Finland: New music from Siru, Shava and other UMK 2015 artists

At the end of February, Finns crowned Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät the winners of Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu 2015 and gave them the right to sing for Finland in Vienna. Even if only one act could win, several received a much-deserved kickstart to their career. The proof comes in the variety of new singles and albums some of our UMK favourites have come up with in the past two months.

SIRU – SOLMUT

The Voice of Finland winner Siru earned the highest Wiwi Jury verdict ever with her song “Mustelmat“, but Finnish televoters didn’t even put her through to the UMK final. It wasn’t the end of the world for her though, as she quickly released her debut album “Solmut” (Knots). The album is packed with music similar to her UMK entry – great pop ballads with powerful vocals and emotional lyrics.

https://youtu.be/nOLzQfs0eew

SHAVA – LANGATON YHTEYS

Shava introduced suomibhangra to the Finnish public after reaching the final, where they placed eighth with their song “Ostarilla“. If you got infected with the bhangravirus, you should definitely check out their album “Langaton yhteys” (Wireless connection). Beside their UMK entry, Shava’s second album includes a remix of the song and 9 new bhangra tracks. Susan Aho, who represented Finland in Eurovision 2010 as part of Kuunkuiskaajat, also features in the album’s title track.

PIHKA JA MYRSKY – OTA TAI JÄTÄ

Pihka ja myrsky failed to reach the final with their song “Sydän ei nuku“, but they have already come up with the follow-up single “Ota tai jätä” (Take it or leave it). The song is about being yourself and how other people shouldn’t try to change you – “I am here, this what I am, take it or leave it”.

JOUNI ASLAK – VARIATION

“Lions and Lambs” was Jouni Aslak‘s first solo track and it took him all the way to the UMK final, where he placed fifth. Now Jouni has released his slighty more electronic single “Variation”. Jouni sounds amazing as ever and the new style fits him perfectly. We can’t wait for his debut album!

IDA BOIS – NASSARA (VAIN SÄÄLISTÄ VAPISEN)

Ida Bois didn’t manage to make the final of the contest, but she was the favourite of the Wiwi Jury from the third heat. Her song “Kumbaya” had major EDM style and Ida’s voice impressed. Now Ida has released her new single “Nassara (Vain Säälistä Vapisen)”. Ida has said that the song was inspired by horrible events in Iraq, where the so-called Islamic State persecutes Christians. The song features Finnish rapper Mikaveli.