Meet the ESCXTRA team! Part 23 – AARON

This summer, we are running a series of feature articles that is slightly different to the norm. We think this is the perfect time for you (and us!) to find out more about the ESCXTRA team! Twice a week we’ll meet two of our team members. What is our personal Eurovision story? Why did we want to be a part of this website? What are our favourite Eurovision songs of all-time? How can you get in touch with us on social media? Read on to find out!

Aaron Marciano

I am 22-years-old from Sydney and just finished my final semester of University studying Commerce. I am born and raised in Australia, my heritage is Filipino, I have a Spanish last name and love all things European.

Your first Eurovision Memory?

The very first time I discovered the contest was in 2004, the year Ruslana won. At the time I did not fully understand what was going on but I remember how over the top the performances were. I distinctly remember thinking at the time that the intro shot of Ruslana’s back up dancers were playing didgeridoos.

Your Eurovision Journey?

It was not until 2009 when I really started following the contest. I remember being on a betting website looking at odds for the tennis when I somehow stumbled on odds for Eurovision. I then listened to all the songs and I knew Alexander Rybak was going to win. After watching in 2009 in full for the first time, it became an obsession watching all the national finals, listening to the songs and following the fan sites. It has also become a tradition being up at 5am watching every year for each show. I was also thrilled to hear in 2015 that Australia would take part in the contest and be represented by Guy Sebastian.
In 2016 I went to Copenhagen to study abroad for a semester. Being so close, I was therefore able to go to the contest in Stockholm. The two days in Stockholm were the best of my life. Stockholm put on a great contest and an amazing atmosphere that year. But, the cherry on the top was being there the year Dami Im slayed and came second for Australia.

Why is Eurovision special to you?

Eurovision is the epic love child of shows I love. I love international events as the Olympics and the World Cup, I am a big fan of reality game shows like survivor and I always watched singing competitions with my Parents.
Eurovision is where I discover new music I would not discover anywhere else. It has also educated me more on Europe than any history class ever will. Because of how truly unique it is, I do not see myself ever getting sick of it.

What attracted you to ESCXTRA?

Eurovision is a big part of my life and hence I wanted to be more actively involved in some way. I feel being a writer for ESCXTRA is a great way to keep up to date on the news and be part of an international community who all love the same thing. I have also been a big fan of the live streams that every year during the rehearsal period and love seeing in real time what the team really thinks.

And finally, what are your top 5 Eurovision songs of all time?

5. Il Volo – Grande Amore (Italy 2015)

4. Hari Mati Hari – Lejla (Bosnia & Herzegovina 2006)

3. Zeljko Joksimovic – Lane Moje (Serbia & Montenegro 2004)

2. Francesco Gabbani – Occidentali’s Karma (Italy 2017)

1. The Common Linnets – Calm After The Storm (The Netherlands 2014)

I enjoy having the typical ballads and party songs every year. But for me, what I love most are the songs that truly stand out and bring something special to the contest. These songs for me represent that. With my top two, I go back and forth for who’s number one. The Common Linnets brought a fantastic song and delivered it with a cinematographic masterpiece. Whereas with Occidentali’s Karma, I loved the message, the gorilla, the dance and Francesco himself.
Stay tuned for the next part in our Meet the ESCXTRA team series. On Tuesday we will meet Dominik! Remember you can share your Eurovision stories with us in the comments section below or via the comments sections on our Facebook page @ESCXTRA. We would love to hear them!