Don’t Have Time To Publish All My Portugal Photos Before Going To The Next Tour! 

ESC2018: The big 6

Time to talk about some Eurovision! I’m bursting to talk all my favorites! And there are so many since I’m in love with almost all the entries this year! Sayonara to the years when the paying countries sent their crappiest songs ever existing because this year many of the fans favorites come indeed from:

FRANCE

One of the earliest entries this year. Even when I was watching through the national selection Madame & Monsieur stood out for me. Was super happy that the French audience saved them and brought them to victory and Mercy has been non-stop play ever since. Some say it’s too political but for me it’s simply touching…the subject, the words, her singing. Just absolutely adore her voice. There’s so much emotion in this performance. I like their sound. It’s organic. The lightness and softness. It’s French but not too much. If you’re into this take a listen their debut album which came out in 2016. Their live performance though wasn’t as good as I had hoped for which I’m eager to see if they’ll do honour for the studio cut. So here’s the official video untill..

The magnificent Madame Monsieur with “Mercy” from France.

GERMANY

I was so sad last year for Germany. There was a happy girl singing last song of the final. And she sang her heart out. I wanted to like her but the song was just bad. I admired her positivity. This is not the case clearly in Lisbon. This is not the best song of the competition but it’s a big leap from previous German entries. It is definitely speaking to me. Like France it has a touching theme which also makes it to stand out from the rest of the ballads. Some say it’s cheesy, generetic but the emotion is raw, fragile and real. I see so much potential in this!

Michael Schulte with “You won’t let me walk alone” from Germany.

ITALY

For me Italy is a treasure chest what comes to the music. They have so much talent what comes to singing, performing, songwriting… And the world doesn’t know about them cause italian artists are quite happy staying in their own country. I was spectical when I hear their victory and did not like it at first listen. But this song has grown so much. Again a bit political theme, similar to France but I don’t care! It’s amazing! Their singing is brilliant and their voices sound so good together. There’s an organic sound which makes it to stand out from the rest pop songs in the contest. The intensity makes my world stop for 3:30 minutes.

Ermal Meta & Fabrizio Moro with “Non mi avete fatto niente” from Italy.

PORTUGAL

I wasn’t familiar with Portugal’s Festival de Cancao before this year. But since living here what the hell. Also I was interested by the fact that Diogo Picarra was one of the songwriters and performers. He’s the only portuguese artist singing in portuguese I actually like (language learning). His song was not the best of him I think but I was sad to hear the rumors that he had copied his song from something that was released 30 years ago. I do believe in his honesty and was even more saddened to hear him dropping out from the competition. Anyhow the one act that got selected to represent Portugal. I did like her song the best. It’s not the winner song of the competition but I like the mystical sound in it which portuguese language adds to it. Nice beat. Claudia is cute and fragile while Isaura got her back. Looking forward how it’s gonna look like on big stage in Lisbon!

Cláudia Pascoal from Portugal with “O Jardim”.

SPAIN

One of the earliest entries. I loved it from the first time I saw it. The song itself isn’t that special on its own but when you see them performing it together – it’s just magic. It somewhat stands out being one of the rare simple ballads without big arrangements. I’m so happy to be back loving the Spanish entry! 

I guess they’re gonna ditch the pianos but I just prefer this original live version from Spain..

UK

It has all the qualities that a good pop song needs. It has the pretty girl, great voice and charisma. There’s the beat and catchy tune. But no. Still not reaching high enough. I’ve really tried to like this one but no. However very classic pop song, British pop and eurovision pop also. I’m still hoping that this song will do the same as the last year’s UK entry did. They developed the song and the final version Ukraine hit me.

And because there’s a limit of only 5 videos in each post cannot add UK entry here but you can check it out here: 

Getting to know my new home city vol2. 

UMK 2018

CHOOSING SAARA AALTO in the fall 2017

For Eurovision 2018 Finland did things differently than expected. Instead of having the competition UMK (Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu) of 10 artists and their songs YLE, the local proadcaster chose one artist to represent the country in Lisbon in May. She would produce the songs where the ultimate track to Lisbon would be chosen by audience and jury votes in March 2018. And she was no one else but Saara Aalto, known to Eurovision audience already from UMK 2011 and 2016 (coming second). She also took part in X-Factor UK in 2016 coming second but this time making record deals with Sony Music and Warner. Therefore she has become quite a popular character in UK as in Finland gaining somewhat existing fan base in Europe but especially among Eurovision fans. 

The Eurovision dream of hers has never been a secret. Her attempts during previous years however haven’t been good enough in my opinion. She knows how to sing, perform and write songs but there has always been something missing. X-Factor gave her the much needed push and tools to create Finland’s Eurovision entry 2018. There has been a lot of criticism about choosing her without the public vote but to be honest this kind of buzz that is happening around her won’t wait. Finland has rarely these kind of artists as willing and skillful to perform at ESC so I’m definitely standing behind this. 

I will not review the videos cause in they don’t play much role in the final show of UMK or at Eurovision shows. 

MONSTERS Feb 9th 2018

The song offers a big start for Saara’s Eurovision 2018 journey. I was super afraid that the songs for Lisbon wouldn’t be good enough because earlier when Saara performed in UMK the songs weren’t good! But clearly this isn’t the case here! Monsters is an upbeat track with a catchy sound. Uplifting theme about leaving your demons behind you. Suits Saara and her story in life as in Eurovision. Her voice is soaring. This is such a motivating track and works outside of contest! Some say Sweden is all over this and but I’d say it’s high quality and attention to detail more like. No more that feeling that something is missing like in previous Saara’s attempt. I was impressed by the song when I first heard it but the more I listen to it the more it grows on me. This is gonna be big.

Domino Feb 16th 2018

The ballad. To be honest I was expecting bigger power ballad and this kind falls into the mid tempo range. But it has a nice sound. This can be memorable. Strong chorus and beat. Her voice is slightly over produced I think but still good singing here also. I like especially the bridge here by the way. First impressions were not as good as with Monsters but this song has grown for me and I’m really thinking this might work better when performed live!

Queens Feb 23rd 2018

Another uptempo track but with a theatrical twist. Knew to expect this. Goes with the same theme as Monsters but does not have the same catchy sound as the two previous songs did. It has some memorable notes and lines but it doesn’t reach same level as Monsters so therefore is the weakest link out of these three. Again I have to save some space for the live performance which in Eurovision can change things dramatically.

Nevertheless which of these songs will be selected I feel super positive about this! It will be the best pop we’ve have ever sent to Eurovision. I’m feeling also confident about Saara’s performance. She knows how to pull a ESC performance whether I’ll like it - that’s just the question of taste. 

The final track to Lisbon will be selected by jury and audience votes on March 3rd! 

Sétubal colours! I kind of miss the summer, not the hot temperatures but the rainless days...

A smile, in return to a smile

So I’ve been here for almost three weeks now. There’s been quite a range of different kind of emotions you go through when you move abroad. There’s been times when I’ve seriously doubted myself and all of this me being here- thing but after all, at the end of the day I do enjoy it all and I’m so glad I came. The stories I hear from other newcomers who’ve lived here now for months or even for years inspire me. Also the little moments of success of my own; when I get by in a café, groceries' or in a bank in French, encourage me. 

The passed few weeks I’ve just been on holiday really. Mainly also because of the weather which has been very hot and sunny. Rainy days basically zero so far. I've just been learning my way around here, what’s the closest grocery store or the best coffee or whatever. Preparing some practical things as well like getting a bank account and canadian number. But in this week I’m gonna start going to the gym again and most of all, looking for the job.  Let’s see how that’s gonna turn out..

So far no homesickness. Or I do miss certain things which I can’t find in here. I don’t know how sad/terribul/weird it is that those things are all food related :D I would sell my soul for Devil’s Jam right now or for the large finnish section of ice creams in the groceries back home. I’m really starting to realize that Finns might actually be the biggest consumers of ice cream in the world. Though I have to admit that Canadians have bigger ice cream jars (2L). Surprisingly the strawberry has become my favourite!

I do miss knowing everything. Where to get different stuff from or how to do things. Now I have to ask for help or just do things over and over again untill I get them right, find what I was looking for. But now I’m starting to get a hang of things here. Having an Internet connection helps tremendously to stay in touch with friends and family back home, sometimes I feel like I never left – I seriously don’t know how people coped before!

(Olympic Stadium, Montréal - notice the Finnish flag there up front!)

I’ve done a bit travelling as well. My first and one of the many trips here in Canada was to the capital itself, Ottawa. Bilingual, quite small, only 800 000 people living there but so british and clean! Huge amount of museums which I managed to visit only in one, Canadian museum of civilization. Btw loved the river being the border of two provinces, Ontario and Québec.  

(Where you can cross borders by crossing the bridge in Ottawa)

I do love this neighbourhood I’m living in. I’m so grateful that I found a room in this particular area. It’s full of restaurants, cafés, shops, parcs nearby, everything you need really. Small town of its own. Lots of immigrants here, you can hear so many languages.. The closest metro station is at 15min walking distance and there are plenty of bus connections as well. Even during the night. The best bagels in the city are just around the corner.

Financially cannot do much saving here. Apart from the rent of my room. Living is more expensive than in Spain for sure but not more than in Finland. There are positive surprises though, meat is cheaper here clearly. And I love the selection of cheeses, thanks to the French cuisine. I’m loving how local based most of the products are here.

What I love the most about living in this city is that there is always something happening, somewhere.The same diversity can be seen in the city itself and the people who live here. I’d like to triple myself to be able to attend to all the events, activities I’d like to see. The most happening day of the week seems to be Sunday. Tam Tam's, Piknic Elektronik, Pride etc.. 

There’s always a party going on in some part of the city. Every new day is a mystery. You don’t know what you’re gonna do and who you’re gonna meet. I've met some Québecois, some Canadians and some international people like myself. Some might stay in my life a bit for longer and others maybe not but I still enjoyed the time when their paths crossed mine. This is the best of travelling! 

(Piknic Elektronik, Sunday afternoon: waaay much better than any friday night out!) 

Évora, located in the hot Alentejo is full of history and culture! Don’t hesitate to visit! 

Lisbon / Portugal blogs

Lisbon and Portugal isnpire hundreads of travel posts, bloggers and videos but there are a few that stand out for me which I check out regurarly. 

HERE TO GO TO

http://www.wheretwogoto.com/category/around-portugal/around-lisbon/

A travel blog for Portugal and outside of it. Good tips for day or weekend trips from Lisbon. Written by expat couple in English.

SALT OF PORTUGAL

https://saltofportugal.com/about/

Mainly about Lisbon and Portugal. Different themes you can search for posts produced by small group of posts. I like that concept how they create this thing together. Nice artwork. They also have their own voicemap tour of Lisbon! And scarfs inspired by Lisbon tiles.In English.

LISBON BY LIGHT

https://www.lisbonbylight.com/lisbon-stories/

This is lovely even though more like a design blog. I love the idea of ’stories of Lisbon’ as locals of the city, often artists. Great strories and inspirations.  Great way to discover portuguese brands and artists. Very ’arty’, very Lisboa.

THE LITTLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE

http://www.littleupsidedowncake.com/category/lisbon-stories/

Like the name tells you already this about eating in Lisbon and elsewhere in the world. Another not a travel blog. You can look for recipes according to the time of the year, which is a fun idea. Love the posts of different cafés of Lisbon. Also stories behind the counter. Amazing photos!

LISBOA COOL / LISBON SECRETA / TIME OUT

Available in Portuguese as in English. These are all quite similar, commercial websites about Lisbon. Tips for visiting and learning more of it but also events, restaurants, cafes… Time Out comes out as a magazine once a week if you prefer.

VISUAL DIARY

https://www.lily.fi/blogit/visual-diary

In Finnish. Written by a graphic designer living in Lisbon for over 3 years. She writes about life, in general but especially in Lisbon. Great lists. Also about design. I love her photos. She also has a great instagram account worth following if you speak Finnish.

instagram

LISBON ME PLEASE / LISBOA LIVE / LISBOA COME

https://www.instagram.com/lisbon_me_please/

https://www.instagram.com/lisboalive/

https://www.instagram.com/lisboa.come/

Do you follow blogs about your home city /country? 

UMK 2024 Song Review - Sara Siipola

The hype is very real around Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu (UMK), the Finnish national selection for Eurovision and the race to Malmö continues with a ballad this time!

Sara Siippola - Paskana

Sara Siipola is fairly a new name in the sky of Finnish female artists. She kind of popped out of nowhere making a record deal with Sony Music in 2019 and releasing her first singles which were fairly successful. She also released her debut album "Kaunis Kun Itken" two years later and last year she was seen in popular music tv-show "Tähdet, Tähdet".

Still never heard of of her before and the artist announcement did nothing to me.

Paskana is power song that gives no hope. It's very raw lyrically and vocally.

It's a modern ballad with immediate hook. The song itself is not a traditional power ballad but does instrumentally push its boundaries. The electronic beat has 80's sound which also reminds many of the Russian girl duo t.A.T.u's sound. R'n'b beat separates it from an average ESC ballad and makes this super easy to listen.

Sara's voice can be compared to Amy Winehouse's being capable of interpreting the painful text brilliantly. The topic of being "paskana" which is translated as fucking wreck, is easily relatable. Social media quickly filled on Monday night with heartfelt comments from people around the world crying and feeling this song.

This is simply captivating - you can't pass this without stopping to listen to this and feeling what she sings. This will translate across language barriers.

ESC doesn't allow swearing so in case of winning UMK Sara would have to find another title for her song which might be a difficult task. There have been hopes of her translating this into English or pieces of it but I do hope this masterpiece remained in Finnish. Also this would differ quite a lot from our previous ESC entries. The last time we heard a female ballad from Finland was in 2017 with NormaJohn.

In a scenario where she didn't win UMK she might be the next Bess (Ram pam pam, 2022) or Kuumaa (Ylivoimainen, 2023) which either were the winning acts but made the biggest hits of their careers with the help of UMK. Reactions have been positive everywhere you go and her UMK videoclip has already been viewed over 240 000 (more than Sexmane) times. She's on her way to stardom!

What do you think of the third UMK24 track and would you vote for Sara Siipola to go all the way to Malmö? UMK final takes place on February 10th!