07 February 2025

A tricky Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu for 2025 to find an outright personal favourite with those fascinating Finns, yet again, offering another small group of outstanding songs to appreciate. UMK really is going from strength to strength each year, and bringing more and more interesting artists too. This year the seven initial entries comprised of five female solo entries, one male solo entry, and one band. The band, One Morning Left, a metal band with a song called Puppy, was later disqualified over a contract violation, with the band announcing the next day it was due to child grooming allegations made against its lead vocalist, Mika Lahti. The band subsequently disbanded too.

Of the remaining six entries, the big name is Erika Vikman, who, performing Cicciolina, finished second in 2020 to Aksel Kankaanranta and Looking Back. Looking forward, four of the six entries for 2025 are in Finnish and, as a group, provide an interesting group of sounds and styles.

Playlist of My Top 6 Here

My Top 6

06 Goldielocks – Made Of

With its catchy and contemporary sound, this is instantly appealing, and quite distinctive among this group. I initially rated it third. After listening to all songs again prior to finalising my Top 6, I felt I heard enough of it already. Harsh to rate it “last” because in most other national finals of 10 or songs or more, this would likely be Top 5 easily. In UMK, it’s a quality sixth place!

05 Neea River – Nightmares

Another song that really resonated immediately and became a favourite. The initial softer section transforms into an epic dance sound. Sweet vocals too. After a week, others surpassed it.

04 Costee – Sekaisin

The only male act this year, and Costee stands out not on just that alone. With that classic Finnish disco vibe, and a catchy melody, this moody entry quickly rose up the ranks after first hearing it. The title means “messed up” and the song is about messing up in life, and that’s okay, and just be thankful for those close to you. In fact, in this year’s UMK, the Finnish entries in particular offer a strong life lesson, and better therapeutic value than any psychiatrist. Who said the Finns were dull, lifeless people? Save some money. Listen to UMK songs!

03 Erika Vikman – Ich Komme

A German expression translating to “I’m Coming” (in a sexual sense), the most difficult entry to position (puns intended). On first listen, it was the most limp (pun intended) by far, and a disappointment from Erika because I really expected a huge pop (pun intended) from her. It seemed a bit random, and the abrupt climax meant it felt ruined (pun intended). After a week, I’m starting to really feel it (pun intended), and no doubt that will stiffen (pun intended) by Erika delivering a sensational stage presentation that will blow the minds of the audience and leave a lasting glow (puns intended).

02 Nelli Matula – Hitaammin hautaan

That haunting melody. Wow! It hits so fast and hard. This had instant appeal, immediately became one of my favourites, and was often stuck in my head. It’s the classic Finnish pop sound and races along in quite a carefree fashion. That feeling is explained once you learn about the song’s message. “Hitaammin hautaan” means “slower to the grave” and the song is essentially about slowing down and enjoying life and “Taking my sweet time with my way to the grave”. That is good advice and a unique way of putting it!

01 Viivi – Aina

A stunning and emotive ballad, and an equally haunting voice and vocal presentation, ensured Aina resonated immediately with me (I’m often a sucker for these types of songs) and its position at the top only solidified after a week. The song is about eternal love and growing old together, with the title translating to “Always” and the final line of the chorus being “I will be with you always, always, always”. It’s worthwhile to set the captions on to read the lyrics at least once and then just listen after that because in Finnish it still conveys its sentiment so powerfully.

Running Order

01 Costee – Sekaisin
02 Neea River – Nightmares
03 Goldielocks – Made Of
04 Viivi – Aina
05 Nelli Matula – Hitaammin hautaan
06 Erika Vikman – Ich Komme

More about the artists and songs here

Prediction

No surprise that Erika Vikman is all the rage to win. Even though she surprisingly lost in 2020, I can’t see that happening this time. The Finns have shifted culturally enough that they are content to send something uniquely Finnish. They still haven’t shifted all the way because Sara Siipola should have won last year with Paskana, whereas Finland played it safe with Windows95man and No Rules. This year, Viivi and Goldielocks are a vast distance away at second and third in the betting, and I can’t see Finland sending a ballad over Erika (even if that would provide true ecstasy), while Ich Komme will bring enough frivolity on stage to prevent another Windows95man situation of silliness beating brilliance.

UMK will provide an English commentary option as usual, so don’t miss the show. You can watch it delayed later on Sunday morning in Australia rather than live at 6am. UMK’s Youtube account includes interviews with all the artists, complete with English captions.

UMK 2025 takes place on Saturday 08 February 2025, starting at 21:00 local time (06:00 Sunday AET in Australia and 14:00 Saturday in Cincinnati).

Finland: Windows95man rules at UMK 2024 with No Rules!