SBS and production partner Blink TV has announced South Australia’s powerful, ethereal duo, Electric Fields will represent Australia at the 68th Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, Sweden.
The extraordinary voice of Zaachariaha Fielding and brilliance of producer and keyboardist Michael Ross unite in a way that can only be described as magic, merging traditional living culture with music that ranges from soulful pop to epic-scale electronica.
Electric Fields are the first duo to represent Australia at the song contest. Released today via Wonderlick Recording Company and Sony Music Entertainment Australia, their song One Milkali (One Blood) also incorporates Yankunytjatjara; an Aboriginal language of the Anangu peoples, one of the oldest living cultures on earth.
From the moment their 2024 Eurovision song One Milkali (One Blood) starts it will stop you in your tracks. Zaachariaha’s arresting vocals immediately command attention against a twinkling chorus of instruments as he states, “I stand in the eye of the spiral,” as if on the precipice of something great. Something so infinitely beautiful, it’s almost unimaginable.
Perhaps inspired by the breath-taking surrounds of Zaachariaha’s home, Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands (also known as the APY Lands of South Australia), or the dreams which are forever in their reach, each beat of One Milkali (One Blood) is like a homecoming and awakening at once.
You can’t help but smile as its melody gathers momentum in a swell of musicality that makes you want to dance, jive, and have the time of your life! The co-writing duo’s motto to “bypass the barriers” extends to every element of their being in pure celebration.
Eurovision fans will remember Electric Fields from SBS’ 2019 national selection show, Eurovision – Australia Decides (E-AD), where they came a close second to Kate Miller-Heidke with their unforgettable, upbeat track 2000 And Whatever. They’re elated to join the Eurovision universe once more, and this time, represent Australia on the global stage.
Their entry, One Milkali (One Blood), loosely translates to ‘One Blood’ and is their dream for a world where we are all united. It’s a world disco in the face of the vast universe, mirroring the kinship we all share with the repeating patterns of nature.
With the world at their feet, Electric Fields are ready to dance to their own tune and invite everyone to the party.
“We are buzzed with euphoria at our chance to share this music with the world. Our music comes from the deepest place in both of us and Eurovision is the most exciting opportunity to bring together our cultures and share the joy of our global connection,” said Electric Fields.
This year marks the seventh time Sweden will host Eurovision after previously hosting three times in Stockholm (1975, 2000, 2016), twice in Malmö (1992, 2013) and once in Gothenburg (1985). It will also be 50 years since ABBA won the contest with their song Waterloo, setting them on course for global success.
SBS’s exclusive coverage will once again be in the capable hands of music buff Myf Warhurst and comedian Joel Creasey. SBS and Blink TV’s production of 2023’s Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final won the AACTA Award for Best Entertainment Program, and this year will mark Australia’s ninth year participating in the event.
The Eurovision Song Contest is held from Tuesday 7 May – Saturday 11 May 2024 (CEST). Details of SBS’s broadcast will follow in the coming months. For more information, visit: www.sbs.com.au for details.
Image: Electric Fields (Michael Ross and Zaachariaha Fielding) – photo by Nick Wilson