Hey there, music lovers! Imagine this: You're scrolling through your feed on a crisp October morning, the world feeling a bit heavier with all the noise out there, and then—bam—a track hits that feels like a burst of northern lights straight to your soul. That's exactly what KEiiNO's latest single, "End of the Rainbow," does. In a year where dance pop anthems are all about empowerment and feel-good vibes, this Norwegian trio drops a Schlager-infused banger that's equal parts disco sparkle and heartfelt rally cry. If you're into uplifting Schlager pop or those infectious dance pop hooks that make you want to twirl under the rainbow flag, buckle up—this one's for you.
As someone who's always on the hunt for new music that blends heart with high energy, I couldn't hit play fast enough on "End of the Rainbow." It's the kind of song that screams celebration, channeling that early '80s electro-pop nostalgia while nodding to disco-rock edges that keep things fresh and fierce. Picture shimmering synths weaving through pounding beats, all layered with live instrumentation recorded in Oslo and Berlin-sourced samples for that perfect fusion of organic punch and electronic flair. The production—handled by KEiiNO's own Tom Hugo alongside collaborator Rüdiger Schramm—nails the Schlager drama we crave: those big, bold melodies that stick like glitter on your favorite Pride outfit. Co-written in Helsinki with Janne Rintala and Mika Laakkonen (the duo behind Erika Vikman's hits), it's got that commercial polish that makes it radio-ready and playlist-perfect.
But let's talk about what really makes this track soar—its unapologetic core. Described as an anthem about self-discovery, authenticity, and embracing love in all its forms, "End of the Rainbow" is a love letter to anyone chasing their true colors. The lyrics, penned by Alexander Olsson, hit like a warm hug in a storm: a tribute to LGBTQIA+ communities and their allies, especially when rights feel under siege worldwide. As Alexandra, Fred, and Tom Hugo put it, "At a time when the LGBTQIA+ rights face challenges around the world, End Of The Rainbow is a tribute to the community and their allies. We stand together with you opposing forces that will deny people being themselves 100%." It's not just words; it's a vibe that echoes iconic queer moments from shows like Velvet Goldmine, Queer as Folk, and The L Word. In today's music scene, where queer anthems are rising like never before—think of the surge in Pride playlist streams and festival lineups—this feels timely and timeless, blending German pop Schlager flair with universal dance pop energy.
And who better to deliver this than KEiiNO? These Eurovision darlings have been lighting up stages since snagging the public vote in 2019 with their debut entry (landing at #6 overall). The trio—Alexandra Rotan, Fred Buljo, and Tom Hugo—mix soaring pop hooks, electronic dance pop beats, spoken words, and the ancient, soul-stirring joik tradition of the Sámi people into what they call "PEEP-music" (Pink Electronic Ethno Pop). It's wildly original, proudly inclusive, and has racked up over 170 million streams, five platinum discs, seven Scandipop Awards, two Sámi Music Awards, and nods for Norway's Grammys. Without a major label or management, they've hit #1 on Norwegian sales charts, peaked at #2 on Spotify's Global Viral Chart with "Spirit in the Sky," and even cracked the worldwide iTunes Top 10. They've toured the UK and Australia, rocked Pride events from Madrid to Stockholm, and in April 2025, landed on IMPALA's "100 Artists to Watch" list for Europe's indie trailblazers.
What I love most? Their mission to unite through music, joy, diversity, and yeah, those epic key changes. Drawing from diverse backgrounds—Fred's rap roots with Duolva Duottar, Tom's K-pop songwriting, Alexandra's gigs with Alan Walker—they've spotlighted Sámi culture on a global stage, even becoming UN ambassadors for Indigenous languages. Their debut album OKTA featured collabs with Indigenous artists from Australia, New Zealand, Native America, and Canada, weaving ancient vocal traditions into modern pop for younger streamers. "End of the Rainbow" is the final teaser before their hotly anticipated album Chromium Heart drops on October 31—just in time for those end-of-year playlists. If you're a fan of Schlager pop's feel-good hits or dance pop anthems that double as empowerment tools, this is your next obsession.
Look, in a world that's sometimes short on sparkle, tracks like this remind us why music matters—it's the great equalizer, the dancefloor confessional. If you're an indie artist hustling to get your own anthems out there, platforms like DistroKid are game-changers. They let you distribute to all the big spots—Spotify, Apple Music, you name it—while keeping most of your royalties. Plus, as a fellow creator, I swear by their simplicity for folks building from scratch, just like KEiiNO did with their own label. Snag a 7% discount on your membership with this link: https://distrokid.com/vip/seven/2058328. It's that easy boost to reach more ears and keep the creative fire burning.
So, spill it—what do you think of KEiiNO's rainbow-chasing sound? Is this your new go-to for Schlager dance pop vibes, or got another queer anthem stealing the spotlight? Drop your thoughts in the comments, share this post if it hit home, and let's keep the conversation grooving. Until next time, keep chasing those colors!
