Now That’s What I Call… The Extended Eurovision Universe
As any Eurovision megafan knows, Eurovision neither starts nor ends with the main contest. From National Final season introducing the world to new and exciting artists, to former Junior Eurovision artists, to the big-name songwriters and producers that work behind the scenes, people from all over the music industry make Eurovision the amazing thing that it is. Here are some of the best new releases by Eurovision-adjacent acts.
Freya Skye – “Who Says”
Freya Skye was the UK’s representative for their grand return to Junior Eurovision in 2022, and she has been very busy ever since. New song “Who Says,” a cover of the Selena Gomez of the same name is just one part of that. The track is her first release since signing for Hollywood Records (the music label owned by Disney) back in February. Besides making music, she also has been confirmed to play a major role in Zombies 4, which started filming last month.
Bárbara Tinoco, Carolina Deslandes – “A Madrugada Que Eu Esperava” (LP)
Now, I did say I would return to this. Yes, the album that has a Salvador Sobral track on it is a musical made by Carolina Deslandes and FdC fan favourite Bárbara Tinoco! “A Madrugada Que Eu Esperava” (The Dawn I Was Waiting For) is a musical that has been running for two months now at the Teatro Maria Matos in Lisbon, with Bárbara and Carolina switching every night who takes the lead role. With the limited run coming to an end (except for a two day stint in Porto next month), they decided the time was ripe to record it as an album. Between the beautiful compositions, moving lyrics, and great list of guest performers this is a true treat. Production was done by frequent collaborators Feodor Bivol (“Saia Da Carolina”, “Despedida de Solteira”, Rita Rocha) and Pity (“Avião De Papel”, “Devia ir”, Silk Nobre). Album of the month!
Pluie de Comètes – “Beautiful Eyes”
Coming in at the very last moment to show up here it’s duo Pluie de Comètes! “Beautiful Eyes,” which they have extensively teased over on their Instagram, is another piece of twinkly keyboard powered retro-chic-cheese. It’s less showy and more upbeat than their Eurovizija.lt entry “Be Careful,” but absolutely slots in beautifully next to that track.
The Valentines – “You All Look Beautiful When You Dance” (LP)
If any band can guarantee that you will hear some excellent indie bops, it’s The Valentines. Their album “You All Look Beautiful When You Dance”, which sees the band joined by Ronald Janeček (“Who the Hell Is Edgar?”) in the production booth, is out now. This 11-track effort kicks off with the rocky “Relationships? Hard!” before moving to things such as the boppy pre-released track “Happiest Day Ever” to the glorious and moody album closer “borntocry”. An absolute treat. Not quite my album of the month, but if you check out anything in this round-up, make it this!
Skywalker – “All News Is Bad News” (LP)
Skywalker’s new album is finally here! “All News Is Bad News” continues the trajectory they showed in their EP from February, “No Control”, with the band going harder and louder than ever. From the very first note, the album opener and title track gets the listener to move physically and mentally as the emotional lyrics dig in. The 10 track album includes the 5 tracks of the “No Control” EP, and also 3 collabs with Chiefland, No Face No Case, and Distant.
CHAiLD – “I loved you (Haunt me)”
Eurovision fan contest mainstay CHAiLD finally got his time on an official stage during the Luxembourg Song Contest, and he has now released his new song “I loved you (Haunt me)”. This is a pop-ballad about a break-up with a suitably haunting sound, which also sees CHAiLD showcase his vocals. CHAiLD co-wrote the song with the song’s producer Gethin Llwyd Williams (Dusky Grey, BLVCK VIØLET, Ben Dolic).
Minimal Wind – “lullabies”
Minimal Wind, the minimalist darlings of Eesti Laul 2022, have released another stunning song. “lullabies” is about that space between dreams and reality, and the amazing power dreams can have. From its delicate start to the electric guitar showing in the build-up followed by an almost shoegazey final chorus, this is my Track of the month!
KUUMAA – “Pisara meressä” (LP)
A year and a bit after their previous album, KUUMAA are here to present “Pisara meressä” (A drop in the ocean). This 12 track piece includes previously released singles “Tässä on kaikki” and “Tuhoaisti“, plus plenty of new material. From the groovy vibes of the album opener and title track to the beat driven “Suuren päivän ilta” (The eve of the big day) and dreamy album closer “Yks yö lainaa” (One night loan), there is lots to love on this record. Regular producers Jonas Olsson (Bess, Blind Channel, Robin Packalen) once again works on this album, at times assisted by fellow regulars Jonttu Luhtavaara, Johannes Brotherus, plus Okko Saastamoinen (Arppa, Sexmane, Isaac Sene).
Sexmane – “Hulluus saa mut huutamaan”, Fabe – “Tehtiin täa feat. Sexmane”
Speaking of Sexmane, he also released new music this month. First up was “Hulluus saa mut huutamaan” (Madness makes me scream) which is the excellent blend of pop, rap, and more we have come to expect from the Finnish artist. The track has been released in two versions, an original one and an acoustic version featuring Tomi Saario (who besides his own music also has worked with the likes of BESS, Sini Sabotage, Jüri Pootsmann). Later in the month, Sexmane once again featured on a song by Fabe. “Tehtin tää” (I did this) is a cool vibey yet moody track.
Mathilde SPZ – “Losing Game”
Mathilde SPZ feels like she is playing a “Losing Game” in her relationship on her new single. The EDM track was written by Mathilde SPZ, Emmy Kristine Guttulsrud Kristiansen, Linda Dale (“Queen of Kings”, “The Code”, “Woman Show”), and Simon Peyron (Joe & The Anchor, Maximus, Melfest 2020)
Margaret – “Siniaki i cekiny” (LP)
Polish singer and two-time Melodifestivalen contestant Margaret has released her new album “Siniaki i cekini” (Bruises and sequins). The 17-track album is full of new and previously released works by the singer. With each track being its own slice of pop excellence, there is lots to love here. The disco influences create a lovely groove, with the occasional collabs offering some further variation to the slick sound of the album.
Molly Sandén – “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)”
Molly Sandén‘s contribution to this year of ABBA has arrived in the form of “Gimme! Gimme! GImme! (A Man After Midnight)”. This cover of the massive hit is heavier on the beat and bass, giving it a modern club ready feeling. Production duties for this song were performed by Oliver Frid (Ariana Grande, Zara Larsson, Little Mix).
Tone Sekelius – “Kiss a Little Less”
With Tone Sekelius‘ Swedish summer tour coming ever closer, she has released even more music. “Kiss a Little Less” is a song that demands you move your body, while Tone seductively asks her lover to kiss her a little less and get even more intimate. Tone co-wrote the track with Melfest and Eurovision veteran Linnea Deb and the song’s producer Gustav Efraimsson (Wiktoria, Maja Kristina, INÉZ).
Anis Don Demina – “Pusselbitar”
Anis Don Demina (Mello 2019, 2020, plus Samir & Viktor’s saxophone player in 2018) is trying to get all the “Pusselbitar” (Puzzle pieces) in place on his new song. An excellent drumline thrusts this track forward, which is his first song as an independent artist. The song was written by Anis Don Demina and producer Sebastian Atas (Jubël, Tiësto, Steve Aoki).
Samir & Viktor – “Sverige”
Speaking of the duo, Samir & Viktor also released a new song this month. “Sverige” (Sweden) is, as one might expect, an ode to the country, and also a tribute to all their fans. The song was written and produced by Andreas Stone Johansson (John Lundvik, Elsie Bay, Eline Torp) and Audun Agnar Gulbrandsen (Alessandra, Carina Dahl, Snus).
Listen to all the songs above and more
We’ve made a handy Spotify playlist of the songs in this article and all other releases from Eurovision artists this month, including remixes and other special releases. So get ready for everything from Käärijä, Minimal Wind, and KALUSH to LUM!X, Subwoolfer, Tamara Todevska, and many more. The playlist gets updated every month, so don’t forget to follow it to always stay up to date. Did we miss anything? Then send Angus a message over on your social media of choice.
What were your favourite releases this month? And whose music are you looking forward to next month? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Threads, and Bluesky for all the latest Eurovision news.
News Source: That Eurovision Site / Various
Photo Credit: Jeangu Macrooy / Hanna Wäger / Rauwkost Film, The Valentines / Anna Bartolotti fotografie, CHAiLD / brunooliveira.lu, PIA MARIA / un attimo Photographie. Collage by That Eurovision Site.
Famestar6 
Thomas James