James Newman has released new song ‘Embers’ as his Eurovision 2021 entry. The singer-songwriter was selected to represent the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 however after its cancellation last year due to the pandemic, Newman was unable to perform on the international stage.
Newman was given a second chance when reselected to represent the UK later this year in Eurovision 2021 which is scheduled to take place 18-22 May in Rotterdam. Newman premiered ‘Embers’ with an official accompanying music video.
The track is a more upbeat dance song compared to last year’s entry, a ballad My Last Breath. The new song is more likeable and catchier than Newman’s previous entry, a more exciting and adventurous song than what the UK usually presents in the competition. The UK last found Eurovision success back in 1997 with the Katrina and the Waves song ‘Love, Shine a Light’.
Speaking to Radio 1 Newsbeat, Newman explained “Embers is about those sparks that don’t die out. When we were writing this, it felt like I wanted to show everyone that we were coming back together.” He continued, “It’s about having that connection and something reigniting. It’s about us emerging from this rubbish time we’ve been having. It fits with the idea that Eurovision is coming back.”
Newman wanted to represent the UK with a song that was a little more positive post-pandemic stating: “Eurovision is a celebration of music and Embers fits in that vibe. Hopefully, people like it.”
Reception for the song has been positive, with many people taking to social media to show their support.
Loving #Embers easily one of our best Eurovision tracks of this century, but more importantly it actually sounds British and chart worthy. Hope to see this play listed across R1 and R2 and with any luck some commercial stations will pick it up if BMG know what they’re doing
— Simon (@backtothewater) March 11, 2021
im literally a sucker for uk pop/dance music and embers is giving me eeeeverything i wanted it to be, im so happy
— lena (@thatrhythmback) March 11, 2021
So I’ve listented to “Embers” by James Newman and this must be the most modern song the UK probably send this century. The track sounds very British, yet also fresh due to the trumpets, could be easily a number one hit and is a true bop, hopefully the best UK result since 2009
— Steffen || #Melfest (@steffenbrrng) March 11, 2021
Although there has long been a general consensus that the UK never do too well in the European singing competition, ‘Embers’ has given the nation high hopes that we could find success this year.
