Joost Klein at the Eurovision Song Contest: ‘Don’t forget that I’m ‘talking about’ in Dutch for three minutes on that stage’

“We expect you at this secret location for a conversation with Joost.” In a mysterious email we find the coordinates of an open space in Slottsträdgården, a large park in the middle of Malmö, host city of the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. An interview moment with the Dutch sensation Joost Klein presents itself so rarely that one even imagines it. before heading to a gray alley in Sweden, but fortunately the place we are led to turns out to be slightly more idyllic upon arrival. The secret location in question is the Slöttsmöllan, an authentic windmill that would not look out of place in the Dutch mill village of Kinderdijk. Under the wings? Joost Klein, the man behind ‘Europapa’, the easiest Eurovision song to belt out.

For this marketing stunt alone, Klein douze points to deserve. “Marketing is art, just like music,” says Joost. “You can reach people with it and then provoke emotions, that’s what I like.” Stunting is what Joost has been doing for over five months now – Joost Klein was appointed in December 2023 to wave the flag of our northern neighbors in Malmö. He first announced his Eurovision participation in The smartest person in the world. Then he had a petition signed by more than 25,000 people to get the Dutch public broadcaster to choose him. To then send ‘Europapa’ into the world, a thoroughly Dutch hardcore song that became the second most streamed song among the entries with more than 45 million plays – only ‘La noia’ by Angelina Mango from Italy does better.

“For me, this whole Eurovision Song Contest feels like one art gallery where I can hang my art,” says Joost. “So yes: I pull out all the stops.” This also applies to his act, for which he brought in some other familiar faces from the Joost universe: Joost mascot and Instagram figure Stuntkabouter and TikTokker Appie Mussa. The latter will join Joost on stage in a blue bird suit with the European flag. Joost: “They all come from my circle of friends. Including those guys in the process means a lot to me. I try to follow my heart in the choices I make here.” Gover Meit, alias Donny Ronny, also received a place in the Dutch delegation. As Joost’s creative director, he is always by his side, even during this interview. “Joost is a visual artist, we can all learn something from him,” says Gover Meit. “Let him be an inspiration to Europeans.”

Cultural heritage

Where does the ‘Europapa’ singer himself get his inspiration from? He doesn’t think twice about that: “By Crazy Frog, without a doubt.” And with happy hardcore? Joost nods. “We bring Dutch cultural heritage to Eurovision and it is appreciated.”

The Eurovision Song Contest is and remains a place where over-the-top nationalism is accepted. Many countries take the opportunity to promote traditional clothing or age-old songs. But with Joost no clogs or croquettes from the wall, but gabber beats. “Hardcore music is a top export product from the Netherlands. Then why not bring it to the biggest stage in the world? Et voilà, here we are.”

But ‘Europapa’ is more than just party music that wants to get you chopping. The song is also an ode to Joost Klein’s parents, both of whom he lost at a young age, within the same year. It also turns out to be one of the reasons why Joost wanted to go to Malmö so much. “This is pure youth sentiment,” he says. “Watching it together on the couch with my parents: that is the Eurovision Song Contest for me. Maybe it’s the melancholy that led me to this competition. As you get older, you forget more about the past. You have to keep the image of certain people alive. This participation helps me with that.”

In the intimate ending of ‘Europapa’, Joost Klein looks his audience straight in the eyes with the words: See now, Dad? I listened to you. “That is a message for myself as a child, but also for all other young people in the rest of the world,” Joost explains that vulnerable ending.

Bullshit

The bookmakers have Joost Klein in around fifth place, but according to many he is one of the big contenders for a final win. Being considered one of the top favorites before a match has officially started: it is undoubtedly good for the ego, but it does not always turn out well. Just look at Iceland in 2016; fans and connoisseurs had almost packed their bags for Reykjavik 2017, but Greta Salóme did not even survive the semi-finals with her song ‘Hear Them Calling’.

Joost hopes for a better outcome. “We take this participation really seriously and have prepared down to the last detail, but don’t forget that I will be speaking in Dutch for three minutes. old hats on that stage. That is a challenge for an international audience.” That’s why not only the vocals, but also everything else has to be right, he realizes. “I’m standing here telling a story with my full facial expressions. To anyone who wants to be part of that story, I say: Be welcome!”

Joost is not only a household name in the Netherlands and Belgium, they also know him in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, thanks to his German-language hit ‘Friesenjung’. Does his name recognition cause extra stress? “I don’t like to think of myself as an established artist, but success does come with risks,” says Joost. “The advantage is that I am too stubborn or even too blind to be guided by it.” Gover Meit agrees: “It does put a certain pressure on our shoulders, but it gives our work ethic a boost. It is motivating.”

Team-Joost wants to be an example for popular artists, who usually prefer to ignore the circus that is Eurovision. Gover Meit: “The Eurovision Song Contest may not be the place you would most associate with Joost Klein, but we dare to say that our music also deserves a place here. This is about believing in yourself. Look at us!”

The new Ursula von der Leyen?

A rat race like the Eurovision Song Contest demands a lot from an artist. Joost – who you would almost forget that he still only has 26 springs – also feels this, now that he has spent almost two weeks in Malmö. “There is a lot riding on this 26-year-old. Eurovision is more than just singing your song. It’s slowly starting to take its toll. But I remain calm and live in the moment.”

He has to hold on until just after midnight on Saturday. Then we know the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. And it is therefore not inconceivable that it will be Joost Klein from Friesland. “I really don’t want to think about it yet,” Joost repeats. “I am currently focusing on the beauty that I bring here for all children and everyone who wants to feel young. And when asked what drinks will be served in the Green Room.”

If things turn out less positively for the Netherlands, he doesn’t have to fear: his agenda for after the final already looks well filled. He continues his tour through Europe and there are still “some secret projects” planned. And otherwise Joost can always knock on the door of the European Parliament. They are also fans of ‘Europapa’ there. “I already noticed that they sometimes use the song on their channels, yes. That’s not really the intention.” The abundance of European blue in Joost’s clothing, videos and act clearly gives the European Union hope in these difficult times for the continent. Would he consider an offer to succeed European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen? “That’s not necessary,” says Joost. “But I do keep an eye on them. That they don’t use my material too much anymore.”

The final of the Eurovision Song Contest can be followed live on VRT 1 on Saturday 11/5 from 9 p.m.