New music this week: 20 songs from Sergey Lazarev, Ermal Meta, Zlata Ognevich and more

The Eurovision 2020 season may have come to an unexpected end, but the music will always continue. While we may have to socially distance ourselves from others at the present time, past Eurovision artists are thankfully still producing new music for us to enjoy.

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 18

Sergey Lazarev – “Последний День Помпеи”

Sergey Lazarev has two Eurovision bronze medals under his belt after competing in 2016 and 2019. The Russian star’s new song “Последний День Помпеи” (“The Last Day of Pompeii”) is musically more in line with the latter of his two entries – a big power ballad. Singing in Russian, Lazarev’s emotions hit home perhaps even more than they did with his Eurovision entry “Scream”. The listener is taken on a real journey as Sergey’s vocals soar over the dramatic instrumentation.

Ermal Meta – “Finirà bene”

Ermal Meta was one half of Italy’s Eurovision 2018 duo (alongside Fabrizio Moro), securing the country another top-five finish. This week, the star has released the new song “Finirà bene” (“It will end well”). A mix of indie, rock and even elements of folk, the overall upbeat nature of the song makes it an uplifting offering. Although Meta wrote the track between November 2019 and January 2020, the lyrics take on a new light in regards to the current COVID-19 pandemic: “I know that you also gave more than what you took / That sometimes not thinking about it seems like the only remedy / Scars are the hinges of the past / But do not worry / It will end well”.

Kristian Kostov – “Better”

Bulgaria can thank Kristian Kostov for their best ever finish at Eurovision, coming second in 2017. The star has now released the new single “Better”. There’s an interesting mix of electronic and percussion beats. While the rhythms don’t always feel in sync, Kostov’s vocals help to bring the song together as a whole. Lyrically, the Bulgarian singer is going through a rough patch and is hoping that things will turn around soon: “Does it ever get better? / Cos’ I want to feel better than I do / Right here, right now, I wanna know”.

Zlata Ognevich – “Беги”

Zlata Ognevich brought Ukraine back to the Eurovision podium when she represented her country in 2013. Now, the Eurovision bronze medallist has dropped the new single “Беги” (“Run”). It’s the second in a trilogy of songs that explore a more personal side to Ognevich, and follows on from previous single “Ти обіцяв”. A percussion-driven ballad, the song is about moving on from failed relationships and rising up to be a better person. The accompanying music video only features Zlata; the Ukrainian star explained more about the video’s meaning in the description:

“In this video, I’m real, it shows my bare emotions. There are no actors in it, there is only a real life story where I am alone with my feelings. We showed the period of my life and experiences in it. The main message is that life goes on, you must always find the strength to rise and move on, even after the most difficult trials.”

Dima Bilan – Перезагрузка

Eurovision 2008 winner Dima Bilan has had a long and successful career, before and after his two appearances at the contest. The Russian singer has now released his tenth studio album, titled Перезагрузка (Reboot). There are 16 tracks on the LP for fans to enjoy, and it features a number of Bilan’s recent singles – including “Молния”, “Океан” and “Полуночное такси”.

Mandinga (feat. Connect-R) – “Celosa”

Mandinga brought the party to Eurovision 2012, where they represented Romania. The group have now teamed up with Romanian star Connect-R, who represented Moldova at Eurovision 2006, for the new song “Celosa” (“Jealous”). A spicy salsa track, “Celosa” continues Mandinga’s effort to mix Romanian, Spanish and Cuban sounds. Lead singer Barbara Isasi is the focus of the music video, while Connect-R comes in with a rap verse part way through.

Jill Johnson (feat. Robin Stjernberg) – “Miles Of Blue”

One took Sweden to the top ten at Eurovision 1998 and the other represented the Nordic nation on home soil at Eurovision 2013. Now Jill Johnson and Robin Stjernberg have come together for the new song “Miles Of Blue”. It’s a mid-tempo track that mixes elements of pop, country and soft-rock. Johnson and Stjernberg sing together from the second pre-chorus onward and blend their vocals well with one another.

İskender Paydaş & Ferman Akgül (MaNga) feat. Nilüfer Çocuk Korosu – “100 kere 23 Nisan”

April 23 is National Sovereignty and Children’s Day in Turkey. For the public holiday this year, two stars with Eurovision connections have produced the song “100 kere 23 Nisan” (“100 times April 23”). Ferman Akgül is the lead vocalist of rock band maNga, who represented Turkey at Eurovision 2010. Meanwhile, İskender Paydaş appeared at the 1990 contest, accompanying Kayahan on the accordion. The song itself is predominantly sung by children’s choir Nilüfer Çocuk Korosu, but Akgül does also add in a rap verse.

Apon and Oge (feat. Demy) – “Αδιέξοδο”

Demy brought a water fantasy to Eurovision 2017. Now, the Greek singer features in “Αδιέξοδο” (“Deadlock”), a song by Greek hip-hop artists Apon and Oge. It’s a rework of the duo’s song originally released in November 2019. In addition to the added production, Demy herself brings some extra qualities into this new version. The Eurovision alum’s vocals prove a nice contrast from the rap provided by Apon and Oge.

Petra Frey – “7 Seelen”

Petra Frey represented Austria at Eurovision in 1994. She has kept her career going since then and released twelve studio albums as well as five compilation albums. The star’s latest single is “7 Seelen” (“7 Souls”). It’s a classic schlager track ready to get you up and dancing around. The accompanying music video centres around Frey and her partner in a fancy hotel – though her man’s eyes begin to wander towards another woman. In classic schlager diva style, the video features a wind machine within the first three seconds.

Brendan Murray – “Falling”

Ireland internally selected Brendan Murray for Eurovision 2017, who brought a hot air balloon to help take his entry to new heights. Although he failed to qualify to the grand final, the Eurovision star has gone on to appear on X Factor UK and has now released the new single “Falling”. The production in “Falling” perhaps lacks the required oomph to let the song really soar, but Brendan’s vocals are as angelic as ever.

Swanky Tunes & Ivan – “Waste My Time”

Ivan teased Eurovision fans by saying he was planning to appear naked on the Eurovision 2016 stage alongside wolves – though in the end, this was done through holograms. Now, the Belarusian singer has teamed up with Russian electronic-dance-music trio Swanky Tunes for the new song “Waste My Time”. As per the trio’s back catalogue, this new track is upbeat and aims to get you dancing along whether you’re in the club or at home in lockdown. Ivan provides vocals for the single.

Rosa López – “Solo Tu Sonrisa”

Like other Eurovision stars, Spanish singer Rosa López has been influenced by the current COVID-19 pandemic. The Eurovision 2002 act has released the song “Solo Tu Sonrisa” (“Just Your Smile”). A piano-driven ballad, the track aims to highlight the work that the Red Cross have been doing to support people during the current coronavirus pandemic. All profits from the song will be donated to the Red Cross.

Amandine Bourgeois – “Accusée”

Amandine Bourgeois represented France at Eurovision 2013. Despite performing first in the grand final, the star still left a lasting impression on many fans. Bourgeois has now premiered the song “Accusée” (“Accused”). Performed acoustically, accompanied solely by a guitar, the French singer’s vocals are the shining element here. In the video’s description, Amandine explains more about the lyrics:

“This chorus is for all singles and couples who dream of a partner without inconvenience or compromise…These words sound even louder in this particular period where we can not even kiss or touch each other freely.”

Azúcar Moreno – “Soy Yo”

Spain reached the top five at Eurovision three times during the 1990s. The first of these came right at the start of decade, with Azúcar Moreno finishing fifth in 1990. The sisterly duo are still producing music three decades later and their new song is “Soy Yo” (“It’s Me”). The song starts with the pair only being accompanied by an acoustic guitar. But, the track slowly adds more and more instrumentation until the final chorus of the ballad has an almost rock-feel to it.

Nvak Collective (feat. Sebu, Tamar Kaprelian, & TaTev) – “Komitas Andzrev Ekav”

Tamar Kaprelian was apart of Armenia’s Eurovision 2015 supergroup Genealogy. She has since helped set up the Nvak Foundation, a nonprofit organisation that helps develop musical talent in Armenia and other developing countries. The foundation has now released an EP of five Armenian folk songs, originally written by composer Father Komitas. Kaprelian features on the final of the tracks, “Komitas Andzrev Ekav”.

Mumiy Troll – “Лира“

Mumiy Troll brought their eclectic musical style to Eurovision 2001, where they represented Russia. The band have kept going since then and their most recent single is “Лира” (“Lyra”). An indie-electro track, the accompanying music video features people dressed head to toe in straw exploring a forest. The band’s lead singer Ilya Lagutenko explains more about the song in the video’s description:

“The idea of the song was inspired by the ancient Japanese activity of Hotarugari – admiring fireflies in the summer season. We even went with our whole family to Japan last year to see it with our own eyes.”

Wiktoria – “Come to Me (64567)”

Swedish singer Wiktoria has been a fan-favourite at Melodifestivalen on her three appearances at the contest. While her fans patiently wait for her to return, she’s released the new song “Come to Me (64567)”. It continues Wiktoria’s musical journey towards a more urban-pop style. The track lets the Swedish star show off her swagger as she calls her lover to come over and spend the night with her.

Lisandro Cuxi – “Elle me dit”

Destination Eurovision 2018 was a seen as a battle between Lisandro Cuxi and Madame Monsieur. Although Cuxi won the jury vote, it was Madame Monsieur that topped the public and combined vote and went on to represent France at Eurovision 2018. After a couple of years away from the spotlight, Lisandro Cuxi is now back with the new song “Elle me dit” (“She tells me”). Moving away from pop and putting himself more in a R’n’B style, this new track shows Cuxi’s musical development and how he’s grown over the last few years.

Achille Lauro (feat. Gow Tribe) – “16 Marzo”

Achille Lauro got everyone’s attention with his striking performances at Sanremo 2020. The Italian star has recently released the new song “16 Marzo” (“16 March”). Featuring Gow Tribe, it’s a rock ballad that sees Lauro singing to a former lover who has left him: “No, you don’t know what you want / What you’re looking for / No, it’s never / It’s not us / You’ll fall in love again in March / The 16th of March”.

Which song 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.

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