New music this week: 12 songs from Wiktoria, Marija Serifovic, Sakis Rouvas and more

The Eurovision season is hotting up. And over the course of the next few months, we will all fall in and out of love with scores of new national final and Eurovision entries. But that doesn’t mean we forget about the artists from past contests.

Contrary to the commonly perpetuated myth about the song contest killing careers, we’re always thrilled to report that singers and performers associated with both Eurovision itself and the various national selections are thriving.

Here is a selection of just some of the songs and music videos released in the last week or so.

New music from Eurovision artists (2020: Week 4, part one)

Wiktoria – “We Don’t Talk”

Following on from her country-tinged Melodifestivalen entries since 2016, Wiktoria has begun to transition towards full-on pop over recent years. This trend continues with the Swedish star’s latest track “We Don’t Talk”. Driven by a guitar riff, the song almost has an acoustic vibe to it. (Jonathan)

Marija Šerifović “Nocturno”

She won Eurovision 2007 thanks to her mastery of the Balkan ballad. And why change something that isn’t broken? Marija continues to draw from the same traditional well with “Nocturno”. However, it’s a gentler, less intense affair than “Molitva”.

Sakis Rouvas and Nicol Raidman “Shake It”

People want a lot of things people in 2020. Was a reissue of Sakis Rouvas’ 2004 Greek Eurovision hit “Shake It” high up the list? Perhaps not. But, nonetheless, we’ve got it now, complete with fresh vocals from Nicol Raidman, a star of Israel’s answer to The Real Housewives franchise. We’re happy to report that the track’s lost none of its camp value in the 16 years since its original release.

Emma – “Stupida Allegria” (feat. Izi)

After a short break away from the spotlight, Emma Marrone released her sixth studio album, Fortuna, in October last year. Following on from the release of the LP’s sophomore single “Stupida Allegria” (“Stupid Joy”) in December, Italy’s Eurovision 2014 singer has now released a remixed version of the track. The new version features Izi, who provides a rap verse in the middle of the song. (Jonathan)

ISA – “Who The Hell, Vol.2” (feat. Jamkid)

Her two Melodifestivalen entries in 2015 and 2016 saw ISA at the start of her musical journey. Since then, the Swedish singer has matured into her own. Her latest song is “Who The Hell, Vol.2”, and features rapper Jamkid. As the title suggests, it’s the second version of the song. The original single released last year only included vocals by ISA. (Jonathan)

Ani Lorak and Misha Marvin “Ухожу”

She’s the shady lady who’s career has gone from strength to strength since representing Ukraine in 2008. Ani Lorak’s latest effort is a low-tempo number with fellow Ukrainian singer Misha Marvin. “We give you an incredibly beautiful, heartfelt love song… let this true story warm your hearts”, writes Ani on Instagram.

Netta – “Don’t Start Now” (Dua Lipa cover)

It’s only a couple of weeks since Netta dropped “Beg”, but she’s already back at work in the studio… or should we say office? Taken from episode two of the Eurovision 2018 winner’s web series Netta’s Office, the clip sees the “Toy” songstress put her very unique spin on Dua Lipa’s current smash hit “Don’t Start Now”. Rather hear Dua herself? She’ll be a guest performer at Italy’s Sanremo Festival.

Lindita – “I Betcha”

She’s best known to Eurovision fans for her powerful lungs and ballads like her 2017 effort “World”. But Albania’s Lindita Halimi is nothing if not diverse. “I Betcha” is an urban number with gangsta vibes. FiK would be shook.

Flaka Krelani – “Playa”

Unlike Lindita, Flaka Krelani’s music has always tended to be on the grittier side. And as such, it’s not surprising that the R&B influenced “Playa” oozes sex and decadence. Flaka last took part in Festivali i Këngës in 2015 and 2016, Albania’s preselections for Eurovision 2016 and 2017 respectively.

Lorena – “Tihi Ocean”

She’s set to return to Croatia’s Dora in a couple of weeks time. But before she unveils the successor to her 2019 hit “Tower of Babylon”, Lorena has dropped “Tihi Ocean”. It’s completely different to her national final runner-up and shows that the songstress is capable of delivering emotion, as well as uptempo bops.

Csézy – “Fall Again”

Those blaming Hungary’s withdrawal on a poor placing in Tel Aviv should remember that the country stuck around after its last-place finish in the 2008 semis. And so did that year’s representative Csézy. In fact, the “Candlelight” singer has recorded dozens of singles since. The latest is the gentle “Fall Again”.

Amanda Fondell – “Widescreen”

She might have finished second from bottom in her Melodifestivalen 2013 semi, but, like so many others, Amanda Fondell has continued to be a prolific music maker. “Widescreen” is significantly more grown-up than her Melfest effort “Dumb”, which isn’t shocking given that was seven years ago. A comeback is overdue.