Umk - Blog Posts

UMK 2024 Song Review - Windows95man

The hype is very real around Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu (UMK), the Finnish national selection for Eurovision and the race to Malmö continues with another entry!

Windows95man - No Rules!

Windows95man is a shy family man from the Finnish capital area who's made a name for himself as multitalented entertainer. The man is a visual artist and a photographer plus owns his own gallery in Helsinki but is the best known aka Windows95man. It all started from Youtube but quickly grew to become famous as a DJ who wears cut off shorts (magic shorts according to him) and Windows95 t-shirt.

He represents the same liberated crazy spirit as Käärijä last year. He does a lot of things that are not seen suitable for a Finnish man of his age in style and in music and feels no shame of doing so! Good for him!

No Rules is his first song in which he collaborates with Henri Piispanen who delivers the vocals.

No rules is a throwback from the 90's which according to Windows95man influenced his musical style the most (as born in the mid 80's). Musically this is part of the eurodance genre and reminds many of E-Type.

Musically it holds all the necessary elements that a proper 90's banger needs and Piispanen impresses with his high notes (can he deliver live?). However, what is a strong point for No Rules can be also its death.

This is a nice, funny, catchy add to UMK24 selection but doesn't really meet the high quality of the previous songs, does it. This can be seen as a joke entry especially with the music video which reminds me a sketch on TV. Musically this can be quite irritating for many. It doesn't offer anything new and some listeners might tune off before the song has reached its 3-minute run.

Last year Portion Boys delivered a similar entry but still bringing their own musical value to the table. I just don't see No Rules doing the same despite of possibly becoming a guilty pleasure for some UMK fans. In Eurovision this is something what we could have sent a decade ago but now UMK as Eurovision has topped its game since. Wiwibloggs were on point with their a Nokia reference - it's nice to down a memory lane for a moment but would someone still buy one? No.

This is still a decent first single and I hope nothing but the best and love in the future!

What do you think of the fifth UMK24 track and would you vote for Windows95man to go all the way to Malmö? UMK final takes place on February 10th!

UMK 2024 Song Review - Sara Siipola

The hype is very real around Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu (UMK), the Finnish national selection for Eurovision and the race to Malmö continues with a ballad this time!

Sara Siippola - Paskana

Sara Siipola is fairly a new name in the sky of Finnish female artists. She kind of popped out of nowhere making a record deal with Sony Music in 2019 and releasing her first singles which were fairly successful. She also released her debut album "Kaunis Kun Itken" two years later and last year she was seen in popular music tv-show "Tähdet, Tähdet".

Still never heard of of her before and the artist announcement did nothing to me.

Paskana is power song that gives no hope. It's very raw lyrically and vocally.

It's a modern ballad with immediate hook. The song itself is not a traditional power ballad but does instrumentally push its boundaries. The electronic beat has 80's sound which also reminds many of the Russian girl duo t.A.T.u's sound. R'n'b beat separates it from an average ESC ballad and makes this super easy to listen.

Sara's voice can be compared to Amy Winehouse's being capable of interpreting the painful text brilliantly. The topic of being "paskana" which is translated as fucking wreck, is easily relatable. Social media quickly filled on Monday night with heartfelt comments from people around the world crying and feeling this song.

This is simply captivating - you can't pass this without stopping to listen to this and feeling what she sings. This will translate across language barriers.

ESC doesn't allow swearing so in case of winning UMK Sara would have to find another title for her song which might be a difficult task. There have been hopes of her translating this into English or pieces of it but I do hope this masterpiece remained in Finnish. Also this would differ quite a lot from our previous ESC entries. The last time we heard a female ballad from Finland was in 2017 with NormaJohn.

In a scenario where she didn't win UMK she might be the next Bess (Ram pam pam, 2022) or Kuumaa (Ylivoimainen, 2023) which either were the winning acts but made the biggest hits of their careers with the help of UMK. Reactions have been positive everywhere you go and her UMK videoclip has already been viewed over 240 000 (more than Sexmane) times. She's on her way to stardom!

What do you think of the third UMK24 track and would you vote for Sara Siipola to go all the way to Malmö? UMK final takes place on February 10th!

UMK 2023 Song review - Lxandra

The hype is very real around Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu (UMK), the Finnish national selection for Eurovision and the race to Liverpool continues with a ballad this time! 

Lxandra - Something To Lose 

Lxandra is a talented and let’s say an established artist with several independant releases under her belt and some of them already appearing several tv series for example. Her international sound isn’t a coincidence as she’s lived in Berlin and US and her UMK23 entry also has American songwriters and producers. She is clearly someone who’s got her vision and sound figured out and she doesn’t need UMK or Eurovision to define her. She has fan base but not in Finland and she’s hoping participating UMK would at least change that. 

Something to Lose is the only ballad in the selection of UMK this year. I’m hopeless lover of ballads so this was perhaps the entry I was anticipating the most even though I had never heard of Lxandra before. I wasn’t disappointed. 

This is a well produced, striking ballad with modern approach. The lyrics go deep which Lxandra interprets beautifully and tenderly. There’s darkness here, almost death but also something that is very fragile, angelic. In the music video she only doesn’t put her voice to work but her entire body interprets the message of the song. The video is perhaps the most beautiful UMK music video to date! 

This is not a power ballad and I’m hoping we’d get more volume vocally, instrumentally when on UMK stage - because the studio cut is somewhat lacking the peak. Someone might say this is forgettable and in some ways perhaps it is, I struggle also to remember the chorus or melody after but I remember the feeling that it gave me. It does make an impact clearly and the song is very gripping.

This is poetry, this is art - I can see juries reacting well to this but I’m nervous will the audience get it especially the ones who’re listening to it for the first time? This would be the question that was repeated if Lxandra advances to ESC. However this is a song that perhaps needs a visual performance and I hope YLE (TV broadcaster) gets it right and Lxandra can just focus on her own performance. I can definitely see myself voting for this but I doubt this would have the winner factor however.

What do you think of the fourth UMK23 track and would you vote for Lxandra’s Something to Lose to go all the way to Liverpool? UMK final takes place on February 25th!

UMK 2023 Song review - Robin

The hype is very real around Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu (UMK), the Finnish national selection for Eurovision and the race to Liverpool continues with another solid performance!

Robin - Girls Like You

Robin is one of the best known pop artists in Finland who’s been making hits one after another since he was 10 years old (he’s 24 now). Slowly he’s been making steps towards more international music scene and releasing more and more material in English instead of his native Finnish. 

For years the Finnish audience saw him as the dream artist to represent us in the Eurovision Song Contest. He is our Benjamin Ingrosso! Each year we hoped and were disappointed. So this is definitely a moment just having him participating UMK! 

Obviously this entry and artist probably had more expectations than anyone else from the line up of UMK23 and he’s being seen as a direct competitor for Benjamin (Hoida Mut). Stakes were high. He says the song is the best one he’s ever made and what really describes him the best musically. He wants the whole world to listen to it so participating to UMK (and perhaps ESC) makes perfectly sense. 

The song was made partly in L.A and you can hear the sunny, positive, easy breezy vibe here. This is easy listen pop funk, well produced, BTS, Maroon 5 -kind of sounding music. It’s slick and smooth, reminds me something that Melfest (Sweden) would probably have in their song selection. There’s a comfort, familiarity here which fits to Robin’s comment how this is so him at the moment. 

However, there’s a danger of all of that being too generetic too mainstream and forgettable and to me unfortunately that’s the case. The song fails to reach the hights as the other UMK23 entries, the chorus is non-existing - I listened the song 3-4 times and I missed it every time. At best this is a filler song for me and being taken from the selection with this high quality, based on the studio cut, this wouldn’t be my choice for Liverpool. And I am disappointed because the guy has better songs, or at least more memorable ones. 

Anyhow, Robin is skilled and experienced, charismatic as hell live performer. A well executed live performance might add that extra value to the song that it desperately needs. Also I cannot ignore his popularity and big fanbase in Finland who might vote him to advance to ESC (like The Rasmus last year). 

What do you think of the third UMK23 track and would you vote for Robin’s Girls Like You to go all the way to Liverpool? UMK final takes place on February 25th!

UMK 2023 Song Review - Benjamin

The hype is very real around Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu (UMK), the Finnish national selection for Eurovision and the race to Liverpool continues with another banger! 

Benjamin - Hoida Mut

Benjamin is a fairly well known popstar in Finland who has released hit songs mostly in English and now quite recently switched back to his native Finnish. He also made a name to himself by winning Dancing with the Stars last year. He is now competing in UMK with his song Hoida Mut (do me). 

UMK apparently is something he’s been eager to do for a while but has felt the Finnish music industry as less ESC-friendly so he’s pushed his participation for years. He’s being seen now as the main competitor for another UMK23 artist Robin who more or less represents the same genre as him. 

Benjamin’s 80′s disco pop tune Hoida Mut is an erotic, solid banger which he wishes to break some of the male sexual stereotypes by singing about surrendering to someone. Despite of the 80′s vibes in here which have been compared to Weekend, the song sounds fresh and current. 

The lyrics are hot and steamy and so is the video. Benjamin’s dance moves come accross definitely and there are some very high expectations now to be met with his live performance in UMK final on February 25th. I don’t think of him as much of a vocalist though but the song fits perfectly for his voice and vocal capacity. I hope he’ll be able to execute this well vocally too when on stage.  

Hoida Mut is one of the four UMK23 entries in FINNISH this year. As Finnish I cannot imagine how the language sounds like for a foreigner but the international reactions have been utterly positive. If this wins the ticket to Liverpool, I really hope and pray they won’t be changing the language. There are a few English verses in here and they feel natural and on spot. 

This is catchy as hell and might be on the road to become the next Ram Pam Pam (UMK22). Even without winning UMK the publicity, visibility he is receiving will surely lift him to hights of the Finnish pop music scene. Out of all the seven UMK23 entries, this is probably what I enjoy listening the most. I’m defintely hooked. However, the song offers a lot of foreplay but does it actually get to the climax? They could have added a trick or two in here to spice up the things even more (musically I mean!). Anyway, in a another ESC selection, Finnish or elsewhere, in 2023 or before - this could win the whole lot!

What do you think of the second UMK23 track and would you vote Benjamin’s Hoida Mut to go all the way to Liverpool? UMK final takes place on February 25th!

UMK 2020

After two years of selecting internally our representative YLE has gone back to have an open competition. Out of the 400 songs sent out, the final 6 artists with their songs were released in January. I feared the worse and hoped for the best. But compared to many other years material we’ve had this is a gigantic leap to the right directions. Here are my thoughts (the songs appear in the order of their release) - please click the link in the title of the song to listen the tracks.

Saara Aalto represented Finland in 2018 as internally selected artist.

1. TIKA - I LET ME HEART BREAK 

THE power ballad. The X-Factor winner 2018 in Finland is specialized in them and she has a voice for it! However I feel something is missing. It has the right structure but it’s missing some filling. Surprisingly it has kept in the race within the ratings on Youtube (almost 200 000 views) and Spotify (over 120 000 streamings) making it the third most popular UMK entry this year. I haven’t lost my faith though and I’ll give the live version a chance. 

2. ERIKA VIKMAN - CICCIOLINA

The most buzzed about. The song special theme (Italian porn star /politician whose story gave the name for the song) has received attention international and national along with the headlines. I’m bothered by Erika’s poor English skills though and her mispronunciation of the title. However I find her way from the Finnish tango scene to the pop sky interesting. It has a nostalgic Euro/ Finnish pop vibe but doesn’t represent the 2020 scene of either of them - it can be a pro or a con. The song sounds just out dated and something that Finns have been sending to ESC for decades with a little success. I find it difficult to understand why would we be going back for that. However it has a catchy chorus though. Unfortunately general opinion is against me and Cicciolina has been viewed over 1 million times on Youtube and streamed on Spotify  over 1200 000 times. I just hope that these people click the song out of curiosity for once and will not be voting for it. Even though the international ESC bloggers seem to excited about it too. I really stand alone. 

In 2014 Softengine brought Finland our best result (11th in the final) since Lordi’s victory (2006).

3. AKSEL KANKAANRANTA - LOOKING BACK 

Our only male entry. This was the first one I actually liked. Well produced but tt could go further though. I wish they’d update it a bit or the live version will give it much needed kick. I really like his singing! He is fairly popular also among UMK 2020 entries - viewed over 200 000 times on Youtube and streamed almost 200 000 times on Spotify. 

4. F3M - BANANAS

I understand why people wouldn’t like this but that’s exactly why I do! It’s a bit goofy,definitely catchy but also annoying. The song has some definite hooks that will be playing in your head all day but I wonder is it too forgettable? And people like this! Not doing bad on bloggers lists and on Youtube + Spotify considering. 

5. SANSA - LOVER VIEW 

Hate to say this but the loser of the crowd. A very unlikely winner. It doesn’t interest people. However Sansa’s song was the one I was the most excited about beforehand because of the dance and electronic style. It’s nicely produced but too light and easy. I wish there would be something to catch me properly. A great ac companion for a run or to the gym but perhaps that is its biggest problem. The most annoying thing is that I get it why they’ve left the song like this because I understand people who like music without too much drama or screaming. 

6. CATHARINA ZUHLKE - ETERNITY

She competed in UMK 2017 and is back for another round. The first time I heard her song Eternity I knew this was it! From the Perfect Villain to a perfect pop song! However I’m afraid that it might be too predictable and that’s why it hasn’t become a Youtube/ Spotify favourite (or is  it because she was released last). I really hope the live goes well for this one. I’m hopeful based on the positive comments and the mix of two genres (slow ballad in the beginning to catchy euro pop in the end). 

The representitive will be selected tonight at 9pm (finnish time). Make sure you’ll be voting for your favourite(s)!

UMK artists 2020.

UMK 2018

CHOOSING SAARA AALTO in the fall 2017

For Eurovision 2018 Finland did things differently than expected. Instead of having the competition UMK (Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu) of 10 artists and their songs YLE, the local proadcaster chose one artist to represent the country in Lisbon in May. She would produce the songs where the ultimate track to Lisbon would be chosen by audience and jury votes in March 2018. And she was no one else but Saara Aalto, known to Eurovision audience already from UMK 2011 and 2016 (coming second). She also took part in X-Factor UK in 2016 coming second but this time making record deals with Sony Music and Warner. Therefore she has become quite a popular character in UK as in Finland gaining somewhat existing fan base in Europe but especially among Eurovision fans. 

The Eurovision dream of hers has never been a secret. Her attempts during previous years however haven’t been good enough in my opinion. She knows how to sing, perform and write songs but there has always been something missing. X-Factor gave her the much needed push and tools to create Finland’s Eurovision entry 2018. There has been a lot of criticism about choosing her without the public vote but to be honest this kind of buzz that is happening around her won’t wait. Finland has rarely these kind of artists as willing and skillful to perform at ESC so I’m definitely standing behind this. 

I will not review the videos cause in they don’t play much role in the final show of UMK or at Eurovision shows. 

MONSTERS Feb 9th 2018

The song offers a big start for Saara’s Eurovision 2018 journey. I was super afraid that the songs for Lisbon wouldn’t be good enough because earlier when Saara performed in UMK the songs weren’t good! But clearly this isn’t the case here! Monsters is an upbeat track with a catchy sound. Uplifting theme about leaving your demons behind you. Suits Saara and her story in life as in Eurovision. Her voice is soaring. This is such a motivating track and works outside of contest! Some say Sweden is all over this and but I’d say it’s high quality and attention to detail more like. No more that feeling that something is missing like in previous Saara’s attempt. I was impressed by the song when I first heard it but the more I listen to it the more it grows on me. This is gonna be big.

Domino Feb 16th 2018

The ballad. To be honest I was expecting bigger power ballad and this kind falls into the mid tempo range. But it has a nice sound. This can be memorable. Strong chorus and beat. Her voice is slightly over produced I think but still good singing here also. I like especially the bridge here by the way. First impressions were not as good as with Monsters but this song has grown for me and I’m really thinking this might work better when performed live!

Queens Feb 23rd 2018

Another uptempo track but with a theatrical twist. Knew to expect this. Goes with the same theme as Monsters but does not have the same catchy sound as the two previous songs did. It has some memorable notes and lines but it doesn’t reach same level as Monsters so therefore is the weakest link out of these three. Again I have to save some space for the live performance which in Eurovision can change things dramatically.

Nevertheless which of these songs will be selected I feel super positive about this! It will be the best pop we’ve have ever sent to Eurovision. I’m feeling also confident about Saara’s performance. She knows how to pull a ESC performance whether I’ll like it - that’s just the question of taste. 

The final track to Lisbon will be selected by jury and audience votes on March 3rd!