April 1, 2024

🇫🇮 Road to Malmö: Finland

We can not wait for the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö. Therefore, we have a closer look at one of the contestants every day. Today: Finland. Windows95man Teemu Keisteri, born in 1985 in Espoo, Finland, has emerged as a prominent figure in the visual arts scene, celebrated for his creation of the Ukkeli character in 2008. This iconic figure, a testament to Keisteri’s whimsical and culturally insightful style, adorns apparel, postcards, and tableware, capturing the essence of Finnish life with humor and personality. Known also as the Windows 95 man during his DJ performances, Keisteri’s diverse talents span across visual and video arts. Educated in photography at the Lahti Institute of Design, he discovered his passion lay with visual arts, leading him to establish Kalleria in Helsinki’s vibrant Kallio area, further solidifying his status as a dynamic artist and DJ. Henri Piispanen Henri Piispanen, born in 1994, is a multifaceted Finnish talent, acclaimed as a voice actor, singer, and presenter. Noteworthy for voicing characters in “PAW Patrol,” “Lego Ninjago,” and more, Piispanen’s diverse skills shine through his roles and as the lead vocalist and bassist for Pasa. His collaboration with Teemu Keisteri as Windows95man won the 2024 UMK, highlighting his dynamic presence in Finnish entertainment. Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu (UMK) In the past, the national final for Finland was called Euroviisut. Since 2012, we have Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu (UMK). The last few years, it’s a contest with 7 contestants. The winner is chosen by jury and televote. This year, Sara Siipola was the hot favourite to win the contest. She won the jury vote with a landslide. However, televote overruled them; windows95man gained 32,35% of the televote. Finland in the Eurovision Song Contest The first ever Finnish contestant for the Eurovision Song Contest was Laila Kinunen, back in 1961. A long road with bad scores and even 3 zeros followed; in 2006 the monsters of Lordi broke the spell and brought the Eurovision Song Contest to Helsinki with “Hard Rock Hallelujah”. Käärijä almost did it again last year. With his “Cha cha cha” he won the televote and became 2nd overall. The Bookmakers Finland is currently no. 14 in the betting odds to win the contest. Looks like it is likely that Finland will reach the final; it is also likely that a score like last year is a bridge too far for the country of the thousand lakes. And this is the song:

🇸🇮 Road to Malmö: Slovenia

We can not wait for the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö. Therefore, we have a closer look at one of the contestants every day. Today: Slovenia. Raiven Sara Briški Cirman, famously known as Raiven, is a distinguished Slovenian mezzo-soprano, pop artist, and harpist. Born on April 26, 1996, in Brežice, Slovenia, Raiven has excelled in intertwining the realms of classical and pop music. Her musical journey saw a significant leap when she nearly clinched the ticket to represent Slovenia at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2016 with “Črno bel,” securing second place at the national final Evrovizijska Melodija (EMA). Her continued efforts at EMA, including a third-place finish in 2017 with “Zažarim” and a second-place in 2019 with “Kaos,” culminated in her being selected to represent Slovenia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 with “Veronika.” Raiven’s debut album, “Magenta,” released in 2017, won record of the year from Zlata piščal, highlighting her innovative musical approach. Her collaboration with London’s Metropolis Studios for the EP “REM” further showcased her versatility and garnered widespread acclaim. Raiven has also performed at significant events and with prestigious orchestras, demonstrating her dynamic stage presence and performance skills. In 2021, her song “Vokovi” won the Grand Audience Award at Popevka 21, reinforcing her stature in the music industry. Educated in classical music from a young age, Raiven has amassed several awards in music competitions and holds a master’s degree in opera solo singing. She has explored various roles in opera and theater, showcasing her broad talent spectrum. In 2023, Raiven was announced as Slovenia’s Eurovision representative with “Veronika,” a testament to her enduring appeal and artistic evolution. Veronika Veronika of Desenice, whose tragic tale intertwines with the history of the Counts of Celje, remains a poignant figure in Slovenian cultural memory. Originating from the village of Desinić, her marriage to Frederick II, Count of Celje, sparked controversy due to her lesser social standing, leading to vehement opposition from Frederick’s father, Hermann II. This union set the stage for a harrowing narrative of love, persecution, and eventual murder. Despite being acquitted of witchcraft charges by the court, Veronika’s fate was sealed; she was imprisoned and drowned on the orders of Hermann II in 1425. Her story did not end with her death; Frederick later moved her remains to the Carthusian monastery at Jurklošter, making an endowment in her memory. Veronika, Wikimedia Commons Veronika’s life and untimely demise have inspired numerous literary and artistic works, reflecting on themes of innocence, power, and the enduring nature of love amidst adversity. Her legacy continues to influence Slovenian literature, theater, and music, serving as a muse for creations spanning from the 19th to the 20th century. Additionally, her name graces the Veronika Poetry Award and the Veronika Festival, ensuring her memory lives on in Slovenian culture and beyond. Slovenia in the Eurovision Song Contest On 6 occasions, RTV Ljubljana submitted the Yugoslav entry for the Eurovision Song Contest. In 1962, Lola Novaković even reached a 4th place with “Ne pali svetlo u sumrak”. As an independent country, Slovenia started to participate in 1993. Best scoring songs were “Prisluhni mi” by Darja Švajger in 1995 and “Engergy” by Nuša Derenda in 2001. The last few years, high scores were not meant for Slovenia. However, Joker Out, who reached the final last year, managed to do some very succesful tours throughout Europe. The Bookmakers Slovenia currently has a 21st place at the bookmakers, which makes Raiven a serious contender to reach the final. And as everything changes as soon as the final is there, a good score might be very well possible for the country. The song And this is “Veronika”.