Now That’s What I Call… The Extended Eurovision Universe
As Eurovision fans (and some who aren’t) know, 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- and small-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 is some of the best new music by Eurovision-adjacent acts.
And yeah, this month I have decided to just include so, so, so much new music that this is split into two pages. Why? Because this is my round-up and I feel like it (and I have been asked to include a lot of Melfest related stuff).
MAX BARSKIH — “Замало”
Vidbir 2012 contestant and perennial rumoured Ukrainian representative Max Barskih has released the new single “Замало” (Not Enough). This dance pop bop is inspired by Max’s tendency to dance his way out of sad thoughts.
TESLENKO – “Ображайся”
TESLENKO was on the Vidbir shortlist this year, although he didn’t end up getting selected for the live show. His characteristic voice and a guitar, and sometimes a drum computer here and there, carry this song called “Ображайся” (Insult), which is based on the Vasyl Symonenko poem “Ображайся на мене, як хочеш…” (Insult me all you want).
KHAYAT – “I WILL”
Returning to the round-up but this time singing in English is KHAYAT with “I WILL”. While the song is only partially in English, the music offers a stark contrast to his previous release and instead is the higher tempo cousin of his moody, evocative release from January. A thumping beat and some lovely vocal work are the key highlights of this song, which KHAYAT wrote and produced. Highly recommend, especially if you want some late, late night vibes.
Olena Usenko – “7 кроків” (LP)
The “7 кроків” (7 steps) of human relationships are the topic of Olena Usenko’s (JESC 2021) debut album, whcih fittingly consists of 7 tracks. Entirely in the Ukrainian language, the album goes from the relatively poppy opener «Погляд» (View) to the attitude-filled rock song “Ілюзія” (Illusion), groovy album closer “Пробач” (I’m sorry) and everything in between. And, of course, the entire album showcases Olena beautiful voice throughout.
Sophie Lennon – “Secret Hideaway”
Speaking of Junior Eurovision artists, Sophie Lennon represented Ireland in 2022 and now has a new song out. “Secret Hideaway” sees the young singer once again work with JESC entry “Solas” writer and previous single “Fireflies” producer MaJiKer. The track is a pretty midtempo pop track that is an excellent vessel for Sophie Lennon to show off her vocal skills.
Sara Siipola – “Juostaan (feat. Sexmane)”
Sexmane is back with another collab, this time featuring on “Justoaan” (Let’s run), the new single by fellow UMK alum Sara Siipola. It’s a pounding, moody pop track about Sara Siipola’s experience of having a loved one struggling with addiction.
Robin Packalen – “Häitä pidelly feat. Tupe.”
Robin Packalen (UMK23) and Tupe. join forces for “Häitä pidelly” (A wedding was held). It’s a slick slice of dancey pop music, written by Robin Packalen, Tupe., Ahti, Vilma Alina, and Daniel Okas (Sexmane, Isac Elliot, Costi). The song was produced by Danitello (BESS, Burna Boy, Chinchilla).
Vicco – “Noctalgia” (LP)
Benidorm fan fave Vicco has her debut album “Noctalgia” (Nostalgia) out now! Between the inescapable fandom hit of “Nochentera” (which closes the album), Abraham Mateo collab “tequiero”, and more there are some prime cuts of previously released music, but there also are plenty of new tracks on this album. Particular highlights include the chill synth melody of “Lila” and the groovy “Tonteando”.
The Kolors – “KARMA”
It’s new wave inspiration for The Kolors on their new track “KARMA”. The song, which will be used in ads for Cornetto throughout the summer, is a 169 BPM piece of pure summery happiness. The Kolors co-produced the track together with Room9 (Alfa, Emma Muscat, Annalisa).
Ariete – “OSSA ROTTE”
Bringing the mood back down for a second is Ariete, singing about “OSSA ROTTE” (BROKEN BONES). The song deals with the feelings of pain and loneliness following a period of living with someone, even if that situation went poorly. Stunningly moody, highly recommend!
Alessandra Amoroso – “Mezzo Rotto (feat. BigMama)”
Sanremo 2024 icon Alessandra Amoroso invites fellow Sanremo 2024 icon BigMama onto new song “Mezzo Rotto” (Half Broken) for what surely must be the most surprising collab of the year. The thumping, spinning beat will make you bop along in no time. Besides the two amazing singers, a special shoutout needs to be made to producer Zef (The Kolors, Annalisa, Elodie), who does some of absolutely stellar work on this track.
Rita Rocha – “Sem Hora Marcada (feat. Guga)”
Moving on to Portugal, Rita Rocha has released “Sem Hora Marcada” (No Appointment). The moody, quiet yet richly produced track sees Rita Rocha work with the rapper Guga. Together, the two artists deliver an emotional track about two people with a special, albeit far from uncomplicated, love for each other.
INÊS APENAS, IRMA – “Se Ao Menos”
“Se Ao Menos” (If Only), INÊS APENAS and IRMA sing on their new collab, which is a tribute to mothers everywhere. The gentle piano track especially comes alive to the end when the two singers go back and forth.
Carolina Deslandes – “Como É Linda”
The musical Carolina Deslandes co-wrote has barely come to an end, and she already has more music out. “Como É Linda” (How Beautiful) is about the beauty of life, even in the moments of bad luck. Carolina has noted that this track is a bit of an artistic turn for her, with this being the first song by hers that is joyful, and authentically so to boot. Despite said happiness, a tinge of Carolina’s distinct melancholy vibe is still there on the track, from acknowledgements of how life can be a bitch to the music, which is a cheerful guitar powered indie tune that still has a clear connection to her other releases. Track of the month!
Bárbara Tinoco – “Bichinho (para onde vai o amor?) [ALBUM 2024]” (LP)
Not to be outdone by Carolina, the other person who wrote that gorgeous musical dropped an entire this month! Bárbara Tinoco’s latest album is, in many ways, not new. “Bichinho (para onde vai o amor?)” (Little bug [where does love go?]) was originally released in 2023. This 2024 edition however adds a number of new songs to the album, including recent releases such as “Não és tu, sou eu” and “Linha de Sintra“. Lush instrumentations and gorgeous vocals await throughout this album, both on the music that was already out and on the new tracks.
Perpétua – “Quântica”
Portuguese band Perpétua are going deep into the 80s with the slowburning electronic piece “Quântica” (Quantum). Twinkling synths, some drum computer work that is both sparing yet pushes it to within an inch of its life, and excellent, very clean vocals make this feel like a pitch perfect throwback.
Tainá and Tiago Nacarato – “Vaga-Lumes”
“Vaga-Lumes” (Fireflies) is the new joint track by FdC 2021 contestant Tainá and Tiago Nacarato, who wrote Bárbara Tinoco’s “Passe-Partout”. As you would expect from this team up, this bossa nova inspired is both instrumentally and vocally excellent.
Soraia – “ACELERA”
Soraia Tavares, who now mostly releases under the mononym Soraia, competed in Festival da Canção 2019. Her new song “ACELERA” (ACCELERATE) is a groovy track that takes from a variety of genres, from Portuguese and Cape Verdean music to soul and R&B, creating a beautiful whole process.
André ViaMonte – “As Above I – Alegre Crepitar (feat. Huca)”
Taking a decidedly more jazzy and experimental route is André ViaMonte, who on this track is joined by Festival da Canção 2024 contestant Huca. With different singing approaches, a piano that feels simultaneously heavy yet light like raindrops, and a whole lot more going on, this will be a treat to certain music lovers out there (and I am one of them).
Vēstulēs – “šī vasara”
Also getting ready for “šī vasara” (this summer) are Vēstulēs, whose pop rock duet “Kur?” finished second in this year’s Supernova. As you might expect, “šī vasara” is a much more upbeat track. Both lyrically and musically it is a celebration of that unique feeling of peace and freedom that you get on holiday or during a warm summer evening. Very fun, and definitely worth checking out!
ANNABELLE – “flowers on my eyes”
ESCZ22 fan favourite ANNABELLE has been very busy ever since she competed in that national final, and her latest release is the cheerful and relaxed “flowers on my eyes”. The song was written by ANNABELLE, Victor Verpillat, and Yann Bargain (who worked together for the likes of Kungs, Alan Walker, and Rodan). Yann Bargain also produced the track under his artist name Her Demons (under which he has credits for artists such as Martin Solveig, Taylor Swift, and Paula Jivén).
ÁSDÍS – “Flashback”
ÁSDÍS usually makes bops and bangers, although her inclusion on this list is due to co-writing “Scared of Heights”. “Flashback” takes from the 70s, 80s, and the current state of pop to create a twinkly bop about falling in love again. ÁSDÍS shares writing credits with BOKI (Glockenbach, ClockClock, Felix Jaehn), Hubertus Dahlem (David Guetta, Ella Henderson, Nico Santos), and Tyler Spry (OneRepublic, Tate McRae, KAROL G). Dahlem and Spry also produced the track.
Sigga Ózk – “BOY BYE”
After acknowledging the Go Tiffany situation during Söngvakeppnin this year (in general, her joy in performing her entry “Um allan alheiminn” was a highlight of that NF), Sigga Ózk thinks it is now time to sing “BOY BYE”. Sigga sings with the perfect attitude on this self-described girlpower anthem. Sigga wrote the track at a songwriting camp together with Hákon Guðni Hjartarson (Daniel Schulz, Ben Dolic, Antonio Camilli) and producer Malthe Seierup (Svea S, Morten Nygaard, Lasse Skriver).
Dag Erik Oksvold – “Small Town Girl”
We fly to Norway to hear about a “Small Town Girl” on the new song by Dag Erik Oksvold. The country track builds and builds as he sings about doing anything he can to get back to his “Small Town Girl”.
Anne Fagermo – “Stolen Car”
Anne Fagermo entered NRKMGP together with Dag Erik Oksvold, so of course she also released new music this month! “Stolen Car” is a very 90s singer-songwriter piano-led storytelling track, that at imes dips into elements from easy listening and country. Anne’s vocal is a particular highlight on this track.
Sandra Lyng, Han Helge & Han Håkon – “Sommer og Skolefri”
Sandra Lyng joins forces with not one but to Han’s on the honkytonk inspired “Sommer og Skolefri” (Summer and School Holidays). The track was written by Sandra together with Malin Reitan (D.J. Malin, D Generation, Dana Gillespie) and producer Helge Moen (Ulrikke, Robin Schulz, NorthKid).
Next page: Tim’s favourites New music by Melfest alums
Giwrgos Oiko