This week, South Australia’s powerful, ethereal duo Electric Fields began rehearsals in Malmö, Sweden, for their Eurovision Song Contest performance. It has now been revealed that Electric Fields; the extraordinary voice of Zaachariaha Fielding and brilliance of producer and keyboardist Michael Ross, will be joined on stage by a dream ensemble of esteemed talent comprised of vocalists Brendan Maclean, Alyson Joyce, and Simi Vuata, with Fred Leone on the Yidaki.
Their staging is also illuminated by one of Zaachariaha’s artworks – a painting titled ‘Paraulpi’ which inspired and created the vision for the LED display that sets a scene of magical wonder bringing the song grounds of Mimili to Malmö in Sweden.
Electric Fields rehearsing One Milkali (One Blood) for Australia at the Second Rehearsal of the First Semi-Final at Malmö Arena Credit: Sarah Louise Bennett/Sarah Louise Bennett/EBU
Electric Fields will make history at this year’s contest as the first Australian artists to take Yankunytjatjara; an Aboriginal language of the Anangu peoples (one of the oldest living cultures on earth) to the world’s largest live music event. From the moment One Milkali (One Blood) starts it will stop you in your tracks.
Zaachariaha’s arresting vocals immediately command attention against a twinkling chorus of instruments as he states, “I stand in the eye of the spiral,” as if on the precipice of something great, because they are. One Milkali loosely translates to ‘One Blood’ and is their dream for a world where we are all united. It’s a world disco in the face of the vast universe, mirroring the kinship we all share with the repeating patterns of nature.
About Zaachariaha’s artwork ‘Paraulpi’
An accomplished and celebrated multi-disciplinary artist, Zaachariaha comes from a strong family lineage of artists and storytellers. His energetic and visceral paintings exist as contemporary works whilst acknowledging and honouring the visual language of his culture. Zaachariaha’s most recent award is the prestigious Wynne Prize in 2023 for his painting Inma. Zaachariaha, who works at the APY Collective, treats the canvas as if it was a stage; melody and colours that represent certain parts of emotions.
The title of Electric Fields’ One Milkali (One Blood) is from the artwork titled ‘Milkali Kutju’ by Zaachariaha’s father, acclaimed contemporary artist Robert Fielding. Zaachariaha explains the painting speaks to the atoms, everything that happens in the body, and how we’re all interconnected.
Electric Fields rehearsing One Milkali (One Blood) for Australia at the First Rehearsal of the First Semi-Final at Malmö Arena
Although ‘Milkali Katju’ means ‘blood’, there is no direct translation for the complexity of its meaning in the English language. It’s a feeling; it’s all of the senses at their highest capacity, building a space that feels really large, but where you feel small. You feel like everything, but you also feel like nothing. To Anangu peoples, this is Tjukurpa.
Electric Fields rehearsing One Milkali (One Blood) for Australia at the Second Rehearsal of the First Semi-Final at Malmö Arena Credit: Sarah Louise Bennett/Sarah Louise Bennett/EBU
The vibrant colours of the painting ‘Paraulpi’ symbolise the essence of "Milkali" - the blood, while the complex songlines depict the timeless journey of Aboriginal peoples across the land. It's a beautiful portrayal of the sacred bond between generations, where grandparents pass down their wisdom, stories, and connection to Ngura, the homeland, to their grandchildren. Truly a masterpiece that speaks volumes about cultural identity and resilience.
Meet Electric Fields’ dream team
Fred Leone (Yidaki player)
Fred Leone
Aboriginal, Tongan and South-Sea Islander roots. One of very few Initiated Aboriginal men in the arts industry, Fred comes from the Garrwa and Butchulla tribes. The Butchulla tribe are the traditional owners of K’gari from Burrum Heads down to Rainbow Beach, Fraser Coast South East Queensland.
As a Songman, his primary instrument is his voice, yet he uses Didgeridoo (Kuluru in Garrwa language), boomerangs (Bargan in Butchulla language), Emu egg (Ngurunj in Butchulla language), tree branches, sand and other objects from K’gari to form his traditional sound pallet.
Fred Leone has been a touring artist for over a decade, throwing rhymes and travelling with Public Enemy, Dead Prez and People Under The Stairs as well as receiving invites to collaborate and play with contemporary artists such as John Butler, Xavier Rudd, Amanda Palmer, bestselling author, Neil Gaiman and many, many more.
Brendan Maclean
Brendan Maclean
A thriving talent, Brendan has been nominated for an ARIA for their work alongside Marcia Hines in the disco musical Velvet, made a cameo in Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby and is currently riding high after a superstar run as the titular roles in Australia’s premiere production of Jekyll & Hyde The Musical at The Hayes. Brendan Maclean has collaborated and performed with a myriad of impressive acts including Kate Miller-Heidke, Neil Gaiman, Amanda Palmer, John Grant and Alan Cumming and continues to release his own music alongside their blossoming theatre career.
Alyson Joyce
Alyson Joyce
Her magnetic presence has graced stages across Asia, the Pacific, the US, UK, and Europe, captivating audiences with her commanding presence and exceptional talents.
Simi Vuata
Simi Vuata Credit: Headshots Adelaide
The 68th Eurovision Song Contest will air in Australia from 8 – 12 May LIVE and in prime time on SBS and SBS On Demand. ALL THE DETAILS ON HOW AND WHEN TO WATCH ARE .
Find live streams, replays, artist music videos and behind-the-scenes extras and more at the on SBS On Demand.
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