Australian broadcaster and their production partner, Blink TV have now announced the next two artists joining the Eurovision – Australia Decides line-up. Montaigne and Didirri will join the previously announced artists, Casey Donovan, Mitch Tambo, Vanessa Amorosi and IOTA in the national final to be held in February.
24 year old artist Montaigne has recently become a big name in the Australian indie music scene. She has made her way onto the Triple J’s Hottest 100, as well as won an ARIA award for Best Breakthrough Artist, and a nomination for Best Female Artist for her debut album.
On her upcoming gig, Montaigne says, ‘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 broke through with his debut EP ‘Measurements’ which has over 30 million streams. He has since played at renowned festivals such as the UK’s The Great Escape and Latitude Festival, as well as Australia’s Splendour In The Grass and Barcelona’s Primavera Sound. He has toured the US and UK twice, and has performed alongside big names such as Vance Joy, Hozier, Tash Sultana and The Temper Trap.
He says, ‘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 of Eurovision – Australia Decides, Paul Clarke has commented on the addition of Montaigne and Didirri, saying, ‘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! We’re also planning some excellent surprise guests for the Opening Night and Matinee shows, so it’s worth seeing them live on the Gold Coast.’
The live TV final will take place on Saturday the 8th of February, and will feature a total of 10 artists. Four artists are left to be announced, with the announcements to be made in due time.