Finland has kicked off the search for its 2014 Eurovision representative.

With the 2013 contest just behind us, Finnish broadcaster YLE has already announced its plans for 2014.  The broadcaster will once again use the Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu (UMK) competition format to choose its representative, and has opened the submission period.

UMK is open to all musicians regardless of musical style, and YLE is accepting submissions until this coming 16 September. After that, a jury will select the 12 acts that will compete in the televised heats, with 8 acts making it through to the final next February. The overall winner will be decided by a mixed jury and televote.

Participation in UMK offers, according to YLE, much exposure and radio play for artists. The winning act will go on to perform in front of 100 millions viewers at next year’s Eurovision Song Contest, an opportunity to break through into foreign markets.

Here is an overview of UMK’s submission rules –

The submitted song must be previously unpublished.

The performer must be over 16 years as of 17/05/2014

The composer or performer must either hold Finnish nationality or be a permanent resident in Finland

Only one entry per composer/performer will be accepted

Submissions must be made digitally

For a full list of rules (in Finnish) please click here.

Stay  tuned to esctoday.com for the latest news on Finland and the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest.