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.
SHINOVA, Tanxugueiras – “Movemento”
In a “Movemento” that will surely shock all regular readers, the release of a Tanxugueiras song means an inclusion of Tanxu in the round-up. This is another addition to their collection of Tanxugueiras + random rapper catalog.
TESLENKO – “Коли з тобою”, “Кожен раз”
It is a return to the round-up for Teslenko, who has been releasing a whole lot of new music but this month treated us to two standouts. “Коли з тобою” (When with you) is a classic-feeling yet modern-sounding song that brings just the right level of drama to the production to support the vocals Teslenko went for on the track.
“Кожен раз” (Every time) meanwhile makes you think it will go absolutely nowhere, until it does. The chorus is a lovely piece of soft rock that reminds me of tracks such as “Zoutelande” somehow,
NAZVA – “ЗОРЯ”, “Ток Ток”
Nazva take the words of famous Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko and put it to music on their latest, “ЗОРЯ” (STAR). The song goes through a couple of styles, but the overall vibe is “mid 10s indie videogame soundtrack” and I mean that as a huge compliment.
But that was not all from NAZVA this month, as they also teamed up with Pivoravov Production for “Ток Ток”, which couldn’t be more different. Surprisingly enough perhaps, considering the angry electronic sound of the track, is that this also is based on something important from Ukrainian culture. “Ток Ток” takes inspiration from the fairy tale Cat and Rooster
YAGODY – “Чорноморець”
It’s rave time at the folktronica club! YAGODY serve up a heaping of beats, melodies, and chants to this song that is overflowing with energy. Got not much else to say about this song beyond: go check it out.
Gabrielius Vagelis – “Vienu Ritmu”
Does this song sample “Better Off Alone“? We here at TES couldn’t quite decide either way when listening to this song, but what many of us agreed on is that this is a fun song. “Vienu Ritmu” (One Rhythm) sees Gabrielius Vagelis sing a love song over a strong beat for this track that musically demands everyone to, well, move in one rhythm.
April Frey – “Distracted”
Please pretend to be shocked as I say that this “sad girl with guitar” song deeply resonated with me. Gentle, sad, and with just enough expressed frustration to offer at least some catharsis.
Baltos Varnos – “Ateina Kalėda”
Bending the rules for some lovely vocals and guitars? Surely not! Baltos Varnos serve up some beautiful tunes on “Ateina Kalėda” (Christmas is coming), which technically is a Christmas song but it is so nice I have decided to overlook that. Besides, if you don’t understand the lyrics this becomes a truly all-year song. Just listen to that beautiful melody!
Duarte, MEMA. – “ReViraVolta”
MEMA competed in FdC 2021 (although then her artist name was written down as mema.) and now teams up with Duarte for “ReViraVolta” (ReTurnAround). Some electric guitar underpins this otherwise fairly regular Portuguese track, creating a fascinating blend of sound that turns into a proper wall towards the end.
Nena – “Temos Pena!”
“Temos Pena!” (We’re Sorry!) Nena exclaims on her latest. This is a groovy poprock singer-songwritery track fully written by Nena, while production was taken on by João Só (Ana Bacalhau, Bárbara Tinoco, Os Quatro e Meia) and João André (“Love Is On My Side”, Bárbara Tinoco, Rita Rocha).
372Kaspar, Merilin Mälk, Reket – “Plaan B”, Merilin Mälk – “Dilemma”
Also on the 372Kaspar album: Merilin Mälk! This is one of the more laidback pieces on the album, with some almost lounge elements to it. But forget “Plaan B”, we have a “Dilemma” on our hands! “Dilemma” is the latest single by Merilin and its production reminds me at times of a stripped back “Into You”. Merilin wrote the song together with the track’s producers Kaspar Põtter (aka 372Kaspar), Kristjan Ruus (mastering engineer for, you guessed it, 372Kaspar joints), and Gevin Niglas (nublu, m els, 5MIINUST).
Stjärnfamiljen, Clara Klingenström – “Blinka lilla stjärna 2024”, “ANDAS”
Let’s move straight past twinkle twinkle little star and instead discuss “ANDAS” (BREATHE). This richly layered and produced track sees Clara sing about needing space and to be let free, even if it may hurt. Joining Clara in the writing booth were Hugo Andersson (Mello 2020, Armin van Buuren) and Johan Gustafsson (TWICE, Marit Bergman, Hurula). Johan also produced the track alongside Adam Abrahamsson. Fans of Clara and of the more produced side of singer-songwriter style music should really check out “ANDAS”.
Dolce Hera – “Trivial Lovers”
And we close the article on some Montesong. Yes, while competing Dolce Hera found the time to release some additional music in the form of “Trivial Lovers”. This is a much more mainstream effort by the artist, which uses some EDM elements that is very “balkan coffee shop at 8 am” core, but to an overall more laidback result.
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 Jamala, Olly Alexander, and Montaigne to Ilse DeLange, Alika, Ochman, 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: Electric Fields, Clara Klingenström, S10, Jamala. Collage by That Eurovision Site.
Giwrgos Oiko