This week we have the living legend Danie aka @DanieTreg who is also co-host of Wind Machine Podcast.
What is your name and where are you from?
Danie Tregonning from Melbourne Australia.
Tell us something interesting about you?
Both of my parents worked in the TV industry so most of my school holidays and weekends were spent in studios, sound stages, and Outside Broadcast vans.
So you have the Wind Machine Podcast, tell us about that, how long have you been doing it, how did you get it started?
My partner Mark Perkins and I had an idea for a podcast years ago but had trouble narrowing down a topic. As we’re both massive nerds, we both realised that Eurovision covered his love of history, geography, and politics, and my love of talking. We began back in 2016 and spend each episode talking about a country we pick from the Yoda Beanie of Doom and explore Europe with the aid of our top 5 Eurovision songs from that chosen country. As neither of us have been to Europe, it’s a huge learning experience for us, and hopefully, for our listeners too.
On to Eurovision itself – when did you first get into the contest?
We both grew up in non-Eurovision households, but both have a love of music. It wasn’t until 2007 we remembered to watch it. We missed a couple as we moved houses and lost access to SBS, but in for the long haul now.
Do you have a favourite Eurovision year? Why is it your fav?
I still love 2007 as it was my first year, but 2015 is still an amazing year too. Both have some amazing songs and artists (Verka, The Ark, Anonymous, Loic, The Makemakes, Trijntje Oosterhuis) and I always gravitate towards those years, even when picking songs for the podcast.
I love that you mentioned The Makemakes - I loved that song, deserved more than 0 points ~ Aussievision (Dale only on this, Mike hates it)
Which Eurovision song:
Is your favourite?
Push The Button by Teapacks (Israel 2007)
Umm... wow! Interesting choice....
Is overrated?
1944. I love Jamala’s other work but I need something I can dance to, well, stumble to at least. 2016 was such a strong year and I think politics got her over the line.
Was robbed?
I’m still upset about Verona from 2017. Justice for Koit and Laura, and Koit’s expressive soap opera face.
Aren't we all :(
Had the best live performance?
Mans Zelmerlow’s Heroes from 2015. Accept no imitations.
Did you last play?
What ever was last on ESC Radio, which is always on at our place.
Is your guilty pleasure?
I Didn’t Know by Serhat 2016
Oh Danie! Actually in the end he didn't do a bad job...
Any other interesting honourable mentions?
Trackshittaz, Pollaponk, JOWST, Slavko.
Do you follow the national finals?
I keep far away from National Finals as I have attachment issues. If my favourites don’t make it, I tend to hate the song that makes it in. Also, I don’t listen to any songs until they’re all released, with the exception of Australia’s entry. I need a level playing field.
This is probably a very sensible idea
Why should Australia be in Eurovision?
1. We have strong European ties as a country due to immigration and a multicultural society so it makes sense to be in it.
2. Australia loves a competition.
3. To continually annoy Graham Norton, and other people who can’t handle Australia being in Eurovision. I’m a terrible stirrer.
Would you ever want to see the US in Eurovision?
We just got back from America and I’m not sure they’re ready for it yet. Plus, it would help if they promoted the show better and aired it on a network that wasn’t so obscure. I think a “USA Vision” competition would be fun for them though.
Agree, a USA Vision would be fantastic!
Are you happy with Jessica Mauboy as our choice for Lisbon?
Absolutely! She’ll be amazing. Tough semi though...
And finally favourite Australian song Sea of Flags, Tonight Again, Sound of Silence or Don’t Come Easy?
Tonight Again for sure!
Thank you for your time Danie!