Introduction

In Finland there is a new music competition called UMK (Uuden Muusiikin Kikpailu), with the main intention to find a Finnish representative for the Eurovision Song Contest. But even more this contest should also motivate young artists to apply with their creativity and talent to boost the Finnish music scene. There have been several qualification rounds and a big final with eight finalists. It seemed that the songs were not particularly written for the Eurovision Song Contest, as there were all very different and non-mainstream.

The Finnish broadcaster YLE has put all efforts to make this show memorable and cheerful. The opening was spectacular with Krista Siegfrids (last year’s representative) entering the arena in Espoo, with a thrilling and well choreographed performance and like we are used to see in the Swedish Melodifestivalen. So congratulations YLE for this.

The clear winner of the UMK was Softengine with the song “Something better”. The Indie-rock band was founded in the year 2011 in Seinajöki – Western Finland. The first album is called “Hmm” and it was recorded in the summer cottage of the lead singer’s grandparents. The band members are Topi Latukka (Lead vocals, guitar), Ossi Mäkelä (guitar, keyboards), Eero Keskinen (bass), Henri Oskár (keyboards) and Tuomo Alarinta (drums).

The song is a real fresh song from Finland, a bit in the 80’s style with a catchy chorus, very young and different. The target group will definitely be young teenager girls. Let’s hope a lot of them will watch and vote for them. The song is a bit similar to “Salvem El Món” from the band Anonymos from Andorra in 2007, which did not pass the qualification. Softengine will definitely bring some fresh air into the ESC and should not be underestimated in Copenhagen.

History

Participations: 48

Debut: 1961

Biggest success: 1st place 2006 “Hard Rock Hallelujah” by Lordi, 1x 6th place, 4x 7th place, 1x 8th place, 2x 9th place, 3x 10th place. Finland has joined the Eurovision Song Contest in 1961 with Laila Kinnunen singing “Valoa Ikkunassa” and made a respectable 10th place.

So this year in Copenhagen it will be the 48th entry from Finland in the ESC. Over the years Finland’s reputation in regards of success has suffered. Even if Finland has send songs of outrageous quality the points did not flow as for other countries. Three times Finland received not even a single point. Maybe this was due to the language issue or it has just been the wrong choice of the Finnish entries for Eurovision.

After all the years of waiting the hard rock band Lordi came with “Hard Rock Hallelujah” in 2006 and Finland had its first fulminate and very well deserved victory in history. The entire country was in Lordi-fever and a long-cherished wish came true. Not to forget that there were quite a few top 10 entries, the most memorable songs were: “Fantasiaa” by Ami Aspelund in 1983 (11th), “Sata Salamaa” by Vicky Rosti in 1987 (15th) and “Pump Pump” by Fredi and the Friends in 1976 (11th).

At least Finland is often passing the semi finals, six times out of ten Finland has made it into the grand final with the utmost different songs from hard rock to ballad and pop.