Introducing Look Mum No Computer: The UK's Eurovision Hopeful
Experimental musician Look Mum No Computer, real name Sam Battle, has been selected to represent the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest. He expressed surprise that the BBC chose his "completely wacky" song, titled Eins, Zwei, Drei, as this year's entry.
The track is a complex blend of chanted hooks and distinctive keyboard sounds, intentionally steering away from the polished pop style typical of previous UK entries. The chorus features German lyrics, while the verses include references to traditional English desserts such as "roly poly with custard."
"I was like, 'This is not going to be taken seriously because the BBC love the conventional stuff, and this is not conventional'," says the musician. "So they're taking a bit of a risk - but who knows?"
UK's Eurovision Journey and Look Mum No Computer's Perspective
The UK has experienced a challenging period at Eurovision since Sam Ryder secured second place four years ago. Subsequent entries by Olly Alexander in 2024 and Remember Monday in 2025 received zero points from the public vote, narrowly avoiding last place due to points awarded by professional songwriter juries.
Battle adopts a philosophical stance regarding the UK's recent Eurovision results.
"Whether it's winning or whether it's not winning, I just figured the best thing to do is just try my hardest," he says.
"There's a lot of stuff going on with the voting, a lot of favouritism and stuff, and maybe the UK isn't everybody's favourite when it comes to the Eurovision.
"So I'm just going to be myself and hope they see that I'm an all right guy. Because if they don't like you, then there's no hope, really."
Crafting a Unique Eurovision Entry
Standing out in Eurovision's competitive environment is a key challenge for any entrant. Eins, Zwei, Drei deliberately breaks from traditional Eurovision norms, offering a delightfully unconventional and captivating experience.
The song can be likened to Blur covering Falco's "Rock Me Amadeus," incorporating lyrics about jam roly polys and an extensive call-and-response section, contributing to its distinct appeal.
The narrative begins with Battle describing his frustration with a monotonous nine-to-five job, as he daydreams about a holiday abroad.
"The office cubicle has trapped me again," he says, before launching into the German-inspired chorus.
"If only there was a language I could count in that would make me feel better,"
Battle explains the German influence by sharing his frequent tours in Germany with a friend, noting the country's friendliness and hospitality.
"Basically, I go on tour in Germany a lot," the singer explains. "I spend a lot of time going around there in a little van, me and my mate, and they're very friendly, very nice.
"So I thought, let's write a song about going on holiday in Germany."
Musical Influences and Language Choices
The song reflects two of Battle's major musical influences: Elvis Costello and The Human League. His vocal style, which includes sprechgesang, recalls Ian Dury, while subtle keyboard motifs nod to the Steve Miller Band's "Abracadabra." Additionally, a melodic flourish resembles the "swagger of a champion" line from Britney Spears' "Womanizer."
Interestingly, the UK entry contains more German language than Germany's own song, "Fire," which is performed entirely in English.
Battle's Background and Musical Innovations
A self-professed Eurovision fan, Battle previously played in two major label recording acts, including the indie band Zibra, before launching his solo career in 2016.
He is perhaps better known for his YouTube channel, where he constructs and performs on unusual synthesizers. These include organs made from toys such as Furbies and Game Boys, a "synthesiser bicycle," and a hybrid of a keyboard and a flame thrower.
Battle also holds the Guinness World Record for the world's largest "drone synth," capable of producing 1,000 separate tones.
"It's like 1,000 buzzing bees making a symphonic noise... Or the sound of my neighbours getting angry," he laughs.
The synth, which occupies an entire wall of a room, is housed in a museum that Battle owns and operates in Kent. The museum also contains other experimental and historic musical instruments, including a 100-year-old church organ that Battle restored by hand.
"I've always been into building things," says Battle, whose grandfather helped construct the Withernsea Lighthouse Museum in Yorkshire, and whose father was a DIY car enthusiast.
"So when I discovered the magic of synthesisers, I just had this urge to build them. I don't know why. It just felt more honest making a sound from something I've built and designed."
This passion for building instruments informs his stage name, as Battle records using his own inventions rather than computer-assisted software.
The Creation of Eins, Zwei, Drei and Eurovision Selection
Eins, Zwei, Drei was composed on one of Battle's synthesizers, affectionately named Kosmo. This imposing black device resembles a hybrid between a telephone exchange and an aircraft flight deck.
The song originated after Battle emailed the BBC's Eurovision team unexpectedly in September of the previous year. Initially, he anticipated writing for another artist but was surprised when asked to consider performing the song himself.
The inspiration for the song's title came during a moment of setting up his equipment.
"I was actually moving a sofa to make room for my synth and, as we prepared to lift it I said, 'Eins, Zwei, Drei'.
"Everyone was like, 'That's the name of the song!'
"And lo and behold, 12 hours later we had the rough version of this thing."
By Christmas, Battle was shortlisted among five artists invited to perform for the BBC's Eurovision team, including head of delegation Andrew Cartmell and Sam Ryder's manager David May.
In January, he was officially chosen as the UK's representative. The public announcement was made last month, with the song unveiled on the most recent Friday.
Battle expressed excitement about participating in the contest.
"It's pretty mad, but yeah, I'm excited," he says. "[I'm] working hard to do the best that I can do."
Preparing for Eurovision and the Message Behind the Song
Battle will perform Eins, Zwei, Drei in Vienna this May. The build-up to Eurovision has been challenging, with five countries withdrawing from the contest due to Israel's participation.
The musician hopes his song, which promotes embracing other European countries, will convey a positive message.
"The idea of Eurovision is a feeling of togetherness," he says. "And that's what I wanted to portray."
