Why South Australian electronic music duo Electric Fields turned down another shot at Eurovision
South Australian electronic music duo Electric Fields have revealed why they turned down another shot at Eurovision glory.
Confidential
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South Australian electronic music duo Elec tric Fields have revealed why they turned down another shot at Eurovision glory.
The duo – Michael Ross and Zaachariaha Fielding – who were runner-up to Kate Miller-Heidke in last year’s Australia Decides competition – were invited to take part in the 2020 event next month.
But Ross tells Confidential they were determined to make music free from the constraints of Eurovision.
“The idea was definitely floated and we decided that we needed to focus on our new music in our own way outside of the rules of the competition,” he said.
“The songs can only be 3 minutes maximum and the songs we’re working on at the moment are at least three and a half minutes long.
“It’s also a huge amount of energy... and it takes a lot out of you. I guess we’re choosing to use our energy for our own projects for the moment.”
But Ross says Eurovision was “huge” for the duo, whose English and Pitjantjatjara song, 2000 and Whatever, trended seventh worldwide during last year’s Australia Decides show.
Now they’re busy working on new music, including songs using vocal talent from Fielding’s ancestral home, the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands in remote SA.
This weekend, Ross and Fielding will take to the stage at the Australia Day in the City concert in Elder Park.
While there’s always controversy about surrounding Australia’s national day, Ross says it’s important to recognise the date.
“It’s a terrible date for celebrations but it is a date for honouring and remembering the very stark truth of Australia’s history,” he said.
“We have to acknowledge that the colonisation of Australia involved complete and utter bloodshed of the original cultures who have been caretakers of this land mass for thousands of year.
“We are not celebrating the arrival of capitalism.
“It’s about the whole community coming together and celebrating the land we’re on. Not just Australia the modern nation but Australia the land mass, and all the different cultures and communities who call it home.”
There will also be performances from Volya Ukrainian Cossack Dancers, girl band G-NAT!ON and the Iwiri Choir, with a spectacular fireworks display to end the night.
For more info, visit: australiadayinthecity.com.au