Author: macha

On 16 March, pianist Andrejs Osokins will launch his new concert programme “Osokins – to Liszt”, which will continue until the end of the year in various venues across Latvia. Alongside the concert programme, a new fundraising campaign for Ukraine has been announced. 

The concert programme “Osokins – to Liszt” is a tribute to one of the most important piano composers and virtuosos of the 19th century – Franz Liszt – his creative work, personality, and life. Liszt – virtuoso, lover, philosopher, monk, priest, thinker, romantic and tragic hero – these are just some of the aspects of his personality that characterise the great composer’s complicated life of and permeate his music. Like Liszt’s life, which began in Hungary but took him to countless places in Europe, his work is interwoven by the theme of wandering, which is also one of the cornerstones of Andrejs Osokins concert programme. The pianist believes that the diversity of Liszt’s life resonates strongly with our times, when everything in the world is changing rapidly and everyone must be able to adapt to these changes.

The new concert programme will also feature Liszt’s Petrarch Sonnet No. 104 from the cycle “Years of Wandering”.

Currently, ten concerts of the “Osokins – to Liszt” concert programme have been announced:

• 16 March at the Daugavpils Unity House,
• 19 March at the Sēja Culture House,
• 1 April at the Mazmežotne Manor,
• 16 April at the Jelgava Culture House,
• 21 April at the Dobele Concert Hall ZINTA,
• 29 April at ZEIT in Līgatne,
• 10 May at the Lielvārde Culture House,
• 7 July at Veselava Manor,
• 14 October at Madona Culture House,
• 8 December at the Krustpils Culture House in Jēkabpils.

Tickets for the concerts are available at the “Biļešu paradīze” box office and online at www.bilesuparadize.lv and www.ekase.lv (concert in Loja).

In cooperation with the Embassy of Ukraine in Latvia and the charity fund Ziedot.lv, a new fundraising campaign initiated by Andrejs Osokins, “Strength Dose for Victory!”, has been launched, during which people are invited to donate for the purchase of universal meal kits, which will be delivered to Ukrainian soldiers at the front in cooperation with the Confederation of Ukrainian Societies “Viche”. Andrejs Osokins has launched the campaign in preparation for his new concert tour, because it is important for him as a musician not only to inspire the audience with excellent compositions and convey a message of peace, unity and hope, but also to encourage everyone to continue helping Ukraine.

“The brutal war in Ukraine is now a year old, which seems absolutely unbelievable. Our support gives Ukrainians not only much-needed resources to continue their fight against evil, but also inspiration and reassurance that they are not alone in this madness. That is why it is extremely important to continue helping Ukraine and its army, because it is this army that is the main force saving Europe and Latvia from the threats and darkness that Putin’s Russian troops are bringing to the whole world. Together we can bring the victory of light closer and thus the peaceful future of Latvia,” says Andrejs Osokins on why he continues to carry out various support actions for Ukraine.

In the campaign “Strength dose for Victory!”, funds are raised for meal kits, which include a complete meal, a bag of reagent that heats up in response to 50 ml of cold water and makes it possible to heat up this meal in frontline conditions without electricity or fire, as well as chocolate and muesli bars, a nut and raisin mix, a portion of oatmeal, bread, candy, tea, coffee, chocolate drink, antibacterial and plain napkins, and a spoon.

You can donate for the meal kit purchase here: https://www.ziedot.lv/maltisu-komplekti-ukrainu-karaviriem-fronte-4479.

This campaign is a continuation of the “Hot Meals for Ukrainian Soldiers at the Front” campaign launched by Andrejs Osokins on Ziedot.lv last October, which is still ongoing and has already raised more than EUR 100 000, enabling 20 000 hot meal kits to be delivered to the front in Ukraine.

On February 25 of this year, the band “The Bad Tones” released three songs, or “tringles” with the name “i”. This is a precursor to three more such tracks that the group will release during 2023.

“Some time ago I started thinking about a concept where we try to encapsulate a time in which a song comes together. My theory is that working on something creative during winter or summer influences the result and what you get in the end is completely different, that’s why I suggested implementing this idea in an album format, respectively three songs in each season. Somehow it also resonated well with Alberts and Rūdolfs idea that it would be nice to release more singles, to work less on something big, which can be tiring and begins to restrict with too much freedom at the beginning and too much stress at the end.Without hiding behind any purist motives, we have already recorded a large part of the songs live last summer at the former festival “Zvērā” territory in the “prieka māja”, but the process in which we decide the direction of the particular song, we leave to the mood of each season.” tells one of the band members, Edvards.

The Bad Tones released an EP last year called “Back Together Forever” alongside all other albums of the group have been nominated for the “Zelta Mikrofons 2022” award.

The Bad Tones is a band inspired by nature and blues that was formed in 2012, but took the name “The Bad Tones” in 2017. It is represented by Edvards Broders (voice, guitar, keyboards), Rūdolfs Ozols (voice, guitar, keyboards), Alberts Levics (voice, bass guitar) and Kalvis Sležis-Zaļkalns (voice, drums). So far “The Bad Tones” have released an EP “Bad Tunes” (2018), studio album “Is It Good Enough?” (2019), the live album “Ezera Skaņas” (2020) and another EP “Back Together Forever” (2022).

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“Angelic Mimetics” explores how different creations, before defined in more specific categories, have all merged in the infinite white light of the feed and become content. In this angelic light, there is no longer any observable border between craftsman, artist or master of other discipline, all are content creators, all are content consumers. What happens when content becomes so beautiful and perfect that it threatens the conditions of art themselves?

The video for “Angelic Mimetics” was filmed in a Riga dance club, “ONE ONE”, produced and directed by Alberts Levics and Alise Golovacka. The band would also like to say a massive thank you to Maksimilians Kotovičs, Harijs Aizups, Elza Krasta and Kristiāns Laizāns, all of whom participated in the making of the video.

The core of “Perestroika” is Leo Novus and Rūdolfs Ozols, who started their creative collaboration journey in 2020 in Amsterdam. In live shows, the duo is joined on stage by Aleksandrs Barons, Alise Golovacka and Dāvis Mazurenko. Although self-described as belonging to the art-rock genre, “Perestroika” refrains from limiting itself to the restrictions of any specific genre. In the creative process, the primary directive is the context/message of the song, while elements from different genres and styles are chosen to enhance it and to morph space accordingly.

The band’s first album “memorial server” was released on October 22 of last year and was nominated for the Latvian annual award for music recordings “Golden Microphone 2023” in categories “Best debut Album of the Year” and “Best Indie or Alternative Music Album”.

Musician Zelma Jēgere (VIŅA) has released her third solo album “Diamond dust” on March 1st, but this time with a new sound and stage name – Zelma. The album “Diamond dust” consists of 7 songs written in English over the last 3 years. Many different musicians were involved in the making of the album, each with their own style and sound – Oriole, Kashuks, Arturs Liede, Andis Ansons, Andrjus Jaņuns, Kapteinis Reinis, Andris Buiķis, Oskars Ozoliņš, Erna Daugaviete, Matthias Herberg and Marvin Langner from Germany, Rūdolfs Ozols, Valters Sprūdžs and Ralfs Eilands. The songs on the album sometimes contrast with each other, which is a characteristic feature of Zelma’s previous solo albums.

“The time during which this album was created, to tell the truth, was full of painful experiences . Almost throughout 2021, I had to focus more on my mental health and well-being, so there was very little time and motivation for music. The very first songs that were written (“Blue”, “How”) are quite gloomy and depressive. I was quite sure that the whole album would be in similar tones, but slowly, as I regained my joy of life and passion, a few songs also gained some positive tones. I am extremely grateful to all the people who have been part of my support team both musically and emotionally in the process of creating this album. I know that many of my listeners have been longing for a new album from VIŅA in Latvian, and I can whisper that I have already started working on it in parallel.” That’s what Zelma says about the album.

The visual design of the album was created by artist Sandis Mūrnieks using charcoal on canvas. The album is available on all streaming platforms starting from March 1st.”

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While “Sudden Lights” is actively preparing for the international Eurovision Song Contest, and ZeBrene is dreaming up his next hits, the producer association YDJ, teaming up with producer and DJ Rodion Gordin, has created a remix version of the duo’s song “Pasaule trīc”. 

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What happens when you couple a virtuoso jazz pianist with a curiosity for synths, warm analog sounds and an appetite for beats? Artis Boris will answer exactly that question. The newest signee of Funk Embassy Recs makes a strong entry into the scene currently habitated by Dam Funk, Temu, Dan Kye and XL Middleton.

“Can You Dance?” is the first single lifted from the forthcoming début EP “Easy Living.” Asking the question in a hauntingly beautiful manner is the freshly crowned “Female Artist of the Year” – Rita Ray. Piercing vocals are backed by layers of synths, experimental sounds and a deep bass line. Artis Boris brings along dancefloor appeal that makes this a sure shot for g-funk DJs and future funk fanatics alike.

Spotify

“Fantastic modern funk infused dancefloor slapper with silky smooth vocals”  – Walla P, Funktastique Voyage

“Nice party starter from Artis Boris, excellent production all around.” – Paul Murphy, Leng Records

After initiating our largest-ever artist showcase award programme last Spring, IMPALA’s 100 Artists to Watch in partnership with YouTube returns in 2023 with a bright selection of emerging talent from across the European independent music sector.

This pan-European initiative continues IMPALA`s efforts to put a spotlight on the diversity of the European independent music sector. Curated by IMPALA’s members and its broader network, 100 Artists to Watch is designed to highlight artists at different stages in their careers. Members are free to propose artists based on various factors such as diversity and innovation, as well as commercial success. These are the artists to watch in Europe today.

IMPALA’s Spring list includes artists from 30 different countries and features more than 35 music genres, from R&B to Drill, Folk to Electronic, Pop to Post-Punk… There are countless artists to listen to and copious amounts of independent record labels to discover; with a total 100 European independent artists to look out for this year. Hit play to embark on an amazing musical journey here and discover the complete list of artists below.

Helen Smith, Executive Chair, IMPALA commented: “The 100 Artists to Watch programme has already achieved great visibility for independent artists and record labels. We hope this encourages both cross-border circulation and official recognition for the creative and innovative work by the independent sector. We have a mix of artists that have just been recognised during award season and others who are literally just emerging now. We are delighted to be working with YouTube again to support artistic and audience development to boost diversity across the European music sector”.

Dan Chalmers, Director, YouTube Music, EMEA (Europe, Middle East & Africa) added: “We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with IMPALA’s 100 Artists to Watch programme to support emerging artists and independent record labels across Europe. YouTube provides independent artists with exposure, promotion, analytics, monetisation opportunities and collaboration possibilities to develop their talent and reach new audiences. The 100 Artists to Watch programme is an excellent showcase platform for independent artists to advance their careers and reach audiences across borders”.

100 Artists to Watch (by alphabetical order by artist/record label/country):

• Ada Oda – 62TV Records – Belgium
• Alfa – A1 ENTERTAINMENT SPA – Italy
• Amna – IDJTunes – Bosnia and Hercegovina
• Antoon – Dreamteam / Cloud 9 Recordings – The Netherlands
• Antti Paalanen – Rockadillo Records – Finland
• Astéréotypie – Air Rytmo – France
• Batbait – Irascible Records – Switzerland
• Batu akdeniz – Garaj – Turkey
• Be Irving – Green L.F.ANT – Belgium
• Bedford Falls – 1478437 Records DK – Georgia
• Bēdu Brāļi – Frida Records – Latvia
• Bipolar Feminin – Buback Tonträger – Austria
• Black Sea Dahu – Mouthwatering Records – Switzerland
• BOKKA – [PIAS] – Poland
• Cala Vento – Cooperativa Montgrí SCCL – Spain
• Citron Citron – Bongo Joe Records – Switzerland
• Co Lee – Blunt Shelter Records – Hungary
• Cyan Kicks – Ranka Kustannus – Finland
• Danai Nielsen – United We Fly – Greece
• Deki Alem – Deki Alem – Sweden
• Dina Jashari – Dina Jashari – North Macedonia
• Dream People – Dream People – Portugal
• Edo Maajka – Dallas Records – Croatia
• Emilie Zoé – Hummus Records – Switzerland
• Fast Animals and Slow Kids – Woodworm Publishing Italia – Italy
• FLEMMING – 8ball Music – The Netherlands
• Frantic Amber – GMR Music Group – Sweden
• Freakin’ Disco – Launching Gagarin Records and Management – Hungary
• Garbanotas – Garbonotas – Lithuania
• Gaye Su Akyol – Dunganga Records / Glitterbeat Records – Turkey
• Ginebras – Vanana Records – Spain
• Girls in Airports – Kaja Records – Denmark
• Goldband – Goldband / LAB Music – The Netherlands
• Guts – Heavenly Sweetness – France
• Haiku Garden – Kapa Records – Slovenia
• iamyank – Corner Art Records – Hungary
• ISÁK – Little Big Music / Caroline International – Norway
• Ivan Grobenski – Intek Music – Croatia
• Jerry Heil – Secret Service – Ukraine
• Jeshi – Jeshi / Because Music – UK
• Joker Out – Shagadelic Records – Slovenia
• Klotljudi – Krava 22 – Serbia
• Knife Girl – Soliti / Playground Music – Finland
• Kristof – Inner Ear – Greece
• Lava La Rue – Marathon Artists – UK
• Lazer Viking – Lazer Viking / MUSICRAFT – Czech Republic
• Little Winter – Celebration Records – Denmark
• Lomepal – Pinéale – France
• Loverman – [PIAS] – Belgium
• Lucky Lo – Tambourhinoceros – Denmark
• Lufthansa  – Gola Planina – North Macedonia
• Marinho – Marinho – Portugal
• Maryna Krut’ – ENKO – Ukraine
• Matija Cvek – Menart – Croatia
• Melike Şahin – Gülbaba Records – Turkey
• Messer – Trocadero Records – Germany
• Metteson – LEKK – Norway
• Misha Miller – Roton Music – Romania
• Mula B – Plus Records – The Netherlands
• Nashi44 – Nashi44 – Germany
• Niaz Diasamidze – GMI Rights Management – Georgia
• Niña Polaca – Subterfuge Records – Spain
• Offica – MOVES Recordings – Ireland
• Olivia Addams – Global Records – Romania
• Oskar Haag – Lullaby Records – Austria
• OTOY – Mamamusic – Ukraine
• Perera Elsewhere – Friends of Friends – Germany
• Perrin – AM:PM Music – Hungary
• Power Plush – Beton Klunker Tonträger – Germany
• Ramkot – N.E.W.S Records – Belgium
• rares – Global Records – Romania
• RAYE – Human Re Sources – UK
• Sajsi MC – Lampshade Media – Serbia
• Sangiovanni – Sugar – Italy
• Sharktank – Humming Records – Austria
• Sick Luke – Carosello Records – Italy
• Sitrekin – Hun Solo Records – Denmark
• SKAZZ  – Bloom Music – Georgia
• Skott – Cosmos Music – Sweden
• Sofiane Pamart – 88 touches / [PIAS] – France
• Solju – Bafe’s Factory – Finland
• Sophia Kennedy – City Slang – Germany
• Sorcha Richardson – Faction Records Ltd. – Ireland
• Star Féminin Band – Born Bad Records – France
• Stella Explorer – YEAR0001 – Sweden
• Surma  – Omnichord – Portugal
• TAAHLIAH – untitled (recs) – UK
• Tamara – Tamara – Czech Republic
• Tanxuguieras – Calaverita Records – Spain
• The Away Days – The Away Days – Turkey
• The Bad Tones – The Bad Tones – Latvia
• Thumper – Reckless Records – Ireland
• Tomáš Niesner – Warm Winters – Czech Republic
• Uche Yara – goldendays FM – Austria
• UNDERGRUNN – UG Records – Norway
• Vizelj – Kontra Rights – Serbia
• Wesley Joseph – Secretly Canadian – UK
• Wet Leg – Domino Recording Co – UK
• 49th & Main – Counter Records / Ninja Tune – Ireland
• 58G – 58G – Czech Republic

Read more about these artists on our dedicated webpage here.

Listen to them here (all 100) or check out our genre playlists instead:

• IMPALA’s Artists to Watch – Alternative
• IMPALA’s Artists to Watch – Fusion
• IMPALA’s Artists to Watch – Hip hop & R&B
• IMPALA’s Artists to Watch – Pop
• IMPALA’s Artists to Watch – Rock

 YouTube partnering up with the independents
YouTube will work with IMPALA on its 100 Artists to Watch programme to help build awareness of the diverse European independent sector. YouTube will help the independent community by spotlighting talent from different markets and at different stages in their career. Promoting diversity is a priority for YouTube, encouraging music fans to discover artists they might never find otherwise. Further support will roll out during the year, watch this space.

More about IMPALA
IMPALA was established in 2000 and now represents nearly 6000 independent music companies. 99% of Europe’s music companies are small, micro and medium businesses and self-releasing artists. Known as the independents, they are world leaders in terms of innovation and discovering new music and artists – they produce more than 80% of all new releases and account for 80% of the sector’s jobs. IMPALA’s mission is to grow the independent music sector sustainably, return more value to artists, promote diversity and entrepreneurship, improve political access, inspire change, and increase access to finance. IMPALA works on a range of key issues for its members, runs various award schemes and has a programme aimed at businesses who want to develop a strategic relationship with the independent sector – Friends of IMPALA.

More about “100 Artists to Watch”
The 100 Artists to Watch award was launched in 2022 to promote diversity in the European independent music sector. The project puts the spotlight on a more diverse range of amazing artists through a list curated by our members all across Europe. It is a natural evolution of IMPALA’s album of the year award which ran for ten years.

Check out our dedicated webpage here with a card on each artist.

More about YouTube
Launched in May 2005, YouTube’s mission is to give everyone a voice and show them the world. We believe that everyone deserves to have a voice, and that the world is a better place when we listen, share and build community through our stories. YouTube is a Google company.
More here.