The Eurovision 2020 season may have come to an unexpected end, but the music will always continue. 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.
In fact, there’s been so much new music that we haven’t been able to fit it all into our regular weekly roundups. Thus, we thought we’d give you an extra batch of songs to check out in this catch-up post.
Here’s a selection of some of the songs and music videos that have been released in the last month or so.
New music from Eurovision artists: 2020 | Week 16 Part 1
Ruslana – “Ми Вітер”
Ruslana gave Ukraine their first ever Eurovision victory, lifting the trophy in 2004. Her latest song is “Ми Вітер” (“We Are Wind”), which has a spiritual feel about it. The music video sees Ruslana dancing atop of a 120 m high windmill in Kherson region of Ukraine. “Ми Вітер” is the title single of her new EP.
Lindita – “Gur”
Lindita brought serious vocal power to her Eurovision 2017 performance. Now, the Kosovo-Albanian singer has put that voice behind her new song “Gur” (“Stone”). It’s an emotional ballad, with Lindita’s voice solely accompanied by a piano for the majority of the track.
Azúcar Moreno – “Pa’ fuera”
Within seconds of stepping onto the Eurovision stage, Spanish sister-duo Azúcar Moreno became one of the most iconic acts to grace the contest. Technical difficulties meant that both singers, their band and the live orchestra missed their cues, forcing Toni and Encarna Salazar to re-start their performance at Eurovision 1990. Nevertheless, the duo secured fifth place at the contest and have gone on to sell over ten million records worldwide. In March they released the new song “Pa’ fuera” (“Out”) – a fiery calypso-infused Latin pop song.
If you want even more from Azúcar Moreno, they’ve also released the new single “Love Is Love” that you can check out.
Yulia Savicheva – “Не обманывай”
In 2004, Yulia Savicheva represented Russia at Eurovision and finished in a respectable eleventh place. Her latest song is “Не обманывай” (“Don’t be fooled”). It’s a contemporary pop song and has the slightly dark edge that much of Russia’s modern music is embellished with. The song features on Yulia’s new album CLV.
ByeAlex és a Slepp – “Március”
ByeAlex brought Hungary back to the top ten at Eurovision for the first time in six years when he competed at the contest in 2013. Now going by the name ByeAlex és a Slepp (‘Slepp’ being his band), his latest single is “Március” (“March”). A simple indie-pop song, the track progresses in a relatively linear fashion with a consistent synth riff underlining the entire three minutes.
Carola – “Vem av oss förstod”
Eurovision 1991 finished with a tie-break situation for first place. In the end, it was Sweden’s Carola that came out on top following the count-back. Her latest song is “Vem av oss förstod” (“Which of us understood”). It’s a guitar-driven ballad that builds in the final minute thanks to the addition of a backing choir. As a regularly practicing Christian, this song is based in her faith and was released to coincide with Easter. The Eurovision champion explained on Instagram: “My wish is that it should elicit a deeper desire to get to know the man Jesus and our heritage, historically, culturally and spiritually”.
Laura Voutilainen – “Janottaa”
Laura Voutilainen represented Finland at Eurovision 2002, ultimately finishing in twentieth place. The star has released a plethora of albums since then, keeping her career going strong in her homeland. Now, Laura has dropped the new single “Janottaa” (“Thirsty”). It’s a fun contemporary Finnish pop track with a catchy whistle refrain in the verses.
Paolo Meneguzzi – “Il coraggio”
Swiss-Italian singer Paolo Meneguzzi represented Switzerland at Eurovision 2008, but sadly failed to qualify to the grand final. He’s also competed a number of times at Festival di Sanremo in both the newcomers (2001) and big artists section (2005, 2007, 2008). His new single is “Il coraggio” (“The courage”). A solid Italian ballad, it swells in the chorus to build upon the calmer verses.
For even more from Meneguzzi, he’s also recently teamed up with Simone Tomassini, another former Sanremo contestant, for the Spanish-language song “Cuando Todo Se Termine”.
Gromee – “Hope (Glory To The Heroes)”
Gromee got Europe dancing at Eurovision 2018, though unfortunately not enough to qualify to the grand final. Despite not being a singer, the Polish DJ is still doing his bit to support those helping to tackle the coronavirus epidemic through his music. Gromee has released the uplifting instrumental track “Hope (Glory To The Heroes)”, which he says on Instagram is dedicated “to all doctors, paramedics, nurses and all medical staff who care about our lives and health in this difficult period”. The star has linked to a number of places where you can donate to the fight against COVID-19 in the music videos description.
Paula Seling – “Cat ii cerul”
Two-time Eurovision contestant Paula Seling brought her stellar vocals to both the 2010 and 2014 contests. Now, the Romanian singer is looking to the past for her latest song. “Cat ii erul” sees the star reinterpreting a traditional Romanian folklore song. The music video features Seling wearing luminescent make-up as her face floats in the northern lights.
The Fizz – “From Here to Eternity”
The Fizz comprise the three remaining members of Eurovision 1981 winning act Bucks Fizz. The British group dropped their new album Smoke and Mirrors in March. At the start of April, they released the music video for the latest single from the LP, “From Here to Eternity”. Jay Aston takes lead vocals on the track as she sings about always being there for her loved ones. The music video is shot in black and white, and features a young woman performing the song in sign language.
t.A.T.u. – “Believe in Goodbyes”
Russian duo t.A.T.u – comprised of Lena Katina and Julia Volkova – sold millions of records worldwide during their career. They achieved similar success at Eurovision 2003, picking up the bronze medal. While the girls have not released any official new music, the demo of a previously unreleased song emerged earlier this month. “Believe in Goodbyes” was written for t.A.T.u.’s planned comeback in 2014, but the song was never finished. The released demo only features Katina, as Volkova’s vocals were never recorded.
Nico – “Scopul si durata”
Romanian singer Nico represented her home country at Eurovision 2008 alongside Vlad with the duet “Pe-o margine de lume”. The duo finished twentieth in the grand final. Now, Nico has released the new single “Scopul si durata” (“Purpose and duration”). It’s a chilled pop track, perfect for vibing to on a summery day.
Michalis Hatzigiannis – “Είμαι Μόνο Ένας Άντρας”
Before their Eurovision renaissance in the late 2010s, Cyprus had a number of strong entries in the 1990s. Among them was Michalis Hatzigiannis, who came a respectable eleventh at the 1998 contest. The Cypriot star has gone on to have a number of top-charting songs in the last two decades. His new single is “Είμαι Μόνο Ένας Άντρας” (“I Am Only One Man”). A classic ballad, the song is infused with a lot of traditional Greek/Cypriot sounds and instruments.
Compact Disco – “Maradj otthon”
Many artists are using their position to set an example to the public in following the precautions surrounding coronavirus. Hungarian group Compact Disco are no different. The Eurovision 2012 act’s new song is called “Maradj otthon”, which translates as “Stay at home”. An electro track with elements of funk, the accompanying music video naturally sees the duo abiding by lockdown requirements by performing the song at home. If we’re honest, lead vocalist Csaba Walkó’s son sort of steals the show in the MV.
Yksi Totuus (feat. Virve Rosti) – “Desperado”
Virve ‘Vicky’ Rosti took to the Eurovision stage in 1987, representing Finland. Alongside rock band Boulevard, she finished in fifteenth place. Following an extensive career in Finland, Rosti now features on the new song by Finnish rap duo Yksi Totuus. “Desperado” is a mid-tempo track, with Virve providing vocals for the chorus while Yksi Totuus lay down the verses.
Ruslan Alehno – “Спасибо Богу”
Before there was Hurricane, Belarus’ Ruslan Alehno took to the Eurovision 2008 stage with the song “Hasta La Vista”. Unfortunately, the star failed to qualify to the grand final. But, Alehno is still making new music and his latest song is “Спасибо Богу” (“Thank God”). It’s a soft-rock ballad, with the bridge comprising of an electric guitar solo.
Sébastien Tellier – “Domestic Tasks”
Sébastien Tellier brought golf buggies, globes and more to the Eurovision 2008 stage. The French musician is building up to the release of his new album Domesticated on 29 May. Before then, he’s dropped the new song “Domestic Tasks”. It’s certainly an experience, with the electro track eventually building to a climax after five minutes.
Nano – “Love Beats a Gangster”
Two-time Melodifestivalen participant (2017 and 2019) Nano is set to release a new track every month through 2020, starting from March. The first of these was “Love Beats a Gangster”. Singing about how love conquers hate, the lyrics take on a deeper meaning when reflecting on Nano’s personal story of having previously been to prison and subsequently turning his life around to focus on music: “You are born to make it / Remember love beats a gangster / No, no, no, money ain’t anything / Only love gives you everything”.
Molly Sandén, Victor Leksell and Joakim Berg – “Sverige”
Despite never winning Melodifestivalen in her three attempts (2009, 2012, 2016), Molly Sandén has gone on to become one of Sweden’s top artists in recent years. Her last four singles all cracked the top ten of the Swedish charts. Now, the star has teamed up with fellow Swedish singers Victor Leksell and Joakim Berg on “Sverige” (“Sweden”). It’s a cover of a song originally performed by Berg’s band Kent, with Sandén and Leksell providing vocals for this new version. The money raised from this new version of the song will go towards Swedish charity Radiohjälpen and helping medical workers in the fight against coronavirus.
Which song 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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SARA JO-KAZI MI
Sara Yo have new single as well
Nice to see some classic acts being given recognition.
Prior to recording From Here to Eternity, like literally just before, Jay had just received the diagnosis that she had cancer. The song is all the more emotional when understanding this.
No report about who won “der kleine Song Contest Part 1” yesterday?
Iceland