Skyrocketing to the top of the bookmaker’s odds, Johannes ‘JJ’ Pietsch is set to bring his commanding number Wasted Love to Basel as he represents Austria at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest. JJ kindly devoted some time to chat to Culture Fix editor Andrew about crafting his impeccable fusion of pop and opera, his plans to deliver staging that combines storytelling and vulnerability.
JJ also delved into the personal message at the heart of Wasted Love and what he hopes listeners will feel when hearing the track. JJ shared some of the behind the scenes of the writing and production of the number which is set to astound viewers when he delivers the track during Semi-Final 2 of the Eurovision Song Contest on the 15th of May 2025.
JJ also explores earlier in his career discussing how his work as part of The Voice UK and the Vienna State Opera will prepare him for the pressure and magnitude of the Eurovision Song Contest stage. The musician also delves into the discovery of his incredible vocal skills and his family’s response to hearing that.
Blending operatic flavours with contemporary electronic pop with producers Pele Loriano and Thomas Thurner, Wasted Love is a truly original piece that is likely to command audience attention in a live setting. With an experimental flavour running through it, JJ’s triumphant vocal fuses with the pulsating electronic beats crafting an intoxicating combination – this is an incredibly special track! Good luck JJ – you can follow his journey on Instagram.
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Lead photo: Pavla Hartmanová