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.
Apocalyptica – “Plays Metallica, Vol. 2” (LP)
Finnish symphonic metal outfit and best musical export (Bomfunk MC’s “Freestyler” is the only other thing that can even come within a mile of that crown and what do you mean I am clouded by nostalgia) are going back to where it all began. Apocalyptica, who became part of Eurovision history by being the 2007 interval act, first hit the music scene with their debut album “Plays Metallica by Four Cellos”. That kick-ass symphonic metal/neoclassical metal/classical album was exactly what it claimed to be. The band has an extensive and highly successful discography: 1998’s Inquisition Symphony and 2005’s self-titled were particular highlights in their musical journey, which over time has seen them add percussion, vocals, and more to their cello-based concept.
This is the first time since that 1998 album that Apocalyptica go back to covering the band that is Metallica. The 9 track album has covers of absolute classics like “Ride The Lightning” and “The Unforgiven II”, plus odd-balls like the much changed and now actually listenable “St. Anger”. The album closer is a fascinating moment for everyone involved: Apocalyptica re-recorded their cover of “One”, imbuing it with instruments such as horns and even having Metallica’s James Hetfield and Rob Trujillo joining in on the bombast. Album of the month!
Bashar Murad – “ITSAHELL!”
Dramatic, powerful, meaningful: Bashar Murad gives you everything you could ask for on his new song “ITSAHELL!”. Strong lyrics abound, but the chorus of “it’s a hell for the exiles, it’s a hell for the occupied” offers a good encapsulation of the text delivered over a thumping beat. A beautifully strong call to action is delivered in a spoken word format for the bridge, in which Bashar most directly vocalizes his discontents and what he is striving for.
LIAMOO – “Hjärtan”
Another Olympics-related song has hit the round-up. LIAMOO’s “Hjärtan” (Hearts) is slightly less to pump you up, but in turn more uplifting than Amir’s “Sommet” that I covered last month. This isn’t the first time LIAMOO has provided music to support the Swedish Olympians, as for the 2022 Winter Olympics his track “Guld, svett och tårar” powered the country to 5th in the medal table (in part thanks to two very memorable wins in the men’s speedskating events. More people should watch that sport!). “Hjärtan” sees LIAMOO work with Anderz Wrethov (“We Will Rave”, “Voices”, “Fuego”), Myra Granberg (best known for her own songs such as “Lose My Mind”, co-wrote the Mello tracks “Fyrfaldigt hurra!” and “Edelweiss”), and producer Dino Medanhodzic (“I Am What I Am”, Smash Into Pieces, Maisie Peters).
Gunilla Persson – “River of Love”
This song is thoroughly entertaining, and perfectly ends after a short 1:47 (and that is even though I usually advocate for longer songs). A high camp faux-country hoedown dance banger. I am obsessed, and I think you will be too.
Tone Sekelius – “Utan Dig”
Music round-up favourite Tone Sekelius is back, and this month it is with the fun and groove “Utan Dig” (Without You). This lovely bit of retro, swinging pop was written by Tone together with Axel Daniel Wintzell, who also worked with her on “Time Will Heal Me“.
Fuld Effekt – “Paper, Filter, Smøger, Chips og…”
DMGP fan favourites Fuld Effekt are here to bring the party with “Paper, Filter, Smøger, Chips og…” (Paper, Filter, Smokes, Chips and…). “So good it’s a banger”, “so bad it’s good”, “just fun”: everyone I spoke to that also heard this song had different ways of saying it but they all agreed that this song is a good time, and you will have a good time listening to it.
North Collision & Mathilde SPZ – “Alive”
Mathilde SPZ returns to the round-up, this time in collaboration with Slovenian producer duo North Collision. “Alive” is an excellent piece of progressive house, and according to North Collision will also be their last in this style for now. Highly recommend to fans of the genre, or of Mathilde’s great-as-always voice.
NTÏV – “BE SOMEBODY”
This fascinating little rap, or “underground pop” as NTÏV himself would call it, track is called “BE SOMEBODY”. NTÏV competed in this year’s Sámi Grand Prix (keep your eyes and ears peeled for a That Eurovision Podcast about that contest that should be out soon)
David Mackay, Dela sur, Leo Middea – “Carnaval Breve”
Portugal, and Festival da Canção in particular, have an image among the Eurofandom as a fairly laid-back bunch. While that may not be entirely unfounded, it must be noted that the Portuguese can party like no one else too, as proven by tracks such as “Carnaval Breve” (Brief Carnival). This song is a rework and remix of Leo Middea’s short album opener of the same name, which gets transformed into an absolute vibing banger of a track thanks to the work by relative newcomers David Mackay and Dela sur.
Pongo – “Katana”
This excellent song is Pongo’s first outing on labels Position Music and Hive Music, who she signed with this month. The song is another excellent energetic, punchy track showcasing Pongo’s take on the Kuduro sound. “Katana” also was the first time that Pongo worked together with Position Music’s writer and producer Aaron “Koko” Komenski (Blackway, Stella Mwangi, Jackie Cruz).
No Maka x Mike Flowers – “Sozinho”
Friends of the site No Maka team up with the Portuguese singer Mike Flowers (no relation to The Mike Flowers Pops, as far as I can tell). “Sozinho” (Alone) is the exact kind of melancholic pop that No Maka have perfected, and Mike’s voice works well with the mellow-yet-moody composition. This is not the first time No Maka and Mike Flowers have worked together, as last year they made the quite different “Tranquilo”.
Tananai, Annalisa – “STORIE BREVI”
“STORIE BREVI” (SHORT STORIES) is the name of the latest collaboration between Sanremo robbery victims Tananai and Annalisa. This track has done pretty damn well for itself on the Italian charts and it is easy to see why: a great duet that harkens back to some absolute classics with its retro atmosphere. The fun music video, which takes inspiration from the story of Bonnie and Clyde, also helps of course. Speaking about the song to Corriere Della Sera, the two mention evocations of famous duets such as “Somethin’ Stupid” and certified perfect classics such as “Where The Wild Roses Grow“, but also less doomed-romance and slightly more off-kilter inspirations such as Daft Punk and The Strokes.
Pur:Pur – “Not In The Mood”
For those looking for some indie perfection, here you have it. Sweet yet melancholic, emotionally poignant yet light, lo-fi yet complex. “Not In The Mood”, which Vidbir 2018 contestants Pur:Pur treat us to here, is a song about the importance of talking to each other and all the little things that are important for a couple to stay (happy) together. The music video is also absolutely worth a watch, with its great use of multiple forms of animation, in particular some gorgeous hand-drawn strop motion. Very close to being my track of the month, I really cannot recommend this song enough!
TAYANNA – “ОКЕАН”
A beautiful played acoustic guitar kicks off this gentle-yet-powerful ballad by Tayanna, who took part in Vidbir 2017, ’18, and ’19 (which she withdrew from), and also was Ukraine’s spokesperson in 2021. “ОКЕАН” (OCEAN) is a reminder to appreciate the little things and moments in life and every moment of human connection in your life.
MYDY – “Queen of Chaos”
Although many people in ESCZ could’ve claimed the crowd of being the “Queen of Chaos”, Miss Beep Beep Beep of “Red Flag Parade”, a.k.a. MYDY definitely deserves it. Leaning further into the rock vibe while keeping that distinctive and particular retro-yet-modern dark pop tone on this track, MYDY notes that it seems like she now is the drama. Just a really fun and engaging track, what else is there to say?
MEAU – “Nergens Liever”
For Dutch people, MEAU is somewhere between a rising star and one of our recently established absolutely excellent singer-songwriters. Junior Eurovision megafans might recognize her as someone who competed in the audition rounds of the Dutch national final for JESC, the Junior Songfestival, back in 2013. She also was one of the jurors for the 2023 edition of JSF. “Nergens Liever” is another delightfully delicate singer-songwriter track, where Meau explores the uncertainties that can show up in relationships, even when both people are truly and healthily in love with each other. A lovely, lovely, lovely song that is also the track of the month!
Sivva – “No Name”
Azerbaijan had a fairly publicized internal selection this year. One of the people who lost out during that process is Sivva, who entered her song “No Name” but didn’t make it to the audition stages of the broadcaster. Now, the song is finally presented on streaming, with YouTube receiving a fascinating live performance.
Listen to all the songs above and more
We’ve made a handy Spotify playlist of the songs in this article and all other new music from Eurovision artists this month, including remixes and other special releases. So get ready for everything from Meau, Maro, and Måns to Mahmood, Muscat, Michael Schulte, and many more (including some artists that don’t start with the letter M, allegedly). 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 was your favourite new music 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 and more!
News Source: That Eurovision Site / Various
Photo Credit: Meau, Sudden Lights, Apocalyptica/rikihi.fi, alyona alyona. Collage by That Eurovision Site.
Giwrgos Oiko