esc
what it is
The Eurovision Song Contest(ESC by short) is an annual contest held in Europe to select the best song out of the competing nations - of which there were 43 in the 2008 edition, the most on record. The Contest has run every year since 1956, growing steadily in numbers over the past decade as the former Soviet Bloc (which had competed in its own “Intervision” contest, as well as other events) have joined the list of entrants. Recent winners have, in fact, hailed predominantly from behind the former Iron Curtain.
✦ start here: albums
✦ who's making it, level by level
level 2 · the door
big names with a sharper edge
level 3 · one step out
cult favorites and indie darlings
level 4 · further
art pop, hyperpop, and the underground
level 5 · all the way
deep experimental
✦ make esc a playlist
turn these 21 artists into something you can press play on.
✦ nearby genres
questions
What is esc?
The Eurovision Song Contest(ESC by short) is an annual contest held in Europe to select the best song out of the competing nations - of which there were 43 in the 2008 edition, the most on record. The Contest has run every year since 1956, growing steadily in numbers over the past decade as the former Soviet Bloc (which had competed in its own “Intervision” contest, as well as other events) have joined the list of entrants. Recent winners have, in fact, hailed predominantly from behind the former Iron Curtain.
What are good esc albums to start with?
Try Sobra-Sobra by Carmelle, Thanh Âm Việt Nam by Tóc Tiên, Eurovision Song Contest 2010 by Various Artists, and Wings Of Love by Brødrene Olsen.
Who are some women making esc?
musicisforgirls.com/genres/esc/girls lists women, non-binary artists, and bands with women making esc, from mainstream to underground.
genre notes from last.fm listeners · artists and albums from last.fm, updated 2026-10-21