Although we’re officially into the Eurovision 2022 season, it will still be some time before we hear any national final and Eurovision songs. 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 our latest weekly roundup with a selection of just some of the songs and music videos released recently by Eurovision stars.
New music from Eurovision artists: 2021 | Week 41
Netta – “CEO” and “DUM”
Eurovision 2018 champion Netta is here to make it clear that she’s still the top dog. The Israeli star has released “CEO”, in which Netta encourages us all to follow in her footsteps and keep pushing until we reach our ultimate goals: “I’m a mutha f***in’ CEO / I rise higher when they hit me low / And I got this presidential glow / Don’t you know I run this show”. This new song has all the quirks and fractured rhythms that you’d expect from Netta, and it all comes together to showcase a woman who is ready to march to the beat of her own drum. We also see this portrayed in the music video. Netta is working in a fast-food restaurant, seemingly controlled by someone on the outside. However, the Eurovision winner breaks free and takes control of her own life.
This new single from Netta also comes with a B-side track. “DUM” utilises fairly deep beats and horns to give it a heavy sound. That’s not to say it plods along though. And Netta brings her personality to give it an almost comedic twist – think Lizzo’s “Phone”.
“DUM” sees the Israeli singer chasing after someone who makes her feel all mushy in the head when they call her name: “Will you be my lover / I wanna tell my mother / Think I found my perfect ten / You fill my mouth with water / You make me feel so DUM”.
OG3NE – “Toen Ik Je Zag”
OG3NE are touring theatres in the Netherlands from December with their new show Samen Uit, Samen Thuis (Out Together, Home Together). The show will feature the Eurovision 2017 trio performing “some of the most beautiful Dutch songs”. OG3NE promoted the tour during an appearance on Dutch TV programme Tijd Voor Max, where they sang their rendition of “Toen Ik Je Zag” (“When I Saw You”). Sisters Lisa, Amy, and Shelley Vol were inundated with requests to release their version of the song, originally performed by Hero, as an official single. Luckily, the trio had recorded their rehearsal before the programme, and it’s this that the Eurovision alumni have released for us all to listen to.
Westlife – “Starlight”
Nicky Byrne is swapping the “Sunlight” for “Starlight”. Ireland’s Eurovision 2016 representative has joined back up with his Westlife bandmates for the new single. The quartet deliver a sparkling pop track that explodes in the chorus like a supernova. The Irish boy band sing about the light that shines within each and every one of us, and how it’s particularly bright when we’re with a special person: “We can all be starlights / Racing at the speed of light / I found you in my darkest time / Now look how we shine so bright, whoah”.
Svala – “Birtunnar Brú”
Fans of Svala’s Eurovision 2017 entry “Paper” might also get on board with her latest single. The Icelandic singer has dropped “Birtunnar Brú”, which is another electronic offering. This one has a more passionate ballad sound and the emotion packs a punch in amongst the synths and electronic beats. The accompanying music video features Svala serving a number of looks, both inside a studio and outside in the stunning Icelandic landscape.
Tusse – “Grow”
Swedish singer Tusse has finally released the follow-up single to his Eurovision 2021 entry. His new single is “Grow” (no confirmation on whether Tusse was inspired by fellow Eurovision contestant Jeangu Macrooy). It’s another song with an inspirational message, this time aimed at young people. Tusse is even joined by a group of children for the chorus: “No matter where you live, where you come from / We’re gonna have fun / We are the young ones / Oh, and we’re just gonna grow”. The Swedish star commented further about the message of the song on Instagram:
“It’s not easy being young today, all the challenges children face. Not only do you have to find yourself and try to fit in, you also worry about the climate and the environment and what the future will look like. In addition, one must fight against mental illness, pandemics, racism, sexism, homophobia and so much more. This song is for all young people who keep fighting. This is our battle song!”
Manel Navarro & Danny Romero – “Pierda”
Manel Navarro has teamed up with fellow Spanish singer Danny Romero for the new song “Pierda” (“Lose”). It’s a steady mid-tempo pop track, though Romero’s verse also brings in more of a rap/hip-hop flavour. Blue and pink are the colours of the day for the music video. Eurovision 2017 star Manel sings on the stairs of some colourful buildings before joining Danny on a basketball court.
Arilena Ara – “Ke Me Mungu”
So far in the build-up to her new album, Pop Art, Arilena Ara has predominantly released more urban tracks with a fair amount of swag. However, the Albanian star is now showcasing the softer and more emotional side of the upcoming LP with “Ke Me Mungu” (“You Will Be Missed”). It’s a piano ballad that lets Arilena show off her vocal talent, much as she would have done with her intended entry for Eurovision 2020. In the lyrics, Arilena questions her partner on why they want to leave: “I didn’t give everything? / I couldn’t love you? / I couldn’t keep you? / You’re saying goodbye / But how can you go and forget me? / You will be missed”.
Dinah Yonas Manna (The Mamas) – “Just A Little”
Following Ash Haynes last week, it’s now the turn of Dinah Yonas Manna to release her solo song from The Mamas’ upcoming EP. Dinah has decided to take inspiration from dancehall for her single, though there’s more emotion squeezed into the song compared to a typical dancehall party offering. Sweden’s Eurovision 2020 entrant sings about the struggles people go through in life, but also that you need to keep pushing on and persevere: “One step forward, two steps back / It’s hard to keep up when you’re moving too fast / Keep on going, don’t look back / Stay on your track / Forever in motion, just keep keeping on / Cause even it it hurts sometimes, it hurts just a little”.
Sevak – “Сон”
Sevak is on a quest to find the woman of his dreams. The Armenian singer brings us “Сон” (“Dream”), another impassioned ballad infused with drum machine beats. Sevak feels like he’s been searching for his lover for hundreds of years, but knows that they are the only one for him: “And you are my home, my light, my lily / You are my pain, my captivity, my dream / You are my night and a ton of powerlessness / And no one can understand and help here”. The music video starts with the Eurovision 2018 star heading home from his daily life in the city. After lying down and closing his eyes, Sevak begins to dream of his journey to find the woman who can shine a light in his heart.
Secret Garden & Catherine Iversen – “Ave Maria”
Secret Garden are continuing preparations for the festive period with the latest cut from their upcoming Christmas album. Norway’s Eurovision 1995 winners have released their take on the classic song “Ave Maria”. Vocals for the song are again provided by Catherine Iversen, who elegantly sings over Secret Garden’s enchanting accompaniment.
Boris Novković – “Moja djevojka”
Croatia’s Boris Novković has released “Moja djevojka” (“My girl”). It’s an ode to his partner and how she’s always there to brighten up his day: “My girl is the most beautiful in the world / The only one on the entire planet / The sun is with her even when the rain reaches me / She always knows how to lift me”. It’s a cheery soft-rock song that Boris leads with a guitar in his hands. The Eurovision 2005 singer described the song on social media as follows:
“It is my little obol and resistance to this gray time, spread the positive through small things and human gestures; it is the only way to make the world better tomorrow, what we plant now will sprout one day.”
Osmi putnik (feat. Doris Dragović) – “Tajna”
“Tajna” (“Secret”) was the title track of Osmi Putnik’s 2010 album. The Croatian heavy metal band have now released a new version of the song featuring two-time Eurovision contestant Doris Dragović (Yugoslavia 1986, Croatia 1999). Doris adds her experienced vocals to the song and fits in well amongst the strong rock accompaniment. The Eurovision alum joins Osmi Putnik’s lead vocalist in singing the chorus: “You don’t know who I am, I know everything about you / You wake me up from sleep, give me your hand / If you come in now, we are no longer a secret”.
ohFrank & Terence James – “Millennial (je fais ce que j’aime)”
Last year, Robin Stjernberg released the song “Millennial” as part of his new duo ohFrank, alongside Benjamin Roustaing. Now the Swedish pair have added a French flavour into the mix by teaming up with Terence James, contestant of Eurovision France, c’est vous qui décidez 2021. The new version, titled “Millennial (je fais ce que j’aime)” (“Millennial (I do what I like)”), is very similar to the original but with the addition of some French lyrics. Most of the French naturally comes from Terence, but Eurovision 2013 star Robin also gets his lips around the language.
Neev – “Search”
Neev brought pure emotion to Festival da Canção 2021 with his ballad “Dancing In The Stars”. But for his latest single, the Portuguese singer is in a more up-tempo mood. Neev has jumped on board the 80’s music trend and brings us a slice of synth-pop. Once again singing in English, Neev discusses how this one person is making him all hot under the collar: “‘Cause you’re hot, I’m cold / But my heart keeps searching for your name / And, yeah, it’s hot, hot, hot, hot / And, yeah, you’re hot, hot / And I want you, babe”.
Inis Neziri & Dimelix – “MWM”
Festival i Kenges’ Inis Neziri is teasing a comeback to Albania’s national selection as she releases her new single “MWM” (Mess With Me). She hints in a recent press release, “if I will try to win the Festival i Kenges again? Maybe”. Inis’ latest floor-filler is a collaboration with Albanian DJ Dimelix, and it’s keeping our serotonin levels high as summer draws to a close and the autumn nights kick in. Talking about the single, Inis says “this project is really important because it’s different from all the others I’ve done before and working with Dimelix made it even more exciting and interesting”. Perhaps we’ll see her back on the FiK stage later this year as part of a fresh new duo! (Katie)
ERIA – “Дихай”
ERIA — also known as VILNA — participated in the 2018 edition of Vidbir. Since then, the Ukrainian musician has made new steps in her career, participating in the latest series of Holos krainy (The Voice of Ukraine) and releasing a string of new music. Her latest single “Dykhay” (“Breathe”) is a lyrical ethno-pop ballad. The song talks about a connection between people in a changing world. As ERIA describes it in a press release:
“The song ‘Dykhay’ is a story about how everyone in their life has to make a choice in a certain period of time. And a person’s future, their destiny depends on whether this choice will be the right one. I want everyone to be honest, sincere and open – first of all with yourself, to live and act according to the call of the heart, to breathe freely, to find harmony with the world around you.”
Those who would love to see ERIA at Eurovision can get their hopes up. The ethno-pop singer has expressed interest in returning to Ukraine’s national final more than once. (Renske)
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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ERIA/VILNA’s song is very cool. I remember she was my favorite back in Vidbir 2018.
Wasn’t expecting this side from Inis Neziri. She sounded and looked beautiful as usual. I wonder if she would dare to take something in this style to FIK.
Loved Arilena, NEEV, and Secret Garden!
NEEV is fire. Would love to see him compose something of this nature for FdC with a female voice. It’s sad that FdC entrants can’t be reinvited to the contest if they already entered.
They cannot comeback, really??? That rule exists?
Arilena is my favorite too, her new song is very beautiful and I hope that she will once have a second change for representing Albania on Eurovision
Great song from Inis Neziri!
Arilena is my favorite from this interesting week. That girl can really sing!
I knew Terence James was a little bit interesting! Lol.
With the new song of Inis Neziri here and her statements maybe we have listened the first competing song in Fik this year, it’s cool.
Oh and maybe the very first song of the national final season, it’s again more cool. This year is crazy that it’s even possible to have esc songs revealed before some of the jesc songs.
Also Maruv realeased another new song called ‘Bullet’