Six artists will compete in this year’s Uuden Musikin Kilpailu (UMK), Finland’s national selection for Eurovision Song Contest 2020. Today the third entry for the selection was released.
Listen to “Looking Back”
About Aksel Kankaanranta
Aksel Kankaanranta rose to fame after taking part in The Voice of Finland in 2017. He made it all the way to the final where he finished second. In 2018, he featured in rap artist Pyhimys’ hit “Jättiläinen”, which eventually became the most streamed song of the year in Finland.
At Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu, Aksel wants to show that being shy shouldn’t prevent you from performing for a big audience. As big as 200 million.
People ask me why I want to appear before an audience of one million, even though I’m shy. Why should that be a problem? I want to show what I can do and to provoke strong feelings and reactions. I want to transmit emotions with my singing.
Aksel Kankaanranta on performing
About the song
“Looking Back” is a sensitive song telling about world-weariness, love and the feeling of inadequacy.
We set all kinds of milestones for our lives. Are they actually of any value and does achieving them really make us happy?
Aksel Kankaaranta on his song
The song is written by Joonas Angeria, Whitney Phillips, Connor McDonough, Riley McDonough, Toby McDonough. The McDonough brothers form the band Before You Exit.
Joonas Angeria has worked with big names in Finland, including Isac Elliot, Krista Siegfrids and Sunrise Avenue. He also has a connection with UMK – he co-wrote Satin Circus’ UMK 2015 entry “Crossroads”.
What do you think about “Looking Back”? Let us know below or on social media @ESCXTRA!
