Finland: International DJ Darude for Eurovision 2019

Finnish broadcaster YLE has announced DJ and EDM icon Darude as their representative at the Eurovision Song Contest 2019. He will be joined by vocalist Sebastian Rejman from the band “The Giant Leap” for his three Eurovision songs, out of which one will be chosen as the Finnish Eurovision entry during the live broadcast “UMK 2019” on the 2nd of March.

Darude started making music in 1995. With four albums, a variety of single releases and an international career spanning over two decades, Ville Virtanen, better known by his stage name Darude, is one of the most successful Finnish artists of the modern era. He is best known for his iconic trance tack and international hit “Sandstorm” from 1999 (UK Singles Chart, Billboard Hot 100). His most recent album “Moments” was released in 2015.

For his participation at “UMK 2019”, the multi-platinum, award-winning producer/DJ will join forces with lead vocalist Sebastian Rejman from the Finnish rock band “The Giant Leap”. The band rose to fame in 2007 with their hit single “All In My Head” and released two albums.

During today’s announcement and live stream hosted by Krista Siegfrids (Eurovision 2013), Christoffer Strandberg and Mikko Silvennoinen (Finnish Eurovision commentator) Darude commented on his Eurovision participation:

This is a huge challenge for me in many ways. When I was asked to represent Finland I felt a bit scared at first, but there was no way I could say no to my country! It is an honour to be part of this incredible experience and I only have positive expectations!

Just like last year “UMK 2019” will only feature one artist. YLE will release Darude’s three songs competing in the national selection “UMK 2019” in three consecutive weeks, on February 8, 15 and 22. They will be performed live at the final of “UMK 2019” on the 2nd of March in Turku. A combination of public vote and international jury points will decide which of the three tracks will be Darude’s entry in Tel Aviv. Last year YLE had internally chosen Saara Alto as their representative. Out of her three proposals her song “Monsters” emerged as the winning track of “UMK 2018”. She finished in 25th position at the Grand Final in Lisbon with 46 points.