Now the Macroom native plans to give the performance of their life on the Late Late Eurosong special on Friday January 26, having been chosen as one of six acts to potentially fly the Irish flag at the 68th Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö.

“So far, Eurosong has been incredible,” Thug admits, from the London studio from where we are Zooming. “The whole thing is moving so fast. The love I’m getting from those I speak to online is really encouraging. I even had someone tattoo my name on their leg yesterday. It’s been wild.” 

Bambie Thug grew up in Macroom Co. Cork with their three sisters. Their mother, who Thug describes as “my biggest champion” stayed at home with them while their father, originally from Sweden, crafted metal parts and “didn’t have a note in his head”.

Did they find it easy to express their individuality back then?

“In ways, yes. Growing up in a small place, the furthest I would go was to say I was different. I definitely wanted the spotlight. I wanted to assert myself, but the closest I got was wearing brown clothes with pink tights,” they smile. “I don’t think it was until I moved away, and I came out that I really took agency over myself. I moved to London when I was twenty and that’s when I really felt I became myself. But learning to stand strong within yourself in the face of everyone else is a constant learning.” 

This year my resolution was to back myself completely and be my own strongest cheerleader,” Thug admits. “This creative world is amazing but, at the same time, it’s also tough. You have to have a thick skin.”

Bambie's song 'Doomsday Blue' has an edge to it that we don't often see from Irish Eurovision entries. Some critics describe it as 'electro-rap' while other fans prefer 'goth pop'.

“It’s hard to define my music,” Bambie explains. “But that’s what I love about it. I want to transport listeners through all aspects of my artistry. I am still discovering through music. When I was younger, my mother would wake us up with classical music. Then there would be rock playing in the car, rap in the afternoons at home. Music was thrown at me from all angles, and I absorbed all of it which is why I appreciate all types of music.

"When I was younger, I was obsessed with pop girlies like Britney Spears. I also loved Westlife. In fact, my first five concerts were Westlife, but my creativity stems from a combination of so many things; anything fantastical, animation, movies, even my witchcraft is a big part of it. I’m greedy, you see. I want to do it all, perform it all, create as much as I can.” 

Given the situation in Gaza, one of the brewing controversies around this year's Eurovision is the presence of Israel. There have been calls from several quarters for Israel to be banned from the competition. Bambie has a clear take on the controversy. 

“When things were going on with Ukraine, Russia wasn’t allowed to enter,” they point out, “so I don’t think there should be a rule for one and a different for another.” 

Right now though, for Bambie Thug, their focus is on giving this competition their best shot.

“I’d be lying to myself if I didn’t believe in my art. I have worked very hard on my artistry. I’d adore the opportunity to realise this song on such a huge platform. Imagine the budget for a stage show like this? To be given the opportunity to even get within touching distance of that is such a privilege”.

Any nerves when it comes to performing on the Late Late Show?

“Well, I wasn’t until everyone started saying it like that,” they laugh. Then, after a beat, they add; “But I wouldn’t have entered if I didn’t believe I could go the whole way.” 

• Six acts will compete on The Late Late Eurosong special on January 26, 9.35pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player