Next week we get to find out who will wave the Finnish flag in Eurovision 2022, when the final of Uuden musiikin kilpailu (UMK) 2022 takes place on Saturday, February 26th 2022. Seven contestants will compete for the ticket to Turin in the show held in Logomo in Turku. One of the contestants is the alternative rock band Cyan Kicks, who will take over the stage of Logomo with their great song Hurricane. The band has four members: Susanna Alexandra (vocals), Niila Perkkiö (guitar), Leevi Erkkilä (bass guitar) and Pietari Reijonen (drums). Even though the band is probably very busy at the moment getting ready for UMK, they still had time to answer a few questions we asked from them. This is what Cyan Kicks told us about their relationship to Eurovision, the history of Cyan Kicks, their UMK entry Hurricane and some other things as well:

Hello Cyan Kicks and thank you for giving me this interview! At first I’d like to ask what is your relationship to Eurovision? Do you usually watch the contest and what are your favorite Eurovision songs?

We all watch Eurovision every year and it’s one of the highlights of the year. Watching the show together has already become a bit of a tradition! Our favorites are “Euphoria”, “Arcade”, “Hard Rock Hallelujah” and “Sound of Silence”.

Could you tell us a little bit something about how Cyan Kicks was born? How did you meet and how long have you known each other?

Susanna and Niila met 10 years ago through another band. Cyan Kicks was founded in 2016. Leevi and Pietari joined the band later that year. Niila, Leevi and Pietari were studying at Helsinki Pop & Jazz Conservatory at that time. We worked hard in the studio for a year, got signed by our label Ranka Kustannus a year later and released our first single ”Feathers” in July 2017.

How would you describe your song ”Hurricane” and the message of it?

“Hurricane” is a power song in its full meaning. For quite some time we wanted to write a song about the inner power that has pushed us forward as a band and as individuals. Being in a band is hard work and our goal is to make it big all over the world. We have never doubted ourselves. We hope that listeners get the message and find the song empowering.

What made you participate in UMK this year?

We’ve been actually thinking about participating UMK for four years now. Until this year we never thought we’re ready enough but now it felt right. We’ve released 2 albums already and the foundation feels strong now. We also have plans ready for this year – whatever happens with UMK.

What kind of stage show can we expect from you in UMK?

We can’t really tell anything, but from the get go we wanted to do something that people would not expect, especially from a rock band. Can’t wait!

If you could pick any of this year’s UMK artists to be a guest artist in one of your songs, who would you pick and why?

We must say Isaac Sene! I think his style would mix really well with ours, and it would be an ”outside the box” kind of collaboration. We’re always up for that!

Besides UMK, what plans does Cyan Kicks have for 2022?

We have a ton of plans already for this year. The new album is coming, we also have shows to announce, we really miss playing live and hope we can tour this year, finally.

What do you do when you don’t do music?

Niila: I’ve fell in love with sim racing and I love cooking, especially Asian style foods.

Susanna: In my free time I listen to ASMR and watch good series, but I’m constantly thinking everything about the band. It’s in my mind 24/7.

Leevi: Bouldering, watching anime and currently I’m studying Japanese.

Pietari: I’m probably either working or studying. Or fixing my broken car.

What would it mean to you to win UMK and represent Finland in Eurovision 2022?

We think we will literally explode if we win UMK. That’s our goal and we’re giving it 150%.

What would you like to say to our readers and your fans from all over the world?

We wanna send lots of love to each and every one of you reading this, our fans and supporters all around the world! We love you!

Thank you for the interview Cyan Kicks and the best of luck to UMK!

You can listen to the song Hurricane by Cyan Kicks here:

If Cyan Kicks is YOUR favorite to win UMK and represent Finland in Eurovision 2022, don’t forget to vote for them in our poll:

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