REACTION: Gåte "Ulveham" [Norway
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- Опубліковано 27 сер 2024
- Norway has selected its Norsk Melodi Grand Prix winner: Gåte. They'll take "Ulveham" to #Eurovision2024 in Malmö.
Alesia Michelle is a Eurovision blogger, based in the United States and has been covering the Eurovision Song Contest on UA-cam since 2015. Check out her reaction now!
The 68th Eurovision Song Contest will be hosted in Malmö, Sweden. Semifinals and finals will be held May 7th, 9th and 11th in Malmö Arena.
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This is my winner so far, it's everything I wanted from Norway for years now. The folklore elements, the Norwegian Language, just everything. I also love how the song and performance sets the mood of this piece right at the beginning with that traditional instrument and the dark lighting. It's just so aesthetically pleasing
Knowing my taste this will probably be my ESC 2024 winner
the song has strong roots in Norwegian folklore and music. Gåte is a liveband that has been around for 20 years or so. Quality !!!
I was waiting for us to send something like this, something folk-inspired and in Norwegian, and it finally happened! Dare I say this is Norway's best entry since at least 2009?
No it,s not. This will strugle tobe top 20
@@rinostellmacher5409 I don't care about the results.
Not for me, I much prefer I Feed You my Love and Spirit in The Sky over this
This is what I love Eurovision for! It feels good rooting for Norway again.
I'm so happy Norway is sending a rock song again after almost 20 years, and its in Norwegian at that, which is just the caramel on the sundae. *chefs kiss* currently my 2nd place behind Ireland
Love the staging! I was so happy Gåte won and having it in Norwegian a win! Been on repeat! ❤
The song always gives me goosebumps, without a fail. Absolutely love it and think it's a serious top 5 contender
Probably the best singer this year. She's just incredible.
Love your reaction to this!
So happy people are getting the chance to discover this hidden gem of a band. Gåte has been a unique band in the Norwegian music scene since they came on the scene many years ago. So many good songs. Extremely talented and hard working musicians. This nomination is well deserved!
I like the idea of lace as long as it doesn't distract the vocalist in any way (last minute costume changes can be detrimental to performance if it doesn't "feel right" on the body) but I disagree on the vocals.
The imperfections make the song. Gåte has been one of Norways best live bands for years, and Gunnhild is a MONSTER vocalist live, but they are a rock band, and even though this is Eurovision, where camp, glam and perfection is sort of the norm, Gåte is the kind of band that exemplifies and relishes in the balance between extreme technical, musical diligence/talent/hard work and the raw energy that comes from the possibility of imperfection. It needs that danger and volatility.
It's like a stage play. It's art.
Elves and gnomes would be totally misplaced in this performance. The lyrics are based on Norwegian folklore from over 1000 years ago about a girl who lost her mother when she was born and get's bewitched by her evil stepmother. Her stepmother transforms her into a wolf and the only way to break the spell is to drink her brothers blood. She finds her stepmother wandering in the woods and kills her finding out she is pregnant with her baby brother. Happy ending!
'happy'
Good Old Nordic folklore ❤
Although, that last part with the killing is not in this shorter ESC version of the song, it ends with the curse happening.
The album version is longer and includes the ending.
I think what would enhance the performance more, especially for those who don’t know Norwegian, is to have videos of a horse and a wolf in the augmented reality near parts of the song that correspond to the lyrics. That would be so effective - and so evocative of Norway as well.
Looove this so much!! Norway & Ukraine are my top two atm ❤️ Love from 🇸🇪
If Norway messes this up in May, in terms of ataging, I may never forgive them! This is perfection for me!
Ulveham means Wolfskin, and is based on an old fairytale. A girl is turned into a wolf by her evil stepmother, and she cannot become human again unless she drinks the blood of her brother. One day she finds her pregnant stepmother in the woods, and takes the blood of her unborn baby brother. Pretty dark..
The lyrics are in old Norwegian so I don’t understand it 100% but it goes something like this:
I was a pretty and good girl
With stepmother evil, my mother died
She turned me into a beast and a needle
And sent me away to the king’s garden
And my stepmother will feel my wrath
When everyone likes me better this way(not sure about this one)
Lokk(chorus)
She gave me a coat like wolf gray
She swore I’d be lonely walking in the woods
And I will never be whole and well
Before I get to drink my brother’s blood
Ulveham means Wolfskin, and is based on an old fairytale. A girl is turned into a wolf by her evil stepmother, and she cannot become human again unless she drinks the blood of her brother. One day she finds her pregnant stepmother in the woods, and takes the blood of her unborn baby brother. Pretty dark..
The lyrics are in old Norwegian so I don’t understand it 100% but it goes something like this:
I was a pretty and good girl
With stepmother evil, my mother died
She turned me into a beast and a needle
And sent me away to the king’s garden
And my stepmother will feel my wrath
When everyone likes me better this way(not sure about this one)
Lokk(chorus)
She gave me a coat like wolf gray
She swore I’d be lonely walking in the woods
And I will never be whole and well
Before I get to drink my brother’s blood
Lokk(chorus 2)
Then I tore out her rotten side
So her blood spread so far
So I got to drink my brother’s blood
No matter how many times I listen to the song (and it's been A LOT till now) - I always get goosebumps. This is why I love Eurovision. I get to know bands like Gate. Bands, that will stay on my playlist forever with all their music 💚
This is perfect like it is. This is not America, we are a humble people. Her clothes represent the natur, and natur is important here in Norway.
We need nothing extra, it is the song and music that is important.
So you're new here. Welcome.
This is Eurovision, and that I know about: the clothes were fine, we've seen it- at Eurovision we can do different things.
@@AlesiaMichelle Yes things can change and be different in Eurovision, and Eurovision is different from other songcontests, because we get to show our culture and country. Gåte represent really old Norwegian culture and folklore, and they dont have to change this because you think so. Our culture is deep in our soul, and they catch this perfectly. If they make this like a Disney show, they would disrespect our culture. This is Norway and who we are. Norwegian folklore can be very dark and violent. This is not just a song and perfomance, this is Norway and who we are deep in our souls.
@@tillla42It’s also about visually telling the story of the song and at the same time keeping it close to the artists original vision for it. By the way I am Norwegian and I agree more with Alisha, but keeping it true to its story and no elf’s, Disney characters or anything like that of course, it’s a dark tale combing nature and folklore, that is the main elements that needs to be highlighted and if that can be included looking natural on stage then absolutely, it would just give the audience the proper vibes elevating the story the song is trying to convey.
As a norwegian, obviously it would be nice winning eurovision, but that's not what it is about for most people. We send whatever we like the most every year, and we always have done. If the rest of europe like it, that's a plus, but the most important thing is that we love it. 😂❤
Its like with the olympic ... we could be hosting it and many do want us to .. while we don't because it simply is too expensive and for the most cases ... only dictators pull off olympic because they don't need to think of the economy. Its the same with MGP or Eurovision .. this cost alot of money and people are not really wanting to spend that much on such a arrangement you know ? you see this in the news every year, the debate about should we, or should we not... and pro's and Cons ...
Well said
Exactly. We send whoever wins our hearts, and if we don't win, we have at least given the artist the opportunity and the experience to perform on the world's biggest musical stage.
Agreed! And that should go for most other nations too (especially those which have had national contests for decades just like Norway).
Great in-depth analysis, better than most reaction vids!
Thank you- that's what we do over here.
That's my fave so far
Thank you for the reaction! Btw NRK doesn't have any commercials.
The singer actually sang at my cousins wedding when she was young, and my uncle helped the band getting started financially. My family was at the edge of their seats during the finale! This band is truly amazing.
Also fun fact: you pointed out the lighting.. The person doing the lighting for NRK now is the same person who did the lighting for Gåte when they were getting started 🥰
Very impressive entry form Norway! Love the folklore elements and the mesmerizing atmosphere, the images of Norway, the Norwegian language. Tbh I found Norway's entries in recent years very gimmicky; this feels much more original and authentic.
This is for sure top 10. No question! I do think they will copy paste for the most part. Maybe a bit more lighting on the Eurovision stage though.
I doubt that because there are a lot of songs like this, this year, Ukraine, Ireland, Raiven etc etc
Norway hasn't always been successful with stagings, but this one was great. And the vocals were on point (given that it's true that there was no autotune - but certainly there is a lot of audio layering). Thank you for your reaction.
Since Gunhild is singing in a traditional Norwegian sound called Lokk/calling(a form of herd calling)that is a sound you cant autotune.
She is all real have been to several concerts trough the years,she was 14 when she started in Gåte,and they are amazing
@@susannradal9303 You can reproduce all sounds digitally. But sometimes pre-recorded backing vocals can create some of the same effect. The beginning of ‘Ulveham’ was pure singback though. That surprised me a bit.
@@jatojo
The beginning is an old cow lid by Marit Jensen Lillebuen (1879 - 1975).
She was a Norwegian folk singer (quiver) and came from Nedre Lillebuen in Jondalen in Buskerud. She was particularly known for her traditional, old-fashioned and distinctive form of cow lid, and as a folk singer she was a great source of inspiration for many.
@@lillm6874 Yeah, I found out about that in the meantime. I don't know if samples like that are allowed at Eurovision.
@@jatojo EBU has already said its allowed, that was confirmed the same day we knew Gåte had to rewrite their lyrics
This song is incredible, but yeah like you point out: NRK needs to up the staging even more, to show Eurovision that they are trying to take over the world with this act. But it is so typical of NRK - and Norwegian mentality in general - to play it too careful, almost like we are scared of flaunting what we have.
You nailed the pronounciation of Gåte perfectly 🥰
At least I got that one right! LOL
I am so happy to see this song in ESC, amazing performance and genre, and first time hearing norwegian since 2006 :)
My Winner
I didn't like the studio version as much, but live it slays. But I enjoy a pasionate "shouty" (not in a negative way) woman on stage, some people may be put off by that
That’s because this song is meant to be listened to live, it’s not a god radio hit or something you would listen to again and again, it’s built for the stage and live performance and the song excels at that, Gåte is one of the best live bands there is in Norway and many of there songs is of a nature that need the visuals to play along with the song for it to be impactful and interesting to listen to.
NRK is commercial-free 😅
But not UA-cam
It feels very mystical, but very atmospheric and very adult. It's definitely gonna qualify, but I don't think, it's gonna win, even if her vocals are on point. Definitely Top 10, though. They also got direct competition from Slovenia, Ireland and potentially Poland, if they're all gonna make it to the grand final, but I think, it's still unique enough to be distinguished from all of the other acts that are definitely closer to each other. And Slovenia is definitely lucky not to compete with Norway in the same semi, which definitely rises their chances of qualifying aa well. Thanks to Norway for leaving the goofy road behind and doing something more adult.
Tusen hjertelig takk ❤❤❤
My winner, just pimped France which is now 2nd
Norway almost always win the hearts of the Europeans, but not the f jury.....And some people wonder WHY 🤔
I'd be surprised if the jury didn't like it. It's so different from other things we'll see at Eurovision and the staging, vocals and band is so tight.
we can share my UA-cam premium acct if you want 😭 The commercials are sending me 😭😭😭
Gåte = Riddle, Ulveham = Wolf skinwalker. And the instrument is a nøkkelharpe (Key harp), it’s Norwegian/Swedish. It’s a 1000 year old tale. The song is about a girl who was cursed by her stepmother to live in the forest as a wolf. One day she sees her stepmother in the woods and eats her, and she was pregnant, so as she drinks her brother’s blood, the curse is lifted. «Never would I be whole and well, until I got to drink my by brother’s blood».
I have no idea if it's just me, but that opening ethnic instrument and laser circle is really giving me winner vibes, just even comparing it do the opening of Tattoo or Only Teardrops. I think Norway absolutely is a shoe-in for top 5, maybe in a SHUM type way.
I guess you are right about choice of songs and genre. The two last time Norway won it was songs based on some folk. It’s real modern Norwegian folk this time though.
The smoke is smoking. Brilliant.
Great reaction😍🤘
I guess the last few years they've taken the staging and costumes and amped them up a little, just polishing and smartening the concept, so hopefully we'll get that again.
win 2024
Hi, I am Norwegian 🇧🇻 The singing in the beginning of the song is "kulokk", tradditionally how they called the cows to them in the contryside. The text is telling a 1000 year old folklore story about an evil stepmother cursing her stepdaugter to be a wolf alone in the forrest. And the only way she can break the curse is to drink her brothers blood. In the end she sees her stepmother in the forrest so she attacks and eats her. Turns out her stepmother was pregnant, leading her to drink her brothers blood and breaks the curse.
Really love your channel. Did a hit with Padric the other day and had a good time live on his channel. Would love to link up. Love the way you breakdown these performances.
..I do Love how You engage in the ESC! You do have some great input on making the artists look better : You should have been a choreographer or a director of the stage presentation! 👍👍
Good ideas on staging! Someone also mentioned making the rotating stage a bit bigger and incorporate a tree, which could be cool! No need to go crazy on LEDs, and they won't cause NRK is cheap lol
Great commentary. I voted for Gåte and look really forward to seeing Ulveham in Eurovision. I am sure they and NRK will be developping the performance and staging from now on. The vocalist Gunnhild Sundli is originally a folk music singer, then got into this folkrock, while preserving the folk way of using the voice. In the final, though, that you comment on here, I think she was not quite in place vocally. I suspect she was nervous because of the occasion and the prospect of possibly winning, which would change the lives of the band members. Her voice was not as stable as it usually is, and was in the semi-final. One hears it in the opening phrase, for instance (especially on the word "fager", on note ca. 5), and in the very last note, among others. She is a very experienced musician, though, so I suppose she will get this in place in Malmö. By the way, it is so nice and interesting to "see" how she sings (with her whole body) Ulveham in this studio version: ua-cam.com/video/RkJl_KVpcjg/v-deo.html. And here we hear her voice as it is in an unstressed setting.
Thing is, this 1000 year old plus style of singing will sound like old news to many :) Hope they make it, though
Nrk does not do commersials 🙂
So far my favourite.
I loved this but all the locals I've shown it to hate it, making me wonder if it might have the same effect as France 2022
Fulenn didn’t do a good live performance in the Grand Final, that’s why they didn’t do well.
Gåte knows how to perform live, they’ve done it for about 25 years 🤘
@@lillm6874 you might be right! I hope it does well 💖
Musicwise I don't see many comparisons between Norway, Ireland and Slovenia. Other than 3 female singers embracing "the occult". Haha.
I agree with Alesia that is has the elements to take it to the next level. Goth is about atmosphere. For me the greatest example in the last years was "Shum". A big fan of the extended version and original clip. But when I saw them on stage in Rotterdam I was blown away. Another example: Kate Miller- Heidke. Difficult song about PPD but it came alive on stage (on tv). So many examples in a good and bad way. Maybe it's time to change ESC to EPC. From song to performance. We live in a world based on visual images so people vote on that basis. Combined with a decent song and vocals. So I think Norway made a good choice. Let's remember: Madonna isn't the best singer in the world.
Me as a german i am always sad about our german contestants. We germans havent voted for it but the state TV. Sometime we dont even know the guys who go to Eurovision °_° They are most times guys from a Idol like show, no one watches. The real Stars on the Radio and so never make it there......
Normally I like Norway’s songs, but there are more songs like this in 2024, so I doubt it will get enough televotes.
Tonnes of lace? We have different definitions
Im from Norway! NRK ruins it for us! The budget is soo bad for NRK:(
Elves and gnomes would be out of place...wolves would not be!!!
It was a joke
@@AlesiaMichelle Just teasing you. Love from Baton Rouge
What's up with not paying for YT Premium??
No question the weirdest thing I've seen on any music related youtube channel category!
If you had come off like some random not too smart teenager then OK, but you´re competent and you've been covering Eurovision since 2015 wtf?
why do you say we haven't won yet?? Norway has won several times. Check the history
I didn't say that. I'm saying that Norway is hungry to win soon...
NRK has no say with regards to clothes or apearance
I dont like Norway song Ulveham from Gåte . Horrible lyric and to mutch screaming . Many people are not aware of what she actually sings, which in my opinion is a cruel text from the old days. And i am from Norway ! The text copied from newspaper about the song.
She summarizes "Ulveham", based on an old medieval ballad, as the story of an evil stepmother who casts a curse on her stepdaughter - who turns into a wolf running in the forest forever. She only loses her wolf's hide if she drinks her own brother's blood.
"There will be a kind of happy - but cruel - ending when she meets the stepmother on horseback in the forest, throws herself at her, rips out her heart and drinks the blood. Because the stepmother is pregnant with her brother - thereby the curse is lifted.
Amazing story ❤
This gives me Blanca Paloma vibes… Way too artsy and experimental for ESC. It will be rewarded by the jury but it will not perform with the televote.
Eaea was just bad to listen to... This sounds amazing, very original but catchy at the same time, and has the big moment eurovision winners generally have.
I’ll bookmark this comment and remind you about it after ESC grand final results. But glad you like it that much.
And the Ukraine… 😢
I think... What this staging really needs... Is a wolf in a hamster wheel 😉
I love your insight and compassion for jugding songs, content and intentions from each contributor. ❤️🩹
This is my bottom ! Can’t get the hype
Great! Another reaction video focusing on their own voice, blahblah. talk after the song FFS...
Dear Jon- IF YOU WANT TO HEAR THE SONG YOU CAN WATCH THE PERFORMANCE VIDEO. The expectations with which you are coming into these videos needs to be corrected. As I stated in the video: I HAVE HEARD THIS SONG AND SEEN IT PERFORMED LIVE NUMEROUS TIMES. If you want to watch someone sit in silence this is not the channel for you and that’s okay.
Take your sulking ass somewhere else. We live in a world of choice. If Alesia isn’t your cup of tea you have plenty of other options.