UK Eurovision Song Contest entry Look Mum No Computer has described the run-up to the competition as “a lot of work,” particularly as he balances preparations with the demands of new fatherhood. The YouTube star, whose real name is Sam Battle, joked that if he were not participating in the coveted song contest, he would be “probably changing my newborn baby’s nappy” instead.
Excitement and Preparation
The 37-year-old experimental musician expressed his excitement about taking the stage in Vienna, Austria, later this week to perform his song Eins, Zwei, Drei in front of millions of Eurovision fans. Battle, who has built most of the staging for his performance himself, said: “It has been a lot of work, especially as I have just become a new dad at the same time as prepping for Eurovision. But overall, it’s been a lot of fun – I’m really proud of what we’ve pulled together and can’t wait to put it into practice.”
He praised choreographer Fredrik Rydman, noting: “Working with him has been brilliant, he’s a really cool guy and has been pushing the boundaries of what we want to do up on that stage. It’s going to make for a really interesting live performance.”
Innovative Staging
The Lincolnshire-born musician confirmed he has built “mega synthesizer” panels for the show, describing his inventions as “on a much bigger scale than ever seen before.” He added: “I don’t want to give it all away, so you’ll have to tune in to see me when I perform on the Eurovision stage for the first time at Thursday’s semi-final.”
When asked about performing for an estimated 160 million viewers worldwide, Battle told the BBC: “It feels surreal. It’s not long to go now and I am really excited and strangely not too nervous, until you said that!” He added: “I just want to do the UK proud. I hope they feel happiness, curiosity, and wonderment. Also, I hope everyone will be able to count to three in German by the end! Wunderbar!”
Rehearsals and Early Glimpses
Rehearsals for the highly anticipated competition kicked off last week, with sneak peeks showing Battle dancing around the stage flanked by characters dressed in green with furry TVs for heads. The European Broadcasting Union, which runs Eurovision, described his upcoming performance as a “supersized version” of his eccentric music video, during which he ditches his workplace for a giant electronic soundboard.
Battle previously told the Press Association that while he was not allowed to build everything due to the BBC’s concerns about his “welding,” he had made all of the electronics and panels himself.
Career and Background
Since launching his YouTube career in 2013, Battle has amassed over 85 million views and 1.4 million combined subscribers and followers across his social accounts. He is known for creating and playing unusual electronic music equipment, including an organ made from Furby toys, a synthesiser fused with a Raleigh Chopper bicycle, and a triple oscillator synthesiser built from Nintendo Game Boy consoles.
Battle will represent the UK at the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, with the final taking place at Vienna’s Wiener Stadthalle on Saturday, May 16. Austria is hosting after Austrian entry JJ won in 2025 with his song Wasted Love. The semi-finals will be held on May 12 and 14, with all shows broadcast live on BBC One, iPlayer, BBC Radio 2, and BBC Sounds.
