Australia: Montaigne's song for Eurovision 2021 released – Listen to "Technicolour"

The Australian national broadcaster SBS, scrapped plans for a national final which were planned and opted for an internal selection by reselecting Montaigne.

Montaigne was due to represent Australia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 edition, with “Don’t Break Me” before the cancellation due to the COVID-19 situation.

Now the song for Eurovision 2021 has been released. Montaigne will sing "Technicolour" during the first half of the first semi-final due to be held on 18 May 2021 in Rotterdam.

Technicolour

The Australian song is written and produced specifically for Eurovision, which showcases Montaigne’s vocal prowess, with upbeat pop stylings and a catchy anthemic feel. Montaigne co-wrote the song alongside Sydney-based songwriter and producer, Dave Hammer.

Montaigne is very happy about "Technicolour" by saying:

– I’m so excited to present Technicolour to the world! I think it does it all — makes you want to cry, makes you want to dance, makes you want to take on a malignant corporate power — and I think that it is both forward-thinking and suitable for Eurovision.

– I initially started writing the song after a catch-up call with my mum that was really emotional and had me crying on the floor thinking of that first line, "I want to be close to my mother" I picked up my guitar and started improvising around that, trying to get the feelings out of my system. I had to put the song down then because we were having people over for dinner.

– Later, I picked the idea up with songwriter and music producer, Dave Hammer, since we were working on trying to make a Eurovision song happen, and the song became about resilience and the courage that comes from being able to be vulnerable, being able to ask for help, and knowing that in solidarity and togetherness we are stronger as people.

Montaigne

Montaigne (born Jess Cerro) has become an important name in the indie music scene. Her debut album, Glorious Heights, was released in 2016 and peaked at number 4 on the ARIA Albums Chart.

At the ARIA Music Awards of 2016 she won Breakthrough Artist – Release for the album and was nominated for three other categories.

In 2019, we saw the second album from Montaigne titled Complex. She has graced the stages of some of Australia's biggest summer festivals like Splendour in the Grass, Lost Paradise, Woodford Folk Festival, Groovin the Moo, Party in the Paddock, Field Day and WOMADelaide. Montaigne has also headlined for international acts like Cindy Lauper and Blondie, the young performer continues to garner praise for her stunning live presence.

Australia in Eurovision Song Contest

Australia has participated in Eurovision Song Contest 5 times.

At Eurovision 2015 Australia was represented by Guy Sebastian and finished 5th in the Grand Final with the song Tonight Again. Australia was granted a wildcard, with the right to vote in both semi-finals, and with a secured place in the Grand Final.

At Eurovision Song Contest 2016 Dami Im represented Australia and finished 2nd with the song "Sound of Silence". Best result so far.

Australia qualified for the Grand Final 4 out of 4 times.