Il y a quelques jours, Go-Jo nous a accordé une interview dans un planning déjà très chargé. Il était tôt chez nous, tard chez lui, décalage horaire oblige, mais cela n’a pas entamé sa bonne humeur et son énergie.
Hi Go-Jo, thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us! We're delighted to meet you. Australia never disappoints at Eurovision, and this year's Milkshake Man » is no exception. How did your fans react to your song?
C’est incroyable ! Le succès de « Milkshake Man » est énorme. J’ai reçu des messages du monde entier… même d’Antarctique ! C’est dingue de voir que la chanson touche des gens partout. Je ne pourrais pas être plus heureux !
Was representing Australia at Eurovision a dream of yours? How did you find out you were going to be chosen?
Oui, ça a toujours été un rêve ! Mon père est français, donc j’ai découvert l’Eurovision grâce à lui, vers mes 4 ans. Quand l’Australie a commencé à participer (NDLR en 2015) , c’était un rêve lointain. Et maintenant j’ai 29 ans, représenter l’Australie est la chose la plus cool qui soit !
Le moment où j’ai appris que j’allais être celui qui porterait les couleurs de l’Australie… j’ai été invité à des réunions avec SBS (NDLR le diffuseur Australien), et c’est là qu’ils me l’ont annoncé. Je n’arrivais pas à réaliser. J’ai tout de suite voulu appeler mes parents. Je pense que c’est l’une des émotions les plus fortes que j’ai ressenties !
How are you preparing for your Eurovision performance in Basel? We saw a video of you ice-skating on Instagram this week. Can we expect to see a giant ice rink on stage in Basel? 🙂
If it were allowed I'd be the first to support the idea, I love it! No, I train in different areas: I do exercises to improve my breathing, my body strength, and of course I sing all the time. I sing on treadmills too. It's all about physical and mental endurance! It's great fun to do!
Have you had a chance to take a look at the other Eurovision performances this year? Are there any artists you're keeping a close eye on?
I love everyone. We've all started following each other (NLDR on social networks). I really like Lucio Corsi of Italy, his song is magnificent. You might think that I like energetic songs the most, but I'm actually a big fan of ballads and orchestral music. I appreciate the beauty of softer music.
We don't know much about you in France. Here are a few questions to help us get to know you. If you had to describe your music as an ice cream, what flavour would you choose and why?
I'd say "Neapolitan »! It's an Italian ice cream, a combination of chocolate, vanilla and strawberry. My music is as diverse as that, because I produce my own songs and I have the freedom to do whatever I want. One day it could be a ballad, the next a rock song. That's the beauty of being able to explore different genres.
You have French roots through your father. And you love French pastries! What's your favourite?
Ah, on ne m’a jamais posé cette question, j’adore (rires) ! J’adore les « escargots » (NLDR : les pains aux raisins) ! (rires) Mais je suis aussi un grand fan de croissants aux amandes et de pain au chocolat. Si vous m’en apportez à Bâle, je vais exploser sur place !
Keeping with the theme of drinks at this year's Eurovision, if you had to choose between a milkshake or an espresso macchiato, which would you choose?
Today, I'm going to opt for an espresso macchiato. I didn't have a milkshake today, but I'm a big fan of coffee. So today it's coffee for me!
And finally, what's the biggest secret your fans don't know about you?
Ha ha, good question! (moment of silence). Ah, I'm not terrified of spiders at all! In fact, I even had wild spiders living under my bed in Sydney, Huntsman spiders, which were enormous! (laughs) Welcome to Australia!
Let's get back to your song. What does Milkshake Man mean to you? What inspired you to create such a unique character?
Milkshake Man is a colourful character who encourages everyone to embrace their true identity and express the brightest version of themselves. It's a song about self-confidence and personal affirmation. The world of Milkshake ManIt's a bit like a world full of ice creams and milkshakes, things that remind you of childhood, energy and carefreeness. I wanted to recreate this atmosphere through song: a happy, playful, vibrant space. Milkshake Man embodies confidence, self-expression and pride in being who you are, without holding back.
There are a few phrases in French in your song. Can you tell us how France has influenced your musical career and your inspirations?
It comes from my father, who is French. I also have a lot of family in France, three hours south of Paris. I'm a French citizen myself, so it was important for me to incorporate that part of my identity into the song. I wanted to show Eurovision, and everyone else, that I'm both Australian and French - and I'm very proud of that!
Were there any French artists who made an impression on you as a child?
There are so many that come to mind! Do you know Tri Yann ? They're one of my favourite bands of all time. They've got that 70s rock feel, and I love their medieval influences. My dad introduced me to them. I also recently discovered Slimanewho was at Eurovision last year. I'm completely obsessed with him, he's incredible!
And of course (incomprehensible name), which I love. It does come from France, doesn't it?
(we look at each other, we don't quite understand the name, he repeats, he's talking about Edith Piaf)
Edith Piaf, yes. Sorry about my accent! (laughs)
L’Australie a toujours marqué l’Eurovision. Selon toi, qu’est-ce qui distingue ses performances de celles des autres pays ?
I want to show the world just how much fun Australia can be! Many people think of us as a country full of bugs and scary spiders, but in reality, we're very welcoming. I want to share this happy, light side of our culture, where we don't take ourselves too seriously.
You must be pretty busy at the moment! How do you prepare before you take to the stage in Basel? What's a typical day like for you?
I start the day with some 80s aerobics thanks to a YouTube video... well, 80 % of the time. Then I eat an astronomical amount of porridge, really a lot! Then I do vocal warm-ups, go to the gym, and spend quite a bit of time filming content and organising everything.
There are also a lot of interviews, replies to messages... In fact, I feel like I'm doing everything! A bit of everything... even sorting Pokemon cards! (Editor's note: he shows us Pokemon cards)
You must be pretty busy at the moment! How do you prepare before you take to the stage in Basel? What's a typical day like for you?
I start the day with some 80s aerobics thanks to a YouTube video... well, 80 % of the time. Then I eat an astronomical amount of porridge, really a lot! Then I do vocal warm-ups, go to the gym, and spend quite a bit of time filming content and organising everything.
There are also a lot of interviews, replies to messages... In fact, I feel like I'm doing everything! A bit of everything and anything... even sorting Pokemon cards! (he shows us Pokemon cards).
Do you have any final message to share with your fans or those who don't know you yet?
Of course you can! My name is Go-Jo and I come from a tiny village in the south-west of Western Australia, with a population of just 2,000. So to know that I'm entering the world of Eurovision is a huge honour! If you see me in the street, don't hesitate to come up and say hello... and why not give me a hug! I'm so looking forward to performing for you Milkshake Man !
And above all, if you've got an outfit in your wardrobe that you've never dared to wear, now's the time! Embrace it! Thank you, everyone!
Thank you so much for this exchange! See you in Basel, we can't wait to see your performance!
