Following the grand reveal of the seven acts competing in Finland’s Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu (UMK) 2024, Finnish broadcaster Yle is dropping the lyrics videos for each entry one by one. The fourth artist to reveal is Jesse Markin with his song “Glow”.
With his debut album Folk in 2019, Jesse became one of Finland’s most captivating new artists overnight. He was voted Newcomer of the Year and his album won the Critics choice award in the annual Emma Gaala (Finnish Grammys). His popularity manifested on sold-out gigs, including everything from the iconic rock club Tavastia to the massive stage of Flow Festival.
There was some push to brand Markin as a rapper, but he felt it was too restrictive. He says he understands that many artists choose a single genre and style to focus their efforts on. However, Markin wanted to infuse his own music with many different worlds.
He found inspiration for his music in movies, literature and his own life. Where Folk focused on social perspectives, his 2021 album Noir explored Markin’s personal life. In addition to everything else, Markin has also made music for the second season of the Moominvalley series.
Jesse Markin – Glow
Markin decided to enter UMK because his entry Glow felt right. The song is an excellent example of how Markin combines genres and styles that are important to him right now in one single.
“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,” describes Markin.
UMK24 jury: “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 2024 song release schedule
- Thu, 11 January: Cyan Kicks – Dancing With Demons
- Fri, 12 January: Sexmane – Mania
- Mon, 15 January: Sara Siipola – Paskana
- Tue, 16 January: Jesse Markin – Glow
- Wed, 17 January Windows95man – No Rules
- Thu, 18 January Sini Sabotage – Kuori mua
- Fri, 19 January Mikael Gabriel x nublu – Vox Populi
There are so many Eurodance music in this year’s national finals, it will be interesting to see how many will get to Eurovision, if so there will be a chance we will get back to the mid 2000s era, I think no jury for semis are having its effect., and for some countries getting in to the final is the first initial goal.
I liked it, but it’s inconsistent and not as impactful as previous entries. On the upside, he won’t have to worry about winning and not going to Eurovision 🙂
Parts of this song I like, and other parts I really don’t like. The monotone intro is really not to my taste at all. This same technique carries through Verse 1, but the rhythm changes up a bit and launches into a really solid Chorus. The rest of the song has a Verse 2, Chorus, Post-Chorus, a Bridge, and a Reprise. So it’s all there, structurally. I can hear all the influences that went into this song; Bravo for mixing that up. It’s not easy. The Chorus is what really drives this song, in my opinion. Also, does anyone else… Read more »
Now it’s clear as day that he won’t go to Malmö.
Football anthem. Reminds of 2010 Interval act. Catchy, but exhausted.
News: The Israeli song reveal will be in March! (And it will have to be with at least 2 sentences in “Hebrew” – Israel national language) 🙂
Hint: this article is regarding the Finnish national selection.
I like the song and vid.
#team Jesse know how to mix rap with other musicstyles.
Wish them all the best, good luck and lots of fun.
Though Rap isnt one of my fav musicstyles.
Jesse and team are managing it mixing with other genres in a nice cocktail.
I like it and also the nice vid on low budget so to see, but very well and creatively done.
All the best #teamJesse
Well he said he wouldn’t go to Eurovision if he won (bc of Israel)
I like it, and the video is really good once again, but this might have less chance to win because all the other songs released so far had stronger impact straight away.
It’ll go to my personal playlist, but I agree – most likely not winning.
this song is actually great, i had zero expectations but i really enjoyed it
Sara ‘s song is my favorite so far. I hope she will win the ticket to Sweden.
Not bad but he won’t have to worry about winning and not going to Eurovision.
He got this in the bag.
Is the bag in the room with us?
cringe x
Boring song. Next!
Love it. Instantly my favorite of the songs released so far 🙂
In one word? DISASTER!
Isreal wii be there so i guess bye bye finland!
Have to disappoint they don’t have to rely on this, the others are completely another level. XD
His song is nice and I respect his views but I don’t think he has to worry about Israel because this ain’t going nowhere near Eurovision, not with the songs we’ve already heard. Glad he did stay because we hardly hear music like this in national finals and it adds something different to the line up.
Israel will win!
Israel wants to win and they will do anything they can to win, I can’t wait for the song reveal and to know how their performance will look like this year. It will be VERY outstanding for sure..
Great song! So catchy and original. Finally a great rap song in a Eurovision preselection. Might feel a bit repetative though towards the end… also, eventhough it is not that similar – this do get me thinking back at the amazing 2010 interval act by Madcon and the flashmob dancing !
Last year Kaarija was the 5th song released. I hope the pattern repeats this year.
Yeah, I’m excited to hear Windows95man. He seems interesting, I hope the song is good. The UMK songs are ok so far but they’re definitely no Eurovision-winners
Is he still here? thought he was withdrawing! Yes, and?
This is my favorite UMK track so far. It kind of reminds me Beck in dance-pop party-jam mode, like on Colors.
BANGER
I prefer the verses rather than the chorus, they are more interesting imo. UMK brings good quality songs again this year well produced etc for sure but compared to the last 2 years I don’t have the same feelings, nothing that instantly really grabs me musically like Keira, Kuuma, Benjamin, Blind Chanel for ex. So I will stay with Cyan Kicks so far, their visuals are great.
2nd listen I like it more though, so good luck to him!
All that talk for this song?! Man really thinks he had chances to win. Next please.
Definitely the weakest song so far, ain’t no way this one is winning
UMK23 seems superior to UMK24 as far as I’m concerned, even though Dancing With Demons and Paskana are great songs and MANIA is fine
Hopefully the last three songs will offer something that could win Eurovision
This is song suprised me! It’s such a vibe! But it feels more like a song the USA would send if it were in the contest!
There is an American accent there alright.
Jesse is half Finnish and speaks perfect finnish too.
What exactly is Finnish about this song? I don’t see it or hear it.
If you want 1875 Finland, perhaps not, but this is 2024.
Yeah, Finland’s participation is still safe. Unless virtue signaling has become a proper replacement for song quality, this should be a contender for last place in UMK.
I’m not exactly blown away by UMK this year yet tbh. Still 3 chances but so far, definitely no Tampere 2025 vibes.
It is not as good as last year so far, definitely.
Also 2021 for example. Unfortunately, this might be more The Rasmus and less Käärijä/Blind Channel.
None of those named above…
I think they should aim for a top 15 or top 10 placement or a qualification at least, but it’s naive to think they can replicate their best ever result since Lordi that we saw last year.
I like it.
1) Sexmane
2) Sara
3) Jesse
4) Cyan Kicks
Sara and Sexmane are pretty decent. I guess 2 out of 4 is not so bad.
Same, same
I am sorry but I don’t like the song
Its good but I feel all UMK songs get overrated since year 2020.
If PKN, Darude or Sandhja competed in 2024 pipol would scream “woww Eurovision winner vibes again UMK slays with quality genius song”
I get your point. But you do see a progression in musical depth, polished audios and visual presentation, don‘t you?
Absolutely fantastic
It‘s fantastic – going straight to my playlist.
well as I said in another post he don’t have t worry about winning and go to eurovision
have to worry*
The attention seeker’s song sucks, who could’ve thought huh
He is not the attention seeker. In Finland theres many strange Instagram people/bots who spam about the Israel drama to UMK.
Lots of pressure on artists, they cancel all
Does it actually spark joy? well…not really. Look, I don’t have anything against this type of music, just not my thing. Probably my hubs would like it tho, I’ll pass you his thoughts.
Still Team Cyan Kicks/ Sara
I just know the fandom is gonna tear this apart but idc i absolutely love this song it’s so high energy. Love the rap too the song as a whole is right down my alley. One of my favourites of this season so far
It’s different for UMK which is what i love.
the reactions are not surprising, but it’s the best song so far and would do very well at esc
I really like this one (and so many of his other songs too): all and all the best song, and probably the one I’ll keep listening to when it’s all over. …But I can’t picture it in Eurovision – it doesn’t have that hook. I do hope he gets wider recognition just by being in the UMK process, he’s really a great artist!
Are you guys sponsored by Finland Norway and Sweden?
5miinust and puulup article please
Of course they are. Same countries all the time.