Austria Eurovision 2023 - Music Teacher analyses Who the hell is Edgar? by Teya & Salena (Reaction)

The reactionalyses of Eurovision 2023 continues with Austria's entry by Teya and Salena - "Who the hell is Edgar?" Mike discusses his thoughts on this year's entry and provides a musical analysis from a first time listening.
Original Video: • Teya & Salena - Who Th...
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[@tiki9247]

You were quite right: It´s supposed to be about the exploitation of female ghostwriters. The numbers are a reference to how Spotify pays artists between $0.003 - $0.005 per stream on average. So it´s about the struggles songwriters and artist face on a daily basis

[@TheMuserResolute]

oooh awesome! I absolutely love how this one has really got such a great serious message behind it. Thanks so much for this explanation!

[@anapaulacameron2438]

@@TheMuserResolute Even more poignant as Teya and Selena composed the song while in a song writing retreat.

[@tomtorres212]

@@TheMuserResolute I also think that the '...at least it pays to be funny' lyrics part and the funny, Thriller-y dance routine is a slap into the face of the evergrowing TikTok-Idiocy. Anyway, as an Austrian i might be biased but i think that song is a heavy darkhorse favourite to win it all this year ;)

[@agett12]

This was the best written song of Eurovision for me.

[@stevieboy666]

This is brilliant. As someone said it’s dealing with the exploitation of female ghostwriters. Edgar Allan Poe is writing the song but all everyone says is “Who the hell is Edgar?” You’ll notice how the lyrics touch upon their financial struggles and the video shows how they need to dress up in male clothes to make it as songwriters. And it’s bloody catchy!

[@Siptom369]

It really has a serious side to it, which is even more of a shame that we didn't get more points today.

[@davidcoleman9384]

Gutted for them. It's a classic banger.

[@benjamintomassennordahl7911]

This is perhaps my favourite song, in part due to how they hide so many hidden messages within it.

[@johnny11415]

The comment 0.003 is the amount of cents an artist gets for each spotify play so basically the song is critisizing the music industry and how not all artists can live on their earnings. And actually Poe seems was one of the first novelists to earn enough money to live by writing.

[@rexation8952]

The song also mentions IPI and A&R...
...if you are a songwriter, an IPI is the number that identifies you as a rights-holder of songs that you write, like a social security number for songwriters.
... A&R is "Artists and Repertoire" is what your unique sound and strong identity is in the music community. You need it to have a chance.
This is strongly about the music industry

[@misstamih]

as an Austrian I really loved this years entry since its catchy and touches on an important topic!

[@CatAndBearone]

Is it just ghostwriters or is it musicians in general not being paid enough for their work through streaming sites? It's VERY clever at having a snipe at the industry in a "funny" song. I wasn't sure when I first heard it but it's become my second or third choice after Australia and Serbia if he manages to pull it off live. I know that Austria can because I've seen lots of footage of them live and their vocals are absolutely spot on every time. And as a former musician, the little dig at how poorly they're being paid for their art makes me go "YAAAAS!!! You go girls!!!" 😂

[@lilsemanas]

this is my favourite entry this year, lyrically and sonically it's right up my alley! also i'd love to see your reaction to portugal's entry, it's on my top5 and too underrated imo

[@billyoconnor1857]

This is surprisingly smart and funny for a eurovision entry but I like it, thanks!

[@annablume9077]

It's funny above but serious deep down.....genius

[@ThomasEntner]

In addition to all above, I think there is another layer: how musicians are used by music industry ("you gonna be a star"), but in the end they do not make much money as the songs are from ghost writers who own the rights on the music. Maybe influenced by their experience with various casting shows they attended.

[@paullengenfelder2066]

You will find good explanations in den comment section under the original video - Great Song - Great Lyrics!

[@durabelle]

This is a really good song in so many ways, but I can't see it winning, since it's about such a niche topic. Most voters probably don't really get it on the first listen, or maybe they do, but can't identify with the message. On the surface level it's catchy and fun, but is it enough to set them apart from others..? They should be interesting enough to qualify though, guess we'll see today 🙂

[@TheMuserResolute]

It's a pretty cool song! I'm really loving the message. I woke up early for the semi the other morning but can't do it tomorrow as i'll be going into work super early. Will have to wait to stream it when I get back! It's tipped to qualify, and is meant to be the most popular in this semi finals

[@hannesbachmayr4720]

They are referring to the amount of money the artists get from streaming services like Spotify. - "At least it pays to be funny"