Raves are about music, dance and feeling the rhythm. But they’re also about freedom and letting yourself go. And this morning Kaleen — Austria’s Eurovision 2024 singer — has finally set her baby free, releasing “We Will Rave” into the world and onto streaming platforms. And boy is it a banger!
Her Eurovision entry isn’t just about partying. It’s about choosing your own path — whether for the night or longer-term. The opening lyrics suggest raving is about finding your feet after difficult times.
“Ice running through my veins, you just did it again,” she sings, suggesting someone’s done her wrong. “Go, ’cause I can’t be your friend, I’m cold but this is not the end.”
It’s not the end because she knows where to turn for solace – the club — where in the anonymity of the lights she can let it all out.
“I go, go, go where the broken-hearted go, no one knows a thing about my heart and soul. I go, go, go wanna dance it off alone, I won’t let it show, they will never know.”
Kaleen releases “We Will Rave” — Austria’s Eurovision 2024 song
The song is an obvious glow-up from the rather strong demo that leaked several weeks ago. It’s bigger, bolder and pulsates harder, with a dizzying race to the finish. It definitely left us wanting more.
So what was behind all the changes? Kaleen told me all about it in our interview, which you’ll be able to watch on YouTube this afternoon. A key takeaway is that they tweaked the song with the stage in mind since Eurovision is, after all, a TV show.
“The main focus was that it has evolution and that it keeps changing up throughout the song. What we also had in mind was what can you do staging wise — with maybe a break, maybe a transition, maybe a rave part? I think especially when you’re on the Eurovision stage that’s the beauty of the production — you can do so many things.”
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In a press release sent by the Austrian broadcaster ORF, Kaleen had this to say:
“‘We Will Rave‘ is my perfect Eurovision Song. It allows me to combine everything I love, and to get carried away with the audience. The song is adaptable for everyone. ‘We Will Rave’ can become We Will Dance, We Will Sing, We Will Live, We Will Party…. It is powerful and positive, even though you might be fighting through something at the moment. It’s supposed to enhance a life-loving state of mind and getting lost in a moment. I am extremely looking forward to performing this along with the fans! Now that the song is officially out, it has become even more real to me, and I am beyond excited about the journey! Having a techno pop track is different from my discography up until now. I look forward to Kaleen’s new chapter.”
“‘We Will Rave‘ is about needing a place of refuge when your heart is broken, and finding it in music. The rave is where the outsiders and wounded souls go to heal and dissolve their problems through music. It’s the sea of rhythm that washes the pain away and gives us salvation.”
“Following up on the successful collaboration with Rankin in London, the music video was shot with his team in Los Angeles in the beginning of February. The rainy and cold weather made the atmosphere for the music video even better. On the day, we spent about 12 hours shooting on 5 different sets in a kind of warehouse in the south of Los Angeles. The video is supposed to show the darker, ecstatic, yet positive energy of ‘We Will Rave’. It should make you want to get up and dance to it.”
What do you think of Kaleen’s song “We Will Rave”? You can let us know in the comments box down below.
Wake me up when we’re done with this half-baked 90’s period in pop music
Silia Kapsis, Sarah Bonnici and Kaleen are in the same league for me. I think Silia Kapsis is a better dancer, while Kaleen is a better vocalist. Let’s see…
I will be honest: I’m glad to see any primarily electronic entry on ESC not only as a biased synth nerd, but also because generally electronica doesn’t do well on Eurovision. Hope Kaleen will succeed.
It’s going to be the weakest ever Eurovision edition of all times…
It can’t beat the Eurovision 2011 though
Simple and effective.
When I think of a rave, I think of the 1990s. There are direct and indirect references in this recording to some famous 90s hits. It’s a neat and easy expression that I appreciate, particularly because Eurovision in the 1990s did not really represent the mainstream music of that decade (except maybe Gina G). It feels like Kaleen is fulfilling the wish that many Eurovision fans in the 90s missed out on.
“Austria broadcaster ORF has delayed the released of the music video of the Austrian entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, “We Will Rave”.
The official music video for the Austrian entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, “We Will Rave” has been delayed, this is due to an issue with the US-based production company missing the deadline set by ORF.”
Reminder: The music video was filmed in FEBRUARY
Maybe it has some fancy CGI stuff, which takes time.
It’s not bad, but I’m aftaid it’s not memorable enough
This song makes my 4 year old self listening to my Dad’s acid house and techno compilation albums in the car back in the early 90’s very happy. That’s really all that matters. I do wish it had gone a bit harder though, it’s a little bit bubblegum. Anyone who wasn’t around to remember the rave scene, just watch this… what a time. <3
https://youtu.be/eRpMctqzVOI?si=RIIjVuhY6EFlehkU
I have been unable to find her doing a live performance that is NOT her lip synching so far (besides an acoustic sit down that doesn’t tell me much). And I have looked.
Until I see proof otherwise I remian sceptical. I suspect she’s more of a great dancer/entertainer?
Has anyone seen her actually sing (and dance) live where it is not lip synched? If so, I’d like to see it.
It has just been presented on Radio yesterday. Austria usually doesn’t release live performances before the parties shortly before the actual contest.
Was that the acoustic sit down in a studio with some host (saw it on YouTube)? If so, I have seen it but do find that inconclusive.
But I would settle for a live performance of any song really. I’m just wondering if she can deliver.
Until we hear her sing on stage and in motion I don’t think we can assume anything with way.
I suppose we will all see soon enough.
There was rehearsal video leaked on twitter and she dances more than sings…. her voice very mediocore
Ah. Am not on twitter (or anywhere really, unless you count YouTube).
I think I will just hang on to my scepticism then. If she can later blow the doubts away on stage, then great. And if not… well, there’s always the studio cut.
Song is great, please come to the final!
Easy NQ, even if it doesn’t flop live and it will. Madonna + Cascada, almost a complete rip off.
Thank you Austria ! Im a 90’s Child and it brings me back in this so much! Best period ever… no prétention just fun
It will be funny when this song written by Wrethov and Jimmy Joker amongst others ranks higher than Swedish entry. 😛
This is a bad song …
Austria 5/12
“we will rave” is a sooo much better slogan for esc24 than “united by music”
Ahaha, yeah it’s certainly turning out that way, with all these fast tempo songs!
I always feel afraid of songs presented on video about their live performance
Dreadful computer-pop!
I don’t think that this will do well live or generally i don’t think it will place high.
LOVING IT SINCE JANUARY WHEN IT GOT LEAKED, WE WILL RAVE AND SHE WILL WINNN HONEYYYY?????????WAITING FOR THE MUSIC VIDEO SO MUCH??
Those aren’t supposed to be question marks, this didn’t accept the emojis
Yes, they can win
I’m torn, I kinda preferred the demo leak, the final version feels overdone. Don’t get me wrong, I still like it and it’s among my favorites this year (Eurodance is so up my alley), but not my #1 as I was expecting it to be.
Though one thing’s for sure, this was the season’s worst kept secret.
I think they realised that it had to translate to the stage, accompanied by her dance performance, and because shes such an incredible dancer, they created this version to give her the chance to perform it with gusto.
Also, I think the ‘leak’ was purposeful to get people talking 😉 it was too orchestrated and remained online for far too long for it to be a random leak. It worked!
Winner!!!!
The 90s was the best decade for music worldwide. Thank you Austria for bringing it back at least for 3 minutes!
No way, the 80s rock!
No. This is the 90s coming back 🙂
What puzzles me as an older millennial Eurovision fan is how huge the 90s revival is right now. But in the 90’s there was nothing like this in Eurovision, only ethnic ballads. It only took us 30 years to get here, lol.
How long until the ethnic ballads are back? I want them.
Eurovision was about to die back then. Believe me, I was there.
Yeah, the ’90s ESC actually had some great stuff instead of this trashy eurodance…
Vlado Janevski – Ne Zori Zoro the flavour!!!! i always vote for that one in the esctop250, in my personal top 10
What I ask myself: Nobody is copying him, they’re all independent, but the huge influx of loud, crazy uptempo stuff seems clearly a result of Käärijä’s success. Is it because the semis are televoting only and the delegations are thinking strategically in terms of making the final? Because Käärijä didn’t actually win, so it can’t be that.
For me, this is such a positive step for Eurovision. I am absolutely tired of the “quality” songs which are so clearly tailored towards the snobby tastes of the music “professionals” who sit on the juries.
Power to the people I say, it makes for a more enjoyable contest in my opinion.
I am all for power to the people AND for quality music. However if quality music results in cold and calculated factory stuff like Boys don’t cry then no thx, don’t need it, don’t consider it quality. It’s a two-edged sword for me. The juries pushed insipid stuff like Azerbaijan and Switzerland 2022 into the final basically against almost all the people voting. I’m glad that is gone. On the other side, most of these songs we assume as this year’s televote magnets are not my music, either. My hope is that delegations will work harder than picking cookie cutter… Read more »
Eurovision faces a bit of a paradox – I very much understand the desire for credibility. But the contest also wants to be popular and let’s face it, 99% of viewers tune in for one Saturday night’s entertainment purposes. So in order to remain relevant in that context, Eurovision needs to have entertaining songs with immediacy. Contemplative, musically complex slow burners are never going to work in that context.
I want Eurovision to be a great show that connects with as many people as possible – so the more “joke” (yawn) songs the better in my opinion.
A healthy mix is better. Credibility and immediacy don’t exclude each other. I’d like to point to Italy 2018. Credibility that the televoters understood better than the juries.
I’m happy with it because it means different kinds of songs that were made for the current comercial market can be sent.
Was Cha Cha Cha that current and commercial? I heard Tattoo a lot more on the radio last year.
Ah yes, the uptempo stuff didn’t exist before Käärijä. You really are that restarted, arent’ you.
Crawl back into your hole and cover your face before someone sees you.
Is that you in the picture? lmao
I dare you to look into one without crying.
Another entry from Austria that the bubble is crazy about but on the night it’s actually not going anywhere close to the top!
Perfectly summed up Croatia this year
When was the ESC ever crazy about Croatia?
*esc bubble
Everything aligned for this entry to open the sf.
Overall, a good effort. Something for the listeners too, as it seems like most entries this year are going for the visuals .
Demo version was way better, more innocent and pure. It sounds like those who were behind Blanka performance remastered this song: too many sounds, too much of everything, killing the best moments of the demo. It’s just too much and the building trnsion that was in demo version was totally taken over by chaos. Demo version was kind of a song you could play in loop. This one I have enough after 40 seconds. From the best entry (demo version) it is for me a song between San Marino in Ireland: too loud, too noisy, too aggressive.
Yeah, too many little things added. Too many cooks!
We get it, you like plain, basic and unseasoned mainstream music
in my top 10 but idk due to fact how hit or miss Austria is on vocal and staging
Cant believe imma say this… I preferred the leaked version…
I totally agree. It lost its innocence and purity and became chaotic and overwhelming with sounds. Too much of everything. Demo version would be my favourite. This one is bottom 5 for me
Me too! Too many cooks ruined the song
It’s just ok
I don’t think people will dig this as much at eurovision, idk if I’m wrong but similar tracks, this genra has flopped more often than not
One more… Far too many upbeat and generic songs this year, and I don’t see any really standing out, very few are really iconic in my view before seeing all performed. My top 5 so far, France, Italy, Ukraine, Spain and Croatia.
Idk what people see in Ukraine’s entry, the “all the divas were born as a human beings” line is off-putting and cringe
fun fact, Kaleen was the stand-in performer for Fuego’s rehearsal in 2018 and videos are available on youtube. Performance-wise she wasn’t the best back then but she must have improved by now.
OMG, yes! I remember!
So nostalgic to me, I can hear “Ice Mc Think about the way” in this song, it reminds me a lot of memories. We’re totally back again in the 90’s Dance music with this track. Same as for Cyprus, they have two different styles of course but I feel It’s the overall performance that will elevate the song and that will make this act competitive.
Speaking of ice. Iceland on the move towards favourite. If this contest is decided on war again it’s finished. The backlash will be awful
Congrats Austria.
Nice trancy eurodance track!!
Tho its a bit everything from the 90’s put in a blender.
if Kaleen and her team are able translating this live on stage.
It could do well.
Between all the weirdos and club tracks this feels like back in the early 2000s.
Clearly, it’s destined to open semi final 2, anything else would be a huge surprise. In that way, it’s a huge gift to the producers. Although Greece and Armenia is still to be revealed.
Yes it’s looking a lot like Cyprus will be opening Semi-final 1 and Austria opening Semi-final 2
Seeing how that 1st Half is shapping up they may save it for the middle like with Gustaph last year. or Luca Hanni in 2019.
It could be really need it.
As of writing Austria Cyprus and UK 2024 all songs in UK I-tunes 200
Oh so we’re in 2002. Ok!
Any idea if/when we’re getting a music video?
I like, almost all, Austria’s entries…and this isn’t an exception.
This year, ESC will not have many songs with 90’s vibes. So, some countries like Netherlands and Austria will stand out.
As well Greece, because it will have ethnic elements. Moldova and Greece have until now, ethnic songs
Love it love it love it. Cascada meets Snap and Rhythm is a dancer vibes. So many good songs this year were are the votes going to go!
It’s so Blümchen 1990
Same case as the UK, it is too repetitive but at least it’s extremely catchy and definitely suitable for a party moment, I have also scored this pretty high in my list but I don’t think it’ll grow to be one of my favorites.
I was a teenager in the 90’s, so I’m living for all this nostalgic goodness we keep being given! This song in particular evokes the sounds and melodies I loved. I can hear parts that are reminiscent of “Rhythm Is A Dancer” by Snap!, and the looping keyboard melody in the chorus which is so similar to “Think About The way” by Ice MC. On the surface its just another 90’s inspired dance track, but when I watched the leaked footage of the rehearsals, I realised that Kaleen has put together an ENTIRE show that is designed to be a… Read more »
I picked up on the Snap influence as well. Not a bad thing
Yes, you can hear it in the pre chorus (the bit that goes “so I go, go, go, where them broken hearted go, no one knows a thing about my heart and bout my soul…”).
It really does add a layer of that 90’s dark atmosphere to the song.
The chorus is preceeded by the looping keyboard synth which is so similar to the looping synth that preceeds the chorus in “Think About The Way” by Ice Mc.
I’m here for it!
Could you comment a link to said rehearsal footage? I’m curious
It was about 3 weeks ago now. It wasn’t up for long, but it was rough footage of her in the dance rehearsal studio and the performance aspect of the track looked incredible.
She wasn’t trying too hard to be ‘sexy’ like Chanel & Noa Kirel, she was throwing out a more ‘street’, freestyle type of dance, with four backing dancers, but the moves were like liquid gold…smooth, sleek, commanding and very modern.
If I can unearth the clip, I’ll post it here.
That nonsensical ‘Ramdidam’ sealed the deal: I remain on Joost Klein’s team. Other than that it’s an enjoyable song, although it doesn’t sound as authentically 90s as ‘Europapa’.
If we had duels, Europapa would win most of them (between similar songs)
Austria VS Netherlands >> NL
Netherlands VS Finland >> NL (although Windows95 man is a guilty pleasure)
This occupies like…basically the middle spot of my current ranking. To me this is kinda typical of its genre, tho I guess also a good example of it and a solid representation. The genre just isn’t my usual taste at the end of the day tho.
This is why I love Eurovision! One person’s favourite is another person’s ‘meh’, and so on. It makes the entire concept of the contest much more exciting and unpredictable.
You have a nice attitude. Meanwhile I’m getting downvoted for not liking a music genre lol
From what I heard they added so many new things in comparison to the leaked audio. In my opinion, this is a rare instance of TOO much being added to a song after people know what it will sound like. There was no need for the extra line in the first verse and the beat has been distorted in the chorus and the build up which destroys part of the mood of the song. This is how you overbake a song. For this reason, it will be my number three rather than number two. Europapa all the way in my… Read more »
Totally agree. They destroyed the best of the song. For me Austria from being my potential winner ends up in the bottom 5
The problem is, as well, they added too much of the ‘acid’ influence and the ending is too cliched and botched.
If Israel had sent this song, people would have said it’s about the Nova party and want it disqualified
Anyway, nice song, but not a winner
I do hope she sings well live so it won’t be like in 2022, we could use a song like this in the final
I don’t even think it’s a joke, I find it very possible that the word rave and the title we will rave would have been flagged as problematic by the EBU, if they already objected to a song about dancing and flowers.
Your comment is silly, because Austria is not in a current war conflict.
No. Your comment is silly if you think the same product should be treated differently depending on which country sends it.
Dude, not everything is about Israel.
He’s right, though, if you think about it.
If you create the narrative by your own actions, and you’re trying to submit a song with hidden meanings that downplay your involvement in one if the biggest g3n0sides of late, then yes … he has a point. But then the point becomes convoluted because you could say that most songs (lyricly or thematically) could be skewed or misconstrued to fit the afformentioned narrative. And that is down to the actions of thay one country unfortunately. No-one else to blame. Anyway, we digress. This isn’t and wasn’t a post that had anything to do with Israel, but that Roy sure… Read more »
Roy is just pointing out the EBU’s double standards. Where else should he do it than under the article that talks about the most obvious example?