Ten years into Australia’s Eurovision trajectory, they continue to surprise on every front. From singing on a pole about post-partum depression to a rallying progressive metal song with a car on stage, Australia has found its place in Eurovision. For this year, the country has placed their hopes on Go-Jo, with his dynamic and slightly cheeky song, “Milkshake Man”.
Coming out of Western Australia, Go-Jo has shown his own style through his music and his TikTok presence. Before committing to music, he initially played Australian Rules Football at a semi-professional level. He is most notable for the song “Mrs. Hollywood”, which has charted on the Australian Indie charts and had a billion views across all platforms.
EurovisionFam.com is honored to have the opportunity to talk to Go-Jo. Here, we get to learn about what made him turn from football to music, his French background, and why he offers free broccoli to his audiences!
How were you introduced to Eurovision?
“The earliest memory I have of it was when I was around four years old. I remember glimpses of watching ABBA’s performance of Waterloo at the Brighton Dome in the UK off a VHS that Dad had. I love that song and always remember thinking Bjorn’s guitar looked like one of those action bubbles you see in comic books during fight scenes haha. It’s still to this day one of the coolest guitars I’ve seen! I would always hear about it through the years with Dad being French, who has a love for the competition.”
Who are some of your favourite Eurovision acts of the past?
“Hard Rock Hallelujah by Lordi who won for Finland in 2006 has always been one of those videos I’ll never forget thinking it was the coolest, most terrifying thing I’d ever seen especially at the age of 11 haha. It definitely grew my love for metal!
“I also love Mon Amour by Slimane, who represented France last year! I’ve always been a sucker for a big vocal ballad and to be able to hold a stage like that on your own without anyone else is incredible to me! Also, ABBA’s performance of Waterloo has to be in there. I always find myself rewatching that, being the first Eurovision song that I was introduced to! It’s pretty crazy to think all those years ago watching that performance that I’d one day be on the same stage. Ahh life is crazy!”
What can you tell us about “Milkshake Man”?
“As soon as I knew I was going to be representing Australia at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, I knew I wanted to make the song as fun as possible. It’s what I love about writing music. You can make a song really fun and quirky lyrically, but behind the words can sit a way deeper meaning that you can only discover through digging.
“So that’s exactly what I wanted to do with Milkshake Man. The song focuses on empowering the whole world to be the biggest loudest and proudest version of themselves. The song dares you to lean into your most authentic self and channel your
beautiful colours. The milkshake symbolises this side of you – the wonderful pallet of colours and ingredients that makes you the masterpiece you are! – I always want to encourage that and it’s exactly what I hope this song does for people watching.”
How did you get the name Go-Jo?
“My real name is Marty Joe Zambotto. When I was a kid, most people would refer to me as ‘Marty Joe’. When I was competing in things like running races, my Mother would chant, “Go Joe! Go Joe!” so basically it’s a form of motivation from my mother!”
Tell us about where you grew up in Australia.
“I grew up in the bush just out of a little rural town in the South West region of Western Australia called Manjimup. Me, Mum, Dad and my five siblings lived on a self-sustained property built by my dad with recycled materials. I learnt a lot on that farm, inventing things and coming up with creative games to play with my siblings in the bush. Being so secluded gives us all the freedom in the world and that is one of the most priceless feelings you can ever experience. We were taught to respect nature and animals of the land like a big family”
When did you start making music?
“I started playing guitar when my Mother got me an electric guitar from Toyworld at the age of 14. Little did I know that moment would plant the seed for an obsession that grew over time. I began by covering songs I loved, especially Green Day and heavy metal, and writing a few original pieces here and there. However, those songs mostly existed only in my head, and I’d shy away from playing them, especially if anyone asked.
“It wasn’t until I was 19, when I was introduced to the concept of creating songs and music production, that everything changed. Before that, I hadn’t really thought about it—it’s funny to think that my subconscious must have perceived songs as just something that instantly existed. It wasn’t until my best friend from my hometown showed me a beat he made and broke down each section for me. That was it—my mind was
instantly rewired, like Peter Parker’s when he was bitten by a spider in Spiderman. I could literally feel my DNA constructing a whole new universe with that explanation.”
Who are you influenced by musically?
“I feel like I pull inspiration from all genres and artists I like. I literally love everything from heavy metal to hymns written before recorded music was even invented. Although I have been very inspired lately by Talking Heads, Michael Jackson and the B-52s, which I think has been translating a little in my more recent stuff! I’ve always been a huge fan of pop music from the ‘So Fresh Hits Albums’ to everything Max Martin touches – his ears are absolutely genius, and his credits speak for themselves. If I had to list my favourite artists off the top of my head they would be the Goo Goo Dolls, Surely Shirley, Bob Dylan, Mike Oldfield, Talking Heads, One Direction, Lord Huron, Fleetwood Mac, Yoste
You played semi-professional football (AFL – Australian Football League) before pursuing a music career, is that right?
“Yes! I always wanted a career in sport. It started with soccer, but then AFL became my fixation when all my friends started playing it. I knew nothing about it, and I’d bet my favourite bookshelf that I only touched that ball once in my first 20 games haha. Despite how bad I was at it initially, my passion for it put rockets on my shoes, and I knew that I just had to figure out how to light them. I got better and better each year, and then started playing league when I was 14, which means I’m up against the best in the region, including fully grown men. Playing league taught me so much as a person – mostly about getting spear tackled, but also about performing under pressure.”
Why do you give away free broccoli?
“I have always loved broccoli as a kid. I used to help my Dad grow it in his garden before I could even talk! I had an idea one day while sitting at cafe to put a sign out with free broccoli on it while I busked (at the time broccoli was very expensive for some reason) and as soon as I did it I noticed people immediately reacting to it – smiling, laughing, taking pictures. I just love the positivity it brings to people, so that’s the main reason I keep giving it out! Why would you ever want to take away something that brings joy to someone’s day! Plus, who wouldn’t want some free nutrients!”
How are Eurovision preparations going so far?
“I’ve been starting my day with 1980s dance aerobics classes to keep my fitness up and my joints nice and elastic for all the wiggling I’ll probably be doing on stage. Also, lots of singing on the treadmill, because believe it or not it’s actually really hard to move and sing. I’ve always lived by the saying ‘luck favours the prepared’ so I always try to keep on top of that!
What does it mean to you to represent Australia at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest?
“I feel like this is the dream of every musician. It’s quite literally the biggest stage in the world and to be representing such a beautiful and diverse nation is the biggest honour I could ever have. I’ve always seen the Eurovision Song Contest as the Olympics of music. I’ve never been more excited to share my art and vision with the incredible Eurovision fans around the world!”
Do you have a message for Eurovision fans?
“To all the Eurovision fans out there, I just want to say how excited I am to be part of this incredible world you’ve built. If you see me, come say hi! I hope you’ll be having just as much fun as I’ll be having performing for you! I can’t wait to experience this journey with you all!”
Go-Jo will be opening the second semifinal on 15 May. You can find him on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.