Up until now I believe I've made a pretty good case for why Australia should be allowed to enter Eurovision. Sure there are issues (see Why can't Australia compete in Eurovision?) but we Australians genuinely love Eurovision (see Why does Australia love Eurovision?). We have the talent (see Who could represent Australia in Eurovision? and Who else could represent Australia in Eurovision?), we have a wonderful long term broadcaster (see SBS and Eurovision), and we have competed and won it before (see The Secret History of Australians in Eurovision).
It is now time that we hear from Europe. The only way that EBU will recognize this campaign is if we get the word out that Australia wants be in Eurovision. There are a few things I would like to see.
Firstly, a statement of support during the Eurovision broadcast from SBS that they are with us in our push for inclusion in Eurovision. Next year will be the 30th year of SBS broadcasting Eurovision, the perfect year to enter the contest!
Secondly, I want to hear that Europe wants us in Eurovision. There are clearly nations which would benefit from Australia being included in Eurovsion (see Who would Australia vote for?), but I'm sure there are many more countries who would love for Australia to bring our own unique flavour into the melting pot that is Eurovision.
Our time has come! We want to hear from Europe during the Eurovision telecast! If you are an artist, a producer or voting spokesperson we'd love to hear your support!! Australia for Eurovision Song Contest 2013!! You must say yes!!!
Friday 25 May 2012
Thursday 24 May 2012
Who would Australia vote for?
Everyone is aware that block voting has been part of Eurovsion for many many years. If Australia were added to Eurovision, it would certainly add a new dimension to this style of voting. We are not geographically close to any of Europe but we do have a large percentage of our population with European heritage. It stands to reason to ask, which European countries have the most to gain by Australia joining Eurovision. Who would we vote for?
Historically we have links to a number of European nations. The most significant of these are clearly the United Kingdom and Ireland. Interestingly, Australians a very competitive with the English in particular (while being very fond of Scotland) which might actually work against the United Kingdom. Australia also has very large population groups that identify as being of European culture heritage. Most notably we have a large population or residents who identify as Greek, Italian and German (see Point 2 in Why does Australia love Eurovsion?).
Interestingly, Australia's Eurovision broadcasters SBS have been running their own televoting for Eurovision (which of course does not count towards the final result) for a number of years now. There has been a few interesting results. A quick study of the 2011 and the 2010 votes show a couple of trends. It seems that the countries that benefit most from Australia's votes are Ireland, Greece and interestingly Serbia. All three of these countries were more popular in Australia than they were in the final Eurovision count. Bosnia & Herzegovina and the Ukraine were both surprisingly in the top 10 for both years as well. The UK also did better than they should have in the Australia voting, although not well enough to get them close to the top of the list.
On the flip side, Australia joining Eurovision is bad news for this years host country Azerbaijan. In the Australian charts, Azerbaijan came 18th in 2010 and were dead last in 2011 when they won Eurovision.
Historically we have links to a number of European nations. The most significant of these are clearly the United Kingdom and Ireland. Interestingly, Australians a very competitive with the English in particular (while being very fond of Scotland) which might actually work against the United Kingdom. Australia also has very large population groups that identify as being of European culture heritage. Most notably we have a large population or residents who identify as Greek, Italian and German (see Point 2 in Why does Australia love Eurovsion?).
Interestingly, Australia's Eurovision broadcasters SBS have been running their own televoting for Eurovision (which of course does not count towards the final result) for a number of years now. There has been a few interesting results. A quick study of the 2011 and the 2010 votes show a couple of trends. It seems that the countries that benefit most from Australia's votes are Ireland, Greece and interestingly Serbia. All three of these countries were more popular in Australia than they were in the final Eurovision count. Bosnia & Herzegovina and the Ukraine were both surprisingly in the top 10 for both years as well. The UK also did better than they should have in the Australia voting, although not well enough to get them close to the top of the list.
On the flip side, Australia joining Eurovision is bad news for this years host country Azerbaijan. In the Australian charts, Azerbaijan came 18th in 2010 and were dead last in 2011 when they won Eurovision.
Wednesday 23 May 2012
The Secret History of Australians in Eurovision
Australia as a country cannot compete in Eurovision. That is true, at least it has been up until now. However today on the Australia4ESC blog I am going to let you in on a little secret. Australians have been secretly competing in Eurovision for years without anyone in Europe having any idea! Not only have we competed in Eurovision, we've won!
Starting with Olivia Newton-John (emigrated to Melbourne,Victoria at age 6) competing for the United Kingdom in 1974, we have been subtly appearing as other countries entries once or twice a decade for the last 40 years. John Farrar (born in Melbourne,Victoria) led The Shadows as the UK's entry in 1975, after early being a backing singer when Cliff Richard entered in 1973.
More recently we have had Gina G (from Brisbane, Queensland) represent the UK in 1996, and Jane Comeford (born in Newcastle, New South Wales) as part of Texas Lightning representing Germany in 2006. We also had Bobby Andonov (born in Melbourne,Victoria) represent Macedonia in Junior Eurovision in 2008 (see perfomance here). In 2009 we had Australians Craig Porteils and Cameron Giles-Webb write the Greece's entry This Is Our Night sung by the wonderful Sakis Rouvas.
Australia's greatest Eurovision triumph is the man they call Mr Eurovision Johnny Logan. He represented Ireland as an artist in 1980, as a composer 1984, as both artist and composer in 1987, and as a composer in 1992. Johnny has the amazing record of 3 Eurovision wins and one second place from 4 attempts! Not to bad for a boy born in Frankston,Victoria!!
Starting with Olivia Newton-John (emigrated to Melbourne,Victoria at age 6) competing for the United Kingdom in 1974, we have been subtly appearing as other countries entries once or twice a decade for the last 40 years. John Farrar (born in Melbourne,Victoria) led The Shadows as the UK's entry in 1975, after early being a backing singer when Cliff Richard entered in 1973.
More recently we have had Gina G (from Brisbane, Queensland) represent the UK in 1996, and Jane Comeford (born in Newcastle, New South Wales) as part of Texas Lightning representing Germany in 2006. We also had Bobby Andonov (born in Melbourne,Victoria) represent Macedonia in Junior Eurovision in 2008 (see perfomance here). In 2009 we had Australians Craig Porteils and Cameron Giles-Webb write the Greece's entry This Is Our Night sung by the wonderful Sakis Rouvas.
Australia's greatest Eurovision triumph is the man they call Mr Eurovision Johnny Logan. He represented Ireland as an artist in 1980, as a composer 1984, as both artist and composer in 1987, and as a composer in 1992. Johnny has the amazing record of 3 Eurovision wins and one second place from 4 attempts! Not to bad for a boy born in Frankston,Victoria!!
Who else could represent Australia in Eurovision?
I have made it very clear that my favourite in terms of an artist for Eurovsion this year is Melbourne rock band Toehider. You can read all about that in my previous post here.
But Australian music is much bigger than one (albeit totally awesome) band. Let's have a look at some other great Australian artists who wouldn't be out of place in Eurovsion!
Recent artists:
I could easily add 10 more to both these lists. We just have a million artist over so may styles, it would almost impossible to pick just one. It is also worth considering that music-based reality television shows are incredibly popular here in Australia. If SBS ran a show similar to the German "Our Star For X" shows, who knows what kind of talent they would find!
But Australian music is much bigger than one (albeit totally awesome) band. Let's have a look at some other great Australian artists who wouldn't be out of place in Eurovsion!
Recent artists:
- Art vs Science
- The Beards
- Bluejuice
- The Grates
- Stonefield
- Ball Park Music
- Eagle and the Worm
- Lisa Mitchell
- Washington
- Architecture in Helsinki
- World-wide number 1 artist Gotye
- Regurgitator
- Seeker Lover Keeper
- The Cat Empire
- Jazz legend James Morrison and his band
- Classic mullet rockers AC/DC
- Children's entertainers The Wiggles
I could easily add 10 more to both these lists. We just have a million artist over so may styles, it would almost impossible to pick just one. It is also worth considering that music-based reality television shows are incredibly popular here in Australia. If SBS ran a show similar to the German "Our Star For X" shows, who knows what kind of talent they would find!
Sunday 20 May 2012
Who could represent Australia in Eurovision?
I have been asked a lot since starting this campaign who I would have represent Australia in Eurovsion. Before I get to that, let me say a few things about the music industry in Australia.
Australia has a wonderful and diverse music industry. Being a country which is isolated from many other parts of the world has meant that our entertainment industry has developed in a unique and robust manner, with a long and colourful history. The music industry is a great example of this. From long running music tv shows like Countdown and Rage, to national youth radio broadcaster Triple J, Australians have always prided themselves on the quality of our homegrown talent. Our music is as diverse as the Australian culture, with our own industries for Hip Hop, Alternative Rock, Country, Jazz, Blues & Roots, Pop and Indigenous music which are distinctly our own.
My personal tastes bias me towards one particular area of Australian music, the alternative music popularised by Australia's government supported youth radio network Triple J. I have been a long time listener to the Triple J and I cannot pretend that this would not affect the bands that I would select for Eurovsion. Having said that, even with this particular bias, there is generally a wealth of unique talent that could make Australia proud. Triple J supports fostering fresh Australian music through various means including their second digital radio station Triple J Unearthed which plays exclusively independant and unsigned Australian music, as well as an online portal for these artists.
I will make a separate post with many more possible artist who would be wonderful at Eurovision, but I have one favourite song at the moment that I believe needs to be singled out.
My number one choice for Eurovision 2012 had Australia been able to enter is a song by Triple J Unearthed band called Toehider. The song I would nominate would be called 'I must say yes'. This song is a downloadable MP3 from their Triple J Unearthed profile here.
Here is a look at the song on YouTube (Warning: There is some mild language in this song in particular one word starting with f, so please take note before listening):
And if you want to know if it is possible to play this song live...
Or acoustic...
If that song doesn't convince you that Australia should be in Eurovision, I don't know what could! Australia4ESC!!!!
Australia has a wonderful and diverse music industry. Being a country which is isolated from many other parts of the world has meant that our entertainment industry has developed in a unique and robust manner, with a long and colourful history. The music industry is a great example of this. From long running music tv shows like Countdown and Rage, to national youth radio broadcaster Triple J, Australians have always prided themselves on the quality of our homegrown talent. Our music is as diverse as the Australian culture, with our own industries for Hip Hop, Alternative Rock, Country, Jazz, Blues & Roots, Pop and Indigenous music which are distinctly our own.
My personal tastes bias me towards one particular area of Australian music, the alternative music popularised by Australia's government supported youth radio network Triple J. I have been a long time listener to the Triple J and I cannot pretend that this would not affect the bands that I would select for Eurovsion. Having said that, even with this particular bias, there is generally a wealth of unique talent that could make Australia proud. Triple J supports fostering fresh Australian music through various means including their second digital radio station Triple J Unearthed which plays exclusively independant and unsigned Australian music, as well as an online portal for these artists.
I will make a separate post with many more possible artist who would be wonderful at Eurovision, but I have one favourite song at the moment that I believe needs to be singled out.
My number one choice for Eurovision 2012 had Australia been able to enter is a song by Triple J Unearthed band called Toehider. The song I would nominate would be called 'I must say yes'. This song is a downloadable MP3 from their Triple J Unearthed profile here.
Here is a look at the song on YouTube (Warning: There is some mild language in this song in particular one word starting with f, so please take note before listening):
And if you want to know if it is possible to play this song live...
Or acoustic...
If that song doesn't convince you that Australia should be in Eurovision, I don't know what could! Australia4ESC!!!!
Friday 18 May 2012
Why can't Australia compete in Eurovsion?
It seems like quite an easy question to answer, Australia can't compete in Eurovision because it isn't in Europe, right? Well it isn't quiet that simple. Indeed there have been countries geographically outside of Europe competing since 1973. Indeed 3 West Asian nations (Israel, Cyprus and Armenia), 1 North African (Morocco) and 4 transcontinental nations (Turkey, Russia, Georgia and last years winner Azerbaijan) have competed in Eurovision. So non-european countries can enter Eurovision!
Technically Australia can't compete in Eurovision because it can't have an active member broadcaster in the European Broadcast Union (EBU). To be in the EBU the broadcaster must be in the European Broadcasting Area, or be in a Council of Europe member country. The definition of the European Broadcasting Area is made by the International Telecommunication Union: "European Broadcasting Area: is bounded on the west by the western boundary of Region 1, on the east by the meridian 40° East of Greenwich and on the south by the parallel 30° North so as to include the northern part of Saudi Arabia and that part of those countries bordering the Mediterranean within these limits. In addition, Iraq, Jordan and that part of the territory of Syrian Arab Republic, Turkey and Ukraine lying outside the above limits are included in the European Broadcasting Area."
Clearly Australia isn't a member of the Council of Europe, and we cannot have a broadcaster in the European Broadcasting Area. It is true that under the current rules we cannot be an active member of the EBU. We do have three associate members of the EBU FreeTV, ABC and current Eurovision broadcaster SBS. It is clearly stated that being an associate member does not allow a country entry into the Eurovision system.
It is clear that for Australia to compete in Eurovision these rules would have to be changed, or an exception would have to be made. Perhaps allowing associate member nations to compete in Eurovision allow for the competition to continue to grow outside Europe. If that would allow to many nations to apply, the EBU could introduce an extra level of membership above associate and below full member (such as a special associate), which allows for the entry into the Eurovision system with special constraints which preserve the integrity of the system suchs as live broadcasting guarantees, hosting restrictions and revocation rights.
Technically Australia can't compete in Eurovision because it can't have an active member broadcaster in the European Broadcast Union (EBU). To be in the EBU the broadcaster must be in the European Broadcasting Area, or be in a Council of Europe member country. The definition of the European Broadcasting Area is made by the International Telecommunication Union: "European Broadcasting Area: is bounded on the west by the western boundary of Region 1, on the east by the meridian 40° East of Greenwich and on the south by the parallel 30° North so as to include the northern part of Saudi Arabia and that part of those countries bordering the Mediterranean within these limits. In addition, Iraq, Jordan and that part of the territory of Syrian Arab Republic, Turkey and Ukraine lying outside the above limits are included in the European Broadcasting Area."
Clearly Australia isn't a member of the Council of Europe, and we cannot have a broadcaster in the European Broadcasting Area. It is true that under the current rules we cannot be an active member of the EBU. We do have three associate members of the EBU FreeTV, ABC and current Eurovision broadcaster SBS. It is clearly stated that being an associate member does not allow a country entry into the Eurovision system.
It is clear that for Australia to compete in Eurovision these rules would have to be changed, or an exception would have to be made. Perhaps allowing associate member nations to compete in Eurovision allow for the competition to continue to grow outside Europe. If that would allow to many nations to apply, the EBU could introduce an extra level of membership above associate and below full member (such as a special associate), which allows for the entry into the Eurovision system with special constraints which preserve the integrity of the system suchs as live broadcasting guarantees, hosting restrictions and revocation rights.
Thursday 17 May 2012
SBS and Eurovision
The Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) is an Australian Free-To-Air television network. Since it started broadcasting in 1979 SBS has provided multilingual and multicultural programs which reflect the multicultural nation of Australia. As part of this agenda, SBS has been showing the Eurovision Song Contest annually since 1983 and have played a large part in developing the poplularity of the contest in Australia.
Since 2009 Sam Pang and Julia Zemiro have travelled to Eurovsion as the official commentators for the Australian broadcast of Eurovision. SBS had previously been airing BBC coverage of the event with the very popular commentary by Terry Wogan. It has been said that Eurovision is consistently one of the most watched non-sport programs on SBS Television each year, and last year had over half a million viewers.
You can follow the antics of the SBS Eurovision team on twitter here. Wouldn't it be great if the 30th year of Euovision coverage for SBS was the first year that Australia was able to compete?
Since 2009 Sam Pang and Julia Zemiro have travelled to Eurovsion as the official commentators for the Australian broadcast of Eurovision. SBS had previously been airing BBC coverage of the event with the very popular commentary by Terry Wogan. It has been said that Eurovision is consistently one of the most watched non-sport programs on SBS Television each year, and last year had over half a million viewers.
You can follow the antics of the SBS Eurovision team on twitter here. Wouldn't it be great if the 30th year of Euovision coverage for SBS was the first year that Australia was able to compete?
Wednesday 9 May 2012
Why does Australia love Eurovsion?
It is clearly documented that Austrlia loves Eurovision (see
The special relationship: Australia and its love of Eurovision and Growing Eurovision popularity in Australia). But why is a singing contest for a continent on the other side of the world enjoyed so thoroughly by Australians? Here are a few reasons I've thought of:
The special relationship: Australia and its love of Eurovision and Growing Eurovision popularity in Australia). But why is a singing contest for a continent on the other side of the world enjoyed so thoroughly by Australians? Here are a few reasons I've thought of:
- Australians love a good party! Any excuse for a getting a group together is a good excuse in Australia. It certainly helps that SBS who broadcast the Eurovision Song Contest do so during prime time over a "Eurovision weekend" of Friday, Saturday and Sunday night (This delayed telecast is part of the problem with Australia joining Eurovsion, but we talk about that later!). It is around this time of years most years that the typical Eurovision Drinking Games start to be sent around. These games to tend to make a Eurovision Party a bit wilder.
- Australia is a very multicultural country. As the song says, from all the lands on Earth we come. We have a clear colonial connection (and rivalry) with the United Kingdom and Ireland. We also have a diverse and widespread collection of continental Europeans as well. Melbourne is well known as having one of the largest Greek communties outside of Greece (roughly the same number as live in New York City). According to Wikipedia over 4% of Australians identify as being of Italian ancestry, and roughly the same amout of German ancestry. Indeed, Brisbane hosts it's own version of Oktoberfest every year (See Reason 1 Australians love a good party!).
- Australia has a great sense of humour. It is slightly concerning that even our own government goes to great lengths to explain that we have a sense of humour. As a nation we tend to love anything that doesn't take itself to seriously, which certainly Eurovision does not. We especially love self-depricating humour, and share an affinity with other cultures with similar values.
- Australia loves pop music. Like it or not Australia is a huge consumer of music in general and pop music specifically. There is no suprise that 2010's winning song Satelitte by Lena from Germany peaked at 37 on the Australian charts.
What is Eurovision?
The Eurovsion Song Contest is an annual song competition held between the active member countures of the European Broadcasting Union. It has been held since 1956. The contest is hosted by the country which won the previous years competition, hence the 2012 edition will be hosted in the 2011 winning country Azerbaijan. This years competition will see 43 countries compete to be Europe's favourite song. The winner is selected based on votes by each individual nation. The nations decide how to assign their votes based on a mixture of televotes and national jury. Currently the contest is made up of two semi-finals and a final. The final is made up of the top countries from each semi-final, the host country, and the big five countries which qualify automatically (the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain and Italy). Entries tend to have a great deal of flare and showmanship, and showcase unique talents of the countries who enter. The contest is extremely popular in Europe, and has a growing fanbase across the globe. In particular Australia has been singled out for their love of Eurovsion on many occasions. The unique, percular but always entertaining acts will keep fans of the contest coming back for many years to come.
Here are some of the recent Eurovision winners which will give you a taste at the diversity of the contest:
Ruslana (Ukraine) - Winner 2004
Lordi (Finland) - Winners 2006
Alexander Rybak (Norway) - Winner 2009
Lena (Germany) - Winner 2010
Here are some of the recent Eurovision winners which will give you a taste at the diversity of the contest:
Ruslana (Ukraine) - Winner 2004
Lordi (Finland) - Winners 2006
Alexander Rybak (Norway) - Winner 2009
Lena (Germany) - Winner 2010
Introducing Australia4ESC
With less than 3 weeks to go until the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest in Baku, I have been inspired to put forward my case for having for Australia joining the competing nations of Eurovision in 2013. Eurovision has an enormous cult following in Australia. I'll be adding more both the this blog and to the Twitter account @Australia4ESC in the coming days, so stay tuned!!
I should also make a couple of things clear. I have no personal or professional connection to the EBU, the Eurovision Song Contest, SBS television or any of it's employees, or any particular musician, recording company or radio station. I am a fan. I am a fan of Eurovision. I am a fan of Australian music. The views in this blog are my own are intended to be taken as such. I am very happy to talk with anyone who is interested in assisting with my campaign to have Australia join the Eurovsion Song Contest.
I should also make a couple of things clear. I have no personal or professional connection to the EBU, the Eurovision Song Contest, SBS television or any of it's employees, or any particular musician, recording company or radio station. I am a fan. I am a fan of Eurovision. I am a fan of Australian music. The views in this blog are my own are intended to be taken as such. I am very happy to talk with anyone who is interested in assisting with my campaign to have Australia join the Eurovsion Song Contest.
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