New music this week (part 2): Songs from Go_A, Andrei Ursu, Piqued Jacks and more

The Eurovision 2024 season is beginning to heat up. Over the course of the next few months, we will all fall in and out of love with scores of new national final and Eurovision entries. But that doesn’t mean we forget about the artists from past contests.

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 47 part 2

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

Go_A – “Dumala”

This week begins with a fairy tale brought to us by the Ukrainian band Go_A, who represented their homeland in 2021 following the cancellation of the 2020 contest due to the pandemic. Their latest song once again embraces Ukrainian traditional music, blending it with a contemporary dance sound. Accompanied by a fairy-tale-inspired video, the story unfolds through lively, tradition-infused illustrations.

The song recounts the story of a girl born on an allegedly unlucky Wednesday. Defying superstitions, she takes charge of her fate, rejecting the notion of marrying for wealth and expressing a desire to marry for love. Her steadfast refusal continues until her courageous beloved returns from battle. She chooses to marry him, a defender of the land, over a wealthy foreigner who had fled. The song centres on themes of love for one’s country and the importance of following one’s heart. The traditional fairy tale is further elaborated in the video description. The song is dedicated “to those who haven’t run away.”

Blanca Paloma – “Jaleo”

Blanca mesmerised us with her extraordinary voice as she represented Spain in Eurovision this year. Her latest song once again highlights her commanding vocals and is deeply rooted in traditional Spanish music. The translated title of the song is “Fuss” or “Commotion.” The music video showcases Blanca’s stunning styles, predominantly featuring the colours red, black, and white. Various symbols make appearances in the video, including the white dove, symbolising “Blanca Paloma” (as her name’s translation is “white dove”).

When discussing the fusion of traditional influences with a modern sound, Blanca describes it as a journey “from the cauldron of folklore to the after-dinner party of the 21st century.” Furthermore, the song is dedicated “with love, to all the flowers of the kingdom.” The lyrics convey a powerful message: “What’s different scares you, it scares you because it’s real/ As real as the dreams you can’t tell me/ Even heaven is jealous of the flower festival.” The song emphasises the importance of authenticity and celebrates the “flowers” that cannot be stifled.

Andrei Ursu – “Hai, Inimă!”

Are you ready for a hilariously nostalgic journey? Andrei Ursu, known in the Eurovision community by his previous stage name “wrs,” represented Romania in 2022. His latest video is bound to bring a smile to your face. But before we dive into the video, let’s talk about the retro vibes of the song. The song pays homage to the Romanian music scene of the late ’60s and early ’70s, transporting you back in time in the most delightful way possible. The music video is also a clever parody of vintage dating shows.

Andrei’s “show” shares its name with the song title, “Hai Inimă” (Come On, Heart), and airs on the fictional channel MatrimonialTV. “Come on heart, beat once again,” the lyrics convey the struggle to find the strength to love again after a painful breakup. While the song’s lyrics tug at the heartstrings, the music video features Andrei portraying various characters, satirising different personalities one might encounter on dating shows.

Meet his characters: Cornel (45 years old, divorced, owner of a real estate agency, avid football enthusiast, whiskey collector), Laur (33 years old, unmarried, rock music is his life, proud owner of 4 dogs and a turtle, freelancer), Alexandru (27 years old, unmarried, computer engineer, comic books lover, owner of 3 apartments and 2 houses), and Mariana (40 years old, recently separated, owner of a beauty salon, motorcycle enthusiast, fluent in 5 foreign languages).

Andrei is gearing up to release a brand-new album, Cântece de Inimă (Songs for the Heart), embracing the retro Romanian style.

Vesna – Muzika Slavica

Vesna, the charming girl group, proudly represented the Czech Republic in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. They’ve recently unveiled their latest album, Muzika Slavica (Slavic Music). As you might expect, each track on this album draws inspiration from Slavic traditional sounds, contributing to the distinctive and beloved Vesna musical style. The album boasts 10 songs, with “Dokola” (Around) serving just as one fantastic example of the captivating blend of traditional tones and strong pop influences. But all songs are a must-try. 

Included on the album you can find “My Sister’s Crown” (their Eurovision entry), an acoustic rendition of their Eurovision song, and several previously released fan favourites like “Hej, mami” and “Wolfrunners.” The girls shared their thoughts about the album, stating:

 “MUZIKA SLAVICA is our musical Slavic epic. It is a tapestry of stories across ancient times and the present, interwoven through Slavic cultures like feminine threads. It is a search for one’s own voice and the discovery of the nature of feminine powers.”

Piqued Jacks – “The Gum”

Piqued Jacks are set to get you moving with their latest track, “The Gum.” The Italian rock band represented San Marino in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, and their new release maintains the rock sound that fans love from Piqued Jacks, carrying a powerful message within its lyrics: “I’m not the wax you can melt like dew/ I’m not the gum you chew and chew/ I’m not the pencil you can undo/ I’m not the clay that you can shape.” The lyrics reflect a strong attitude, with the band asserting their independence and resisting attempts to mould them.

The song addresses preachers and teachers who are omnipresent, directing their message “for the flock but not the sheep.” Piqued Jacks aim to stay true to themselves, even if it means not being part of “the elite.” They refuse to be “chewed” by anyone, emphasising the importance of maintaining authenticity. With the release of this song, the band sheds light on the challenges within the music industry, expressing how it can be restrictive and unsupportive, hindering artists from fully expressing their art in the way they desire. The band added:

“We’re part of a business where you’re always required to be something different, something more, in order to go further. This is our say on this sick industry.”

Sirusho feat. Victor Espinola – “Indzanic Avel”

Sirusho represented Armenia in Eurovision back in 2008. Her latest song is a beautiful collaboration with Victor Espinola, a Paraguayan multi-instrumentalist and singer renowned for his skill with the Paraguayan harp. The enchanting harp is a prominent feature in the new song, accompanied by the exquisite harmony between Sirusho and Victor’s voices. The music video unfolds like a dream, with Sirusho’s dresses captivating viewers with their beauty.

According to Sirusho, the song is a fusion of cultures and visions, a collaborative effort between herself and Victor. The music seamlessly incorporates elements of traditional Armenian music, creating a captivating blend. The song was Victor’s idea, but Sirusho expressed her gratefulness for the invitation to join the project and to bring her own contribution in writing her parts. 

Connect-R – “Vise La Plic”

Connect-R represented Moldova at Eurovision in 2006, alongside Natalia and Arsenium. His latest song is a rap and hip-hop track with a music video shot in Bucharest. The translated title is “Dream in the Envelope.” The song narrates the story of a child who has been “a bit more shy/ with his skin a bit darker than others” (Connect-R proudly embraces his Roma ethnicity in numerous tracks). Faced with a difficult and challenging life, the young boy had to mature quickly and find ways to change his circumstances.

He falls into the trap of becoming a drug dealer, viewing it as a fast way to make money. The song aims to draw attention to the paths some individuals take when faced with the hardships of life, highlighting the desperation and dangers they encounter.

Justyna Steczkowska – “Carpe Diem”

Justyna represented Poland in the music contest in 1995. Her latest track is an EDM banger that will captivate you. The entire music video conveys a sense of freedom and liberty that everyone aspires to attain. The lyrics, “Because we don’t know if we will have tomorrow/ Be with me here and now even if I’m afraid/ It closes our eyes/ Carpe diem continue,” inspire everyone to live in the moment and savour life to its fullest right now, without being burdened by thoughts about the past or the future

Paula Seling feat. Surorile Osoianu, Nicolae Botgros & Orchestra Lautarii – “Hai, Romane!”

Paula Seling has competed for Romania, alongside Ovi, twice: in 2010 and 2014. Her latest song is a purely traditional Romanian piece, timed for Romania’s national day on December 1st. Titled “Come on, Romanian!” the song is a collaboration with Surorile Osoianu (Osoianu Sisters known from Moldova’s National Selection of this year) and the renowned folk music artist Nicolae Botgros, along with his orchestra. Seize the opportunity to immerse yourself in Romanian traditional music through this new track, and enjoy a variety of national costumes showcased in the music video. The song serves as an invitation to dance and celebrate: “Come, Romanian, dance powerfully/ For it’s a day of celebration/ Keep the hora dance, don’t let it go/ Don’t stop anymore!”

Greta Salóme, Júlí Heiðar & Bjarki Ómarsson – “Heimur þagnar”

Greta is another artist with dual participation in Eurovision, representing Iceland in 2012 and 2016. Her latest collaboration with Júlí Heiðar and Bjarki Ómarsson is titled “A World of Silence,” and it serves as a perfect ballad for the upcoming cold days. As Greta prepares for her Christmas concert, this track emerges as the ideal song for chilly days, capturing the essence of the cold and snowy season with magnificent piano and violin arrangements.

Kállay Saunders – “BRONX”

Having Kállay among the artists in this article is fantastic, as we love highlighting Hungarian artists, especially given our eagerness for Hungary’s return to Eurovision. Kállay represented Hungary in 2014. His latest song is in English and falls into the genres of pure rap and trap. The track delves into the challenges of life on the suburban streets. With his return to boxing, this song will serve as his entrance music in the ring.

Circus Mircus – Furore/Fiasco

Circus Mircus is the Georgian progressive rock band that represented their country in the Eurovision contest back in 2022. Their entire new album, Furore/Fiasco, delivers an excellent fusion of progressive and experimental music. The album features 11 tracks, with “Up is Down” and “Voice of America” released as teasers. Anticipate catchy tunes such as “Sakartvelo,” “BNE,” or “Domestique,” along with heartfelt ballads like “Liana” and “Saxx.” The album offers uplifting tracks such as “Before Me” and “Katten Knutten,” as well as a powerful rock anthem, “Tenderizer.”

Lenny Kuhr & De Troubadours – “Bos Van Mijn Jeugd”

Lenny Kuhr, the Dutch Eurovision winner of the four-way tie in 1969, has collaborated with the acoustic duo De Troubadours on a new song. The title of the song translates to “The Forest of My Youth.” The lyrics vividly depict the changes in weather and seasons, paralleling the transformations that occur in one’s life. The song brings a peaceful and serene vibe, while Lenny’s voice is reaching for the deepest emotions in your soul. 

Dino Merlin – “Skoro će zima” & “Ne radujemo se” (feat. Marko Louis)

Dino represented Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1999 and 2011. He is now back with a double release, each accompanied by its own music video. “Skoro će zima” (It’s Almost Winter) is a poignant ballad with traditional influences, and its music video adeptly portrays different episodes of life. The song narrates a relationship that has grown colder, with Dino expressing a desire to return to the warm summer days of love’s pure joy: “It’s not too late/ Let’s go back to the beginning/ To that place under the lime tree/ Where it smells like July for us/ At the end of town.”

The second song, “Ne radujemo se” (We’re Not Looking Forward), features Marko Louis.  This song is a slower ballad compared to the first one, with a richer traditional instrumental part. The two songs are interconnected through common lines in the chorus, where Dino sings, “We don’t look forward to each other like we used to/ Our eyes are not as hot as they used to be.”

Sasha Song – “TAVO DIENOS”

We conclude this week’s new music with Sasha, who represented Lithuania in 2009. His latest song, “Your Days,” is a sophisticated blend — a ballad with robust R&B influences and powerful rap segments, showcasing Sasha’s versatility. An excellent addition to your playlists, as it offers a captivating experience through the fusion of diverse music genres, all enveloped by Sasha’s clear voice.

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.