Other Highlights
There is way too much music released every month to cover in-depth, but here are some of the best and biggest new tracks from other Eurovision artists:
Barbara Pravi – “La Pieva” (LP)
It’s been a long time coming, but Barbara Pravi’s new album “La Pieva” is finally here! Most of the songs on this 12 track effort are new music, but the previously released excellent singles “Bravo”, “Exister”, and sort-of title track “La Pieva (Chez Moi)” are interspersed throughout the album. From the gentle “Maman” to the moody, synthy ballad “Vivante”, campfirey “Les ruines” to the very dramatic “Si ce monde est fou”, there is something here for everyone. Joint LP of the month!
Mimicat – “Peito” (LP)
Speaking of albums many people have been eagerly awaiting, Mimicat’s “Peito” (Chest) is out now as well! This means that “Dança Comigo”, “Vais Ter Saudades”, Ai Coração, and 9 more tracks now finally have a LP to call home. “Peito” sees Mimicat float effortlessly through different energies and moods as the Portuguese singer goes from the energetic opener “Multidão” to ballad “No Teu Lugar”, jazzy duet “Dizer Por Dizer”, English-language closer and vocal showcase “Sacred Floor” and a whole lot more. Joint LP of the month!
ZOË – “Carmen”
I think ZOË is trying to show us just how unstoppable she is. As her very own created musical “EPOS” (involving roles for herself, Cesár Sampson, and others) is in full rehearsal mode and getting closer to announcing its premiere date, she also is regularly releasing music ahead of an album that should be announced soon as well. “Carmen” is an upbeat, cheerful slice of chanson that slots in beautifully with the rest of her recent new music.
Jeangu Macrooy – “Happier”
On the topic of people continuing with their recent, beautiful sound, it is time to discuss some gorgeous new music from Jeangu Macrooy! Just like previous release “Young, Awkward & Lonely”, “Happier” is a really beautiful song and one of my favourite tracks this month. The lush, warm production feels like a bit of a throwback to some 00s singer-songwriters, Jeangu’s vocals are as pleasing to the ear as they have ever been, and the contrast between this warm sound and his sad lyrics has never been more emotionally effective. I absolutely adore this track, and I think everyone else will too.
Tulia – “Przed snem”, “W drzwiach”
Poland’s Tulia return to this series with two tracks, “Przed snem” (Before bed) and “W drzwiach” (In the doorway). Both tracks are part of the “Lipcowe’45” (July ’45) music project, a 10-song collaborative effort telling the stories of the victims of the Augustów roundup. “Przed snem” is a tense slice of rock music recounting the story of the widow of one of the victims. The alternative “W drzwiach” is the album closer and functions as something of a summary of the whole album.
NAVIBAND – “Арыён”, Cheev & Naviband – “Мамо”
Making a return to this series with two very different songs this month are NAVIBAND. “Арыён” (Of course) is one of those electro-indiepop tracks that have that highly specific “being outside late at night” sound for lack of a better word from me. The other song is a collab with Cheev, who teams up with the duo to translate their recent song “MAMA” into Ukrainian. The different production choices create a beautiful warm yet haunting atmosphere.
Tinkara Kovač – “Predzadnja laž”
“Predzadnja laž” (Penultimate lie) is a great slice of rock in which Tinkara Kovač makes it loud and clear that she is done with all the lies. Big, dramatic, and imposing, this excellent new music sees Tinkara work with the acclaimed Paul Millns and Tomaž Domicelj.
ALIKA – “saame kokku”
It’s not just in her collabs where Alika has traded her piano for beats as the Estonian artists keeps broadening her musical horizons. “saame kokku” (let’s get together) is a seductive piece of electronica produced by Kristjan Ruus (Kadiah, Reket, and Mastering Engineer of “Hasart”)
VICTORIA – “IN BETWEEN”
Sad Girl Summer is over, and now VICTORIA feels lonely and stuck in between the land and the sea. This pounding track is a more energetic and rocky type of indiepop than we usual get from Bulgaria’s 2020 and 2021 Eurovision representative.
Next page: Highlights from artists from across the Extended Eurovision Universe
Giwrgos Oiko