Summer is always the quiet period for Eurovision fans as we wait for national finals to start once again. Thankfully, the music will always continue and a number of past Eurovision artists are still producing new songs 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 29 Part 1
Eleni Foureira – “Temperatura” (Spanish version)
Hot on the heels of the Greek original, Eleni Foureira has released a Spanish version of her sizzling summer single “Temperatura”. The tune brings a sunny reggaetón flavour. The song was co-written by “Toy” writer Doron Medalie, with the Israeli hitmaker showing a different side to his talents.
Courtney Act – Drop Of Fluid EP
She’s the RuPaul’s Drag Race queen that finished fourth in Australia’s inaugural national final back in 2019. Now, almost 18 months after “Fight For Love”, Courtney Act has dropped the three-track EP Drop Of Fluid. The record opens slow with “One Tonight” before moving into the synth-heavy “Heteroflexible”. It concludes with the retro-sounding “Fluid”. Courtney performed “Heteroflexible” on the Aussie soap Neighbours.
Buhos (feat. Miki Núñez, Lildami i Suu)- “El dia de la Victòria”
Eurovision 2019 star Miki Núñez features on the new song “El dia de la Victòria” (“Victroy Day”) by Spanish band Buhos. Núñez provides vocals for one of the verses, with rapper Lildami and singer Suu also lending their voices. It’s your typical happy summer song, with trumpets added into the chorus to add an extra spoonful of joy into proceedings. The Spanish Eurovision alum also makes an appearance in the music video alongside the other vocalists. (Jonathan)
Tone Damli – “If I Can’t Have You”
She’s the Norwegian star that’s tried to represent both her native land and Sweden at Eurovision. And for her first release since Melodi Grand Prix 2020, Tone Damli sticks with her distinctive country-pop style. “[The song] was written just a few days after my friend broke up with a long-term relationship. Terribly painful and tough. The text is from him to her where he finally understood who he had, who he has lost and rooted away! One last brave attempt to save what was once so nice”, explains Tone.
Zlata Ognevich – “Богиня”
Zlata Ognevich is spreading a message of body positivity through her new music video for “Богиня” (“Goddess”). The audio was originally released in 2019, but Ukraine’s Eurovision 2013 bronze medallist has teamed up with lingerie brand Anabel Arto to produce the video. The description notes that the intent is too show that “every girl and woman is special and flawless, regardless of weight, age, profession and other features”. Ognevich goes on to explain more:
“I have long harboured the idea of creating such a video, because the song “Goddess” is about that: about the female beauty, individuality and personal magic of each of us. It touches on the topic of self-esteem of every woman, as well as a superpower that helps to feel like a goddess every day. I am happy that together with the Anabel Arto brand I finally managed to put these ideas into practice.” (Jonathan)
Agoney – “Más”
He was one of the most popular performers in Operación Triunfo 2017/2018, although his sixth place elimination meant he only got to feature on one duet during the competition’s Eurovision selection show. Nonetheless, like most of his OT peers, he’s gone on to big things. “Más” (More) is the latest single to be taken from his upcoming album Libertad, which is due on 28 August.
Seeb x Julie Bergan – “Don’t You Wanna Play?”
The Melodi Grand Prix 2013 alum is joining forces with Seeb for the second time this year. After January’s “Kiss Somebody”, Julie Bergan is asking “Don’t You Wanna Play?”. The fun number passes by in no time at all, partly because it’s a mere two minutes and 18 seconds long. But also because it’s a carefree bop advocating the benefits of not overthinking things.
Le Vibrazioni — “Per Fare l’Amore”
They’re the rockers that finished fourth at Sanremo 2020. Now Le Vibrazioni have dropped “Per Fare l’Amore”. And it’s all about celebrating love. “But how long does it take to “make love”? Because while the others hate each other we love each other and, after singing from the balconies in chorus without even knowing each other, now we just have to love each other for a better world, without violence and MAKE LOVE !!!”, write the band on Instagram. The feel-good track is accompanied by an equally uplifting video which shows love in all its variations.
Anthony Dircson and ISA – “Know Me Better”
Two-time Melfest singer ISA continues to drop bops at an exordinate rate. Just weeks after “Walk Like Jesus”, the songstress has teamed up with Anthony Dircson for “Know Me Better”. The song is about “after a break up when your ex still is keeping you on a leash, letting you close when they feel like it, and abandoning you the other day”, says ISA in the press release. “You’ve come to a point where it doesn’t matter what lies this person throws at you. You know you deserve better and that you’ll be fine on your own”.
Magnus Carlsson – “My Freedom”
Covid-19 may have put paid to normal Pride celebrations this summer. But it’s possible to be proud without crowds. As part of Stockholm’s 2020 Pride, Melfest veteran Magnus Carlsson released “My Freedom” as the event’s official anthem. Fans of the schlagery pop of 2015’s “Möt mig i Gamla Stan” won’t be disappointed.
Bárbara Tinoco – “A Fugir de Ser”
To the surprise of almost everyone, Bárbara Tinoco only finished second in Portugal’s Festival da Canção earlier this year. In hindsight, she probably was lucky that “Passe Partout” didn’t make it all the way. For her follow-up, Bábara gives us “A Fugir de Ser” (Running From Being). It’s a move away from the breathy, dreaminess of her FdC number, boasting a more commercial and modern sound. The music video was recorded during lockdown and Tinoco lets fans in on what the experience was like: “Recording this song and making this video was different !!!!! It was made with masks and alcohol gel !!”.
Carina Dahl – “Sirkus”
She’s competed in the MGP circus on several occasions, most recently with “Hold Me Down” in 2019. So, “Sirkus” is probably an appropriate title for her new single. It’s a zany song that captures all the madness and fun of the big top. Horns, fiddles and hand-clapping all feature.
Danijela Martinović feat. Gelato Sisters – “Svileni”
Danijela Martinović — a two-time top ten finisher for Croatia in the 1990s — has teamed up with Dora 2019 finalists Gelato Sisters for “Svileni”. Translating as “Silk”, the Croatian-language track nicely melds Danijela’s pop vocals with the Gelato Sisters boogie-woogie style. On the collaboration, the “Neka mi ne svane” singer says: “Gelato Sisters you breathed your soul. With you, the song gained in uniqueness and originality. Thank you girls … stay that way … beautiful, your own, talented, unique, unrepeatable”.
O.Torvald – “А тепер усе інакше”
Ukraine’s O.Torvald have dropped the new single “А тепер усе інакше” (“And now everything is different”). It’s a cover of the song originally performed by Ukrainian musical duo Аква Віта. The Eurovision 2017 band truly make the song their own and turn it into a full-on rock track. For the music video, O.Torvald invited a number of fellow Ukrainian artists to film themselves rocking out to the track. Eurovision fans might recognise Eurovision 2017 host Volodymyr Ostapchuk and past Vidbir contestants Jerry Heil, Yulia Yurina (from YUKO), KRUTЬ, INGRET and KADNAY. (Jonathan)
Lisa Børud – “Me Without U”
She was one of several favourites to stay in the semi-finals of Norway’s Melodi Grand Prix 2020. And thankfully, despite the qualification setback, Lisa Børud is back with more of the feisty pop that won over fans in the spring. On “Me Without U”, Lisa says that “it means a little extra to me and is about the best I know of!”. A scroll through the star’s Instagram will make it clear who she’s talking about — she got married to her “U” on 30 May.
Alyona Lanskaya – “Ой, гуляла мая доля…”
Mere weeks after her collab with Aleksey Rom, Belarus’ Eurovision 2013 star Alyona Laskaya returns with “Oj, huliala maja dolia…”. It’s a dramatic ballad with plenty of traditional flourishes. Alyona explains the imagery in the music video. She is supposed to represent the ancient Slavic goddess of spring and beauty. The oak forests stand for the unlimited power and wisdom of the Belarusian people.
Jacques Houdek – “Moj najveći strah”
He’s the Croatian who famously dueted with himself at Eurovision 2017. But Jacques Houdek’s latest single, which translates as “My Biggest Fear”, is an international affair. It features Sarah Puškaš, a Croatian artist of Chinese descent. She’s the star of the music video and sings with Jacques as the song reaches its climax. The multicultural track also includes some Mandarin lyrics. “Enjoy the silence and this beauty. We have brought together talents from all over the world so enjoy this multiculturalism and the beauty of diversity. #celebratediversity”, writes Jacques.
Albin Johnsén feat. Malin Christin- “Aldrig ge upp”
Albin Johnsén had a rough time at Melodifestivalen 2020 — finishing last in his heat. So it’s apt that “Aldrig ge upp” — his followup single to “Livet börjar nu” — translates to “Never Give Up”. The peppy number is made all the lighter by guest vocals from Malin Christin.
Vanotek feat. Bastien – “Talk To Me”
He’s the Moldovan born Romanian based DJ that was heavily tipped to represent Romania at Eurovision 2016 with “Coming Home”. But in the end, he finished second to Ovidiu Anton. Over four years later, he’s still mixing bops, the latest being “Talk To Me” with vocals from Bastien.
Jaguar Jonze – “Diamonds & Liquid Gold”
Shortly after her Australia Decides stint earlier this year, Jaguar Jonze dropped the six-track EP Diamonds & Liquid Gold. Now, she’s released a visualiser video for the title track. Jaguar discusses the “Diamonds & Liquid Gold” clip on Instagram: “Made a visualiser in isolation for the last song on the EP without a video… in true quarantine style with no makeup and bedridden hair haha”.
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.
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You forgot about this song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxoGtkYx4bM ; the title could be translated as “I leave everything here” (the singer was part of the boyband V.I.P. which represented Hungary at ESC 1997, and was the backing vocalist for the country’s representative from ESC 2008 with an acappella band Fool Moon, member of which he was between 2003 and 2014 – so his solo career and performing with Fool Moon happened partially at the same time – and co-composed What about my dreams? from 2011 ; tried to represent country with a solo song in 2013 – where he got to the… Read more »
Lisa Borod’s song, really nice!