New music this week (part 1): Songs from Sudden Lights, Lena, AWS and more

The Eurovision 2024 season is now in full swing and no doubt fans will have the songs from this year’s contest on repeat until we crown a winner in May. But that doesn’t mean we forget about the artists from past contests – they’re still bringing us a lot of new music to enjoy.

Contrary to the commonly perpetuated myth about the song contest killing careers, we’re always thrilled to report that singers associated with Eurovision are thriving.

Here is our latest weekly roundup with a selection of the songs and music videos released recently by Eurovision stars.

New music from Eurovision artists: 2024 | Week 11 part 1

With so many new songs this week, we’ve split the roundup into two smaller articles. You can find part 2 here.

Lena – “Loyal to myself”

This week starts with Lena, who’s already an iconic figure when we speak about Eurovision and Germany. She competed in Eurovision twice, first in 2010 when she won the contest, and then she competed again the next year, being a rare case of a winner who returned the following year. Her new track is personal, and she opens her heart entirely, as the lyrics speak about being loyal to yourself, giving up on expectations or the desire to please others: “I know that I have tried this, tried that/ I did it just to reach the things, that’s so sad/ I thought that you might like it like that/ But nothing ever felt so bad […] I’m loyal to myself now, wanna get to know me/ A little bit better, now that I’m the real me.”

The song has an interesting vibe, mixing acoustic elements with a twist of pop rock, evoking the vibes of the early 2000s. She performed her song for the first time on TV during the Late Night Berlin show. Lena promises to be “loyal to herself,” as she announced to her fans that this song represents a new beginning for her:

“I’m very happy because the song means a lot to me. Feels like the start of a next chapter to share with you.”

Little Big – “Boobs”

The next song is definitely straightforward, and if you’re looking for something crazy, this one’s for you. After missing the chance to participate at Eurovision in 2020, Little Big now releases music from America, where they’ve relocated. “Boobs,” like most of their tracks, is a mixture of EDM and rave. This time, the lyrics are very simple and repeat themselves throughout the song: “Oops, I like your boobs/ Yes, I like your ass.” But as usual, the music video is wild. The band once again plays with a green screen and countless visual effects to create a sexy and funny music video. The whole experience is chaotic, and that’s exactly what fans expected.

Sudden Lights – “Eastern European Dream”

Sudden Lights return to their roots in their latest track. Having represented Latvia last year, they now present an alternative rock piece that delves into the essence of Eastern Europe. Set in a café, the music video brings a distinct Eastern European retro vibe. Sung in English, their new track explores themes of disillusionment and detachment from reality, with an incapability of seeing things clearly: “This window I can’t see through, makes me wanna be delusional.” While the boys are “hypnotized by the anger” and feeling like there’s “a gun to their heads,” showing how they are trapped in negative emotions and situations, they find resilience in being “the best dancers” and claim a sense of freedom. Life presents a contrast between expectations and reality, yet these Eastern European boys find the power to dance their troubles away.

Dilara Kazimova – “Zəng, Zəng”

Dilara has returned with a captivating tune. Azerbaijan’s Eurovision 2014 representative is back with a bop infused with some traditional elements. The song exudes savageness and confidence, yet the lyrics delve into a sudden change in behaviour when it comes to a loved one. Dilara tries repeatedly to reach out to him to sort things out, despite his avoidance. She knows he loves her, so she persists with the phone calls: “What does he do/ Everyone knows he loves me/ Empty promises but I don’t need them […] His attitude toward me is unusual.” The song comes together with a music video that’s filmed vertically, giving even more the impression of a phone call. Prepare your phones and get ready to answer Dilara’s call. 

Cascada – “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”

Get ready to dance with Cascada’s new track! The German band, known for representing their country in 2013 at Eurovision, is back with a re-worked edition of the famous song “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” originally recorded by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell in 1967. This revamped version has everything from dance beats to disco vibes, with a twist of electronic music thrown in. As a bonus, the track comes with a music video where Natalie, their vocalist, shines through her amazing voice and bright aura. The song is part of their upcoming album, Studio 24, signalling a new era for the band. The album aims to revive the disco and funk era, promising a fresh sound from Cascada.

AWS – “Nincs Árnyék”

AWS are the powerful Hungarian rock band that made waves when they competed in Eurovision 2018, and fans eagerly anticipate their return, along with Hungary, to the contest in the future. At the end of February this year, AWS released “Fények nélkül” (Without Lights), a poignant track that set the stage for their subsequent release, “Nincs Árnyék” (No Shadows). The music video for “Nincs Árnyék” builds upon the themes introduced in their previous release, depicting individuals living robotic, superficial lives. However, this video delves deeper into themes of war and the yearning for peace. The connection between the two songs is reinforced by the recurring lyric, “Without lights, there is no shadow.” Their new song explores the notion of people growing up in “darkness”, which spawns monsters within them. The music video concludes with a thought-provoking question: “Do you want to start again?” This song serves to underscore the pain and suffering in our world, portraying a dystopian reality that resonates with many nowadays. 

Aija Andrejeva – Tagadne

A beautiful album comes from Latvia. Aija, formerly known as Aisha, proudly represented her country at Eurovision in 2010. Her new album, titled Present in English, reflects her commitment to living in the moment and savouring every second, delivering a palette of emotions through her songs. The album consists of 11 tracks, all sung entirely in Latvian, allowing listeners to appreciate the melodious nature of the language. With a variety of songs, including some incredibly powerful ballads, Tagadne offers a diverse musical experience. The album kicks off with an instrumental track titled “Introducing the Present.” While every song on the album is captivating, one notable highlight is “Jūk,” featuring the hip-hop artist ansis, who adds powerful rap verses to the track, creating an intriguing combination of genres.

Jurijus – “PABAIGOS PRADŽIA”

After enjoying numerous songs from Latvia, it’s time to turn our attention to a Lithuanian album as well. Jurijus, who competed at Eurovision back in 2019, has just released a new album that is absolutely addictive. Titled The Practice is Over, this album features 10 tracks, sung in both Lithuanian and English. It offers a captivating blend of powerful ballads that showcase his impressive vocal range, as well as dance songs with a retro touch that will have you itching to hit the dance floor. If you’re in the mood for something authentic and original, you should definitely give his Lithuanian tracks a listen. However, if you prefer songs in English that are equally fantastic, you can’t go wrong with “Falling in Love,” “Colors of My Life,” “You Want Me,” or “City Lights.” Additionally, the song “Saulė Pakyla” (The Sun Rises) also comes with an EDM remix that’s guaranteed to set any club on fire.

Mike Tramp – Mand Af En Tid

Mike is indeed a Danish rock legend, well-known as the frontman of the metal band White Lion. He represented Denmark at Eurovision as part of the band Mabel in 1978. Recently, he released his album Man of A Time. Unlike his previous metal tracks, this album is a full alternative rock venture with an indie vibe, sung entirely in Danish. You might recognise the title song “Mand Af En Tid” (Man of a Time) and “Hvis Du Vil” (If You Want) from our previous articles in the past weeks, but the album contains a total of 10 tracks, offering you plenty to explore and discover.

Alongside his album, Mike has released a music video for his title song as well. The video features animated images with numerous pop culture references to iconic artists (such as Elton John, John Lennon, and many others), as well as famous movies (like Rocky, Saturday Night Fever, and many others). In the video, Mike portrays himself in these various contexts, offering viewers a delightful game of spotting the references. How many can you spot? Additionally, the music video comes with English subtitles.

The lyrics of the song delve into themes of life and making a name for oneself, while also touching upon the idea that some artists in today’s world have become superficial: “There is someone on my radio singing a song/ It’s a band that they say will be the biggest/ With riffs that I know and echoes from the Stones/ Blindfolded like they were the first.” 

Sinplus – “Let It Go”

Sinplus, or SIN+, is a dynamic rock duo from Switzerland who made waves on the Eurovision stage in 2012. Their latest song is a powerful rock track that is sure to stand out in your playlists. Despite its rock roots, it carries strong radio potential. The lyrics are spicy and centre around a break-up, expressing the sentiment loud and clear: “Sorry, it didn’t work.” In this context, letting go becomes the best course of action, and the phrase “Let it go” from their song serves as a mantra as they move forward.

Intelligent Music Project – “Shine for You”

Remaining in the field of powerful rock tracks, we turn our attention to the latest song from Intelligent Music Project. They were the last participants from Bulgaria in 2022, and we eagerly await Bulgaria’s return to the Eurovision stage. In the meantime, fans can dive into their new song, which boasts a powerful instrumental accompanied by the captivating vocals of Slavin Slavchev. The lyrics delve into profound themes, portraying the experience of standing by someone who is going through a dark phase and offering guidance and support: “The chaos is leading you to a world where there’s no escape/ But follow my voice and we’ll find a peaceful land.” The song sends a guiding light towards the ones who find themselves in a dark place. 

Slavin Slavchev & MARTA – “За Теб”

In addition to the song from Intelligent Music Project, Slavin Slavchev, a member of the Bulgarian rock band, has also released a solo track — although not entirely solo, as it features MARTA. After a long break from personal projects, Slavchev delights fans with a deeply emotional song in Bulgarian. With incredible vocal harmonies, the music video enhances the chemistry between the two artists, highlighting their ability to convey every emotion expressed in the song. Titled “For You,” the lyrics delve into a relationship at a crossroads where both lovers feel lost: “We stand, you and I, like sandcastles/ A flood of tears/ will wipe us out.” Despite this, they are both willing to forgive and forget, striving to find a way to “walk again purified” beneath a blue sky.

Albina Kelmendi – “DADA”

Albina emerges with a powerful track, showcasing her unique vocal prowess and traditional influences that captivate listeners. Having represented Albania alongside her family last year, she returns with a song brimming with cultural elements, lending it an unparalleled sound. Albina’s vocals resonate with remarkable power and distinction, making her voice unmistakable. Filled with confidence and emotion, she challenges herself to embody a new, empowered Albina. The music video further amplifies this theme as Albina engages in self-reflection, empowering herself with each glance in the mirror.

Tous Unis Pour l’Enfance feat. Gjon’s Tears et al. – “Le monde, t’en fais ce que tu veux”

This part concludes with a jubilant song aimed at children, a voluntary project in which Gjon’s Tears, the Swiss representative elected to represent his country in 2020 and 2021, enthusiastically participated. Sung in French, the song came at the initiative of Tous Unis Pour l’Enfance, an association dedicated to advocating for children’s rights and protection. The music video mirrors this joyful theme, featuring an array of children. Serving as the anthem for the “all united for childhood” movement, the song garnered participation from numerous French-speaking artists. Alongside Gjon’s Tears, voices such as Aliose, Stephane, Laura Scaglia, Shana Pearson, Stevans, Julien Songon, Fanny Leeb, Tess, Gaëtan, and even Noa R. contributed to the project. All of these artists came together to perform the song live during a special concert on March 13th in Geneva, underscoring their commitment to the cause of children’s well-being.

Which of these new songs is your favourite? Have we missed out on any? Do you have any artists you want to shout out to? Let us know in the comments.