second because… well, there’s a big chance the internal selection will be made by the same people who picked the entries to the… Read more »
Could I just say… As an alternative Australian, very very happy for these two artists. Just with Montaigne, I bet SBS are concerned (if chosen) about her verbal diarrhoea in lead up interviews as well as the possibility of using the platform to advance unrelated issues (refugee freedom at the arias). But hey, may the best song win, I really hope they bring knockout songs. Massive fan of ‘Because I love Your. Bring it girl.
Based on the few songs I’ve heard from her, I imagine part of Montaigne’s charm is being outspoken. But yeah, when you’re representing a country in Eurovision, I imagine you have to be more diplomatic. Unless of course, you’re Hatari and being edgy is part of your act.
I totally agree with your points. In the end, the important thing is to have qualified and modern thinking people making decisions. Going internal make things more focused, but it won’t help if the decisions keep being the wrong ones.
Loved both of them! Montaigne’s sound is so fresh and Didirri has a retro vibe on his voice that really pleases me.
Bravo! Some indie. Very promissing. Early to say…but would be great if one of them wins
Good. New faces with different music style. It seems that there won’t be returning artists from last year.
Didn’t Sheppard say they might try this year? They are one of the biggest names in Australia so hope to see them
Indeed – Montaigne promises a lot ! Australia seems to be one of the most interesting countries this year on the way to Rotterdam. Not only singers from diverse casting shows and typical “fanfriendly” m usic (pathetic divas, europop etc.) and instead very unusual acts. Thumbs up, down under !
when do the songs come out?
January is likely.
I really hope Sheldon Riley will make it
Seems ‘Blue Mood Rising’ has some possibilities of being Didirri’s AD entry.
Finally someone who I’m excited about, was worried it would be only older forgotten stars and some reality show alums. Have high hopes for this two!
from the photo i thought didirri was reece mastin