Summer is the quiet period for Eurovision fans as we wait for the new season to commence. 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 released recently by Eurovision stars.
New music from Eurovision artists: 2024 | Week 24 part 2
With so many new songs this week, we’ve split the roundup into two smaller articles. You can find part 1 here.
ISAAK – “Never the Same”
After securing Germany their first left-hand-side result at Eurovision in six years, ISAAK has now dropped his follow-up single. “Never the Same” is an indie-pop song that ISAAK leads with his acoustic guitar. In the lyrics, the German singer discusses a failing relationship that he’s trying to cling on to. But ultimately, ISAAK realises they’ll never be on the same wavelength: “Even though we both know that it’s over / You know I changed in a billion ways / I’d do anything just to make you stay / I know we’ll never be the same.”
LADANIVA – Ladaniva (Postcards)
LADANIVA beautifully represented Armenian culture at Eurovision 2024, securing a top ten result. But the duo’s music extends beyond the borders of one country. Jaklin and Louis have released an extended version of their self-titled album with an additional six Postcards. These new tracks are covers of songs from different parts of the world. It includes their two recent singles “Here’s to you Ararat” (about Turkey’s Mount Ararat) and “Saraiman” (a Romanian folk song). The other songs originate from Armenia, Israel, Italy and Lebanon.
Mahmood – “RA TA TA”
“Mouth like a machine gun / Outside fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa / Only ra-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta / I see kids with balaclavas / Without mom, ma-ma-ma-ma-ma / You’ll see them dancing / Aiming knives at the sky / Within the city, ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta.”
Mahmood focuses his latest song on the difficulties that young people face when trapped in run-down areas of the city. Italy’s two-time Eurovision star sings of those who end up in gangs and who have to grow up quickly. In the end, the onomatopoeic title , “RA TA TA,” reproduces the sound of the final weapon such kids can use to defend themselves: the sound of their own words, fired rapidly like a machine gun. Listen carefully to the outro and you’ll be able to hear the sample of a viral video that may well have been Mahmood’s original inspiration for the song.
In the accompanying music video, Mahmood wears garments by Palestinian fashion label Trashy Clothing.
Amaia – “Nanai”
In her new single, “Nanai,” Amaia invites us into her dreams. Spain’s Eurovision 2018 entrant sings of walking by the sea and loving her partner madly — so much so the Moon is envious. These perfect fantasies can amplify our emotions and eventually improve the reality we live in: “This is over, I’m going to wake up / I no longer remembered that this is not real / When I open my eyes, everything will be forgotten / But here a second can be eternity.” The production of the song matches this dream-like feeling, with samba rhythms and light percussion used to make the listener feel like they’re floating above the ground. And keep a sharp eye on the music video — keens fans will notice references to some of Amaia’s previous songs and performances.
Benjamin Ingrosso – “Look Who’s Laughing Now”
One month after debuting “Look Who’s Laughing Now” during his interval performance at Eurovision 2024, Benjamin Ingrosso has finally released the song for us all. Musically, it draws on multiple influences, blending elements of classic Swedish pop with 70’s soul and late 90’s glam. Meanwhile, the lyrics discuss living your best life and not worrying about what other people think: “I can’t dance, but I’m dancing with the models / I might’ve messed up, but I never had a doubt / Blacked out ’cause there might be no tomorrow / I’m out my mind, but look who’s laughing now.” Sweden’s Eurovision 2018 representative explained the song’s meaning further in a press release:
“‘Look Who’s Laughing Now’ celebrates being authentic and enjoying life, regardless of others’ perceptions. It’s a nod to all who doubted us, proving that we can be ourselves, live our best lives, and still come out as winners. It’s all about embracing our imperfections, living life to the fullest, and showing the world that authenticity wins.”
Emma Muscat – “Lacrime Moët”
Emma Muscat describes “Lacrime Moët” as a “sexy mess.” Malta’s Eurovision 2022 entrant gifts us a danceable pop track in which she invites listeners to recognise the beauty hidden in the tears we shed, whether they be of joy or pain: “Moët tears / They shine above me / And I feel you here with me.” Speaking about the song in a press releases, Muscat notes:
“Life is a whirlwind of mixed emotions, especially when you’re constantly watching the show. It leads you to have two faces: that of everyday life and that of the strobe lights. So, a version of you almost misses you while you are elsewhere.”
Pastora Soler – “30 Veces”
Having released her debut album in 1994, Spanish superstar Pastora Soler is now celebrating 30 years in the music industry. She’s kicking off this anniversary with the new single “30 Veces” (“30 Times”). Showcasing just why she’s been revered as a stellar vocalist for the past three decades, the Eurovision 2012 alumna delivers a power ballad infused with an electric guitar solo. Pastora uses the song to thank those who have supported her throughout her career: “30 times thank you for making this world a better place.”
Måns Zelmerlöw & Ola Kędra – “Walk with me / Chodź ze mną”
Måns Zelmerlöw first released “Walk with me” in 2019 as a duet alongside Meldofiestivalen alum Dotter. Five years later, and the song has a new singer and a new language. Sweden’s Eurovision 2015 champion has released a second version with Polish songstress Ola Kędra, who performs the second verse in her native language.
TIX & Morgan Sulele – “OLE BRUMM”
If your plan is to enjoy a party summer, then TIX has another upbeat offering for your playlist. Norway’s Eurovision 2021 participant has joined forces with Morgan Sulele for the catchy bop “OLE BRUMM.” The productions comes with some … interesting background sounds … which perhaps allude to the type of party the pair are aiming to have.
Željko Joksimović & Ceca – “Više od sreće”
Two icons of the Serbian music scene have joined forces. Eurovision 2004 & 2012 act Željko Joksimović has collaborated with Ceca for “Više od sreće” (“More than happiness”). A classic Balkan ballad with rich instrumental accompaniment, the pair play the part of former partners who have now gone in different directions: “Good for you / I see you don’t take it too seriously / Just a cold ‘hello’ / When you give me back the kids.” But, Željko and Ceca are working through the pain of their separation and using it as a reminder of what it means to share you heart: “Love is more than happiness / The heart when you love is bigger / When it hurts, it’s easier to come to terms with it / So let it go, let it hurt even more / It’s good to cry / Tears remind you that you are alive.”
Elina Born & Mäx – “Eilsest saati”
Elina Born has decided to serve up a slice of 2000’s R&B for her summer single. “Eilsest saati” (“Since yesterday”) sees the Eurovision 2015 star teaming up with rapper Mäx for this fun and carefree track. The Estonian pair sing/rap about being drunk in love: “I only dared to look at you from afar / I created illusions in my head, how you hold me / I wrote down the lines in the diary that night / The universe is now working / Embraced by the warm wind / I will appear in your dream.”
The Middletonz, Kállay Saunders, Slashkovic feat. Fehér Holló – “Halo”
Eurovision 2014 star Kállay Saunders formed The Middletonz alongside rapper Slashkovic in 2019, when they entered Hungary’s national selection A Dal. After a few years apart, the duo have reformed for new music. Their comeback single is “Halo,” a mid-tempo R&B song that combines Slashkovic’s rap verses with a sung chorus from Kállay Saunders: “If heaven ain’t a place where I can’t breathe you, I don’t want to know / If heaven ain’t a place where I can’t see you, I don’t want to go / Did you keep my halo?”
Ralfs Eilands – “Apaļās Neskaidrības”
Ralfs Eilands performed at Eurovision 2013 as part of the group PeR. The Latvian singer’s latest solo single is “Apaļās Neskaidrības” (“Round Ambiguities”), which also comes with an English version, titled “Funny Faces.” The pop rock offering discusses themes of how overprotection can often lead to the opposite effect — when people are told they can’t do something or shouldn’t act a certain way, it spurs them on to do it anyway. Eilands believes everyone should be able to experience all corners of life:
“I myself have encountered the fact that everyone knows how I need to live better. Friends, parents, colleagues. One day, while listening to ‘how it should be better’ once again, I got angry and wrote this song […] Everyone is always an expert when it comes to someone else’s life, maybe you should deal with your own first?”
Laura Põldvere – “Elukeemia”
Laura Põldvere has a summery bop for us all. It revolves around a love story, but it’s not your typical song about ‘person meets person’. Instead, Estonia’s two-time Eurovision star talks about having a love for life — enjoying its beauty and charm. “Elukeemia” roughly translates to English as “The chemistry of life.”
Mike Tramp – “Lights and Thunder”
Apart from representing Denmark at Eurovision 1978 with the band Mabel, Mike Tramp is also known for being the lead vocalist of glam metal band White Lion. The Danish singer is now reimagining several of White Lion’s hits and re-releasing them as a solo artist. “Lights and Thunder” is the first single from the second volume of these re-recordings, which is due for release in August (volume one premiered last year).
Arilena Ara & Alis – “Se të dua”
Almost a decade since its last season, X Factor Albania was revitalised and brought back this past winter and spring. Eurovision 2020 entrant, and previous X Factor champion, Arilena Ara was one of the judges. She was given the boys to mentor and steered Alis Kallaçi all the way to victory. Now, Arilena and Alis have teamed up for a duet. “Se të dua” (“That I love you”) is a ballad in which the pair declare their devotion: “That I love you / I just love you / I live in your arms / I breathe from your lips.”
You can watch the accompanying music video here.
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.
Queen Emma Muscat, my dream wifey! even though she’s many years younger than me (personality wise she is my soulmate though)
glad she is releasing music in italian again 🙂
Nothing to do with her money? I saw her in person in Malta last year, she is even more stunning in real life.
I wonder how much of her have been fixed.. it’s really boring.
I wish wives of war criminals and criminals themselves wouldn’t get free promo on wiwi (even it they”re duetting with EAC alumni).
*ESC (you can tell I’m ripping CDs heh).