A week after the 12 artists competing to take Lordi’s place in the limelight, fans of the contest are getting over their initial disappointment over the lack of the very biggest names in Finnish music. On the Eurovision message boards the consensus seems to be, after contributors have had a chance to familiarise themselves with the artists’ music, that this bunch can indeed be provide for an interesting spring of Eurovision selections in the host country.
Some big names, like PMMP have gone public saying that they were asked to do Eurovision, but did not think it suited them. Others, like ex-Nightwish singer Tarja Turunen has told several interviewers that she was not even asked to take part, but surely only those in charge at YLE know the truth.
YLE bosses have said that the biggest bands like Him or Rasmus would have had nothing to gain from taking part. A representative from Universal records said on MTV3 Entertainment News however, that they had had serious considerations with many of their artists, but most could not commit themselves to the gruelling Eurovision schedule, which would take them most of the year from January to May.
The tabloid Iltalehti predicted some of the biggest names to take part just days before the announcement, so it is hardly a surprise that the paper’s readers show their dissatisfaction in an online poll, where only 15% of voters think that these artists have any potential to win for Finland again. www.iltalehti.fi/
YLE has promised to announce the titles of the songs and their authors on the 5th January 2007 at the latest.
MTV3 web poll has currently Hanna Pakarinen in the lead with 26.1% of the votes, followed by Lovex at 18.1% and Jann Wilde & Rose Avenue at 14.3%, with 2086 voters.
The acts have been organised in groups of three for the four semi-finals, sent live from YLE Tohloppi studios in Tampere.
Semi-final 1, 20 January 2007:
Jani & Jetsetters
The band claims to have coined a new musical genre, surf pop. They have the backing of Kalevi Puonti, who has experience in Eurovision selections in Finland. The band say their songs will follow up on the style of their debut album Uusi aalto. One of the songs is slower in tempo than the other, and their chosen language is said to be Finnish all the way.
www.magnummusic.fi/janijetsetters.htm
Hanna Pakarinen
Hanna is probably still the most popular of the 12 to take to the stage in Helsinki. She says to be happy to take part now, when she is not forced to conform to a typical Eurovision format, but can participate with her own type of “American pop rock” and her band. According to Hanna Lordi broke the mould and now her rock style is more welcome on Eurovision stage. She also thinks her songs are strong enough to take part.
She has taken a year off touring so taking part marks a minor come back for her. Also she can commit herself to the project wholeheartedly. Backed by the label behind Lordi’s success, Sony BMG Finland who should know what it takes to win.
www.myspace.com/hannapakarinen
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanna_Pakarinen
Thunderstone
The band say the request to take part in Eurovision was so odd, that they could only say yes. The band, which has already released three albums of their well produced melodic heavy metal say that they look the same as Lordi on stage, but need less time for their make-up. Thunderstone is signed to a German record label, and are reasonably well known in heavy metal circles. Lead singer Pasi Rantanen, sometimes dubbed Finland’s answer to David Coverdale says a catchy chorus is what is needed of a good Eurovision song.
Semi-final 2, 27 January 2007:
Jukka Kuoppamäki
This schlager veteran does not think he is too old for the contest, and mentions bands like the Rolling Stones or Genesis getting back on tour being same age as him. This man, whose Sininen ja valkoinen (Blue and White) has almost the status of an unofficial national anthem in Finland says he could not even think about singing in English. He promises us pop and even rock in his two songs.
www.poptori.fi/jukkakuoppamaki/
Humane
The band leader, model Kim Herold says they only decided take part after much discussion within the band. As they already are somewhat known abroad, he does not think they really need the extra exposure of Eurovision. Their two songs will follow up on the very laid-back atmosphere of their English language pop.
Katra
This classically trained singer used to sing with Lovex, who she now faces as competitors in the Finnish national finals. She says her two songs will have some oriental flavour and mystical energy. She says they are a bit harder than her first single Sahara and the inspiration for the lyrics comes from ancient Greece.
Her two songs are written by the very productive team of Risto Asikainen and Ilkka Vainio. Even if she prefers to sing in Finnish, and will do so in the semi-final, she will swap the language to English if she gets to represent Finland in Helsinki. She also says she will go for a full show on stage.
Semi-final 3, 3 February 2007:
Johanna Kurkela
Johanna was encouraged to take part by her record company. She will sing her typical ethereal ballads in Finnish. She hopes to reach peoples’ hearts with her fragile ballads
Kentala
The musician from Vaasa is happy to be allowed to sing his own material. He has recently released his first album Finally with his band Wee People.
Lovex
The band say some of their fans might be shocked by the decision to take part, but donj’t generally care what anybody thinks of them. Their album Divine Insanity has almost sold gold. “We were given a chance to do our own music and go on annoying people, so we said yes”
www.myspace.com/lovexmusicfinland
Semi-final 4, 10 February 2007:
Laura Voutilainen
Laura says she is not going to repeat her performance from Tallinn 2002, even if at least one of her songs will be written by the same songwriter, Maki Kolehmainen. “I will bring a full show on stage this time!” she enthuses. She says one of her songs is a slow one and in Finnish, whereas the other one is faster and in English.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laura_Voutilainen
Beats and Styles
This duo will not sit quietly and say they are going to impress by their fresh approach. They hope the audience will join in the good time they have on stage. The band has collaborated before with several schlager artists like Danny and Jari Sillanpää, so guest artists are not impossible.
www.myspace.com/beatsandstyles
Jann Wilde and Rose Avenue
Jann Wilde is already behaving like a proper rock star and is convinced he is what is needed for Eurovision. The band want to be noticed and surely will be so with their outspoken style and visuality on stage. Their first single is likely to chart in Finland this weekend.
Photos: artists' websites, with thanks!