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The UK’s representative for this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna has been announced as the electronic musician and innovative tech creator known as Look Mum No Computer. The BBC revealed that this multi-talented artist, who is also a YouTuber and inventor of one-of-a-kind musical instruments, will be performing on behalf of the UK. Look Mum No Computer, whose real name is Sam Battle, has built a reputation for blending music with quirky technology, including instruments made from Furby toys and Game Boys.
Sam Battle’s musical journey began in 2014 as the lead singer of the indie rock band Zibra, which gained recognition by performing at Glastonbury in 2015 through BBC Introducing. Since then, he has carved out a solo career under his stage name, combining his passions for music and invention. Reflecting on his Eurovision selection, he expressed excitement: “I find it completely bonkers to be jumping on this wonderful and wild journey.” He also shared his admiration for the contest, saying, “I have always been a massive Eurovision fan, and I love the magical joy it brings to millions of people every year, so getting to join that legacy and fly the flag for the UK is an absolute honour that I am taking very seriously.”
Battle’s distinct artistic approach has garnered attention largely because of the innovative electronic devices he crafts himself, such as flame-throwing keyboards and synthesiser bicycles. He explained his creative process, stating, “I’ve been working a long-time creating, writing, and producing my own visions from scratch, and documenting my process. I will be bringing every ounce of my creativity to my performances, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear and see what we’ve created. I hope Eurovision is ready to get synthesized!” Along with his music career, he runs a unique museum in Ramsgate called This Museum is (Not) Obsolete, which houses experimental and vintage technology, including a Game Boy programmed to play a century-old church organ.
The BBC internally selected Look Mum No Computer after consulting industry experts. Kalpna Patel-Knight, head of entertainment at the BBC, praised the artist’s distinctive qualities: “His bold vision, unique sound and electric performance style make him a truly unforgettable artist.” She emphasized, “Look Mum No Computer embodies everything the UK wants to celebrate on the Eurovision stage – creativity, ambition, and a distinctly British wit. I am sure he will make us all proud on the international stage in May.” While the song to be performed has not yet been made public, BBC Radio 2 DJ Scott Mills, who has previewed it, described it as a bold mix of familiar influences and sounds. He encouraged listeners to “imagine a bit of Basshunter’s Now You’re Gone” combined with elements of “Parklife by Blur,” “West End Girls by Pet Shop Boys,” and others, creating a “big anthem to take on Eurovision.”
Social media reactions to the announcement have been mixed but hopeful. Oscar-nominated musician Daniel Pemberton shared his enthusiasm, calling Sam Battle “a truly unique eccentric oddball” who is “a real one off.” Eurovision expert Paul Jordan, known as Dr Eurovision, described the choice as “a bold and brave choice.” Fans have expressed appreciation for the BBC taking a risk after years of more conventional entries. This year marks the 70th Eurovision Song Contest, which will be hosted in Vienna after Austria’s JJ won last year with the song “Wasted Love.” Despite some political controversies surrounding participating countries, the UK aims to improve its recent track record in the contest, hoping to build on the success of Sam Ryder’s second place finish in 2022. Recent entries, however, have seen less favorable outcomes, including Mae Muller’s near-bottom finish in 2023, Olly Alexander’s 18th place in 2024, and Remember Monday’s 19th place last year
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