Mikki Kauste evaluates recent UMK publications in his social media updates.
Neea River’s UMK song Nightmares was announced first. Pete Anikari
Mikki Kauste, the soloist of the Egotrippi band, was not convinced by the first song published in the New Music competition. He published a messaging service In Threads a tight bore from the Neea River competition piece Nightmares.
– A day from the culture corner! The first UMK song came across on Insta. Considerably over-processed techno gunfire and grossly auto-tuned vocals. I couldn’t understand the words. Nothing. I noticed individual words here and there. This first performance didn’t promise terribly well, Kauste wrote.
The exit of the season sparked a discussion. He continued, among other things, that you have to be a really tough singer, that you can handle performing the song even in live conditions.
Iltalehti caught up with Espoo city councilor Kauste (green), known from the band Egotrippi, who commented by phone that in his update he mainly presented comments and observations based on his own tastes.
Egotrip’s Mikki Kauste and Knipi aka Zachris Stierncreutz in an archive photo from 2018. Jenni Gästgivar
– I couldn’t understand the text, not a single word. Maybe it’s music aimed at Europe, but it’s not quite my piece of cake, he comments.
– As a traditional craftsman who started from a guitar rock and indie background, it’s a bit far from his own template, Kauste estimates.
However, the musician doesn’t completely spoil the coverage of this year’s five-piece candidates.
– In my opinion, Viivi has had some really good songs. Yes, there are artists from whom, from my point of view, I can expect good, melodic songs, which I hope for as much as possible, he says.
Nelli Matula’s UMK song receives praise from Kauste, known from the band Egotrippi. Pete Anikari
He tells Iltalehti that he likes to watch Sweden’s Melodifestivalen, because the “compositional tradition” he wishes for is still strongly present in the competition. Kauste points out that successful Finnish representatives in Eurovision have often deviated from the mainstream, which has also pleased Europeans.
After the call, Kauste also got to know Nelli Matula’s UMK song published today Slower to the grave.
– A day of culture gazing. Now another UMK song is out. This song by Nelli Matula is actually quite beautiful. Great melodies and pretty nice pop hooks. Nelli sings really well. This is much better. A pleasant surprise, Kauste updated.
The remaining songs of the New Music Competition will be published next week.
UMK 2025
UMK 2025 artists and songs
Neea River – Nightmares
Nelli Matula – Slower to the grave
Costee – Confused
Delay – Always
One Morning Left – Puppy
Goldielocks – Made of
Erika Vikman – Ich komme