Better late than never: New music you may have missed from Eurovision 2018 alumni, including Alekseev, Saara Aalto and Michael Schulte

Over the last few months, between national finals and political drama, we’ve all been a bit caught up with Euro-fever and the goings on in the run-up to Eurovision in Tel Aviv. This has been to the detriment of certain past stars who were silly enough to gift the world with new music at the height of ESC madness – when nobody was listening to them.

But since we love all our Eurovision contestants equally (well most of them), we’ve gathered up some of the tracks which got lost amidst the melee. Listen and enjoy.

Alekseev – “Как ты там” and “Не мёд”

Ukraine’s Alekseev hasn’t stopped for breath over the past few months. Following the release of “Как ты там” (“How are you there?”) in November last year, and an art-video for the song in December, the singer dropped the full video in January. The music video plays with shadow effects and sees Alekseev wallowing in a magical winter background.

Not stopping there, he has now dropped the new single “Не мёд” (“Not honey”).

This new track is more playful than his previous release. There are dubstep undertones alongside a funky chorus, j’adore!

Elina Nechayeva – “La voce dell’alba”

Elina Nechayeva’s new single “La voce dell’alba” (“The voice of dawn”) is everything we’d expect from her. We don’t need to be familiar with opera to realise this track is hauntingly beautiful. The vocals are flawless and she sings the lyrics with soul and power. The instruments take a back seat here so Elina’s voice shines through. Many of us may not understand what she is singing about, but we believe every word.

Ermal Meta – “Un’Altra Volta Da Rischiare” (with J-Ax)

Ermal Meta’s new track “Un’Altra Volta Da Rischiare” (“Another Time to Risk”), a duet with J-Ax, is versatility at its finest. While everything is set up to be a mellow ballad, sung only by a man and his piano with hints of violins in the chorus, the track suddenly breaks into rap. The most interesting thing about this genre-switch is that the track loses none of its authenticity. We can still hear those violins behind the rap!

Fabrizio Moro – “Ho bisogno di credere”

Ermal’s partner in crime at Eurovsion, Fabrizio Moro, has also recently dropped a new single. “Ho bisogno di credere” (“I need to believe”) is a simple ballad, but the Italian singer’s gravely vocals add extra depth to the track. Lyrically, the song sees Fabrizio discussing his faith in the one he loves: “A step away from tomorrow / A step away from you by now / But what makes humans / If not a limit / A step away from the strength that we had and that is no more / I need to believe / I need you”.

Laura Rizzotto – “Tightrope”

We are in awe of all the sparkles and lighting behind Laura Rizzotto’s music video for her new single “Tightrope”. The track combines an electronic chorus with more stripped back verses that focus particularly on the singer’s vocals. The song tells the story of a woman who will not be held back by anyone: “So I’ll fly / I wasn’t meant for the ground / I won’t hide / ‘Cause I was meant to be found / And I’ll try / To run high / On a tightrope”. The diva rules, y’all!

Michael Schulte – “Back to the Start”

We wouldn’t expect anything less from Michael Schulte. His new single “Back to the Start” is stunning and carries a message that everyone can relate to somehow. We even hear a voice note from Michael himself at the start of the music video that explains the meaning behind the song: “The song is about being way too serious about everything as an adult, and that you should sometimes try to see the world through the eyes of a child.”

Rasmussen – “Go Beyond”

Rasmussen’s new single “Go Beyond” follows a tried-and-tested pop formula, yet the undertones of drums running across the track gives it a unique edge. The lyrics are unapologetically meaningful and the music video has a personal touch, with clips of Rasmussen in the studio, at home strumming on his guitar, and of a Danish winter wonderland. Keep listening for Rasmussen’s big high note.

Saara Aalto – “Dance Like Nobody’s Watching”

Saara Aalto is a busy woman. Last month, not only did she skate her way to way to the final of Dancing On Ice in the UK, but she used those skills as a storyline in the music video for the gorgeous track “Dance Like Nobody’s Watching”. The video tells the story of young dancers with a dream and features a cameo from Saara’s professional dance partner Hamish Gaman.

Should you want a more upbeat version of the song, Saara has also released the UK radio edit, which will truly have you dancing like nobody’s watching. Take a listen on Spotify here.

Sevak Khanagyan – “Океан Внутри Тебя”

In what is arguably three minutes of art, Sevak Khanagyan’s new single “Океан Внутри Тебя” (“Ocean Within You”) is a power ballad with a chorus that packs a punch. While the Armenian singer’s vocals translate his emotion, even if we don’t understand the lyrics, the music video alongside it only adds to the drama and suspense of the music. Beyond the strobe lights, there’s interpretive dance and rogue tattoo needles. Need we say more?

This track is also the lead single from Sevak’s new album of the same name. You can take a listen to the full LP on Spotify here.

What do you think? Which is your favourite of these new tracks, or are you obsessing over a new track we’ve missed? Let us know in the comments!

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