Bambie Thug talks to RTÉ Entertainment about their “wild” year post-Eurovision, being an ‘Irish mammy’ to their young fanbase and why their new single Fangtasy is a clapback to their critics.
Bambie Thug is in high spirits as we chat about the Irish leg of their Crown The Witch tour kicking off at the end of October. A gruelling run of European shows (“It’s been a bit of a mind fuzz”) has not dimmed their spark one bit.
“It’s been amazing, the community that we’ve built and my fans are incredible,” Bambie said with a huge smile.
“I honestly, genuinely think that they’re the best fans in the world, they’re just so kind, they’re so good, they’re so nice, I’m so proud of it.
“And just seeing that I’m connecting with so many people, in so many places, is wild. I’m super grateful. I’ve been dreaming about all of this kind of stuff for a long time.”
Still basking in their success at the Eurovision in May, in which Bambie finished in sixth place with the genre-shifting track Doomsday Blue, marking Ireland’s most successful achievement since 2000, the self-professed “ouija pop” musician is ready to round out their tour in Ireland.
“I’m so excited that I get to finish it in Ireland on home soil and especially finishing in Cork. Because then I get to just stay at home, I don’t have to go anywhere!” the Macroom-born singer said with a laugh.
Continuing more seriously, Bambie confessed: “I think I’m more nervous about performing in Ireland than the rest of Europe though, to be honest with you.
“I don’t know why. I think I’m going to be way more emotional in Ireland because it’s Ireland. It’s such a big thing for me to be accepted there. I’m delighted.”
The non-binary Cork musician admits they have had a “wild” year. Their appearance at the Eurovision was not without controversy, with several incidents taking place between the Irish and Israeli delegations.
Bambie, who has been outspoken about their pro-Palestine views amid the ongoing war in Gaza, accused the Israeli broadcaster, Kan, of a rule break during the competition.
They learned a lot during the intensive Eurovision period.
“I think my media training went up tenfold, which is great,” they laughed. “I learned a lot about performance for TV, which is awesome. I learned a lot of eye-opening stuff about how that side of it works.
“I think the lesson is to just continue to be honest and authentic. That will always win. People can have problems with me, but if I’ve been honest then it’s not my fault they have problems.”
“I grew up a lot and learned a lot and it’s given me an amazing platform,” they continued. “And I’m grateful to it. You need a lot of confidence and strength to get through any type of TV show.
“It’s a beautiful step on my journey and now my journey is going to go… [I] don’t know! But I’m excited. You know, I’m just really grateful for the scope that it’s given me.”
Asked if they had any advice for Ireland’s Eurovision hopeful next year, Bambie replied: “Crack the whip. Go in fighting. And remember that you have Ireland’s voice. I know it’s not a political thing, but, be loud for us.”
The 68th Eurovision in Sweden’s Malmö was watched by 163 million viewers worldwide. The level of exposure involved in taking part cannot be overstated.
“I did massive festival shows. I jumped from the tiniest stage in Download [Festival] last year to the biggest stage, the main stage this year,” Bambie said of the post-Eurovision boost they’re enjoying.
“I got to perform in so many places – it’s the reach now. It’s fine for whatever numbers online that you have, that’s online, but to see physical people and the love is wild.”
They speak warmly and affectionately about their growing fanbase.
“They’re just all such good people, any of them that I’ve met or talked to online, they just seem to be super kind and super compassionate,” Bambie said.
“Loads of them have met online and made friends and are now helping each other through school bits or bullies… I’m just proud of them.”
When speaking about fervent young fans queueing up early outside venues for her European gigs, Bambie said: “It’s wild that they’re queuing up so early. Sometimes there were some cities where it was hot outside.
“And I was like, these kids are sitting in the heat waiting, we have to bring them water. I just feel like a bit of an Irish mammy with them!”
On the other side of the coin, the increased fame brings with it, regrettably, an inevitable amount of online trolling.
“At this point, they’re improving my algorithm, so you know what, it’s fine,” Bambie shrugged.
“I do think hurt people hurt people and people who hold a lot of hatred will always push the blame onto something else.
“Here is a person who is themselves, and unapologetic and free and doesn’t really care about perception – that’s maybe triggering for someone who would never be able to truly be themselves or speak up for themselves.”
They added: “That’s why they’re angry and throwing it at me. I hope they’re OK and they become better humans, but I’m not going to waste my time making myself feel awful about somebody saying ‘You are Satanic’ or ‘You’re too thin’ or ‘You’re not wearing enough clothes’. And?
“There are awful things happening. Your priorities are all a mess. If their priorities are a mess, they’re not for me to fix.”
Among those terrible things happening in the world is Israel’s continued bombardment of Gaza. Bambie has written a beautiful song called Children Should Be Laughing about the conflict, and they have been singing it every night on tour.
“It’s important for me because it’s the best way that I can spread the message and show support. I’m a lot more confident and I think intellectual in songwriting than anywhere else,” Bambie said.
“The response has been great. That’s another thing about my fanbase – they’re very active. That’s so important to know that there’s this safe community being built that I think is on the right side of things.
“It’s a reminder that this is happening and even though we all get to be at my show and have a great time and feel safe, not taking that for granted.”
The Cork star has just released their undeniably catchy new single Fangtasy which they joke is a bit of an “F you” to their critics.
“It’s about marching to your own drum beat and just doing you, and also being able to see through people’s masks, who aren’t really for you and getting rid of them,” Bambie said of the meaning behind the track.
“It’s just a feel-good song. There are definitely naysayers about my music and with this one, anyone could like it. So it’s also a bit of a ‘f you’, like, I can make radio music too!”
After the tour, Bambie says they need “a little break”.
Whatever comes next, the future is looking bright for the 31-year-old artist.
“Right now I have many beautiful things coming. I’ve got an arena tour next year with Babymetal and more festivals and more music. And maybe a nap somewhere!” they laughed.