As our team continues to grow, it means there are more of us that you can get to know! Therefore, we will continue to bring back our “Meet the ESCXTRA team” feature each time we have someone new for you to meet. 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? Also, how can you get in touch with us on social media? Read on to find out!
JULIAN SCHULZ
I’m an 18-year old soon-to-be student from Germany living in Frankfurt. After finishing high-school last year, I traveled and worked in Australia and New Zealand for six months and will soon start studying agricultural sciences in Stuttgart. Besides Eurovision and music in general, I have a huge passion for gaming, traveling, photography and Drag Race!
Your first Eurovision memory?
The first time I watched Eurovision was in 2010 when Germany won and I fell under the false impression that your own country winning is a common thing. I later learned that it is in fact not common at all and its probably going to take a long time until I can experience a German win again.
My first memory of Eurovision however is a news program on TV in 2009 were they reported about Dita Von Teese appearing during the performance of Alex Swings Oscar Sings! “Miss Kiss Kiss Bang”.
Your Eurovision journey?
Eurovision has always been something I have been interested in, but I only really got into it more from 2016 on. The following years I obsessed over it more and more, including watching all the national finals and witnessing all the drama that is happening in the Eurofandom.
This year I attended my first live Eurovision in Tel Aviv and it turned out to be one of the most amazing experiences of life. Going to the shows, being surrounded by fans and dancing to Eurovision songs all night long was just a dream come true and made me long for more.
Why is Eurovision special to you?
Eurovision for me is always first and foremost about music and that is a big part of my life. I play the guitar and clarinet, even played in an orchestra for 8 years and am now getting more and more into songwriting. The whole event allows me to experience new music, discover new artists and experience an amazing show along the way.
Another part that makes is special to me is the peaceful celebration of music during Eurovision. Over 40 countries come together, lay their differences aside and music is the only thing that matters for a few hours. This is something only Eurovision can do and now other thing would be able to recreate it.
What attracted you to ESCXTRA?
After attending Eurovision this year for the first time I was looking for an opportunity to get in the bubble even more and when I saw on Twitter that ESCXTRA was looking for new people to join their team, it was a no-brainer for me to apply.
Additionally, ESCXTRA has always been a main news source for me and the website and the videos always brought the contest closer to me when I could not be there myself. That’s also the reason why I can’t wait to get started and work with the amazing team!
And finally, your top 5 Eurovision songs of all-time?
5. Lena – Satellite
This song will always have a special place in my heart, as it was one of the first Eurovision songs I ever listened to and seeing it win will always be a moment I’ll remember.
4. Common Linnets – Calm After The Storm
It’s such a well written song both musically and lyrically and whenever it comes on, I’m just mesmerized by it. Listening to it just takes me to a good place and that makes it one of my favourite songs of all times.
3. Duncan Laurence – Arcade
Before it was officially released, I discovered a live version of it on YouTube and the moment I heard “Arcade” for the first time, I completely fell in love with it. The story behind it, Duncans voice and the way he sings it justifies his win and his place in my Top 5.
2. Loic Nottet – Rhythm Inside
This is it. The song that really got me into Eurovision. Loic just absolutely killed this song live and I remember having it on repeat for weeks after the show in 2015. A little later that year I then looked up when the next Eurovision is and the rest is history.
1. Carl Espen – Silent Storm
“Silent Storm” is a song I listened to before I even knew that it was from Eurovision. I remember listening to it on the radio and I was immediately drawn to it. The melody, Carl’s voice and especially the lyrics just drive this song to perfection and make it my number one.
Where to find you on social media?
You can find me on Twitter @JuGermany or on Instagram @dasjulian !
Stay tuned for the next part in our Meet the ESCXTRA team series! 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!
