Skip to main content

ZOË

"For me, representing Austria at the Eurovision Song Contest is not only the greatest honour of all, but also a chance to reach all of Europe with my music", ZOË explains. The young singer took part in the Austrian pre-selection show for the Eurovision Song Contest in 2016 for the second time - and on 12 February, she was chosen to represent her country out of ten acts with her song Loin d'ici by a combined jury and televoting procedure.

Zoe Straub's talent for music and love of chanson run in her family: the 19-year old Viennese artist is the daughter of Papermoon's founder Christof Straub. Zoe has been active as a singer and songwriter since 2013, her songs being the product of musical cooperation with her father. Alongside music, Zoe is also a TV personality and actress.

Zoe is a European with her heart and soul. The blend of European cultures, languages and regional musical traditions is meant to obliterate borderlines and stimulate the European idea. Her earliest memory of the Song Contest: "I guess I was some five years old and my parents were watching the Song Contest in their bedroom. I should have been fast asleep, but I eavesdropped at the door."

Things you should know about ZOË

What are the three most interesting aspects about your entry?

  1. A French song for Austria
  2. A song that takes the audience on a journey in a colorful fantasy world
  3. A song that is radiating positive vibes in a troubled world

What are the three most impressive facts about you?

  1. I can sleep for more than 12 hours
  2. I recorded my first single when I was 4 years old
  3. My boyfriend is half Swedish

Do you have a (lucky) routine before you go on stage?

Standing in „Superman-position“ gives me strength

Why is the Eurovision Song Contest important for you?

It was always my biggest dream to perform on the stage of the Eurovision Song Contest

In Search of Paradise

"Loin d'ici tells a story of search for paradise. In this context, paradise is not a physical location but an inner image which everyone can find for themselves. The song is meant to make people smile and simply feel good", ZOË explains the idea behind her song.

The past year was an active one in terms of music for the singer and actress. She released her first album Debut and instantly entered the Top 5 of Austria's Top 40 album charts. Her single Mon coeur a trop aimé was the most popular title with Ö3 radio listeners.

Music video

Lyrics of Loin d'ici

Et quand tu chantes, oui moi je chante aussi
Quand tu t’élances, je suis
Et quand tu voles, oui moi je vole aussi
Si tu t’élances, j’te suis

Dans un pays loin d’ici
À la recherche du paradis
Dans un pays loin d’ici
On chante, on chante
Dans un pays loin d’ici
À la recherche du paradis
Dans un pays loin d’ici
On chante

Et quand la route nous semble sans issue
Sans aucun doute, j’te suis
Sans aucun doute, même si on s’ra perdu
Sans aucun doute, j’te suis

Dans un pays loin d’ici
À la recherche du paradis
Dans un pays loin d’ici
On chante, on chante
Dans un pays loin d’ici
À la recherche du paradis
Dans un pays loin d’ici
On chante, on chante

On chante et on danse et on rit, on s’élance, réuni, enivré, dans l’imprudence

Dans un pays loin d’ici
À la recherche du paradis
Dans un pays loin d’ici
On chante, on chante
Dans un pays loin d’ici
À la recherche du paradis
Dans un pays loin d’ici
On chante, on chante
Dans un pays loin d’ici
À la recherche du paradis
Dans un pays loin d’ici
On chante, on chante

On chante, on chante, on danse, on danse
Dans un pays
On chante, on chante, on danse, on danse
Loin d’ici
When you sing
I will sing along
When you go for it
I follow

And when you fly
Yes I will fly with you
When you go for it
I follow

In a land, far from here
Searching for the paradise
In an land far from here
They're singing
x2

Even if the road seams to be a dead end
If you go for it
I follow

Without any doubt
Even if we would be lost
Without any doubt
I'd follow you

In a land, far from here
Searching for the paradise
In an land far from here
They're singing
x2

They sing and they dance
And they laugh, they go for it, all together, tipsy, into carelessness

In a land, far from here
Searching for the paradise
In an land far from here
They're singing
x2