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.
Carpetman & Theo Remme – “Trembling Island”, “Struggling By Myself”
In this team up, Carpetman and Theo Remme bring back that sunny, dancy, groovy sound from the mid 10s with just enough of their own vibe to it. While the excellent, Track Of The Month “Trembling Island” got the music video, on a very technical aspect it actually is a B-side to the track “Struggling By Myself” as far as the listing on streaming services is concerned. Less upbeat both lyrically and musically, Struggling still has a thumping beat and also is excellent.
ANKA – “СЯЙ”
Continuing on the Vidbir train, it is ANKA’s time to “СЯЙ” (SHINE). This flute-and-drums powered banger asks us to just dream and shine instead of uttering unnecessary words. Ivan Klymenko once again appears in a writing credit on this round-up.
Leander Kills – “Ébredés” (LP)
Coming straight back into the round-up are Leander Kills as their album “Ébredés” (Awakening) has awakened and been released. This 11 track effort includes the song I covered last month and 10 more hard hitting tracks, all of which are some excellent slices of Hungarian rock.
372Kaspar, Maian – “Karikakar”
Also making a return despite having absolutely zero relation to anything Eurovision related is 372Kaspar. The Estonian producer this time teams up with Eesti Laul alumnus Maian for “Karikakar” (Cup holder). Moody, dramatic, and mesmerizing!
INGER – “Kuniks me ei muutu”
“Kuniks me ei muutu” (Until we change) is all about communication, as INGER sings over this song that has been over a year in the making. This cool, groovy, yet also sweet track sees INGER work with Steven Ilves (Merilin Mälk, Carlos Ukareda, Eneli), Andreas Poom (m els, Jüri Pootsmann, Púr Múdd), and Uku Moldau (Inga, Justs, Alekss Silvers).
Ruta MUR x Leon Somov – “Saugok širdį”
Pure distilled 80s comes from, who else, Ruta MUR! “Saugok širdį” (Guard your heart) is a song together with Leon Somov (formerly of Leon Somov & Jazzu) and is a rare if ever more common case of Ruta singing in Lithuanian. This song really manages to hit that specific romantic and seductive energy that some 80s synthwave could conjure like pure magic.
Erika Norwich – “Ikke tenk på mæ”
Leaving her MGP robot far behind her, Erika Norwich releases new music by herself with “Ikke tenk på mæ” (Don’t think about me). This personal track about the challenges that unexpectedly await us all in adulthood was entirely written by Erika, with regular producer Erlend Torheim (Synne Vo, Oskar Westerlin, Eline Noelia) working his magic on this in the end uplifting ballad.
Rita Rocha – “Capicuas”
“Capicuas” (Palindromic numbers) is the latest by Rita Rocha and is about hoping and feeling that a person you used to be with might be coming back. It’s a gorgeous indie guitar track that fits in beautifully with the rest of Rita Rocha’s discography. Highly recommend!
Carolina Deslandes – “Eu Deixei”
“Eu Deixei” (I Left), Carolina Deslandes announces in this dark and mysterious song in which the singer asks questions to herself and to others as she tries to understand how she ended up where she is now, both emotionally and physically. An absolutely fascinating track that pulls you in from the very first note.
Pongo – “PONGO BADDIE” (EP)
“PONGO BADDIE” is the very self-explanatory title of this EP by Pongo. This release includes the previously released tracks “Celebrate” and “Katana“. All 4 tracks on this EP highlight different takes on Pongo’s unique neo-kuduro sound.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor – “Freedom Of The Night”
Mother is here! How is Sophie Ellis-Bextor related to Eurovision you ask? She was a judge for You Decide 2017, and therefore is (ever so loosely) related to Eurovision. The nu-disco queen’s new music takes the guise of “Freedom Of The Night” is an evolution of the sound she originally got famous with. “Freedom Of The Night” is her first major label release in 14 years, and has immediately hit the top 10 in the UK Singles charts. Certified bop!
Ella Marie – “Mannat”
Sami musician Ella Marie is a Stjernekamp and Sámi Grand Prix winner, who also has found considerable success with her band ISÁK. I could write a little explainer here about the song, but Ella Marie made a great video about the meaning of the song “Mannat” (To leave) which you can watch on her youtube now. Of course, also make sure to check out the actual song itself, which has the Northern Sámi lyrics translated to English in the video! It’s a gorgeous gentle guitar-powered folk track.
Gulalek Gulmyradowa- “Örüm-Örüm Saçlary”
This month Gulalek Gulmyradowa sings about “Örüm-Örüm Saçlary” (Braided Hair) on her latest folktronica outing. It’s a lovely upbeat ode to braided hair.
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 Joost Klein, Nemo, and Käärijä to Justs, Hanna Pakarinen, ALEKSEEV, 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 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: alyona alyona, Inger/Annika Saaring, Emmelie de Forest, Nevena Božović. Collage by That Eurovision Site.
Giwrgos Oiko