Austria's ESC Representative JJ in Interview: "This Will Be a Huge Spectacle!"
JJ aka Johannes Pietsch is definitely one of the most unusual candidates that Austria has sent to the Eurovision Song Contest in recent years. The 23-year-old countertenor, who regularly performs at the Vienna State Opera, but has also been on stage at "Starmania", will fight for his final ticket at the ESC from Basel in the 2nd semi-final. The artist spoke to APA about ESC in Dubai, Conchita's influence on his life and singing while doing cartwheels.
APA: What is your relationship with the Song Contest? Are you a long-time fan or an ESC newcomer?
JJ: I have a very sentimental connection to ESC. Since Conchita Wurst's victory in 2014, we have watched the Song Contest at home every year - a huge buffet and debates included.
APA: And that, even though you all lived in Dubai at the time?
JJ: Correct. But there was a big media debate in Dubai at the time about Conchita as a woman with a beard. But it was reported on, which was a defining moment for me.
APA: In what way?
JJ: I decided then that I wanted to make music my profession.
APA: And then you initially went into the classical world. How did that happen?
JJ: My parents used to throw a karaoke party every weekend in Dubai. That was my first connection to pop music. But the next morning, my dad would play us Mozart and Bach and say, 'This is the real music!' As kids, we thought, 'No one knows this and it's so old!' But somehow it stuck. And then he played us the Queen of the Night's aria. And I'll never forget that!
APA: Is dancing at both weddings good for vocal hygiene?
JJ: Because I've always sung pop music, I've found my technique here. And the classical training I'm currently receiving at MUK is helping me a lot to keep my voice upright and healthy in classical music as well.
APA: Do you want to continue to succeed in both genres? Or does your career path lead you more in one direction in the long term?
JJ: I would like to continue to combine both worlds, because I enjoy both very much. For now, I'm really looking forward to the new journey. I know that classical music will always be a home for me and I can come back anytime if I need a short break or want to clear my head.
APA: Your song for the ESC is still a secret, but can you reveal which direction it will go?
JJ: It's a mix of both worlds: Popera - that is, pop and opera. There are strings, but also classic pop elements like beats and a special element at the end that I can't reveal yet...
APA: But dancing is probably not possible on stage with your vocal range, is it?
JJ: I'm really looking forward to the stage production. It's going to be a huge spectacle! It can't get any cooler! And as for stamina: I'm used to running around, acting and singing at the same time from the State Opera. I can sing lying down or while doing a cartwheel. It's a matter of habit.
APA: You have a Filipino mother, an Austrian father, and you grew up in Dubai. Is the question of representing Austria in Basel a topic for you, or is it simply about the music for you?
JJ: I am very proud to have the honor of representing Austria. But I will always carry both my origins with me and make both sides proud. I am happy that I can go into the world colorfully.
APA: At the ESC there are two types of artists: Those who are ambitious and want to win and those who believe that participation is everything. Where do you see yourself?
JJ: I would say, in the middle. I am incredibly excited that I can do this. But winning would of course be the coolest! If I win: Very cool! If not, I'm still happy. Nobody can take that away from me.
(The conversation was conducted by Martin Fichter-Wöß/APA)
(APA/Red)
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