Following the grand reveal of the seven acts competing in Finland’s Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu (UMK) 2023, Finnish broadcaster Yle is dropping the lyrics videos for each entry one by one. Next up is Lxandra with his song “Something to Lose”.
Lxandra, also known as Alexandra Lehti, is one of Finland’s most promising talents. Her Finnish Eurovision bid “Something To Lose” is a dramatic, epic, and tender ballad.
When she was 19, Lxandra moved to Berlin to work on her music career, and garnered the attention of some top music industry players. Her tracks have been heard in American films and TV soundtracks.
Lxandra said: “I want to create universal music that is personal at the same time. Dark, but still full of colour. I strive for emotionality and connection.”
Lxandra — “Something to Lose”
Writing on Instagram, Lxandra said:
“‘Something to Lose’ is about the importance of having something to fight for in life. Those ppl that give your every day meaning. We easily become hyper independent and forget how important it is to find connection in this very individualistic culture. I’ve had times when I felt so disconnected that I didn’t really know why I’m here at all and just wanted to disappear.”
“But it’s the connections to others that brought me back every time and I’m forever grateful for that. Tho it doesn’t always feel like it, the world really is better with you in it. We touch every person we meet along the way one way or another and I think we’re all here for a reason even if we’d never know what that is during our lifetime. So go and hug your near and dear and smile to strangers on the street, it can be life changing! Big love.”
UMK 2023 song release schedule
The UMK 2023 songs are being revealed one per weekday until 20 January. They’re set to be released at 00:00 EET on the dates listed below:
- Keira — “No Business On The Dancefloor” (Thursday 12 January)
- Benjamin — “Hoida mut” (Friday 13 January)
- Robin Packalen — “Girls Like You” (Monday 16 January)
- Lxandra — “Something To Lose” (Tuesday 17 January)
- Käärijä – “Cha Cha Cha” (Wednesday 18 January)
- KUUMAA — “Ylivoimainen” (Thursday 19 January)
- Portion Boys — “Samaa taivasta katsotaan” (Friday 20 January)
UMK 2023 will take place on Saturday 25 February at Logomo Arena in Turku, starting at 20:00 CET / 21:00 EET.
The winner will be chosen jointly by Finnish television viewers and international juries. The public will account for 75% of the vote and the juries for the remaining 25%. The finalists were chosen from 362 applicants by a jury of music industry professionals led by Tapio Hakanen, YleX’s Head of Music.
What do you make of “Something to Lose”? Do you think Lxandra could win UMK 2023 and represent Finland at Eurovision? Let us know in the comments below!
She needs a sand lady to win
The lyrics made me tear up, but I don’t think the music is gelling with me just yet. It could get there, but Benjamin’s song just hit me immediately.
I’ve got this problem where as soon as the song is over, I forget it. At least I forget what it sounded like. The lyrics stick.
I really admire the bravery to talk openly about such an important topic. Personally I didn’t experience the deep, emotional connection with this entry which is probably a reflection of my current state of mind. However I do remember very well the emotion I felt listening to Nora Jean’s Blackbird, Eliot’s Wake Up and Ulrikke’s Attention which drew on similar themes, so I’m really glad that this song has provoked a deep emotional connection with others and hopefully it will lead to positivity, which demonstrates the real power of music.
This song is a masterpiece, lyrically and emotionally. I was not expecting a song about this subject, without being about a specific special someone, it’s really a song about life and about depression and what makes you get out of bed in the morning. It just got to me immediately, and I could not stop crying. I believe it will also “get” lots of the people who listen to it closely and allow themselves to be vulnerable. This is how a song should be written. It has a clear goal and message, and the song it shaped entirely around and… Read more »
Both this one and Alika’s “Bridges” (Eesti Laul hopeful) are the perfect example of how a ballad is made in this era. They are so emotional, raw vocals, wise lyrics, not trying too hard…
Norway should take note as both could bury Ulrikke’s “Honestly”. I get the emotional story behind that one but it is clearly just a vocal show-off full of cliches and very predictable.
Totaal agree, but did you hear Elsie Bay’s song, that’s realy a pearl.
Not yet. I have to listen to the 2nd SF. I’ve heard some snippets and already sound better than the 1st SF.
This is really beautiful; I love the song, I love the lyrics, there’s a real vulnerability here. Yeah I really can feel this.
As a bop-lover, I truly appreciate this entry. Released a day after I found out that my friend has committed a suicide, it hits hard. Absolutely beautiful…
I’m so sorry to hear that. Sending prayers. This song really is a gem.
It is nice! But.. Benjamin is still better…
OMG this is so gooooood !
I love the voice, the deep lyrics, the atmosphere and the chorus … I love it !
I don’t think Finns people choose this song but I prefer her than Robin !!!! No voting for the notoriety of Robin Please with generic song !!!
Beautiful song, while it didn’t grab me like some other ballads, with the right staging it can create truly magical moment. 5/5
Given that this will likely be the only non-pop bop in the mix for UMK, i think it will have a great chance to stand out and potentially win as the other songs compete for the same audience vote and will be judged against each other, while this will have it’s own lane…and I do think that Finnish-language songs will be downvoted by the international jury like they were last year and this in English will be more accessible to them
I have only listened to this once, and I felt it. The music (bass line) reminded me of Pachelbel’s canon somewhat, so that’s nice. I think this will be too slow for ESC, but it could do well with really touching staging.
I don’t think being slow is an issue at ESC, it’s not being remembered that is an issue.
I am really curious to see how this will come across live.
As someone who has faced moments of suicidal thoughts and overall sadness this song really hit home. It’s artful and tasteful and hits every emotion in your body. Sometimes ballads like these don’t sit well with people expecting more “ traditionally Eurovision” sounds. But I must say, Finland has produced gold with “Something to Lose”. Bravo!
I hope you are feeling better now <3
I’ve also faced these things but this song does absolutely nothing for me, but I’m glad it helps people! : )
It’s a very important message indeed that many do not dare dive into.
I don’t expect Lxandra to win UMK, but this is possibly my favorite song of the Eurovision season so far. Loved everything, from her voice to how relatable the lyrics are to me, but especially all the tasteful details spreaded through it.
I moved this right to my top bracket as well. It’s good to see the appreciation for this song.
Nice to see that the three of us are agreeing yet again 🙂
I think the only problem is that not even we that loved the song can believe it can win UMK. But that’s fine, because this part of the season is also for us to find good music around Europe. If she happens to surprise, even better, of course!
This is great, its powerful yet understated. I respect that its a ballad that doesn’t try to do a typical build up and focuses on delivering a raw and authentic performance. Honestly, I am thoroughly impressed by the quality of ballads we have I’m selections this year (the likes of Lxandra,Elsie,Alika,Ulrikke,José) its great to see. Ngl, I’m not expecting Finland to pick this song,idk why but I just feel like it won’t be picked but honestly, there is not one song in this nf that I dont like. Robin’s song is very vibey and I’d listen to that regardless, Benjamin’s… Read more »
This has it all, lyrics with depth in them, orchestral sound that moves smoothly, music video that looks expensive and her sound is original. It hasn’t been made Eurovision in mind, like so many ballads seem to be done usually where everything comes almost forced.
I could see this as a winner, it just has that quality to it!
I was having trouble falling asleep, but I’m all good now.
UMK couldn’t keep it up with the level of great they had been pumping out but, didn’t expect it to come to such a dramatic halt. There is nothing here for me. Very much this year’s ‘Thank God I’m An Atheist’ in that it was a joyless chore to get through.
Oh well, onto tomorrow!
I love Thank God I’m An Atheist so much. A brilliant song.
Music is a marvellous thing… I didn’t expect you to dislike this so much, I would have had you down for someone who appreciated this sound. Still haven’t figured out your taste, yet, Briekimchi.
This is pure art, melancolic, mystical, I guess we will get a very avant-garde performance with this one. It’s very pure but at the same time the musical arrangement behind makes it more complex but it’s still calm and very subtle. I respect this a lot but I would stay with Keira song so far but if Finland chose this why not, this is their choice and I’m nobody to judge.
Very original and the first contemporary song that had me transfixed to the screen.
This felt like so much more than a song, I was so transfixed by the lyrics that I got a little emotional and forgot that I should be rating the song. I really enjoyed it, this could be a breath of fresh air in Liverpool.
I think this is the best so far, but I think better songs are coming. The next 3 acts are all some of my favorites since the list of participants was revealed.
1 Benjamin
2 Lxandra
3 Robin
4 Keira
Very captivating performance in the lyric video. If this did go to Eurovision I think it may surprise how well it could do. It feels like a cross between Victoria and Cornelia eurovision songs and a bit of Loreen “Europhia” dance moves.
She might be next Norma John and win but I was expecting more. So faar Keira has the best song and maybe Benjamin could challenge (depends on Stage and singing)
Beautifully written, but it’s a tad bit boring. I cannot see myself listening to this more than once.
You always get me with these orchestral builds. Very nicely developing vocal melody with subtle unexpected meanderings and a really thoughtful instrumentation (I particularly like the plucked violins, but also the sparse electronic highlights). Really beautiful.
The little beeps are not my favourite thing. They remind of pedestrian traffic lights, which is a little distracting.
Haha, where I live, traffic lights are mostly silent (sometimes there’s a little buzzing for blind people, but that’s the extent of it), so perhaps that’s the reason why it didn’t bother me.
It’s a beautiful, relatable and captivating ballad, says a lot with so few words and it doesn’t feel slow despite its pace.
Myself, I LOVE IT but I get that it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Benjamin’s still my winner but Lxandra is my second place <3
I thought, if Rasmus won over Cyan Kicks by 89 points I could still see Benjamin beat Robin. Like, even with all dominance of Rasmus in both televoting and jury the difference still wasn’t that big, and Robin isn’t as big as Rasmus.
REALLY like the meaning/message of this song. I can relate to it. One of the best ballads from this national final season.She is right in saying we are too individuallistic.
STILL no rock from UMK!
You do have something to lose: UMK, and you will lose UMK.
D*mn bro you got the whole squad laughing ._.
Lxandra’s got a great voice but I don’t like anything about this song.
I like it very much. Touching. What’s missing, for me, is just what exactly this “something” is, and how she achieved it. Listeners could be identifying strongly until all of a sudden they are left behind.
Something could be anything. Isn’t it whatever the listener feels it to be? Songwriting 101: You never write the song that the listener actually feels. 😀
Yes, but the problem seems to be that the listener is having trouble feeling anything at all. Maybe music can change that, it does have that power. Still, I’m curious what the “something” is… medication? Love? A new job? A pet? What it does offer is hope, which is probably enough.
Not my cup of tea. Honestly, not a very original song and nothing much to keep your attention there. So far, Benjamin and Keira have the best songs. The following two have been a bit of a let down, considering the previous quality.
I kinda agree, Benjamin is the best one for now in my opinion
Keira’s my pick but I’m guessing Robin’s gonna get the Rasmus treatment and win regardless.
Benjamin not only has my favorite song from UMK but my favorite song overall from the national selections so far
What other songs in the contest have dealt with suicidal thoughts? I think it’s original enough.
I meant only musical-wise, not lyrics-wise. But touche about that, it’s original in that regard for sure
Kinda boring, sorry 😐
It’s a cute song with great instrumentals and production and it has its place in the final, but I don’t think it’s winning.
She needs sand lady to win