The fourth song of this year’s Uuden musiikin kilpailu (UMK) is now out. You can listen to the song ”Glow” by Jesse Markin here:
Jesse Markin is a Finnish rapper and singer. He was born in 1985 in Liberia and spent the first years of his life in his father’s home country Ghana. At the age of six Markin moved to Finland, to the small town of Viljakkala. Markin’s native languages are Finnish and English.
Markin’s music career started at 2002, when he met producer Simo Tuominen, with whom he later founded hip hop -group The Megaphone State. Markin and Tuominen made music together over a decade and released three albums. Markin started his solo career in 2018, when he released a double single with songs ”Blood” and ”Will Shoot”. The debut single got great feedback, and Finnish music magazine Soundi chose Markin as ”The Newcomer of the year” in November 2018.
Markin’s debut album ”Folk” was released in May 2019. Markin received two Emma-awards (Finnish Grammy) from his first album, ”Newcomer of the year” and ”Critics choice”, and in addition Markin and his producer Totte Rautiainen were awarded with Teosto-award of 25000 euros from the compositions and texts of ”Folk”. Markin’s popularity manifested on sold-out gigs, including everything from the iconic Finnish rock club Tavastia to the huge stage of Flow Festival. Markin’s second album ”Noir” was released in 2021.
According to YLE, at the beginning of Markin’s solo career there was some push to brand the artist as a rapper, but Markin felt it was too restrictive. Markin says he understands that many artists want to choose one specific genre and style to focus their efforts on. However, Markin wanted to do differently and infuse his music with many different worlds.
Markin tells YLE his music has gotten inspiration from movies, literature and the artist’s own life. Where his debut album ”Folk” focused on social perspectives, his 2021 album ”Noir” was a journey to Markin’s personal life. In addition to everything else, Markin has also made music for the second season of the Moominvalley series.
Markin tells he decided to apply in UMK because his song ”Glow” felt right. The song is a good example of Markin’s way too combine genres and styles that are important to him right now.
One of the main points of the song is ‘don’t give up’. Even the smallest spark can get things going if you just try. Musically speaking, the song contains afro-vibes, cosmic soundscapes and so much more, describes Markin.
This is what the jury of UMK24 has to say about Jesse Markin and his UMK entry ”Glow”:
Jesse Markin is one of Finland’s most highly respected indie names and internationally renowned artists. Glow is a unique combination of afro-house, uplifting summery energy and Jesse’s technically masterful lyrics and rapping. The song is full of interesting details, which build a stylish and personal whole around the optimistic chorus and dance pianos.
What is YOUR opinion of ”Glow” by Jesse Markin? Do you see it has potential to win UMK and represent Finland in Eurovision 2024? Let us know in comments or our social media channels!
