IN IT TO WIN IT Pop sensation Kate
Miller-Heidke talks tackling Eurovision and mastering motherhood
It’s been almost 10 years since Kate Miller-Heidke’s radio hit ‘The Last Day On Earth’ made her a household name in Australia and now, ahead of her experience in the Eurovision 2019 contest, the charmingly quirky songstress sat down with WHO to reveal why she has chosen to give the competition her all, how motherhood has changed her and how she has managed to work seamlessly with her husband and father of their 2-year-old son Ernie, Keir Nuttall.
When you decided to enter Eurovision – Australia Decides, how seriously did you take the competition?
I took it pretty seriously
– I take all performances pretty seriously. At the same time, I was fully prepared to not win. There was some very stiff competition.
What do you think gave your song and performance the edge?
I’m not entirely sure. My song and presentation had a theatricality about them that works in the context of Eurovision. But, as I said, stiff competition. I’m thrilled and grateful people voted for me!
What’s your background with Eurovision? Are you a life-long fan or a recent convert?
I’ve always been a fan. My interest has deepened since Australia entered the competition, but I’ve always loved it.
How are you feeling about the main competition in Tel Aviv, Israel? How do you rate your chances?
My chances are slim, but I’m gonna go there and do my very best!
Have you been keeping an eye on all the other international selection shows? Who do you see as the biggest competition?
I try not to look at the other artists as ‘competition’. I don’t know if that comes across as naive, but that sort of competitive mindset will make me insane. Like most artists, I’m quite sensitive, I don’t have a thick skin. I’m trying to look at it more as a celebration.
How much will you change your performance for the semi-finals and, if you get through, final?
The performance is being drastically altered for the semi-finals, and if I get through, it will be exactly the same for the final.
Are you excited to see Madonna perform?
Yes! I’ve been a fan since childhood.
How nervous were you about putting ‘Zero Gravity’ out into the world, given its very personal subject matter of post-natal depression?
I did feel vulnerable putting it out initially, but the response since then has been so amazing – many women seem to have gone on a similar journey.
“My chances are slim, but I’m going to do my very best ”
What do you think is the biggest misconception about post-natal depression?
I had this assumption my depression would resolve itself quickly. It wasn’t very quick, and I had to take assertive steps.
What were you hoping to add to the conversation with ‘Zero Gravity’?
Music can make people feel less alone. That’s it.
Has your experience after having Ernie had an impact on your thoughts about having more children?
Yes. We are very happy with just Ernie!
Will Keir and Ernie be travelling to Tel Aviv with you?
After much deliberation, we decided Ernie should stay home in his regular routine. I’ll be working crazy hours and would hardy see him anyway. I’m going to miss him – and his father – terribly. It’ll be the longest we’ve ever been apart.
What’s it like working professionally with your husband?
He’s an extremely gifted songwriter and musician. We are very much a collaborative team. There’s no divide between ‘work life’ and ‘home life’, which gets hard at times, but I wouldn’t change anything. Keir wrote a lot of the lyrics for ‘Zero Gravity’ – he was in the unique position of knowing exactly what I had been through. The Eurovision Song Contest will be broadcast live and in primetime exclusive to SBS and SBS On Demand from May 15 to 19.