“Thanks for all the love”, Windows95Man from Finland in interview

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We spoke to Windows95man, Finland’s representative for Eurovision 2024, with one of the most fun songs at the festival.

Windows95man, known in real life as Teemu Keisteri, is a prominent figure in the entertainment, dance and fashion world, and is widely appreciated in Finland and around the world. Although he is a shy nerd during the day, he is a true cameleon and updates himself every night to transform himself into his trademark image. We’re talking about Windows95man, a hero with a t-shirt from the infamous disgraced operating system, very short denim shorts and a lot of animation.

summary

Discover Windows95man, the creation of Teemu Keisteri, who has become an iconic figure in the Finnish music scene;
Windows95man and Henri Piispanen share their journey to Eurovision, marked by challenges and important moments;
With a message of positivity and acceptance, Windows95man and Henri Piispanen perform in the 1st Eurovision semi-final.

His mixes as a DJ, where he brings together Eurodance and techno hits from the 90s, combined with intense live performances, regularly leave the audience breathless and that’s how we find ourselves for the upcoming Eurovision performance. For the biggest music festival in the world, “No Rules!” will feature Windows95man’s out-of-control attitude, Henri Piispanen’s incredible vocals and a mythical denim egg.

In fact, the Windows95man and Henri Piispanen’s path to Eurovision was marked by challenges and important moments. From their victory in the national selection (the UMK festival) to the necessary adjustments to adapt to the contest rules, the duo faced a series of obstacles. However, unwavering determination is part of this duo who never wanted to give up.

The support of the Finnish public has been decisive for motivate Windows95man and Henri Piispanen. Today they have already conquered half the world through their contagious authenticity and enthusiasm. Furthermore, the message behind the song “No Rules!” has resonated with many viewers, who appreciate the idea of unfettered expression. The message of positivity and acceptance is at the heart of Windows95man and Henri Piispanen’s performance.

With a unique mix of style, personality and determination, Windows95man and Henri Piispanen are ready to make history at Eurovision 2024. They know the demands, after Finland came 2nd at Eurovision 2023, which took place in Liverpool, but they want Above all, have fun.

Interview with Windows95Man

MHD: How do you feel about being in Eurovision?

Teemu Keisteri: We felt really good after the rehearsals. We are just focusing on what matters and what we are good at, because there may always be some technical problems. We don’t want to focus too much on that negative side, we just want to show who we are.

Henri Piispanen: I feel like our work is done. We did our best! There are things that are beyond our control and we can’t do anything about them. Let’s let those be other people’s problems (laughs).

MHD: What’s the story behind No Rules!

Teemu Keisteri: This is the phrase that accompanies me. I like to live in a more uncompromised way. I’ve been doing this for a long time throughout my career. In my music and my art I feel that rules are not necessary to create what we like. It’s an exciting thing because I also use this in my daily life.

I often suffer from attention problems and music helps me relax. I know that I make mistakes in my life that are not intentional and that, sometimes, I crucify myself. I can always whisper, ‘Temu, no rules’ and then I feel much better. I want to feel lighter, I want to express my freedom because this is who I am. I am a man who lives without rules and I may have people who criticize me, but I live this way. I want to be a happy person in life, without being bombarded with bad energy.

Windows95man and Henri Piispanen © Kopio Pepino / Nelli Kenttä

MHD: No Rules! it allows you to live who you are and get here. So we need this.

Teemu Keisteri: Yes! No Rules! It’s almost like a Let it Go.

MHD: Could you tell me how you created Windows95Man?

Teemu Keisteri: I hate full-time jobs! Accidentally, one day when I was bored, I created this crazy character. People started to like Windows95man, almost as if they realized the great motivation I have inside me. This motivation exploded, took shape and became this figure. I want to show people that not everything needs to be boring and that people can wake up to excitement, to a good mood.

In 2013, when a music festival took place in Helsinki I managed to express Windows95man. In 2010, I was in Portugal at Super Bock, Super Rock and I had the opportunity to see Prince for the first time… And at that time I had my jeans short and many people even asked me for photos, because they thought I was a star . Therefore, I think the animal was already there.

Henri Piispanen: Before you were just Teemu from Finland, now you’re Windows95man! Everyone recognizes you!

Finland in preparations for Eurovision 2024 © Sarah Louise Bennett / EBU

MHD: Last year Finland finished in 2nd place with the song “Cha Cha Cha” by Käärijä. Do you feel any pressure?

Teemu Keisteri: There is no pressure. I think Käärijä’s participation made us even more motivated to participate in Eurovision. He’s always ‘yeah’! He is animation personified and is always ready to welcome us. We had the opportunity to speak with him and his good vibes and well-being in life were transmitted to us.

Käärijä with Cha Cha Cha at Eurovision 2023

MHD: How do Finns view Eurovision? In Portugal I think we have changed a little since the victory and reception of the festival in Lisbon in 2018.

Teemu Keisteri: I think it depends a lot. There are people who are super fans of Eurovision and others who don’t care that much about the contest. There are certainly people who have no idea what song represents Sweden this year, but that’s okay.

Henri Piispanen: I think that in recent years the attraction for a festival as powerful as Eurovision has grown, a festival that can host various styles of music, which allows the public to see the artists as they are. Käärijä was definitely a Eurovision ambassador in our country. This year UMK, the festival in which the song for Eurovision is selected, had an impressive audience success. Let’s say it was a small Eurovision, because 2 million people saw the program on television and there are only 5 million of us. It was something resounding!

Teemu Keisteri: Exactly! And it was so well produced. I feel like it was an experience we will never forget. I’m still shocked because we’re here!

MHD: A version of “No Rules!” was recently released. with the Tapiola Sinfonietta. How did this idea come about?

Henri Piispanen: In fact, Tapiola Sinfionietta contacted us! It was something surprising and made us very happy. It was a pleasure!

Teemu Keisteri: I’m from that city – Espoo -, where Tapiola Sinfonietta is also located. It was something that came naturally. Of course we were open to doing a version like this. Why not? It’s incredible because they are considered one of the best philharmonic orchestras in Europe. I felt privileged.

MHD: What artists would you like to collaborate with in the future?

Teemu Keisteri: I would like to do something with Stefan Stanciu, he did a version several years ago of the opening credits of the series Twin Peaks. I think it was something incredible!

MHD: What would you like to say to Eurovision fans?

Teemu Keisteri: We want to bring joy and if you smile with us, we will be very grateful!

Henri Piispanen: We love our fans. Thank you for all the love you have given us. We receive so many people that it is difficult for us to respond to them all.

Teemu Keisteri: Yes! We are receiving messages from people from all corners of the world. For example, from South America! It’s beautiful to see how music can connect us all and that people understand the message. That makes me quite happy.