Features๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ฎ Finland

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ฎ Aksel: “I’m sorry for all the confusion I caused!”

The reigning champion is back!

Aksel is one of the seven artists competing at this year’s Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu, Finland’s national selection for Eurovision Song Contest. We had the chance to talk with Aksel after today’s reveal.

Last year you won UMK and now you are back for the second time. How do you feel about UMK21?

I’m very excited actually and it’s going to be a tough competition. I’m really looking forward to it.

Last year you said in an interview that you wouldn’t send a song, but you are taking part after all.

I was having an interview about my new single and then the conversation moved to UMK. I was asked if I am taking part and I panicked and said I’m not taking part, even I was supposed to say “no comment”.

What made you send a song in this year?

The main reason is that last year I didn’t get to go. I thought there is no harm on sending a new song in. Overall it was a nice process last year and I got lots of new contacts.  

Could you tell us a little bit about the song “Hurt”, how is it different from “Looking Back”?

It’s a bit slower than “Looking Back”, but vocally it’s more diverse and the story is something I can relate to and have also experienced before. It’s a lot about having hope that everything will be fine eventually. The main message of the song is that when you hurt yourself, you also hurt others.

Last year’s stage performance got a lot of positive feedback. Are the plans ready for this year’s show already?

Pretty much, yes. It won’t be anything over-the-top, but not as minimalist as last year. The story will be about rhythm of a day with the sunrises and sunsets. It will be beautiful!  

Photo: Mona Salminen / Yle

This year Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu won’t have any live audience. What do you think about that?

We will take even more advantage of elements which only the camera can see as we don’t have to think about what the live audience sees. It doesn’t really bother me, as I know there will be lots of people watching on TV and through the internet.

You mentioned that your favourite Eurovision entry ever is Iceland’s entry from last year “Think About Things”. Daði & Gagnamagnið got selected to represent Iceland this year as well and if everything goes right, would you be excited to meet Daði himself?

It would be very cool to have a chance to chat with him. He seems to be very nice person. Let’s see what happens!

Thank you for the interview! Do you have any message for the international fans?

Again I want to apologize for the confusion I caused. It’s great to be part of this year’s contest and I hope you like the song.

Aksel’s song will be released on January 20th. Are you excited to hear “Hurt”? Let us know below or on social media @ESCXTRA!

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