So proud that we’re sending this to Eurovision. This is 100% Gåte and not created especially for Eurovision, they’re just doing their thing like they’ve been doing for 20 years as a band. And, Gunnhild is not using auto tune.
that's what I wanted to say, the fact that Norway allows auto tune does not mean that artists have to use it, and I would assume that Gunnhild doesn't need any auto tune :)
Hi Rachel, I believe that the singer (Gunnhild) stated she wasn’t using auto tune in this performance as it doesn’t suit her style of singing so no need to worry! Glad you like it as much as you do
Here’s me dutchie thinking the nyckelharpa (hope I wrote that down correctly) was of swedish origin? Anyway, love Norway and Sweden equally. Brilliant to see this in eurovision. This sound brings me home to my metal roots and I hear Qntal (Germany, pay attention here and ask them for Eurovision..) Niko Valkeäpää (How beautiful to hear joik and Saami language in Eurovision one day?!?) and our own dutch colleagues Within Temptation and The Gathering (her voice is really like Anneke van Giersbergen!! Best dutch vocalist!!) my vote goes to Norway this year. I love our Joost to death but hey, can’t vote for him can I? Brilliant and already put Gåte in my playlist. Takk Norway!
@@AnChloe Gunhild started singing in what became this band at age 13. I can guarantee you that she don´t use or need auto-tune, best proof is in her albums before auto-tune was even invented.
@@TheNorseman that is not what I was saying, as a fellow trained singer I hear her technique very well, she is amazing. Just praised the song and love the nyckelharpa being used, wonderful instrument!
The instrument is called Nøkkelharpe (Keyharp). Both Norway and Sweden use it in folkmusic. The name of the singer is Gundhild Sundli and her brother, the founder of the band is Sveinung Sundli, the guy in the skirt who plays the guitar. Good review :)
The instrument in the beginning is called "nøkkelharpe", and it was also used when Norway won in 1995 with "Nocturne". BTW, I don't think Gunhild (the lead vocalist) is using autotune
As long juries consists of pop 'experts' only, it has no chance with the juries. Which is a real shame because to me this song is the definition of music. It does something to me I can't describe, and probably to a lot of other people who are pretty sensitive, but those juries seem to be immune to genuine music especially when guitars are involved, brainwashed by all the modern pop sound.
The Norwegian national final had juries from 10 different countries. They ranked Gåte way behind Keiinos silly song. Gåte was saved by the peoples votes. So I expect the juries to ruin it for Norway once again. (And I don't understand why. The uniqueness, the quality of the song, the performance and the staging was on a completely different level to it's contenders- something I thought a professional jury would award, but nah🤔..)
Thanks for sharing your thoughts 🌸🌼 Gunnhild doesn’t need any auto-tune, so that’s not any further topic. It would not work so well with auto-tune anyway due to the ethnic vocal style. I will be proud how ever. Gåte is the most authentic Norwegian band we ever have sent to Eurovision.
Now THIS. This is EXACTLY what I live for in Eurovision, a song that represents the culture of the country, in its native language and that you never get tired of listening to. What a composition and the lyrics are based on an actual Medieval folk tale (HOW FREAKING COOL IS THAT?!) For it to come from Norway is even more awesome, especially since they know how to do this metal-folk mix and they've sent nothing but pop in recent years. Candidate for my winner, it definitely is for now
It's time for folk and progressive rock to win the Eurovision. The best song I've heard in the contest. Best wishes Norway and you take my heart with your melody.🌹🌹🌹
I am SO loving this track - from first listen. It is my current no. 1. The blend of staging, vocals and instrumentation is so so good. It definitely gives me Bjork, Play Dead vibes. Can't wait to see this on the ESC stage. Fabulous to hear the Norwegian language. Love it! I hope the studio version is as good as this performance.
I can see this as winner this year. In all ways it is just very very good. Powerfull and ancient primeval power that is all our heritage. I followed them since the first album and there is nothing like it. For the ppl who do not get the grip of the performance, do watch it 2 more times and find the details that is the foundation of the song. Thanks
To me this is strong entree great production and vocals are amazing I must say one of the best entree of this Eurovision. I love the fact that she is singing in native language. Great job 🇳🇴❤️🇦🇱❤️
This is my favourite so far. Real instruments, an original rock song in which I recognise some melody and carachteristics typical of Nordic countries so it well represents their country. Great!
I was a fan of them before eurovision, so i was shocked when there where announced for mgp. I was sold out the moment i heard the song the first time and when the live performance came...I was spechless. So far my favorit by far.
This is my winner this year, and there's literally no chance that anything can change that. As soon as I saw the live performance, I just mentally checked it in to the list of my favorite ESC packages of all time and didn't even ponder the possibility this could lose MGP. Like, in a sensible world, it shouldn't have even been close. The full studio version is even better. (She most definitely was no autotuned here, because you can hear the imperfections, but they kind of don't matter unless you're a hardcore voice coach nerd.)
I knew you'd love this and I'm happy you took the time to listen to it. This is simply wow. Definitely my N.1 this year, despite my country having selected a masterpiece. Love from 🇮🇹
As someone from the Balkans who isn't used to these kind of songs I loved the song from day 1 and the live performance was epic - and then to find out that there is also a 5 Minute version of this masterpiece - well as Jennifer Hudson would throw her shoes in the Voice, I was ready to throw the whole cabinet :)
@@Koreviking I already checked some songs out - thanks for the advice though - and thanks to ESC and MGP that we from the other parts of Europe/World can experience these types of music 😁
Gate ulveham is my number one by far. When they first released mgp songs in jan 5th, i opened ulveham in a second when the music started they become my favorite rightaway. From the jan 5th to this day i always get chills and tears when i listen to this masterpiece. When they revealed the odds their chance to win mgp was so low before their performance. After the performance eurofans was blown away. Im so glad that they won. Im super excited to see this masterpiece in esc
Hi Rachel, Gunhild is more than capable… she’s been singing this folk style singing since very young (I remember her (and her brother on fiddle) performing at school at around age 9). One of my most memorable musical experiences was also when Bobby McFerrin performed in the Nidaros cathedral in 2008 randomly picked Gunhild from the crowd to improvise with him 🤯
When ive listened to this first time i got soo nostalgic. I used to listen to so much Scandinavian folk / folk metal when i was a teen, it immediately made me think of Lumsk or Eivor, and more but some band names I can’t even remember it’s been a while. But what an amazing performance! And the instrument is nyckelharpa or nøkkelharpe!
Knew you would like this one! I'm so happy we're finally sending a non-pop song and something in Norwegian. Don't get me wrong, I love pop, but this is so original! It's been a while since I've been so excited about a song from my own country. Gåte is a well known established band in Norway, so there's lots of their previous stuff to listen to if you want more of this.
This is the first song I instantly fell in love with. And my thought after the first listening was: there we have the winner...for me it is a great entry, ethereal and captivating
This is a splendid effort that's going to be elevated even more on the Eurovision stage. The way things are playing out this season, I'd be highly surprised if this song doesn't challenge for the win and I would be completely fine with it if Norway were crowned champions this year. I'm really enjoying the drama and epic nature of the performance.
This is a masterpiece. Best song ever. The more I listen to the song, the more it shines. It is so powerful, it almost puts me in trance, it gives goosebumps. It sends me back in time to the nordic ancesters and I can almost feel the witchcraft she wants to get rid of. Never has any song given me so much emotion. 11/10
Hi, there, Rachel. I just wanted to let you know that you are sort of an Eurovision "senpai" for me. I'm from Brazil and this is my first full Eurovision season, since I followed the show for the first time last year but from mid February onwards. I got absolutely hooked by your analysis of Cha Cha Cha at the time it came out and, since then, you are my "go to" channel for quality Eurovision musical content. I tried to catch up with as much Eurovision history as I could after the last final, and we share some other favorites (like Zitty i Buoni from 2021, even though I like the Swiss entry that year almost just as much), and this is, for me, the most impressive vocal performance since Suus (Albania, 2012). Of course I'm biased, because I grew up listening to heavy metal and this, Ulveham, ticks almost all the right boxes for me, but like you said there is a very clever chord progression here that is not usual for an Eurovision song (and Radiohead IS by far my favorite band today). I'm so, so happy this got to go to Malmö. I feel fully represented. I noticed you mentioned Björk, that I love, but I also feel some of the "colors" in her voice and a few of her vocal movements have a bit of the late and cherished Dolores O'Riordan in it. But that might be just me. Thank you so much for this review. I was absolutely eager to hear your thoughts about this entry and I really enjoyed seeing you appreciate it. You are probably going to like Italy's as well. It is really good, even though I guess Mahmood's was a bit better (check it out if you can, both live and the insanely good video), but I'll wait to see what you get from that one as well.
Oh I love this song so much and I knew that you were gonna love this. I really hope Europe will appreciate this and that they will end up in the top 5.
I absolutely adore this entry especially cause it introduces these ethnic elements (key harp, kveding), love that. Also love that it's more Rock/Metal-ish. Plus the amazing vocals my god, did you notice the growly type background vocals in the last repetition of the chorus? When you speak of the chords of a song: Do you mean that the notes of all the instruments played and the sung melody add up to e.g. a Fmin chord? If so how the hell can one hear that? I've been trying to learn music theory for a while now but can't wrap my head around that
I've seen them live before. And it's been folk/rock/metal.. and not an autotune in sight. I am only following the ESC this year because of Gåte. When that is over and done with, I will see them live at my favourite metal festival - Midgardsblot 😂
For me this has ancient roots to it. Reminds me of some of the contemporary sounds coming from the Hebrides and sung in Gaelic. I’m thinking of bands such as Niteworks.
It's been a while since I felt the winner vibes of whole ESC just in NF performance. 100/10 There's also almost 6 minute version of this song which contains 3rd verse (or bridge) in which Gunnhild goes for almost black metal-y shriek to enter that final almost-blackgaze style extended chorus (kept in ESC version), however that keyharp instrument sound is less distinctive unfortunately.
Awesome reaction 👍 I absolutely agree when it comes to autotune, I just don’t get it🤷♀️ But even though it’s allowed to use it doesn’t mean every artist does. Alessandra didn’t use it last year, and I know for sure that Gåte didn’t use it👍 Gåte is pronounced more like gaw-teh, and they have been a band for years. They started in 1999, but there’s been some pauses in between. They are known for being one of Norway’s best live bands🤘 English lyrics: [Sample: Vocalization; Marit Jensen Lillebuen] [Verse 1] I was such a beautiful maiden My stepmother evil, my mother she died She turned me into a sword and a needle And sent me to the king's estate And the anger my stepmother felt the most That all the stately liked me best [Verse 2] Then she gave me skin like a grey wolf She cursed me to walk the forest alone And never will I bе whole and good Before I drink my brothеrs' blood [Chorus: Vocalization] [Outro: Vocalization, Storm] I then tore out her heart So her blood flowed free Then I got to drink my brothers' blood
I just love love love your commentaries on the Eurovision songs! You are so well articulated and the way your use music theory knowledge to break down each song is just so interesting. I'm glad you picked up on the prog(y) elements of the song, which imo really elevates the song from a standard rock song to something unique and hard to place. Really hope this does well in May. Looking forward to the coming videos - Keep up the awesome work!
This is my favourite Norwegian entry for some time (sorry Tix and Ben from A1). Her voice is amazing, and certainly doesn't need the dreadful autotune that some of the other singers probably had going on. The raw power of the song comes through when it's just her. Does anyone else think she looks like a 1977-era Stevie Nicks here? This performance takes me back to 1995, which was the last time Norway sang in their native language (not that there was much singing in that song) AND used a nyckelharpa in the same performance. They did rather well that year, I believe 🙂
@@neilonaniet No, they had Hardingfele, which is something others than violins. Nøkkelharpe is the Swedish national instrument, hardingfele is the Norwegian.
As a Norwegian, I've been waiting for us to send something like this. It was about damn time we sent something cultural that was not a pop song in English. In fact, this is the first Norwegian song at ESC since "Alvedansen" in 2006 - 18 years ago! (And no, Gunnhild is not using autotune on her voice. Gåte is a well-seasoned band that has been around since 1999, and this style of mixing Norwegian folk music with rock/metal and electronica is their trademark.)
This song has such winner vibes and I can’t wait to see it in Eurovision! I’m sad Keiino wasn’t able to go through and man MGP was so good this year but having said that Gäte definitely deserved to win!👏👏👏
I don't understand the whole autotune thing, I mean she didn't need it for 20 years, her voice is flawless. But yes this is my 2024 winner already. This song does things to me I can't describe, this is what music is all about !
I highly doubt Gunhild uses any autotuine... She's been on stage with this band since she was 14... She's been breathing folkemuikk since she was born. She don't need any autotune. It would probably just be in the way for her
Norway and Italy is getting me hypped for May. As a portuguese I hope we can send my favorite entry from FdC'24 and I hope u like what we'll send. Thanks for the amazing content. Following your reacts since 2021 and they are the best in all the Eurovision'verse.
Thank you so much for this reaction! The singer actually sang at my cousins wedding when she was young, and my uncle helped the band getting started financially. Believe me this is a very experienced band and she does not use auto tune. She's just that good. My family was at the edge of their seats during the finale! 🥰 Edit: the instrument is called a Nøkkelharpe ♥
I enjoyed this one very much. So dramatic and theatrical! It was wonderful to see you so excited about it as well. And yes, I agree using autotune in the regional competitions makes no sense. It'd be like allowing steroids in the Olympic trials.
Gunhild is singing in a mix of dialects and some very old style Norwegian, but with a 1000 year old poem as a base it is no wonder. And they dont use autotune the style of Norwegian folk she sings(kulokk/calling)you cant use it even if you wanted to. But the fact is this is all her. Gåte has been doing their own style of music for 20 years and they are amazing live. When i heard they where entering i knew they would win because they are very popular here in Norway. and i am so glad the "expert" jury did not ruin it
this is one of my favorite songs this year, thank you for your reaction. If you still like Käärijä I would recommend that you check out his UMK performance of his new song Ruoska(if you have not already seen it) I think you will love it
I am norwegien living in sweden, actually only 5 minutes on my bike from the arena where the Eurovision will be staged in May! When I first listen to this song I didnt like it at all. But after being linstening to it a few more time it grows all the time and now it give sme goosebumbs every time! Norway could win it all?
Yeah, she dosen't use autotune, and at the end you can hear her voice break. It did not break in her first performance. I like it though, makes it authentic.
I have been a fan of this band since 2004 and this will be the first time a band I absolutely love will participate in the ESC. While this is far from being their best song, I find it still highly enjoyable. I don't know where all this talk about autotune originates from, because Gunnhild doesn't need it and doesn't use it at Gåte's live concerts. I highly recommend to check out this live-clip of "Rideboll & Gullborg" on their official channel, in which Gunnhild's vocals go up really high right at the beginning: ruclips.net/video/QibgUDNCVlA/видео.html There's definitely no autotune there! And one of their most impressive live performances (also as far as stage acting is concerned) is IMO this rendition of "Margit Hjukse" (in which especially their guitarist does some crazy stuff in the second half of the song): ruclips.net/video/OnNjBs6ULlE/видео.html
Angelina Mango is the Italian singer at the ESC 2024 with "La Noia". But from the deep of my heart I invite you to listen to her cover of his father's song "La rondine". She made a whole nation cry.
Great analysis, really like your associations. You managed to explain why I found this so musically interesting. Gåte is a band that started in 1999, when singer Gunnhild was only 13 (according tho the Norwegian wikipedia page), and is known for great live performances. No autotune problems here. The band has always been inspired by traditional Norwegian folk music and rock. Even if I'm Norwegian, I had to research this. The opening is an old Norwegian herding call, which is developed in the chorus. The verses are heavily inspired by the Norwegian medieval ballad «Møya i ulveham». There are several lyrical variations of the ballad and the melody was lost. There are also old Swedish and Danish variants of the same ballad. Gåte's lyrics in Ulveham is based on the first part: A young maiden is transformed by her evil stepmother into a needle, a knife and a sword. The good disposition of the maiden prevails, even if she is a transformed being, and all the most virtuous people appreciate the needle, the knife and the sword. To punish the maiden even more severely, the stepmother then turns her into a wolf and curses her to walk alone in the forest until she has drunk her brother's blood. Which is where the text of the Eurovision lyrics ends. (The middle age ballad however has a darker ending, and I get associations to old original Brothers Grimm fairy tales: After a while, the stepmother is having a child. The wolf attacks the stepmother on her way to church, and drinks her heart's blood. Thus the curse is broken, and the virgin stands forth and is just as good.) Source, published by the National Library of Norway (in Norwegian): www.bokselskap.no/boker/naturmytiskeballadar/tsb_a_19_moyaiulveham
I totally admire Norway sending this to Eurovision. I think I'm a bit less optimistic about the winner potential some people see, but it's still in my top half of the songs we have so far. But of MGP, I absolutely loved Green Lights by Miia and Judge Tenderly of Me. (Which made the televote reveal sequence of those two scores being so low and then My AI being so high really painful.)
@@TheManInBlueFlames agree to disagree, to me popularity or stream numbers shouldn't have as much bearing on song competitions as they do, I understand why that's the case but I don't think it's a good thing
Hi Rachel. I was waiting for you to review this one as I was sure you would love it. I love it too and would rate it #1 at this stage. I'm glad that Keiino did not win (review that when you have a chance; the entire MGP final was full of good songs). I don't know what that instrument was either.
So proud that we’re sending this to Eurovision. This is 100% Gåte and not created especially for Eurovision, they’re just doing their thing like they’ve been doing for 20 years as a band. And, Gunnhild is not using auto tune.
that's what I wanted to say, the fact that Norway allows auto tune does not mean that artists have to use it, and I would assume that Gunnhild doesn't need any auto tune :)
I would be so proud if I was Norwegian right now, what a song ! 100% my winner, nothing will come close no matter what still has to come out !
Jeg også❤👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🇳🇴🇳🇴
No Autotune here - it’s The Real McCoy ✌️
Yup, all of this! Also, having seen them last year, they're just an absolutely crazy good live band!
Hi Rachel, I believe that the singer (Gunnhild) stated she wasn’t using auto tune in this performance as it doesn’t suit her style of singing so no need to worry! Glad you like it as much as you do
Here’s me dutchie thinking the nyckelharpa (hope I wrote that down correctly) was of swedish origin? Anyway, love Norway and Sweden equally. Brilliant to see this in eurovision. This sound brings me home to my metal roots and I hear Qntal (Germany, pay attention here and ask them for Eurovision..) Niko Valkeäpää (How beautiful to hear joik and Saami language in Eurovision one day?!?) and our own dutch colleagues Within Temptation and The Gathering (her voice is really like Anneke van Giersbergen!! Best dutch vocalist!!) my vote goes to Norway this year. I love our Joost to death but hey, can’t vote for him can I? Brilliant and already put Gåte in my playlist. Takk Norway!
@@AnChloe Gunhild started singing in what became this band at age 13. I can guarantee you that she don´t use or need auto-tune, best proof is in her albums before auto-tune was even invented.
@@TheNorseman that is not what I was saying, as a fellow trained singer I hear her technique very well, she is amazing. Just praised the song and love the nyckelharpa being used, wonderful instrument!
Auto tune would ruin this song. You just can`t sing Norwegian folk music with auto tune.
I get goosebumps whenever I hear it. This song is extraordinary. They are Eurovisions ready.
Probably there's no another song to dethrone Ulveham of my favourites this year.
The instrument is called Nøkkelharpe (Keyharp). Both Norway and Sweden use it in folkmusic. The name of the singer is Gundhild Sundli and her brother, the founder of the band is Sveinung Sundli, the guy in the skirt who plays the guitar. Good review :)
The instrument in the beginning is called "nøkkelharpe", and it was also used when Norway won in 1995 with "Nocturne". BTW, I don't think Gunhild (the lead vocalist) is using autotune
No autotune. Pure perfection of a longfounded tradition of singing.
I don't think anything could come out that would top this for me. I just really hope the juries finally get behind Norway for this one.
As long juries consists of pop 'experts' only, it has no chance with the juries. Which is a real shame because to me this song is the definition of music. It does something to me I can't describe, and probably to a lot of other people who are pretty sensitive, but those juries seem to be immune to genuine music especially when guitars are involved, brainwashed by all the modern pop sound.
The Norwegian national final had juries from 10 different countries. They ranked Gåte way behind Keiinos silly song. Gåte was saved by the peoples votes. So I expect the juries to ruin it for Norway once again. (And I don't understand why. The uniqueness, the quality of the song, the performance and the staging was on a completely different level to it's contenders- something I thought a professional jury would award, but nah🤔..)
@@TuncleUpelo Yeah that feels very frustrating. I mean if anything they should vote for quality, yet they vote for what 15 year old girls listen to.
This can be another Nocturne. Also not a jury bait.
Im afraid the juries will sabotage us again. They always give points to flat boring songs
Thanks for sharing your thoughts 🌸🌼
Gunnhild doesn’t need any auto-tune, so that’s not any further topic. It would not work so well with auto-tune anyway due to the ethnic vocal style.
I will be proud how ever. Gåte is the most authentic Norwegian band we ever have sent to Eurovision.
Now THIS. This is EXACTLY what I live for in Eurovision, a song that represents the culture of the country, in its native language and that you never get tired of listening to. What a composition and the lyrics are based on an actual Medieval folk tale (HOW FREAKING COOL IS THAT?!) For it to come from Norway is even more awesome, especially since they know how to do this metal-folk mix and they've sent nothing but pop in recent years. Candidate for my winner, it definitely is for now
So cool!!!!
This is my favorite so far, I've always wanted Norway to send something like this. I'm speechless everytime I watch and listen to this performance
It's time for folk and progressive rock to win the Eurovision. The best song I've heard in the contest. Best wishes Norway and you take my heart with your melody.🌹🌹🌹
My winner! So thankful to Norway for sending this masterpiece to Eurovision ❤.
I am SO loving this track - from first listen. It is my current no. 1. The blend of staging, vocals and instrumentation is so so good.
It definitely gives me Bjork, Play Dead vibes. Can't wait to see this on the ESC stage. Fabulous to hear the Norwegian language. Love it! I hope the studio version is as good as this performance.
It's my #1 too!!!! (: (: (:
I can see this as winner this year. In all ways it is just very very good. Powerfull and ancient primeval power that is all our heritage. I followed them since the first album and there is nothing like it. For the ppl who do not get the grip of the performance, do watch it 2 more times and find the details that is the foundation of the song. Thanks
To me this is strong entree great production and vocals are amazing I must say one of the best entree of this Eurovision. I love the fact that she is singing in native language. Great job 🇳🇴❤️🇦🇱❤️
This is my favourite so far. Real instruments, an original rock song in which I recognise some melody and carachteristics typical of Nordic countries so it well represents their country. Great!
I was a fan of them before eurovision, so i was shocked when there where announced for mgp. I was sold out the moment i heard the song the first time and when the live performance came...I was spechless.
So far my favorit by far.
This ia my winner and it's unlikely that someone can top it. Love love love this.
This is my winner this year, and there's literally no chance that anything can change that. As soon as I saw the live performance, I just mentally checked it in to the list of my favorite ESC packages of all time and didn't even ponder the possibility this could lose MGP. Like, in a sensible world, it shouldn't have even been close. The full studio version is even better. (She most definitely was no autotuned here, because you can hear the imperfections, but they kind of don't matter unless you're a hardcore voice coach nerd.)
I knew you'd love this and I'm happy you took the time to listen to it. This is simply wow. Definitely my N.1 this year, despite my country having selected a masterpiece. Love from 🇮🇹
This is a TEN from me! I love this one! It's my favorite, along with France's entry. This vocal is fantastic and the song itself is great too!
This is my favorite song this year so far, and honestly I don't think anything will top that, love it so much, 12 points from Belgium.
When I tell you I’ve been WAITING for your reaction! This song is just unreal!
As someone from the Balkans who isn't used to these kind of songs I loved the song from day 1 and the live performance was epic - and then to find out that there is also a 5 Minute version of this masterpiece - well as Jennifer Hudson would throw her shoes in the Voice, I was ready to throw the whole cabinet :)
About to rock your world here then: Gåte has released several albums that are equally good.
@@Koreviking I already checked some songs out - thanks for the advice though - and thanks to ESC and MGP that we from the other parts of Europe/World can experience these types of music 😁
Gate ulveham is my number one by far. When they first released mgp songs in jan 5th, i opened ulveham in a second when the music started they become my favorite rightaway. From the jan 5th to this day i always get chills and tears when i listen to this masterpiece. When they revealed the odds their chance to win mgp was so low before their performance. After the performance eurofans was blown away. Im so glad that they won. Im super excited to see this masterpiece in esc
I wish I could erase my memory and watch this masterpiece for the first time again
Me too!
I feel this!!!
I never tire of it 🤣🤟🎶🔥❤️
Me too
Hi Rachel, Gunhild is more than capable… she’s been singing this folk style singing since very young (I remember her (and her brother on fiddle) performing at school at around age 9). One of my most memorable musical experiences was also when Bobby McFerrin performed in the Nidaros cathedral in 2008 randomly picked Gunhild from the crowd to improvise with him 🤯
When ive listened to this first time i got soo nostalgic. I used to listen to so much Scandinavian folk / folk metal when i was a teen, it immediately made me think of Lumsk or Eivor, and more but some band names I can’t even remember it’s been a while. But what an amazing performance! And the instrument is nyckelharpa or nøkkelharpe!
Knew you would like this one! I'm so happy we're finally sending a non-pop song and something in Norwegian. Don't get me wrong, I love pop, but this is so original! It's been a while since I've been so excited about a song from my own country.
Gåte is a well known established band in Norway, so there's lots of their previous stuff to listen to if you want more of this.
I love "Ulveham", and I adore your reaction!
Great reaction
Takk så mye from the hart and spirit of Norway 🙏❤️❤️❤️ You are a GEM urself 🙏🥰🫠❤️
Loved hearing your comments on this masterpiece ❤ Thank you!
This is the first song I instantly fell in love with. And my thought after the first listening was: there we have the winner...for me it is a great entry, ethereal and captivating
This is a splendid effort that's going to be elevated even more on the Eurovision stage. The way things are playing out this season, I'd be highly surprised if this song doesn't challenge for the win and I would be completely fine with it if Norway were crowned champions this year. I'm really enjoying the drama and epic nature of the performance.
This is a masterpiece.
Best song ever.
The more I listen to the song, the more it shines.
It is so powerful, it almost puts me in trance, it gives goosebumps. It sends me back in time to the nordic ancesters and I can almost feel the witchcraft she wants to get rid of.
Never has any song given me so much emotion.
11/10
My winner so far! Great reaction❤
Hi, there, Rachel. I just wanted to let you know that you are sort of an Eurovision "senpai" for me. I'm from Brazil and this is my first full Eurovision season, since I followed the show for the first time last year but from mid February onwards. I got absolutely hooked by your analysis of Cha Cha Cha at the time it came out and, since then, you are my "go to" channel for quality Eurovision musical content. I tried to catch up with as much Eurovision history as I could after the last final, and we share some other favorites (like Zitty i Buoni from 2021, even though I like the Swiss entry that year almost just as much), and this is, for me, the most impressive vocal performance since Suus (Albania, 2012). Of course I'm biased, because I grew up listening to heavy metal and this, Ulveham, ticks almost all the right boxes for me, but like you said there is a very clever chord progression here that is not usual for an Eurovision song (and Radiohead IS by far my favorite band today). I'm so, so happy this got to go to Malmö. I feel fully represented. I noticed you mentioned Björk, that I love, but I also feel some of the "colors" in her voice and a few of her vocal movements have a bit of the late and cherished Dolores O'Riordan in it. But that might be just me. Thank you so much for this review. I was absolutely eager to hear your thoughts about this entry and I really enjoyed seeing you appreciate it. You are probably going to like Italy's as well. It is really good, even though I guess Mahmood's was a bit better (check it out if you can, both live and the insanely good video), but I'll wait to see what you get from that one as well.
Heeeeey :D Quer um amiguinho brasileiro pra papear sobre ESC? Hahahahah o///
@@PauloCesarLira5 Opa! Quero sim, kkkkkk!
Awww I love it! Eurovision Senpai ♥️
@@ThePeaceAround I got a reply from you! I feel so honored!!😍❤
Oh I love this song so much and I knew that you were gonna love this. I really hope Europe will appreciate this and that they will end up in the top 5.
Maybe in can even win? (:
@@freemangriffin4953 Let's pray.
@@freemangriffin4953 Let's hope.
Thats a great song with an outstanding performance...really lures you in its universe from sec1 to the end...good job Norway, a 9/10 for me...
3 another beautiful songs from Gåte:
"Svarteboka", "Huldra" and "Kom no disjka".
Svarteboka is my 2nd favorite, after Ulveham.
I like Draumefanga, Sjå attende (cheesy but fun) , Kjærleik, Rideboll & Gullborg
I absolutely adore this entry especially cause it introduces these ethnic elements (key harp, kveding), love that. Also love that it's more Rock/Metal-ish. Plus the amazing vocals my god, did you notice the growly type background vocals in the last repetition of the chorus?
When you speak of the chords of a song: Do you mean that the notes of all the instruments played and the sung melody add up to e.g. a Fmin chord? If so how the hell can one hear that? I've been trying to learn music theory for a while now but can't wrap my head around that
This is absolutely incredible!
I've seen them live before. And it's been folk/rock/metal.. and not an autotune in sight. I am only following the ESC this year because of Gåte. When that is over and done with, I will see them live at my favourite metal festival - Midgardsblot 😂
One of many things I like is the transition from a 4/4 feel to a 2/2 feel in the chorus. Gives a heavy headbanger feel.
Yes!! That 2/2 feel is so epic in the chorus
Nice reaction! After 2015 and 2020, Norway will be my winner again this year. Everything about this is stunning!!!
For me this has ancient roots to it. Reminds me of some of the contemporary sounds coming from the Hebrides and sung in Gaelic. I’m thinking of bands such as Niteworks.
This is certainly one of my faves if not my favorite this year so far!!
Norway was done dirty by the jury and public vote this year 😢 this song was a masterpiece! Do people hate good music?
People with a musical ear stopped watching a long time ago
This is my #1 so far. I really love your reactions, how it's so genuine.
Norway’s song for Eurovision 2024, ‘Ulveham’ by Gåte.
😃
I was waiting for this ❤ Really happy you like it! ❤
It's been a while since I felt the winner vibes of whole ESC just in NF performance. 100/10
There's also almost 6 minute version of this song which contains 3rd verse (or bridge) in which Gunnhild goes for almost black metal-y shriek to enter that final almost-blackgaze style extended chorus (kept in ESC version), however that keyharp instrument sound is less distinctive unfortunately.
Awesome reaction 👍
I absolutely agree when it comes to autotune, I just don’t get it🤷♀️
But even though it’s allowed to use it doesn’t mean every artist does.
Alessandra didn’t use it last year, and I know for sure that Gåte didn’t use it👍
Gåte is pronounced more like gaw-teh, and they have been a band for years.
They started in 1999, but there’s been some pauses in between.
They are known for being one of Norway’s best live bands🤘
English lyrics:
[Sample: Vocalization; Marit Jensen Lillebuen]
[Verse 1]
I was such a beautiful maiden
My stepmother evil, my mother she died
She turned me into a sword and a needle
And sent me to the king's estate
And the anger my stepmother felt the most
That all the stately liked me best
[Verse 2]
Then she gave me skin like a grey wolf
She cursed me to walk the forest alone
And never will I bе whole and good
Before I drink my brothеrs' blood
[Chorus: Vocalization]
[Outro: Vocalization, Storm]
I then tore out her heart
So her blood flowed free
Then I got to drink my brothers' blood
I just love love love your commentaries on the Eurovision songs! You are so well articulated and the way your use music theory knowledge to break down each song is just so interesting. I'm glad you picked up on the prog(y) elements of the song, which imo really elevates the song from a standard rock song to something unique and hard to place. Really hope this does well in May.
Looking forward to the coming videos - Keep up the awesome work!
This is my favourite Norwegian entry for some time (sorry Tix and Ben from A1). Her voice is amazing, and certainly doesn't need the dreadful autotune that some of the other singers probably had going on. The raw power of the song comes through when it's just her. Does anyone else think she looks like a 1977-era Stevie Nicks here?
This performance takes me back to 1995, which was the last time Norway sang in their native language (not that there was much singing in that song) AND used a nyckelharpa in the same performance. They did rather well that year, I believe 🙂
yeah they did pretty well. They won the contest that year
@@chootanfDid they?! I had no idea …
Norway sung in Norwegian in 2006, as well. The song is "Alvedansen" by Christine Gulbrandsen.
@@ahkkariq7406 Yes, but did they have a nykelharpa?
@@neilonaniet No, they had Hardingfele, which is something others than violins. Nøkkelharpe is the Swedish national instrument, hardingfele is the Norwegian.
I've seen them live before. The vocalist is truly amazing live.
As a Norwegian, I've been waiting for us to send something like this. It was about damn time we sent something cultural that was not a pop song in English. In fact, this is the first Norwegian song at ESC since "Alvedansen" in 2006 - 18 years ago!
(And no, Gunnhild is not using autotune on her voice. Gåte is a well-seasoned band that has been around since 1999, and this style of mixing Norwegian folk music with rock/metal and electronica is their trademark.)
Just love it...❤️❤️
Yes, this it. It has clicked, and persists clicking. A banger.
Gunhild is not using autotune. She uses backtrack for chorus tho, she just have that voice
This has winner vibes written all over it...!! 😍
It is really a song about being a werewolf - in what is called "new norvegian". And Gunnhild is fantastic!
Very great reaction. So ready for the Italy reaction. That instumental is soo good there and surprising as well.
🇸🇯 Norway in TOP
Gåte is one of the best vocalists in Northern Europe. I've seen them live. I can't express how good she is.
Her vocals are fire. I am so happy for this entry and also a Norwegian language song. :) I am excited to hear this in Sweden!
Can't wait for you to react to Italy's entry!!!
I personally dislike Italy's entry this year.
@@freemangriffin4953 Give it a second try! Angelina Mango is a great young singer :)
@@freemangriffin4953 You should give it a second try :)
10/10 if your ask me - and I´m from Denmark, by the way :)
Love It❤❤❤
OMG... This just has to win Eurovision. Absolutely captivating, magical, raw & beautiful ...😍 No autotune here.
This song has such winner vibes and I can’t wait to see it in Eurovision! I’m sad Keiino wasn’t able to go through and man MGP was so good this year but having said that Gäte definitely deserved to win!👏👏👏
I don't understand the whole autotune thing, I mean she didn't need it for 20 years, her voice is flawless.
But yes this is my 2024 winner already. This song does things to me I can't describe, this is what music is all about !
She also doesn’t use it here. Artists were allowed to use autotune in MGP if they wanted to; she didn’t.
I highly doubt Gunhild uses any autotuine...
She's been on stage with this band since she was 14... She's been breathing folkemuikk since she was born.
She don't need any autotune.
It would probably just be in the way for her
Norway and Italy is getting me hypped for May.
As a portuguese I hope we can send my favorite entry from FdC'24 and I hope u like what we'll send.
Thanks for the amazing content. Following your reacts since 2021 and they are the best in all the Eurovision'verse.
And there is a full version of almost 6 minutes of the song!! They are amazing
LOVE IT!! ❤
Thank you so much for this reaction! The singer actually sang at my cousins wedding when she was young, and my uncle helped the band getting started financially. Believe me this is a very experienced band and she does not use auto tune. She's just that good. My family was at the edge of their seats during the finale! 🥰
Edit: the instrument is called a Nøkkelharpe ♥
Gåte is pronounced Gawteh
Ulveham is a masterpiece 🥇
She doesn't use autotune.. Gunnhild is the real deal!
Seeing them live in Oslo this Friday 😎🤘
she's also singing in old norwegian which is also very cool, even i that are norwegian don't understand what she says while singing
Love it
I enjoyed this one very much. So dramatic and theatrical! It was wonderful to see you so excited about it as well. And yes, I agree using autotune in the regional competitions makes no sense. It'd be like allowing steroids in the Olympic trials.
Love your reaction. Å is the last letter in the Norwegian alphabet. It is pronounced au or aw. Gåte means riddle
It means riddle *or* enigma. enigma fits better in this case, imo
Other ways to think about the pronunciation of Å is the o in bold or a in always 😊
Gunhild is singing in a mix of dialects and some very old style Norwegian, but with a 1000 year old poem as a base it is no wonder.
And they dont use autotune the style of Norwegian folk she sings(kulokk/calling)you cant use it even if you wanted to.
But the fact is this is all her.
Gåte has been doing their own style of music for 20 years and they are amazing live.
When i heard they where entering i knew they would win because they are very popular here in Norway.
and i am so glad the "expert" jury did not ruin it
this is one of my favorite songs this year, thank you for your reaction.
If you still like Käärijä I would recommend that you check out his UMK performance of his new song Ruoska(if you have not already seen it) I think you will love it
The Norwegian delegation is adamant that the autotune is just a slight polish, and will not cover up pitch mistakes. Love this entry.
No autotune here. This is Gunnhild's voice as we know it for 20 years :)
Also it's not like everyone HAS to use it. They can choose.
I am norwegien living in sweden, actually only 5 minutes on my bike from the arena where the Eurovision will be staged in May! When I first listen to this song I didnt like it at all. But after being linstening to it a few more time it grows all the time and now it give sme goosebumbs every time! Norway could win it all?
Yeah, she dosen't use autotune, and at the end you can hear her voice break. It did not break in her first performance. I like it though, makes it authentic.
She is not jusing autotune❤
This Band and Gunnhild would NEVER use Auto Tune. They are far to professional. And her traditional singing style vould not work with Autotune.
The instrument you see in the opening shot is called a keyharpe (nøkkelharpe) which is an old scandinavian folklore instrument.
I have been a fan of this band since 2004 and this will be the first time a band I absolutely love will participate in the ESC. While this is far from being their best song, I find it still highly enjoyable. I don't know where all this talk about autotune originates from, because Gunnhild doesn't need it and doesn't use it at Gåte's live concerts. I highly recommend to check out this live-clip of "Rideboll & Gullborg" on their official channel, in which Gunnhild's vocals go up really high right at the beginning: ruclips.net/video/QibgUDNCVlA/видео.html There's definitely no autotune there! And one of their most impressive live performances (also as far as stage acting is concerned) is IMO this rendition of "Margit Hjukse" (in which especially their guitarist does some crazy stuff in the second half of the song): ruclips.net/video/OnNjBs6ULlE/видео.html
Takk fra Hjertet av Norge og GÅTE❤ TAKK
I was hoping to see your reaction to this years Eurovision winner Italy.Can't find it anywhere 😢
Angelina Mango is the Italian singer at the ESC 2024 with "La Noia". But from the deep of my heart I invite you to listen to her cover of his father's song "La rondine". She made a whole nation cry.
Great analysis, really like your associations. You managed to explain why I found this so musically interesting.
Gåte is a band that started in 1999, when singer Gunnhild was only 13 (according tho the Norwegian wikipedia page), and is known for great live performances. No autotune problems here.
The band has always been inspired by traditional Norwegian folk music and rock.
Even if I'm Norwegian, I had to research this. The opening is an old Norwegian herding call, which is developed in the chorus.
The verses are heavily inspired by the Norwegian medieval ballad «Møya i ulveham». There are several lyrical variations of the ballad and the melody was lost. There are also old Swedish and Danish variants of the same ballad.
Gåte's lyrics in Ulveham is based on the first part:
A young maiden is transformed by her evil stepmother into a needle, a knife and a sword.
The good disposition of the maiden prevails, even if she is a transformed being,
and all the most virtuous people appreciate the needle, the knife and the sword.
To punish the maiden even more severely, the stepmother then turns her into a wolf
and curses her to walk alone in the forest until she has drunk her brother's blood.
Which is where the text of the Eurovision lyrics ends.
(The middle age ballad however has a darker ending, and I get associations to old original Brothers Grimm fairy tales:
After a while, the stepmother is having a child.
The wolf attacks the stepmother on her way to church, and drinks her heart's blood.
Thus the curse is broken, and the virgin stands forth and is just as good.)
Source, published by the National Library of Norway (in Norwegian):
www.bokselskap.no/boker/naturmytiskeballadar/tsb_a_19_moyaiulveham
I totally admire Norway sending this to Eurovision. I think I'm a bit less optimistic about the winner potential some people see, but it's still in my top half of the songs we have so far. But of MGP, I absolutely loved Green Lights by Miia and Judge Tenderly of Me. (Which made the televote reveal sequence of those two scores being so low and then My AI being so high really painful.)
we have the same 2 faves!
My AI deserved their placement. Their song is currently the most streamed Norweigan MGP song.
@@TheManInBlueFlames agree to disagree, to me popularity or stream numbers shouldn't have as much bearing on song competitions as they do, I understand why that's the case but I don't think it's a good thing
Hi Rachel. I was waiting for you to review this one as I was sure you would love it. I love it too and would rate it #1 at this stage. I'm glad that Keiino did not win (review that when you have a chance; the entire MGP final was full of good songs). I don't know what that instrument was either.
Hello! Just wanted to say they you can check the lyrics of the song now. It’s like a dark fairytale.