🇫🇮 Meet the TES Team: Aleksi

Before September 1st hits, and we get sucked into a new Eurovision season, we wanted to take the opportunity to give our readers a chance to get to know our team a bit better.

There’s no other way to do this other than to do a series where we introduce ourselves. In this part, it is the turn of video editor Aleksi.

Name: Aleksi Nenonen
Age: 40
Pronouns: He/him

Socials:
Bluesky: @aleksinenonen.bsky.social
Instagram: @aleksi_n

Hi! My name is Aleksi, and I currently work as an organization coordinator for a trade union. I’ve also just joined the team as a video editor.

How did I get into the Eurovision Song Contest?

Probably the same way as most people, on some Saturday night, some years ago, when the TV was on and the family gathered around to watch Eurovision. ESC has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. It brings together several things I care deeply about: I love television, I’ve long been interested in how TV programs are made, and I have a bachelor’s degree in Media and Arts, where I studied TV and film production (though I didn’t end up working in production, but that’s another story). So why wouldn’t I be interested in one of the biggest entertainment shows in the world? Secondly, I’m a huge pop culture nerd, and ESC feeds that interest perfectly. And thirdly, I love the idea of bringing European nations together for something as simple, yet unifying, as a song contest.

When did I start considering myself a “Eurofan”?

I’ve followed Eurovision for as long as I can remember, but more closely since the mid-2000s. I think 2007, when Eurovision came to Helsinki, was the moment I knew this was something I wanted to be part of every year. Since 2012, I’ve attended the UMK final eight times, and a few years ago I started following other national finals as well. Combining all of that and the fact that I always tell people my “Eurovision year” starts long before May has made me realize I’m truly a Eurofan.

How has my life changed since becoming a Eurofan?

Through Eurovision, I’ve learned a lot about different European music cultures and how national finals reflect the many ways TV productions are made across the continent, each with its own national flavor. It has also introduced me to countless new artists and bands I might never have discovered otherwise.

What are my favorite Eurovision songs and countries?

I’m really bad at making top lists or naming absolute favorites – whether movies or Eurovision songs – but here are some of my current favorites. Some of these would likely be on my list any day, but it could look different tomorrow. My music taste is generally very pop-oriented, with a particular love for electronic and electro-folk influences, which you can probably see in my top 5:

• 🇮🇹 Italy (1984): Franco Battiato & Alice – I treni di Tozeur
• 🇧🇦 Bosnia & Herzegovina (2008): Laka – Pokušaj
• 🇫🇷 France (1991): Amina – Le dernier qui a parlé
• 🇺🇦 Ukraine (2008): Ani Lorak – Shady Lady
• 🇳🇴 Norway (2013): Margaret Berger – I Feed You My Love

I’m not sure I have a favorite Eurovision country, but I’m usually most excited to see what Ukraine brings to the contest each year.

What are my favorite national final songs?

Although I’ve followed Eurovision for a long time, I’ve only started paying closer attention to national finals in recent years, as they’ve become much easier to watch compared to 15 years ago. My knowledge of most national finals isn’t very deep, except for Finland’s, which I know well. So my picks are from Euroviisukarsinnat and UMK.

Like before, this list could change on another day, but today it’s this. These are songs I feel deserved better results. Many come from selection years that were particularly strong – 1998, for example, is one of the best years ever in the Finnish selection, perhaps with the exception of the winner.

• Vesa-Matti Loiri – Laulu (Suomen euroviisukarsinnat 1975)
• Nylon Beat – Umm ma ma (Suomen euroviisukarsinnat 1998)
• Anna Eriksson – Oot voimani mun (Suomen euroviisukarsinnat 2000)
• Vuokko Hovatta – Virginia (Suomen euroviisukarsinnat 2008)
• Ultra Bra – Tyttöjen välisestä ystävyydestä (Suomen euroviisukarsinnat 1998)

What am I looking forward to in the next Eurovision season?

I’m excited to see what trends emerge next year – more pop-opera, or something else entirely? I’m also looking forward to watching more national finals and exploring, once again, the rich diversity of European music and entertainment cultures.

What do you think of Aleksi’s opinions? Want to learn more about our team? Let us know in the comments below or on social media. Don’t forget to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ over at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Tumblr, Threads and Bluesky.