Following the grand reveal of the seven acts competing in Finland’s Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu (UMK) 2024, Finnish broadcaster Yle is dropping the lyrics videos for each entry one by one. First up are Cyan Kicks with the song “Dancing with Demons”.
In 2022, Cyan Kicks competed in the Contest for New Music UMK with its entry Hurricane, placing second in the final. Their success in UMK was followed by numerous gigs all over Europe, a headline tour in Germany and, just recently, a tour in the United Kingdom and continental Europe along with rock group Smash Into Pieces.
The band is made up of vocalist Susanna Alexandra, guitarist Niila Perkkiö, bassist Leevi Erkkilä and drummer Pietari Reijonen. Cyan Kicks’ sound is easily identifiable, thanks largely to the band’s guitarist and producer Niila. Described as being “electric”, their ultimate sound finally took shape in 2017.
“You could say that our music is a metal heart in a pop wrapper,” states Niila.
Cyan Kicks – “Dancing with Demons”
The UMK entry Dancing With Demons is the result of long, hard work. It received its finishing touches in London’s legendary RAK Studios with the help of British songwriter Dan Lancaster. The song deals with harnessing one’s inner demons and turning them into a strength.
“Everyone has their own weaknesses and demons, which we’re ashamed of and don’t want anyone else to see. Then, we thought what if we were able to make our own inner demons our allies – what would happen?” describes Susanna.
UMK24 jury: “Placing second in the 2022 Contest for New Music UMK, Cyan Kicks is convincing with its song entry, which brings the group back to the competition for a second time round. The song has a catchy, strong chorus as well as depth and unexpectedness, which will help it withstand the test of time and keep it eminently listenable. The sound and interpretation of singer Susanna are full of emotion, both during the slow sections and the more powerful parts of the chorus. The explosive energy of Dancing With Demons cements the band’s place as a strong, modern bearer of the Finnish rock tradition”.
UMK 2023 song release schedule
- Thu, 11 January: Cyan Kicks – Dancing With Demons
- Fri, 12 January: Sexmane – Mania
- Mon, 15 January: Sara Siipola – Paskana
- Tue, 16 January: Jesse Markin – Glow
- Wed, 17 January Windows95man – No Rules
- Thu, 18 January Sini Sabotage – Kuori mua
- Fri, 19 January Mikael Gabriel x nublu – Vox Populi
