New music this week (part 2): Songs from Chanel, Ronela Hajati, PIA MARIA and more

The Eurovision 2023 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: 2023 | Week 17 part 2

With so many new songs this week, we’ve split the roundup into two smaller halves. You can find part 1 here.

Chanel & Abraham Mateo – “Clavaito”

Booty-hypnotic Chanel has collaborated with fellow Spanish singer Abraham Mateo for “Clavaito” (a slang term for having someone stuck in your heart, like a knife). The pair deliver a sensual but danceable pop track. In the lyrics, Chanel and Abraham sing about faking their happiness for Abraham’s current relationship as they secretly both want something spicier with each other: “That my smile is rehearsed, just like my look / Inside I’m crying for you / I walk down the street alone, same poppy perfume / Thinking you’re coming for me / And you’re still stuck in me, so stuck in me it hurts”.

Emma – “MEZZO MONDO”

Italian superstar Emma is back with the song “MEZZO MONDO” (“Half the World”). It’s a catchy track with percussion and strings that fits well as a pre-summer single. Lyrically, the Eurovision 2014 alum is running away from grey skies and hoping to get to know a special person: “After all, I’ve been wanting to talk to you for ages / Tell you what others haven’t told you yet / Dancing without turning around / Halfway around the world / Lose myself to find you”.

Tina Karol – “HONEY & МЕД”

For the first time in her career, Tina Karol has released a song that contains two languages. The Eurovision 2006 star performs “HONEY & МЕД” primarily in English but with some Ukrainian lines also in the mix. Tina hopes this will bring Ukrainian music to a global audience. The song is a love ballad with a string accompaniment. The lyrics compare her love for a certain individual to various natural elements: “Wild river, keep on running / I am the honey flowing through your veins / Taste my love with your desire / Your eyes set my soul on fire”.

There is also a purely Ukrainian version, titled “МЕД”. 

https://youtu.be/T08YeoUmu-I

Ronela Hajati – “Shtroje me leke”

Ronela Hajati has always had lots of boss b**** energy. But this really comes across in her new song “Shtroje me leke” (“Lay with money”). Albania’s Eurovision 2022 star serves attitude and swagger in abundance through the urban offering. This is naturally also present in the music video — and watch out for a picture from Festivali i Këngës 60.

Benjamin Ingrosso with Seinabo Sey and Oskar Linnros

The latest episode of Benjamin’s saw Seinabo Sey and Oskar Linnros stop by Benjamin Ingrosso’s pop-up restaurant. They shared in food, but also in music. Sweden’s Eurovision 2018 star performed a live rendition of “Shores” with Seinabo, and sang “Vilja Bli” alongside Oskar.

Blas Cantó & Carmen DeLeon – “Las cosas claras”

Blas Cantó’s new single is a duet alongside Venezuelan-born singer Carmen DeLeon. They sing the mid-tempo pop track “Las cosas claras” (“Clear things”). It tells the story of two people who are now separated by distance, but they miss the other person: “The rain on the window doesn’t sound the same anymore / Not even the song we liked / Because now you are not with me”. In a nice connection with the lyrics, Blas and Carmen recorded their parts for the video in two separate locations. Carmen was in Miami, while Spain’s Eurovision 2021 star was in Madrid.

PIA MARIA – “Love Is A Circus”

PIA MARIA brings us a solid pop offering with her new single “Love Is A Circus”. Austria’s Eurovision 2022 singer is acting as the ring master of her relationship as she tries to keep things under control. PIA knows that her partner is toxic and that it’s time to settle things: “This love is a circus with you by my side / Every day is a new show / Sit down, take your side / Ladies and gentlemen, you can decide / Heaven or hell, it all ends tonight”.

Jef Neve feat. Trijntje Oosterhuis & Johnny Manuel

Belgian jazz pianist Jef Neve has dropped the new album That Old Feeling. Of the nine songs on the LP, two of them feature vocals from Eurovision stars. The Netherlands’ 2015 representative Trijntje Oosterhuis appears on the song “Here’s To Life” — first sung by Shirley Horn. Meanwhile, Bulgaria’s 2018 singer Johnny Manuel accompanies Jef on “The Blower’s Daughter” — originally recorded by Damien Rice.

wrs – “One Family”

wrs has revealed that his debut album will be released in May. Whilst we wait, we have the new song “One Family” to get us moving. Romania’s Eurovision 2022 star takes us to the dancefloor and plans to keep us there all night. Singing in a mixture of Spanish and English, wrs counts everyone in the club as part of his family: “I will feel loved / With my family by my side / The whole night we break the disco / And all the earth / From up in the sky, we are one / Family, family, family, family”.

Miro – 46

Despite failing to qualify to the grand final at Eurovision 2010, Miro has still had a strong career at home in Bulgaria over the past couple of decades. He’s now shared his first compilation album to thank fans for all the support. The first ten songs on the LP are all some of Miro’s past hits. But the album ends with a brand new track – “Отначало” (“At first”). It’s a disco/funk song that rounds off the LP on an upbeat note.

Freddie – “Örökké zenél”

Freddie is keeping things simple for this new single. The Hungarian star is solely accompanied by a piano throughout, giving it a tender and raw feel as he delivers his gritty vocals. “Örökké zenél” translates to “You play music forever”.

Aksel & AKRAS – “Mad World”

Aksel is embracing the “Mad World” that we all live in. Finland’s Eurovision 2020 entrant has joined forces with music producer AKRAS for a new version of the hit song by Tears for Fears. Aksel’s vocal captures the emotion of the song whilst AKRAS adds in ’80s-inspired synths to also give it a danceable beat.

Andrius Pojavis – “Sodininkas”

Andrius Pojavis is doing a bit of gardening in the new piano ballad “Sodininkas” (“The gardener”). But not the kind that would get him covered in soil. The Lithuanian singer discusses how our thoughts can help us blossom as people: “Open the door to the light / Take the first step / You are not alone […] But do you know that deep blue sky flowers / Have bloomed into your thoughts”. The Eurovision 2013 act talks about the message further in the music video’s description:

“It’s a delicate, sweet and emotional piece that is sure to leave you empowered and at peace. This song is like a musical oasis that will send you good vibes and transport you to a place of safety and happiness. It captures the essence of the goodness that we all seek in life, and creates a magical moment that offers a profound understanding of life as an amazing experience.”

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.