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Welcome back on Euro Alfa! Today we are going to find out more things about GO-JO, Australia’s representative in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, Switzerland!

ARE WE READY? YES!!!

So, let’s start with this question: How did you get the name Go-Jo?
My real name is Marty Joe Zambotto. When I was a kid, most people would refer to me as ‘Marty
Joe’. When I was competing in things like running races, my Mother would chant, “Go Joe! Go
Joe!” so basically it’s a form of motivation from my mother!

What does it mean to you to represent Australia at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest?
I feel like this is the dream of every musician. It’s quite literally the biggest stage in the world and to be representing such a beautiful and diverse nation is the biggest honour I could ever have. I’ve always seen the Eurovision Song Contest as the Olympics of music. I’ve never been more excited to share my art and vision with the incredible Eurovision fans around the world!

How did you find out you were selected as this year’s Australian representative?
It was actually really funny. I flew in from Brisbane as I was recording vocals for Milkshake Man with Sheppard and Jay Bovino. I went straight off the plane to the meeting with SBS and Beyond Productions. Everyone was sitting around a table (if you’re picturing it correctly, yes it was pretty nerve-racking haha). I was asked a bunch of questions, the last being, “How does it feel to be the selected to represent Australia in the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest?’” I remember pausing in that moment. I stood up and said, “Where’s the cameras?” and told Ashton Kutcher and the film crew to come out of their hiding spot haha. I will never forget the moment I was told. I was smothered in a rainbow of felicity and all I wanted to do was call my Mum and Papa. Mum being a country Aussie had us all cracking up with her reaction on loudspeaker (SBS shared the video)

When did you first start making music?
I started playing guitar when my Mother got me an electric guitar from Toyworld at the age of 14. Little did I know that moment would plant the seed for an obsession that grew over time. I began by covering songs I loved, especially Green Day and heavy metal, and writing a few original pieces here and there. However, those songs mostly existed only in my head, and I’d shy away from playing them, especially if anyone asked. It wasn’t until I was 19, when I was introduced to the concept of creating songs and music production, that everything changed. Before that, I hadn’t really thought about it—it’s funny to think that my subconscious must have perceived songs as just something that instantly existed. It wasn’t until my best friend from my hometown showed me a beat he made and broke down each section for me. That was it—my mind was instantly rewired, like Peter Parker’s when he was bitten by a spider in Spiderman. I could literally feel my DNA constructing a whole new universe with that explanation.

What do you love about Eurovision?
The freedom of expression and the way it’s encouraged. I also love Eurovision because the visual aspect is treated equally as important. I’ve been blown away by the stage production each year – there’s literally no limits with it. It seems like everything is achievable, which is what makes it so exciting because you never know what to expect!

How were you introduced to Eurovision?
The earliest memory I have of it was when I was around four years old. I remember glimpses of watching ABBA’s performance of Waterloo at the Brighton Dome in the UK off a VHS that Dad had. I love that song and always remember thinking Bjorn’s guitar looked like one of those action bubbles you see in comic books during fight scenes haha. It’s still to this day one of the coolest guitars I’ve seen! I would always hear about it through the years with Dad being French, who has a love for the competition.

What can you tell us about Milkshake Man?
As soon as I knew I was going to be representing Australia at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, I knew I wanted to make the song as fun as possible. It’s what I love about writing music. You can make a song really fun and quirky lyrically, but behind the words can sit a way deeper meaning that you can only discover through digging. So that’s exactly what I wanted to do with Milkshake Man. The song focuses on empowering the whole world to be the biggest loudest and proudest version of themselves. The song dares you to lean into your most authentic self and channel your beautiful colours. The milkshake symbolises this side of you – the wonderful pallet of colours and ingredients that makes you the masterpiece you are! – I always want to encourage that and it’s exactly what I hope this song does for people watching!

Who are some of your favourite Eurovision acts of the past?
Hard Rock Hallelujah by Lordi who won for Finland in 2006 has always been one of those videos I’ll never forget thinking it was the coolest, most terrifying thing I’d ever seen especially at the age of 11 haha. It definitely grew my love for metal! I also love Mon Amour by Slimane, who represented France last year! I’ve always been a sucker for a big vocal ballad and to be able to hold a stage like that on your own without anyone else is incredible to me! Also, ABBA’s performance of Waterloo has to be in there. I always find myself rewatching that, being the first Eurovision song that I was introduced to! It’s pretty crazy to think all those years ago watching that performance that I’d one day be on the same stage. Ahh life is crazy!

Do you have a message for Eurovision fans?
To all the Eurovision fans out there, I just want to say how excited I am to be part of this incredible world you’ve built. If you see me, come say hi! I hope you’ll be having just as much fun as I’ll be having performing for you! I can’t wait to experience this journey with you all!

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Go-Jo will open the 2nd Semi-Final on 15th of May! You can vote for him by sms, phone call or esc.vote

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I’d like to thank the Head of Press of Australia, Clementine, for working together with me for almost four years — and to many more to come!