TURKEY:Emre Altug, Model and Ozan

Turkey is clearly my number one country, if looking how many times I´ve been there. Last visit was in 2006 and naturally I would like to return  ... to my "home" Istanbul.

Emre Altuğ - Hangimiz Tertemiz   Emre Altug, born 1970 in Istanbul, is one of the most popular artists in Turkey. He is not only an singer, but also an actor. This song is 4th in charts at the moment, released in 2013. I have always liked his voice and music. 

Which one of us is perfect?

Come, sit next to me I'll talk to you alone, one on one,
Let us expand upon this subject and forget about it half way,
Come, sit next to me I'll talk to you alone, one on one,
Let us expand upon this subject and forget about it half way.

Tell me is there someone other than me?
Is it easy to find such a love (like ours)?
You know we loved each other like crazy,
Come for even fleas burn down comforters (metaphor),
Do not make things worse for me,
You know we loved each other like crazy.

Is it not your fault?
Is it so difficult to accept this fact?
It is like one of us during this time was perfect,
Is it not your fault?
Is it so difficult to accept this fact?
It is like one of us during this time was perfect,
Perfect.

Taken from http://lyricstranslate.com/en/hangimiz-tertemiz-which-one-us-perfect.html#ixzz2uX4mQOW1

Today I must maybe ask for some understanding from my dear readers. I have reasons to be bit sad and that clearly does it work. Songs are not uptempo as I might have normally chosen.

Model is an rockgroup, which saw it´s daylight in 2005 and coming from Istanbul and Izmir. Vocalist Fatma Turgut has in my opinion the voice, that made me follow their career. This song "it took some time for me to cry" is in charts 6th

It took time for me to cry

So much time has passed, i still didn't believe you were gone
It's impossible that you forgot, i prepared for the day you would come back
My inside is a summer garden, the memories are wilted flowers
If i wouldn't take care of them they would certainly die

Time froze, everything seemed ordinary
"I'm fine" i told everyone
It took time for me to cry

I had some of your stuff, they just remained
You weren't by my side anymore, it took time for me to realize
It took time for me to cry

The elegance in the letter of an old-time lady
The longing in the fountain of an imprisoned poet's eye
So fragile is the child inside of me who believed in you
So naiv that it still couldn't understand you were gone

Time froze, everything seemed ordinary
"I'm fine" i told everyone
It took time for me to cry

I had some of your stuff, they just remained
You weren't by my side anymore, it took time for me to realize
It took time for me to cry

Time froze, everything seemed ordinary
"I'm fine" i told everyone
It took time for me to cry

I had some of your stuff, they just remained
You weren't by my side anymore, it took time for me to realize
It took time for me to cry

It took time for me to cry

Taken from http://lyricstranslate.com/en/a%C4%9Flamam-zaman-ald%C4%B1-it-took-time-me-cry.html#ixzz2uX6xLbTC

Ozan Kocer  comes from Istanbul. According to his page in russian facebook is that he´s single, so that you know. English version has the contact details wink wink He debuted 8 years ago and has released 6 albums. I know this is quite short, but more couldn´t be found. Website is mentioned, but I couldn´t get in there for many many attempts  www.ozanworld.com About the song itself, I liked the rhythm which is facinating and catchy.

Greece: Anna Vissi & Antonis Remos, Krystallia & Konstantinos Argyros

Greece has several artists whom I have followed for decades. Despite I have forgotten greek, that little I learn while being a child, I still have the connection remained. I find the language very pleasent to listen, songs usually facinates me with the melody and rhythm and earlier on I used to sing along, but nowadays only if I can put the vacuumcleaner on ( as that hides my voice almost perfectly nowadays). That was the humour part and now to the real thing.

Anna Vissi, born 1957 in Larnaca Cyprus, artist in both hellenic countries I could say. She has managed to represent both greece and cyprus in eurovision song contest 1980,1982 and 2006. Success follows an another and newest hit is " ena i kanena / one or nothing" couple of weeks ago with Antonis Remos and song went to the top of the charts. Anna will release her new studioalbum shortly.http://www.annavissilive.com/

Antonis Paschalidis alias Antonis Remos, born 1970, in Düsseldorf, Germany and later moved back to Greece. 13 released albums and most of them sold multiple platina makes him a superstar.   http://www.antonis-remos.com/

Crystallia born in Pireus knew from early age what she wanted, to become an artist. Since 2006 she has fulfilled that dream. There is very little information to be found of her or I was totally unable to see it :) Anyway this song is "ta spasmena mas gyalia"  do enjoy this dramatic video....

Konstantinos Argyros, born 1986 in Athens, released 1st album 2008. Has so far worked together with other big names in greek musiclife. This videoclip "na tis peis" was found from charts 13th place and I liked the mixture dark voice and this rhythm.... yes indeed nice to hear what you might think of this. For me this is also great ( just as everyone of the videos I choose into this blog) http://www.konstantinosargiros.com/

France: Indila, Yoann Freget & Christine and the queens

French language is already an huge +. It works everywhere in the world practically and I have lately waited for even more international hits from France.

I did have a look in charts and it remains quite without changes. Indila with derniére danse is 2nd. Adila Sedraia alias Indila has indian and algerian roots. She practically arrived like an hurricane to the knowledge and as rapidly rised to the top of charts. She is born at the end of ´80´s is the closest that is revealed of her, and fine, the music speaks for itself perfectly. The 1st hearing was simply big WOW... something which is rare and unique simply perfect. The music and especially when I could hear real musicians and what an composition too. No wonder it´s nr 2 in charts. indila.com

TV is nowadays filled with all kinds of contests.Yoann Fréget,born1989, who did won the second edition of voice of France. He has been singing gospel since he was 15, which you will hear from his voice. I could say also, that he is in my opinion the most interesting new maleartists at the moment. Here is the second release "sauras tu m´aimer? / could you love me?"   http://www.yoannfreget.info/

 

Inside this blog you will notice, that my wide taste in music forgets nothing. Every genre is represented, but maybe I am not fair to all genres. Electropop is something, which can be good or just boring as it can get.

One of the interesting groups in France is Christine and the Queens, which has created music since 2008. Artist is Heloise Letissier, born 1988 in Nantes. They got the recording deal 2012 and 1st album should be out in April. This sample of mine is their 3rd singlerelease "nuit 17 á 52"  http://www.christineandthequeens.com/

Russia: Melnitsa,Ustinova & Myzza

Russia produces music in all styles and one blog wouldn´t be enough to even show the bests. For me personally I have found some amazing voices, melodies and so will you shortly. I think you all will enjoy with the chosen videos.

Group Melnitsa (Mill) is an folk-rockgroup from Moscow. They started 1999. Couple of days ago this video was added to youtube and I was both surprised and had the dejavu-feeling until I noticed, that this song/text is Vladimir Vysotski´s. I am not that keen for cover-versions, but this is good one. Done with the most simple way and the dramatic remained, which the lyrics needs. Their website melnitsa.net           Melnitsa - ballada i bor´be 

Oksana Ustinova, born 1984, comes also from Moscow and her song melancholy. Released couple of days ago and this song catched my interest. Video is beautiful, done with the most simplicity and indeed less is more. She is tvhost and artist and as video gives hints you´ll learn one of her passions, yoga. ustinova.tv


Valeria Zakharova alias Myzza released couple of days ago this video. The melody is beautiful and catchy enough to be in my playlist. Artist has the vocalscale amazing 4,5 octavs, which quarantees that she is an real diva on stage.This song "odno celoe/ one size"  Myzza wears the weddingdress of her mother as she thought this suits this nostalgic song and indeed big bow :)  The lyrics are romantic as you might quess " Like the bright ray of sunshine brings the summer indoors which melts the snow on the otherside of window.I always know where you are and you know where I am" goes the chorus in free translation. www.myzza.me

Germany: Laura Wilde, Anna-Maria Zimmermann & 3A

Germany is an another main musicareas in our globe. There is lots of artists,bands and certainly own genre schlager. Schlager is great, yes it is :) Normally songs are catchy,lyrics are as always about love says the critics, but if being honest most of the songs are about love. Is there something wrong with that?

Laura Wilde, born 1989, released this song Ungarisches blut in 2011. And I was sold. Sure I have been in Hungary several times and loved my stay over there, but song is catchy and video is beautiful. When going to google do notice, that there is even another artist with same name. Read more about Laura Wilde  http://www.laura-wilde.de/ 

Anna-Maria Zimmermann, born 1988, is also familiar from Germany looks for the superstar. This is the latest single Tanz released few weeks ago. www.annamariazimmermann.de

Germany has so many great popgroups and I had really difficult to make the 1st pick. So I took something, which most of you haven´t heard a sound. Well group 3A is new pop/rock-group and their song "sind wir freunde" are we friends  simply won me over. Melodic and catchy. I do think, that this 3A will be huge. Time will tell. Anyway check out their website http://www.3a-musik.de/

Estonia: Birgit Öigemeel,Artjom Savitski & Greip

Congratulations Estonia. Today it´s your day, Independence day. That motivated me to open the curtains to Estonia our southern neighbour.

Birgit Öigemeel,born 1988, was the 1st Idols winner in Estonia 2007. She has already represented her country in Eurovision Song Contest 2013 with the song "et uus saaks alguseks" receiving 20th place, which in my opinion was wrong. She deserved to be placed far higher. This song "lendame valguskiirusel" is her new singlerelease and at the moment 3rd in charts. Read more www.birgit.ee

Artjom Savitski, born 1992, took part in 4th edition of Estonia looking for a superstar and received 2nd place in 2011. He is from Tallinn and released several singles and acted also as backing singer in Eurolaul. This song Löputu/infinite has been one of the most played songs for me since it´s releasing last december.

Accapella is what seems to be more popular. Estonia has several groups and maybe the best is Greip from Pärnu. Group started 2006 creating music in various styles. This video attracted me because it shows the singingstyle, which was typical for us slavic souls. This song "vihma loits" means spell for rain. Estonian folkloristic sounds are served for you and you can read more of the group www.greip.eu

EUROVISION: covers winners 2011 and 2010

I like it original. Cover-versions usually are either weaker than the original or purely an copy of it, which in my book shouldn´t been made at all. Rarely there is versions, that is better than the original and these are now shown to you.

2011 The Eurovision Song Contest was won by Azerbaidzan with the song Running scared. Needless to say, that I didn´t like the song one bit and I didn´t find the song at all interesting in any level. But then came up from this marvellous magicbox called youtube this version and I couldn´t believe my ears nor eyes. Do comment and tell me your reactions :)
The group Aperion comes from Slovenia and their genre is quite a lot hardrock.Group is rather new one and released their 1st album in 2010. I must say, that I loved it and if this would have been shown in ESC like this I would never have complained :) Aperion ft. Klemen Slakonja - running scared           read more about Aperion www.aperion.org

             

2010 this contest was won by Germany and yes also this time I disliked the song and the artist. But that´s also the thing in eurovision, some you adore and some you adore less. And it won - congratulations I would say after I found this video by amazing André Fuckert. Style is now jazz and ohlala it works. André, born 1983, has in my opinion the talent and one of the most interesting websites with lots of goodies. andrefuckert.de

 

1973  Spain took part with one of the biggest hits of the contest "eres tu". Song is still gaining more interesting new versions around the world. This version is almost better than the original and performed by AnSan City Opera Choir from South Korea. 

South Korea: Song Eun Yi & Song Seung Hyun , Spica & K.Will

South Korea is shortly put an amazing country for music. Artists pop-up like mushrooms after rain and the charts are maybe fastest changing in our globe. Kpop is the term in short for the popmusic from South Korea which is useful while you will search for more from youtube.

Song Eun Yi & Song Seung Hyun - Age-Height  

was the song, which from the newest charts interested me and you wonder why. Song Eun Yi, born 1971,  is comedian and Song Seung Hyun, born 1992, is from popgroup FTIsland and this song is an parody of men having the fetish for skinny young girls. Together they created the popgroup " two song place".  Read more http://www.ftisland.com

 

SPICA is rather new group (2012-) and hasn´t really received the success they should have in my opinion. They have many songs with high standard. Like this song " you don´t love me". More you get familiar with the korean musicvideos you will notice that musicvideos are filled with choreography, looks and I find them very entertaining. http://www.b2m-spica.com/

One of the maleartists I like maybe the most is K.Will (Kim Hyung-Soo), born 1981  and mainly this time his voice does the work. I admit, that I am falling easily for romantic songs and this song has great lyrics too.  He has also website, but only in korean so I haven´t linked that.

Ukraine: Dasha Stolbova, Tiana Roz & The Pringlez

For some reason Ukraine and me are connected quite deeply. And it´s no secret anymore, that I have been coaching Ukrainian eurovisionteam by teaching the secrets of success in eurovision song contest. Country have taken part since 2003 and so far 1 victory and several top10 placings. Ukraine is one of the most succesful countries I would say.

Ukraine has rich musicculture. And it will be difficult to pick the 1st three artists and I won´t start with the most expected ones. Wait and you´ll meet the eurovisionstars too later on.

1st video comes from Dasha Stolbova, who is born in Arkangeli and lives now in Kyev. What motivated me to pick her was the fact, that we have been born on the very same day March 30th. This song "esli / if" became an hit and you will find also danceversion from youtube. I add the original one here. Learn more about Dasha from her website.http://dashastolbova.com/

The theme seems to be tonight ballade and that suits everyone I suppose. Second video comes from Tiana Roz, who can sing,write songs and create choreographies. Multitalenting is what is needed in this business. The video was recently taken in channel Ello under group UP, which is usually for new artists.
This melody of this song rizdvo is very beautiful and peaceful. You can read more about her and listen to her songs http://www.tianaroz.com/

Bit more tempo is coming from the rather new pop-rock group called The Pringlez. Their song Star is quite cool in my opinion and sure could be seen, that this group will have it´s future and lots of work too. Music is fun thing and that joy can be heard from their song, do you agree?  https://plus.google.com/110199241293250622355/videos  This is closest to the website at the moment.

Finland : Johanna, Sandhja & Satin Circus

Some of you may think howcome I haven´t shown anything from Finland yet. This is rather good question and one of the simple answers is that I listen far more the music from abroad in their native languages. This is also why I am showing more and more videos in native languages and sometimes in other languages.

Now with the 1st posting about the finnish musicscene I was hardly thinking what to do actually. So much is going on and several new interesting artists have seen the daylight. This time I am doing the opposite and showing you dear readers videos in english. Next posting about Finland will be coming in about week and having only songs in finnish or swedish. I haven´t decided that yet :)

Johanna - alive    Johanna made music before with the full name Johanna Siekkinen. Musicstyle is now eurodance. Eurovisionfans remember her songs from national finals from last decade. After that she moved abroad and lived in Nigeria for a year, 5 years in Netherlands and is now working with the new album in France and in Sweden. Album is released later this autumn. ( Source: iskelmä.fi)

 

Sandhja : hold me    Sandhja is 22 years old new artist with rooths in South America, Guyana. Her 1st single hold me was released in november 15th and rised directly to playlists. In my opinion she is the most interesting new artist at the moment in Finland and we will hear a lot from her without any doubt.  Visit her website www.sandhja.fi

Satin Circus is maybe the coolest boyband from Helsinki. They have been busy creating the 1st album, which is just released. This video is from 2013 and the 2nd hit after Emma. www.satincircus.com and far more updated is their blog http://satincircus.blogspot.com/

Croatia;Lidija Bačić ,Ivan Zak and Tonci Huljic & Madre Badessa

Croatia is one of my favourites. Small country for a big holiday was the slogan, when I visited 1997. Croatia sings and almost in every town exist superb musicfestival. There is so much to show from Croatia, but let´s start with some of the new videos.

Lidija Bačić is born 1985 in Split and took part in her 1st musicfestival when she was 12 years old. Career has been filled with success and this song "viski" is now becoming an european hit. Countrymusic boom has landed Europe once again and the viski got into my head even without drinking it :)  http://www.lidija-bacic.com/

Tonci Huljic is born 1961 in Split, musician,songwriter and so much more. Founder of popular group Magazin. Song was written with in my opinion clever way, when Croatia was getting the EU membership. In song are going to look for a better life and all what´s missing is AJVAR which EU might not allow to bring. Funny video and catchy song.  Ajvar is a type of relish, made principally from red bell peppers, with garlic. It may also contain eggplant and chili peppers

ivan zak škripi veza   Ivan Zak is born in 1979 in Zagreb. As practically every artist so did he take part in Dora back in 2002. Dora is the national final for eurovision song contest. Song is very catchy and Ivan´s voice did the rest. http://www.ivan-zak.com/

Romania : Viky Red & Ellie White, Caitlyn & Emmah Toris

Romania has been one of the countries, that has very rich musiclife. New songs and artists come out to daylight so often and the songs are just so catchy. The popscene especially in my opinion is amazing and romanian popgroups/artists are often heard from our radios everywhere practically.

Ellie White has been in DJProject before going to solo   www.elliewhite.com  Viky Red awardwinning artist  www.vikyred.ro   This song "vanzator de lumina" is good song in many ways. It shows which artists are on Viky Red´s playlist and still making the sound his own. I liked the melody and despite there is the english version available of this song I did choose the romanian one.

This next clip comes from the artist called Caitlyn ( Florentina Catalina Ciuna). What makes this song special is again the unique mixing of styles. Artist has gained success also with the earlier release and this will be similar case.
   

Next clip is as you could imagine in english. This song is number one in my playlist at the moment. I fell for the sound of her voice and the melody. Song is also available in original romanian version "ne intamplam". This is the most interesting new artist for a long long time in my opinion. Her website is at the moment not ready, but visit her site later www.emmahtoris.com 

Eurovision covers : 2012 & 2013 winners

Eurovision Song Contest is something which has been running from 1956. This either makes you happy or makes you mad, unfortunately there is nothing in between. Each country that takes part selects in their way their entry and hopes to win the whole contest. Believe me, there has been some good,some beautiful, some ugly and some absolutely odd entries. And still there is fans for each of the songs and decades later even more. The magic formula has changed many times during the those 60 years and from time to time once per week I try to open the curtains and let 2 or 3 videos with some text to back it up. Most of you are professionals, but there is many readers whom Eurovision is something new and interesting.

Sweden sent to Baku Azerbaijan wonderful artist Loreen. Song was before the contest rising or dominating the top of the charts around Europe and it was clear before the contest whom is going to win. Still without any doubt the song was superb and artist great without speaking of the choreography.
Earlier today I found an excellent cover of the winning song EUPHORIA now titled as EUFORIA and performed by Miquel and Alejandro from Mexico.  I have now listened the version couple of times and it´s difficult to decide if this version is even better than original.

 

Denmark sent to Sweden last year wonderful Emmelie de Forest with celtic flutes, drums and catchy melody. For me it was clearly the winner in very early stage... after Danish finals to be honest, when most of the songs weren´t selected. I felt that this has it and so it did. This version is done by an amateur, but this guy has lots of potentials to break it. Indigo is from Sevilla,Spain and from his website www.indigo-music.com  you can find more links.

 

Azerbaijan did select the song Drip Drop for 2010 contest and thought it would win the whole contest. For me the song was weak, but after hearing the version of Lena Valaitis I must change my opinion. It was as simple as this, right song and right artist must match otherwise it won´t work.  Lena Valaitis originally from Lithuania took part for Germany and came 2nd with Johnny Blue in 1981.

POLAND

This is 1st video in this blog and this was found by accident in youtube. That shows also how important matter this blog will turn out to be for someone like you :)

Poland has many artists to show like you will notice. In coming postings I will also look the charts and follow the release news.

First one I like to show you is Halina Mlynkova and her superb song & video az do dna

She has been born in Czech Republic and released so far 2 soloalbums and she is leadsinger in folkmusic group Brathanki and currently active in a musical Edith-Marlene. http://www.halinamlynkova.pl/

Second one comes from artist Magdalena Tul - I am who I am . She is also familiar from Eurovision Song Contest 2011, where she represented Poland with the song "jestem". Magdalena is born 1980 in Gdansk and is currently working on album in english.   http://magdalenatul.pl/

 

All other songs will be added to the playlist of this blog. This playlist you will find in top of this blog and also directly from youtube aswell, if you are lucky enough.