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Newsletter: Baltic Finals, Balkan Rivals & The Return of Loreen… Written by on January 10, 2017

Welcome to the first post-Ben Robertson edition of the ESC Insight newsletter. Like an EBU-mandated voting reform, things are going to be a little bit different, but also essentially the same, and hopefully not totally alienating for the fans.

As ever, you can read the full newsletter by following this link, or subscribe to get each edition delivered straight to your email inbox. Go ahead, we promise not to spam you, and it makes it look like I’m doing a good job…

January Playlist

Over the coming weeks we’ll be trialling some new features for inclusion in the Newsletter. First off, here’s a roundup of some songs that have been making waves in the Eurovision universe over the past few weeks…

Gery Nikol – Gotina & Luda

When Bulgaria put out a call for local record companies to submit proposals for their 2017 entry, many eyes immediately turned to fast-rising young singer Gery Nikol, who has already indicated her willingness to consider a trip to Kyiv to represent her country.

If Nikol is indeed selected by BNT, there’s a strong chance she could choose to compete with an English language revamp of her recent hit ‘Gotina & Luda’ (Cool & Crazy)‘, which has already clocked up over five million views on Youtube. It’s an aggressive, thoroughly modern club hit that won’t be to everyone’s tastes, but would represent a bold, forward-thinking effort for the reinvigorated Bulgarian team.

Totova & Freddie Shuman feat. Lotfi Begi – Hosszú Idők

A striking folk-tinged entry that has become an instant favourite from the hopefuls in Hungary’s forthcoming A Dal national selection. In recent years Hungarian Eurovision entries have leaned towards the blandly radio friendly – sending this would represent a daring leftfield turn.

Emma – Circle of Light

Official videos were recently released for all ten participants in Finland’s forthcoming UMK national final, and if YouTube views are any indication, this folk-pop confection is the clear frontrunner. If you enjoyed Emmelie DeForest’s 2013 winner, there’s a good chance you’ll be all over this one.

Sasha Song – Never Felt Like This Before

Sasha Song represented Lithuania with a brooding piano ballad at Eurovision 2009, but his latest attempt at returning to the contest showcases how he’s updated his sound. Never Felt Like This Before is a convincing – if slightly low-impact – stab at the tropical house sound that has dominated the global charts over the past few years.

Koit Toome & Laura – Verona 

Two familiar faces from the Estonian music scene join forces on this very strong addition to the Eesti Laul 2017 lineup. After a rare misfire in 2016, if this makes it to Kyiv Estonia could easily find themselves gunning for the upper reaches of the final scoreboard in May.

The ESC Insight newsletter will be moving back up to a weekly publication schedule in the buildup to the 62nd Eurovision Song Contest in Kyiv this May.  Remember to subscribe to stay up to date with all the latest Eurovision news and analysis. 

About The Author: John Lucas

A writer and content marketing professional with a passion for getting lost in strange cities and a strange fascination with micro states, John has been with ESC Insight since 2015 and has also had his writing featured in publications including The Guardian, Popjustice and So So Gay. Tweetable @JLucas86.

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