Although we’re officially into the Eurovision 2024 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 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 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 43
Lena – “Straitjacket”
Lena is already a well-known figure in the Eurovision scene, with a double participation for Germany, two years in a row in 2010 and 2011. She managed to bring the trophy to her country in 2010. Her new pop banger has retro dance influences and is quite addictive. The new track is all about a relationship that feels constricting, like a straitjacket, as she is still attached to someone from her past. The lyrics speak about an unbreakable bond between two people that is hard to express in words but feels spiritual: “I could spend a lifetime getting over you / I can meet somebody, but tell me, what’s the use? / ‘Cause I would spend forever in hell to get to you / I don’t really care because nobody, nobody compares to (…) A straitjacket couldn’t keep my hands off your skin.” The song has a slightly dark vibe that fits well with the spookiest week of the year.
Konstrakta & Magnifico – “Put”
Konstrakta’s voice is heading to the big screen as part of the soundtrack for the new movie Čuvari formule (Guardians of the Formula). Serbia’s Eurovision 2022 star joins Slovenian singer Magnifico for “Put” (“Road”). The pair deliver a steady song with no obvious chorus; instead, their voices are layered over a continuing mixture of intertwining instruments.
Diljá – “Say My Name”
“Say her name/ One more time,” as Diljá has just made an outstanding return with a new radio hit that is destined to become popular, thanks to its uplifting, energetic sound and Diljá’s sweet voice. She represented Iceland in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, and all of her tracks since then have been filled with power and contagious energy. “Say My Name” is no exception. Her new song is a perfect love song that expresses the feeling of being madly in love with someone, without being able to control your feelings: “Pretty baby/ There’s something different ’bout your touch/ The way you sound, the way you talk/ You make me lose it all.”
LOBODA – “Київ-Ніцца”
LOBODA proudly represented Ukraine in the Eurovision Song Contest back in 2009. Her latest song, “Kyiv-Nice,” is a touching ballad that explores the challenges of long-distance relationships and how two souls, despite being physically apart, can conquer all obstacles. According to the YouTube description of the music video, set to premiere on Monday, it tells the story of two people separated by distance and circumstances but forever bound by love. It’s the tale of a girl who fled her own wedding to be with her lover, with whom she shared many years of love, and without whom she could never learn to truly live: “And they have another holiday/ Another anniversary/ And between us, Kiev-Nice/ Only the messages keep pouring in and pouring out.”
On her official Instagram, LOBODA expressed her empathy for those experiencing long-distance relationships: “#KyivNice is a story that, with different names and names of cities, lives in many of us today. The main role is always love…”
Ochman – “Telefony”
Ochman competed for Poland in Eurovision back in 2022. His new song brings a deep message, reminding us to live in the present moment and put our phones aside. If you’re currently reading this post on your phone, you can either listen to his song first or finish reading this article before setting your phone aside. Ochman’s new song is a pop-dance track that will get you moving, accompanied by a lovely music video that tells the story of two lovers meeting face to face (according to the lyrics “In the heart of Amsterdam”), rather than texting each other. The lyrics of Ochman’s new love song underline the importance of physical interaction when the online interaction is not enough anymore: “Let’s throw our phones to the bottom/ Because when if not today/ Let’s break this night into atoms/ So that no one can put it back together.”
Poli Genova & Brave – “Something ‘Bout You”
Get ready to groove with Poli’s latest song. The Bulgarian star has represented her country twice in the Eurovision contest, in 2011 and in 2016. As we hope for Bulgaria’s return to the competition soon, we’re excited to feature Bulgarian songs in our weekly New Music articles. Poli’s new groovy track is a collaboration with DJ Brave. It’s a dance EDM track that will kickstart the party. This also marks Poli’s first co-production with Warner Music SEE, and we hope it’s the beginning of an exciting musical journey for her. The song’s lyrics speak about a person who may seem alluring but is sure to break your heart.
Tina Karol – “НЕ СВЯТІ”
It’s time to feature a powerful ballad in this week’s post. Tina, who represented Ukraine back in 2006, captivates us with her new track, “No Saints,” which is sensual and alluring. This ballad is a beautiful and enchanting track where Tina’s voice casts a spell on all of us. The lyrics discuss the idea of not being “saints” when it comes to love, particularly in matters of intimacy: “You are like poison / Fatal temptation in life/ I want to feel/ We are no saints/ Kill me gently/ I want to feel/ How the earth goes from under my feet/ Your embrace is a sweet sin.”
Tina has also shared on her Instagram how her new track is a perfect choice for a romantic setting and how she aims to contribute in… fixing certain demographic issues: “Romantic and passionate stories of life fell into the lines of this song. Some say the birth rate is down, so let’s fix it with this soundtrack of love.”
Kenan Doğulu – “İkinci Yüzyıl”
Türkiye’s absence from Eurovision is deeply felt, and it’s heart-warming to feature Turkish songs in our weekly New Music posts with the hope that the country may return to the contest in the near future. Kenan represented Türkiye in Eurovision 2007, and his latest track, “Second Century,” is a patriotic anthem. The song is powerful and dignified, accompanied by a lyric video. “Second Century” commemorates 100 years of the Turkish Republic and pays tribute to Kenan’s homeland with its rich history. The lyrics convey wishes for enduring peace, happiness, and prosperity for the country, having as their main line: “Peace at home, Peace in the world/ Happy 100 years of Republic.”
Aram Mp3 – “Holi Pes”
Aram Mp3 represented Armenia in the 2014 Eurovision contest. His new song has a mix of dance elements, pop elements, and rap parts. The song serves as the soundtrack for the Armenian comedy movie Rosali, which has a plot that revolves around an Armenian secret laboratory where scientists create a unique female robot named Rosali. She is equipped with synthetic hormones that enable her to experience human emotions, but to activate her “humanization” Rosali must undergo the full range of emotions, including love. A young man burdened by debt and entangled in lies agrees to take part in an experiment to determine if a robot can fall in love with a human.
Brunette – “Aynpes Uzum Em”
Aram Mp3 isn’t the only Armenian Eurovision alum you’ll hear on the soundtrack of Rosali. The country’s 2023 representative, Brunette, also makes an appearance with “Aynpes Uzum Em”. It’s a cover of the song originally released by Robert Amirkhanyan and Maria Amirkhanian. Brunette updates the production and delivers a captivating, contemporary R&B track.
maNga & Ezgi Arıkan – “Uzun İnce Bir Yoldayım”
The Turkish rock band maNga, who represented their country in Eurovision 2010, is back with a dose of authentic rock music. Their new track is a collaboration with the singer Ezgi Arıkan, and it’s an incredible rock ballad. The title of the song can be translated as “I’m on a long and winding road.” Accompanied by a black and white music video with lyrics in red, the song conveys a deep message. It’s a tribute to the Turkish poet Aşık Veysel, and the collaboration with Ezgi is not coincidental, as she is Aşık Veysel’s granddaughter. The song is inspired by one of Aşık Veysel’s poems (with the same title as the song), with modified lyrics adapted for this song. The lyrics reflect on life as a long and winding road that one must walk: “I’m on a long and winding road/ I’m going night and day (…) In an inn with two doors/ I’m going night and day/ Day night, day night, day night/ I don’t know how I am.” The band provides more context for their song on their Instagram page:
“By doing this special project together with Aşık Veysel’s granddaughter, Ezgi Arıkan, we wanted to commemorate the friendship of Aşık Veysel and Aziz Üstün, Veysel’s friend and Ferman’s* great-grandfather.” [*Ferman Akgül, maNga member]
Michał Szpak – “We Need a Coco”
If you’re in the mood for something spooky and eccentric, consider joining Michał’s “tripping party.” Michał represented Poland in Eurovision 2016, and his new song is a psychedelic journey that revolves around the need for a “coco.” The song is an industrial electronic rock track that the artist describes as something between a piercing scream and heavy breathing. In the music video, which simulates open heart surgery, there’s no blood involved because his heart is made of something else (you’ll have to watch the video to find out the answer). The music video draws inspiration from the “Ecstasy of St. Teresa,” a sculpture by Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini, which was historically debated for its depiction of St. Teresa in religious or erotic ecstasy.
To delve deeper into the song’s meaning and message, the video’s description explains that it’s a song about the artist’s ecstasy. The drugs serve as a metaphor for the hunger for spiritual experiences, which can sometimes be intense, even bordering on the divine and the edge of death. It provides a glimpse into the artist’s inner world, which turns out to be dangerous even for himself. Michał, as always, pushes the boundaries and plays with taboo subjects to underline that there are no limits to art.
Douwe Bob – “Light of My Life”
Douwe Bob, who participated at Eurovision in 2016, has released a touching ballad that carries the feelings of an apology letter. The song revolves around the theme of seeking forgiveness, acknowledging the past’s mistakes, and believing that love sometimes deserves another chance. The lyrics express this with lines like: “If we both say we’re sorry/ Would you say you still love me?/ Or am I already gone from your mind?/ Could we talk just a little?/ ‘Cause I’m stuck in the middle/ Baby, you are the light of my life.”
This new song is set to be part of Douwe’s upcoming album, Where Did All The Cool Kids Go?, scheduled for release on Valentine’s Day in 2024.
Intars Busulis – Spēlē Savā Burvju Flautā
Intars, who competed for Latvia in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2009, has released a new album titled Playing His Magical Flute, featuring 13 songs in Latvian. The album offers a diverse range of musical genres, and some songs are influenced by Latvian culture, resulting in an authentic and balanced collection. Two of the more intricate compositions on the album are “Lopkautuves Disko” (Slaughterhouse Disco) and “Spēlē Savā Burvju Flautā” (Playing His Magical Flute).
The album also includes heartfelt ballads such as “Līnijas” (Lines) and “Tikai” (Only), as well as dance tracks that are sure to leave a lasting impression, like “Piekāp” (Give Away).
Marius Bear – “Butterflies”
Marius Bear, the Swiss star who represented his country at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2022, presents a perfect song for the autumn season. This slow ballad beautifully captures the essence of love and the accompanying butterflies. The song will be a part of his upcoming album, Slomotional, set to be released in the coming weeks. Slomotional is specifically crafted for the cozy and chilly autumn days, featuring a collection of slow ballads perfect for this season.
Dolce Hera feat. Vladana – “Sweet & Bizzare”
A powerful Italian song with rock influences comes from a formidable female duo. Vladana, who represented Montenegro in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2022, collaborates with fellow artist and drummer from Montenegro, Dolce Hera. The result is a captivating musical creation, an alternative pop-rock song. In the music video, the duo can be seen attending their own show, creating an intriguing concept of being spectators of the lives they have created for themselves.
The song’s lyrics delve into the idea of connected souls, those that recognize each other across space and time: “You went through the same hell as I did/ If I concentrate, I could paint you, even if I’ve never seen you/ I wait, this story of ours is a comic/ I bet you’re like me.”
Júlio Resende feat. Salvador Sobral – “A Casa Dela Her House”
Finally, we have a beautiful ballad from Salvador Sobral, who won the Eurovision Song Contest for Portugal in 2017. His new song is a collaboration with the renowned Portuguese pianist, Júlio Resende. Titled “A Casa Dela Her House,” the song takes you on a journey with enchanting piano chords, accompanied by Salvador’s warm and mesmerizing voice. It exudes wonderful fado jazz vibes, making it a cozy and delicate piece of music.
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.
Wow, Douwe Bob – “Light of My Life” is truly very, very beautiful!