Finland is starting their preparations for UMK 2024. As the artists prepare for the national final to take place on Saturday February 10th, Jazzi speaks to Jesse Markin. He is vying to represent Finland in Eurovision with the song “Glow”
Hi Jesse, I would just like to start things off by asking you to introduce yourself?
Hi! My name is Jesse and I’m an artist at the UMK competition with the song GLOW
Before we continue, let’s start with a quick icebreaker by just asking if there is one thing about yourself that not many people know about?
I’m half deaf. My right ear is totally useless and it’s been so since birth. Plus I’m left handed so basically my left side is my working side.
For international UMK fans, this will be the first time they will get to know you, could you please tell us a bit more about yourself?
Well, I’m a fun loving person that loves a good conversation. I’m also a huge movie nerd so anyone who needs a recommendation, I’m your guy.
Can I start off by asking, what made you want to participate in the Finnish selection?
The timing was right. I felt that I had the song that was perfect for UMK so I submitted it. The whole process started more than a year ago but we’re finally here.
You will be participating with the song “Glow”, what the song is about and what would you like the audience to feel when listening to it?
Glow represents the power of determination, drive and new beginnings. A reminder that every part of the journey is needed and the challenges we face is where our growth happens. If you take out a part of it, it changes the whole picture. So, when I wrote this song, I was trying to remind myself that the pain that I was feeling is a crucial part of my growth and I can not underestimate the importance of it. However, the way we talk to ourselves about ourselves plays a huge role as we’re trying to navigate through life. The ups and the downs are inevitable, but when you’re down, it can make a huge difference to hear the words: you’re gonna make it! And sometimes the person saying those words has to be you.
When I am sending this, we are only a few weeks away from the live show in Tampere. How are the preparations going for that?
Everything is on schedule. It’s gonna be great. Trust me.
What would it mean for you to win UMK?
It would mean that I’ve connected with a lot of people. It would mean that I’m at the top of the Finnish music scene from the mainstreams point of view, which creates opportunities to spread the gospel. It would be a very proud moment of my career. It would be amazing.
You have released two albums “Noir” and “Folk”. Can I ask what were the musical inspirations behind these albums?
My own record collection. My albums are always inspired by the music I listen to and I’ve been collecting records since a kid. People rarely listen to just one genre of music so I brought that insight to the heart of my albums.
Are there any songs you have previously released that you think fans of “Glow” would enjoy?
My whole catalog. When I put out music there is always a link to the past, because you have to know where you come from to know where you’re going. And by knowing the past it’s easier to interpret the present.
What is one thing that you have learnt from taking part in the national final, that you will take with you going forward?
Hard work pays off.
We would like to thank Jesse for taking the time to do this interview. We also wish him good luck in the UMK final on February 10th.
Who is Jesse Markin
Jesse Markin has been on the Finnish music scene since 2019. He released his debut album “Folk”. Movies inspire his music. Markin likes to combine genres in his music to reflect his personal life, as well as the world around him. When talking about his UMK24 entry he said the following:
“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”
Jesse Markin on his song Glow
Like all the UMK24 entries the jury that selected it for the national final had their say. This is what the UMK24 just had to say about “Glow”.
“Jesse Markin is one of Finland’s most highly respected indie names and internationally renowned artists. Glow is a unique combination of afro-house, uplifting summery energy and Jesse’s technically masterful lyrics and rapping. The song is full of interesting details, which build a stylish and personal whole around the optimistic chorus and dance pianos”
UMK Jury on Jesse Markin’s song Glow
Finland’s Eurovision Journey
Finland debuted in the 1961 Eurovision Song Contest, finishing 10th with Laila Kunnunen’s “Valoa ikkunassa.” Since then they have competed 56 times, and appeared in the final 48 times. Finland has finished in the top 10 an impressive 14 times. They have won the contest once in 2006, with Lordi’s performance of “Hard Rock Hallelujah” getting 292 points.
Finland’s most recent entry was “Cha Cha Cha” by Käärijä. He won the first semi-final in Liverpool, thus qualifying for the final. At the close of voting, he gained a total of 526 points, earning them 2nd place – Finland’s second best result of all time. Käärijä received 376 points from the televote, and an extra 150 points from the juries.
What do you think about this UMK entry? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Threads and Bluesky as we prepare for Eurovision 2024!
News Source: Yle
Photo Credit: Yle / Nelli Kenttä
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