In this newsletter, a look at Bulgaria’s withdrawal from Tel Aviv 2019, Australia’s first National Final, more dates and names for the Eurovision selection shows, and remembering Valters Fridenbergs. You can read the newsletter in full here, or subscribe for a regular dose of Eurovision insight and analysis delivered direct to your email inbox.
ESC Insight October Playlist
We still haven’t heard any confirmed entries for Eurovision 2019, but while we’re waiting for the new series to start – here’s some recent releases we’re enjoying some past participants…
‘Quiero‘, by Marco Mengoni
Marco Mengoni’s career has gone from strength to strength since he brought Italy a third consecutive top ten result in Malmö 2013 with L’essenziale. A taster for his forthcoming fifth studio album, Quiero is a hard-hitting electro-pop track that looks likely to continue his forward momentum.
‘Kati Skoteino‘, by Helena Paparizou
Greece’s 2005 Eurovision winner recently spoke out about the leak of her demo version of Eleni Foureira’s Fuego, calling the unauthorised release of the track ‘terrible’. She should have few regrets about turning down the track though, as her own career continues to go from strength to strength with the release of this dramatic Greek-language ballad looking set to give her another major hit in her home country.
‘Close To Me‘, by Isaiah
Australia’s 2017 representative Isaiah Firebrace released his first new material in over a year this month. A gentle mid-tempo with electro flourishes, Close To Me introduces a lighter, more carefree side of the young singer, and seems tailor-made for radio.
‘Så jävla fel‘, by Eric Saade
After parting ways with his record label and relaunching as an independent artist, Sweden’s Eric Saade is back with new direction. Co-penned by the singer, Så jävla fel is the first taste of Saade’s forthcoming album, his first in his native language.
‘The Sound of Music‘, by Conchita & Wiener Symphonika
Austrian Eurovision winner Conchita’s new album From Vienna With Love is a collaboration with the Wiener Symphonika. The ambitious record features an eclectic selection of cover versions – from Shirley Bassey to Alanis Morissette – gorgeously arranged with a traditional Viennese orchestral sound. This rendition of the classic title track from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music is a powerful taster.
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