Laura is one of the seven artists competing at Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu 2021, Finland’s national selection to select their representative to Eurovision Song Contest. We had a chance to chat with her today, after it was announced she is taking part with the song “Play”.
Welcome to UMK! What made you want to take part in Finland’s national selection?
I’m super excited for that! I’ve been coming to Finland since I was a child and recently been doing other projects in Finland and this was a normal next step to take. I have also lived in Finland for a year now. Actually last year in Tampere, I got to see the UMK final and I fell in love with the competition, production and the people. I pulled myself together and sent one of my songs in and was lucky to get selected!
Your most recent Eurovision entry “Verona” was a big fan favourite back in 2017. What kind of memories you have from that year?
I have only good memories from that time. I just love Eurovision as a celebration of music and unity of people, regardless which country you come from or which language you speak. It was really fun time and I’m really looking forward to time when we can celebrate together again.
Last year you took part in Eesti Laul with a song by Finnish songwriters but this time your song is written by Estonian and Latvian writers. How did you select this song to send in?
I think the selection of the song came quite naturally. At that time when we were writing music together, this song wasn’t made for UMK and we had bunch of songs but when we came up with the song “Play”, it felt right to send this song to competition. At the time you don’t know really know why you have that feeling, but now I feel it was the right choice for this year especially.
Could you tell us something about the song “Play” and the stage performance you will have at UMK?
Many people had difficult relationships, with work relationships or personal relationship. The song talks about getting out of complicated relationship. The stage performance will include some story telling and will focus on the message of the song.
This year Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu won’t have any live audience. What do you think about that?
I don’t think it’s impacting the performance, but it’s sad that we won’t have the energy from the live audience. But at the same time Eurovision has always been a TV show and it’s important to play with the cameras and get the connection no matter if the audience is there or not.
Do you have any message for the international fans watching UMK this year?
I’m just really thankful to be part of it and I hope that everyone’s looking forward of the release of the song on January 19. Keep yourself updated and I will keep you updated via Instagram and if you have any questions, just send them to me.
Are you excited to hear Laura’s UMK21 entry “Play”? Let us know below or on social media @ESCXTRA!
