Recently Sweden’s Eurovision 2012 winner Loreen announced her music comeback with new single, ‘Neon Lights’. Now in tenth anniversary year since that victory, Loreen lights up our New Music Friday playlist with the new anthem and confirms further music projects throughout 2022.
Neon Lights
Previously Loreen announced the release of ‘Neon Lights’ in collaboration with an exclusive partnership with Lexus Sverige. The high energy, 80s inspired synths blended with Loreen’s streamlined vocals, makes this a car stereo must. Within the lyrics, Loreen tells the story of a watchful presence, guiding the way when the path seems uncertain.
I like the feeling of creating characters in my songs who reflect both the parts of me that I have and parts that I wish existed. In my upcoming music, I focus on an alpha female of sorts, a contemporary Joan of Arc, who is to try to save the world. I explore different parts of her in different songs, and the lyrics to ‘Neon Lights’ are about how she watches over and takes care of someone in need.
Loreen
This euphoric new anthem was produced by Peter Kvint. Meanwhile Loreen co-wrote the lyrics together with Smith & Thell’s leading lady, Maria Smith and Swedish rapper, Petter “Professor P” Tarland.
Making music statements in 2022
Throughout 2022 Loreen is planning to keep our playlists busy with more new music, as well as hitting the road with more live shows. Now at one with her music identity, Loreen is keen to explore harder electronic production, whilst still being true to her Moroccan-Berber roots. This new chapter is about creating an inclusive space for audiences to feel represented by the themes within the songs and build bridges between all faiths, cultures and traditions.
My absolute favourite artists are those who dare to challenge, dare to question, who break free and liberate themselves. That’s where I want to be, that’s where I can develop. I don’t want to do the expected.
Loreen
Loreen in the Eurovision Song Contest
Back in 2011, Loreen took part in Swedish selection show, Melodifestivalen for the first time with, ‘My Heart is Refusing Me‘. However she failed to qualify for the Grand Final from Andra Chansen.
One year later, Loreen returned with ‘Euphoria‘ and won the right to represent Sweden in Baku. During the contest Loreen broke the record for the most 12 points ever received by a contestant. Thus becoming the fifth winner for the Scandinavian country. After the contest the song went on to be one of the defining anthems of modern Eurovision. Outside of Sweden, ‘Euphoria’ charted at number 1 in 16 European countries – the most ever for a winning entry. As well as reaching a peak of number 3 in the UK chart. Almost a decade later, the legacy is still evident in Loreen’s 10-year reign of the annual ESC 250 countdown.
Yet five years after her win, Loreen competed in Melodifestivalen once more, with ‘Statements‘. Despite being the favourite with the betting odds and the fans, she failed to advance from Andra Chansen.
Are you excited for Loreen’s new single ‘Neon Lights’? Let us know! Be sure to stay updated by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra on Instagram and liking our Facebook page for the latest updates! Also, be sure to follow us on Spotify for the latest music from your favourite Eurovision acts. As well as YouTube to see our reactions to the news in the run up to the 2023 Eurovision season!
