All songs for Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu 2024 have been realeased
On 10 February 2024, Tampere’s Nokia Arena will host the greatest UMK extravaganza ever, with songs from Cyan Kicks, Sexmane, Sara Siipola, Jesse Markin, Windows95man, Sini Sabotage, and Mikael Gabriel x nublu.
The song roster for UMK 2024 was chosen by a jury of music industry experts. A total of 419 songs were submitted to the UMK24 call for entries in August 2023. The jury, headed by YleX Head of Music Tapio Hakanen, whittled the list to seven finalists. In addition to Hakanen, the jury included Sibelius Academy vocal coach Aija Puurtinen, Yle X3M and Yle Vega Head of Music Amie Borgar, UMK producer Anssi Autio, Radio Suomi Head of Music Johan Lindroos, Nelonen Media Music Director Jussi Mäntysaari, UMK television director Juhis Valtonen, YleX music journalist Katri Norrlin, and Spotify Senior Editor Samuli Väänänen.
Listen to all song from UMK 2024
Cyan Kicks – “Dancing With Demons”
The UMK entry Dancing With Demons is the result of long, hard work. It received its finishing touches in London’s legendary RAK Studios with the help of British songwriter Dan Lancaster. The song deals with harnessing one’s inner demons and turning them into a strength.
“Everyone has their own weaknesses and demons, which we’re ashamed of and don’t want anyone else to see. Then, we thought what if we were able to make our own inner demons our allies – what would happen?” describes Susanna.
Sexmane – “Mania”
Mania was formed slowly from different pieces. Sene wrote the song at different times and in different moods, which is also apparent in the song lyrics.
“The words in the chorus crystallise my thoughts: it’s quite all right to be a bit ‘crazy’. I know that a lot of young people are struggling with mental health challenges. I want to give them the strength and courage to hang in there.”
Sara Siipola – “Paskana”
Paskana (“I’m a f***ing wreck”) is about a friend who loses their father and the feelings that the loss stirs up. During one evening, Siipola watched how her friend tried to be present at a dinner party after experiencing such a loss.
Paskana deals with grief and lets the listener feel heartbroken: why do others go grocery shopping and go on with their lives when my own world has stopped cold? According to Siipola, the power of the song stems from the fact that it doesn’t romanticise the idea of grief, that there will be a happy ending.
Jesse Markin – “Glow”
Markin decided to enter UMK because his entry Glow felt right. The song is an excellent example of how Markin combines genres and styles that are important to him right now in one single.
“One of the main points of the song is ‘don’t give up’. Even the smallest spark can get things going if you just try. Musically speaking, the song contains afro-vibes, cosmic soundscapes and so much more,” describes Markin.
Windows95man – “No Rules”
At UMK, Windows95man will be releasing his very first single, No Rules. The song title refers to
the artist’s motto, which appears in both his music and other artistic productions.
“In my opinion, all Finns are a bit looney-tunes deep inside, and I wanted to bring that out more.
Now I can share my music with an even bigger audience as well as spread the joyous message
of No Rules.”
Sini Sabotage – “Kuori mua”
According to Sabotage, the colourful contest entry Kuori mua (“Peel me”) was inspired by “a few fireball shots” and a collaborative brainstorming session. The song’s co-creator Vilma Virintie
described how Sabotage is like an onion, with its many layers.
“We’re never just what we appear to be on the outside at any given moment. We all have many
sides and so much more to give than just one picture, song or moment,” says Virintie.
Mikael Gabriel x nublu – “Vox populi”
The song talks about how it is sometimes hard to know what’s true and what isn’t in such polarised public forums. According to the artists, the song is extremely topical in today’s world, which is filled with populism and people droning on endlessly about their own truths.
“The song deals with political and cultural divides, saying that even though we’re all entitled to our own opinions, it doesn’t necessarily make them true. Everyone should use their voice, but at
the same time you should also keep in mind that you will be judged no matter what.”
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