EP 6: Politics in Eurovision’s Modern Era (Azerbaijan, Armenia, Israel, and Russia)

21:24 Interview with Fazla (Bosnia, 1993) - All The Pain In The World, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmbrJkzQ4Ik

36:20 Interview with Jeff Hiller (Somebody, Somewhere)

 

In this episode we look at politics at Eurovision in the modern era. First, we examine a series of conflicts in Europe, and discuss how Eurovision's increasingly dominant self-conception as "apolitical" has hampered its ability to consistently confront contemporary events. Then, we talk to Fazla, who escaped Sarajevo under siege in the dead of night-- dodging sniper fire and scaling a mountain barefoot to make it to Eurovision and deliver a very important message. Finally, we comedian Jeff Hiller (Somebody, Somewhere) examines how even Eurovision's campiest numbers can carry important messages in a game we're calling "Is That A Political Message in Your Pocket, Or Are You Just Happy To See Me?"

 

From "Is That A Political Message in Your Pocket or Are You Just Happy To See Me?"   Donatan and Cleo - We are Slavic - Poland 2014 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=VJ920cN2HmA   DJ BoBo - Vampires Are Alive - Switzerland 2007 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9YTasUpAjw   Ireland Douze Points (aka the Dustin the Turkey Song) - Ireland 2008 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=ps3kxGo_gro   Pirates of the Sea - Wolves of the Sea - 2008 Latvia - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQy0PJEkQhA   Verka Serduchka, Lasha Tumbai - Ukraine 2007 -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfjHJneVonE   Let 3, Mama SC! - Croatia 2023 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1-hSh10PB4