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 30
Silvester Belt – “Tyliai Tyliai”
After a quiet few months since taking Lithuania to the Eurovision grand final, Silvester Belt has now dropped his follow-up single. The star may be back but he still plans on doing things “Tyliai Tyliai” (“Quietly Quietly”). This new song retains the electro-pop style of his Eurovision entry with a catchy ticking rhythm in the chorus, though the overall vibe is slightly more subtle — and spooky — in nature. The lyrics have a serious undertone, with Silvester singing from the perspective of a child who hears the anger of his parents emerge after evening falls: “Trudging through the night / Trying to bite, I cannot relax / Until dawn / Quietly, quietly, ticking at home.”
Jamala – “Усміхнися мені”
Nazariy Yaremchuk was one of Ukraine’s most popular singers. In memory of him, his daughter Mariya (who represented Ukraine at Eurovision 2014) is coordinating a new album where contemporary performers release cover versions of Nazariy’s hits. The first to share their cover is Eurovision 2016 champion Jamala. She chose “Усміхнися мені” (“Smile at me”), transforming it into a chilled offering with jazz influences.
Manizha – “Gun”
“That sweetest smile / I see new life / But brothers, fathers, sons / All gone / All gone / Who called you gun? / What have you done?”
There are over 110 armed conflicts raging across the world right now. Manizha hopes we can put a stop to some of these by learning from the our children, who are able to connect with people from every walk of life. Often when they grown up, we teach them to divide and they lose sight of the unity they once had. Russia’s Eurovision 2021 entrant showcases this in the music video for “Gun,” which sees two sides on either side of a wall — whilst the adults battle to move the wall, the children find a way to break through.
KALUSH & Balsam – “Грай музикант”
KALUSH’s collaboration series is now at #18. This latest duet is with Balsam, with the Ukrainian duo delivering the mid-tempo hip-hop track “Грай музикант” (“Play musician”). Balsam provides the first verse and chorus, followed by Eurovision 2022 winner KALUSH adding his rap skills for the second verse. Here’s a taste of the lyrics: “Play, musician, play / The song is sad and beautiful / Stop passers-by by singing / Let them hear and find strength.”
Connect-R, Raluka & Johhny Romano – “Pe Repeat”
Connect-R will hope you’ve got his new song “Pe Repeat” (“On repeat”). The Eurovision 2006 rapper has joined forces with Raluka and Johnny Romano for the tune, which quickly revs up into bop territory. The accompanying music video mixes varying styles — the trio are joined by hip-hop dancers in addition to a quintet dressed in Polynesian attire.
Blas Cantó & Asier Martí – “Máscaras”
Up-and-coming Spanish singer Asier Martí has been getting some tips from Eurovision 2021 star Blas Cantó. The two have come together for the new single “Máscaras” (“Masks”). A solid pop offering, they sing of removing the barrier in front of them and living life as their true authentic selves: “Today I remembered myself / Dominating the beasts again / When I was so happy / So with my true version […] And I threw the mask away.”
lúpína feat. Daði Freyr – “ein í nótt”
Whilst English might be his first choice of language nowadays, Daði Freyr is returning to Icelandic for a brief moment. The Eurovision 2021 star features on “ein í nótt” (“alone tonight”), the new single by lúpína. It’s an atmospheric electronic track that the two artists describe as an introspective love duet:
“It’s a bit about overthinking and being a bit stuck in your own thoughts. But somehow use the song as a reminder to let go and just enjoy the moment and be alone tonight.”
Blanka – “Asereje (Airplane Mode)”
This next track has a double Eurovision connection. Poland’s 2023 representative, Blanka, has released a cover of “Asereje,” which was first made famous by Spain’s Eurovision 2006 group, Las Ketchup. Blanka has decided to turn Airplane Mode on for her version. The singer wants to enjoy her summer vacation without the distraction of people back home: “Asereje ha ehe / Tonight you gotta keep all of your focus on me / If I miss my flight back / Would you like that / We can put it into airplane mode.”
Ayom feat. Salvador Sobral – “Io Sono Il Vento”
Ayom are a multicultural group that aim to transcend borders through music. Their members hail from Angola, Brazil, Greece and Italy. And now, they can add Portugal to that list following a collaboration with Eurovision 2017 winner Salvador Sobral. They’ve joined forces for “Io Sono Il Vento” (“I Am The Wind”), a cover of the classic Italian song that Arturo Testa and Gino Latilla took to second place at Festival di Sanremo 1959. Ayom and Sobral add their trans-cultural twist to the piece, which includes a violin arrangement composed by João Silva.
Douwe Bob – “I Believe”
Douwe Bob is providing the soundtrack for the Olympics across the coverage provided by Dutch broadcaster NOS. “I Believe” aims to inspire viewers to dream and live out their wildest fantasies. The Eurovision 2016 alumnus sings of a mystical world where he found his one true love: “I took a chance and sunk my teeth into the sweet but poisoned apple / And I’ve been rained on ever since […] But then I saw you in your red dress / You were bored and lonely / Tired of following the rules / We’ve been dancing through the fairy tales and made up stories / You made me howl just like a wolf / I Believe.” The accompanying lyrics video was crafted using artificial intelligence.
Elena Tsagrinou – “Amartolo”
Elena Tsagrinou is feeling a little “Amartolo” (“Sinful”). Cyprus’ Eurovision 2021 star serves up a sultry R&B-pop offering. At just over two minutes, it’s a short track; but, Tsagrinou ensures it’s still got a sweet flavour to it.
Beasto Blanco feat. Chris Harms – “Unreal”
Not just a singer, Chris Harms from Lord Of The Lost also works as a music producer. The German artist worked his magic on the new album by Beasto Blanco, titled Kinetica. But his credits on the LP aren’t only behind the scenes — Harms joins the band upfront for track #4, “Unreal,” where he provides additional vocals.
Samanta Tīna – “Dzenos Sev Līdzi”
“While you want to see me in the corner / I am the only one who loves myself, the only real one / Not worth playing my strings / You call me, but I chase after myself.”
Samanta Tīna is ready to put herself first. Latvia’s Eurovision 2021 star is done with chasing after people who aren’t going to appreciate her, and is instead “Dzenos Sev Līdzi” (“Chasing Myself”). Utilising strings, drums and an underlying digital beat, the song has a sense of drama to it as Samanta takes charge of her destiny. Writing more about the song on Instagram, the singer stated:
“The song is about the fact that a lot of our time we try to chase after something, in search of ourselves, but a great art is to understand what you are, what you like! When you have found yourself and positioned yourself as the best version of yourself, then everything becomes clear – no matter what happens, no matter what anyone says, I trust in myself, I follow myself, my goals, values exactly the way I want and the way I want to be. By accepting and discovering ourselves, we can chase after ourselves, not someone else!”
Subkids – “FISH”
Whilst Subwoolfer might have been obsessed with bananas, their younger counterparts Subkids have developed a fascination for “FISH.” It seems that everyone in the Subwoolfer race has to find their fish soulmate, so they’ve been sent on this quest by their mother: “My mamma said to me / You got to find your fish / So I dove into the sea, the sea, the sea / Looking all over the ocean / Is there a fish for me?” Musically, the track is a super fun offering that will get many dancing along.
Sasha Song – “Svaigulys”
Sasha Song is getting dizzy from the kisses of his lover. The Lithuanian singer has dropped “Svaigulys” (“Dizziness”), a percussion-led song with slight Mediterranean vibes courtesy of its acoustic guitar melody. Lyrically, the Eurovision 2009 act feels his head spinning as he tries to grapple with his relationship: “You keep saying ‘come / touch me let’s get high again’ / Only your skin is cold cold cold cold / I still feel your charm / I know it won’t be this good again.”
Bill Evans feat. Max Mutzke – “I Owe You”
American saxophonist Bill Evans has teamed up with German singer Max Mutzke. The duo have crafted “I Owe You,” a five-minute long jazz piece. In his lyrics, Eurovision 2004 alum Mutzke sings of the games he played with his lover and how he ended up losing the true prize he had all along: “Started as two gamblers sitting eye to eye / Lay your heart on the table while I played with loaded dice […] Watch the empty chair in front of me, realising what I miss / I owe you, I know I do / I owe you, you owe me too.”
RÁN feat. Páll Óskar – “Gleðivíma”
Icelandic signer RÁN is getting “drunk with joy” ahead of Reykjavik Pride next month. “Gleðivíma” is a dance-pop offering that aims to get the crowds dancing and which taps into the liberation RÁN experienced when attending her own first Pride celebration. Featured on the track is Eurovision 1997 star Páll Óskar, who has been a champion for the LGBTQ+ community for decades. In an interview with mbl.is, RÁN explained why she wanted to get Páll Óskar involved:
“The reason why I got Páll with me for this was the concept of the song, the lyrics are a bit about me going to the past when I first went to Pride and it was such a big bomb of joy. [Páll’s “International”] was a very big Pride song this year and it’s a bit like ‘my coming out’ song, so I just thought: ‘Oh my God, it would be so crazy to get Páll Óskar,’ to take it full circle.”
The Busker – “Talking Back”
Funk runs through the veins of this next track. The Busker bring us another sax-tinged tune to bop along with. In the lyrics, Malta’s Eurovision 2023 group discuss the courage it takes to talk back to people when your self-respect is threatened: “Said watch it what you ‘re gonna say / Who’s talking back / Oh Don’t Hold Back / Don’t do me like that.” And if you’re wondering why the camera in the music video keeps focusing on the trio’s necklaces and bracelets, it’s because the song is a collaboration with Maltese jewellery store Carisma Collections
Laura Rizzotto – “Romcom”
Latvia’s Laura Rizzotto is living her “Romcom” fantasy. The Eurovision 2018 alumna believes she’s found her perfect partner and is ready to shout about it to anyone who will listen: “Must have done / Something good to deserve someone like you / You’re as good as they come / Sweeter than my favourite song / It’s hard to believe / It was standing in front of me.” It’s a cheery pop tune, and who knows … maybe we’ll hear it in a future Hollywood Romcom.
Maraaya & Luka Basi – “Tu”
“When I’m flying and I’m at my best / When I need a shoulder to lean on / You are here / When it rains, I wipe your tears / And I know you, all your dreams / Open the door when it hurts, I’m here.”
Maraaya are celebrating a number of things with their latest release. Firstly, singer Marjetka’s 40th birthday. Secondly, the friendships they’ve formed throughout the years. Slovenia’s Eurovision 2015 duo have brought one of those friends on board for “TU” (“HERE”), inviting Luka Basi to join them for the single. Explaining more about the song’s message in the music video’s description, Maraaya note:
“The song ‘TU’ is a song about friendship and for friends. About friendship that transcends all obstacles and distances. A true friend sees you for who you are and listens to you when no one else can. They share with you the most beautiful moments and the most difficult trials. When everything falls down, they are by your side, and when you fly on the wings of happiness, they celebrate with you. ‘TU’ is a hymn to that priceless bond that true friendship represents. Some of our best friends are found in our life partners, children, parents, in unbroken ties from childhood or people with whom we have woven stories of friendship along the path we walk through life.”
Michael Rice – “We Found Love”
Those who have been watching Love Island UK will have heard Michael Rice twice during this past week. The UK’s Eurovision 2019 representative had two of his songs used in the TV show: “Big Boys Don’t Cry,” as well as brand new single “We Found Love.” The latter is a cover of the 2011 hit by Rhianna and Calvin Harris. Michael takes the song in a different direction, transforming it into an emotional ballad where his rich vocals are accompanied by piano and strings.
Hodak & 2K feat. Alicja – “Napraw mnie”
Hodak and Alicja have become regular collaborators. Their most recent joint single is “Napraw mnie,” which translates to English as “Fix me.” The Eurovision 2020 entrant provides much of the vocals, with Hodak also providing a rap verse. The overall result is a mid-tempo R&B number.
Katerine Duska – “Sunshine”
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.
