Aminata has released a powerful ballad “I’m Letting You Go” and is getting ready to take part at the “Supernova” TV show where the Latvian Eurovision contestant will be chosen. The song is written by Aminata and produced by Kim W.
“The song is about two people, who have fallen out of love with each other. Breaking up is always painful, especially if you have spent years together. Breaking up is frightening because of the uncertain future. The thought of seeing your loved one with another person is painful. Letting go is hard, when you both have become dependent on each other. It is easy to confuse dependency with relationship. Everyone deserves to be happy and there comes a time when you need to let the other person go and be happy on their own. Love does not end at that point, it transforms. Letting go is hard for everyone, whether you have to let go of a person, belief or insecurity. This song is about ourselves”, Aminata explains.
E.V. (real name – Kārlis Pauls Šēnhofs) released a new solo album called “Smoke & Mirrors” on the 28th of January. The album’s conceptual content covers topics such as existentialism, faith, music, addictions, humanity, moral values, and many more.
“This album is like a search for yourself in a world full of ideas – some with strong foundations, where others are just an illusion. In total, the album has four conceptual meanings. One and the most obvious meaning is a dedication to hip-hop music because it has changed my life irreversibly. Another meaning is the time given to man on this earth, which is placed against the choices he commits to, how he wants to spend it, thus showing his priorities and values during the process. This is one big story that permeates the ideas I learned while studying philosophy when I was a student at the University of Latvia. Given that I am creating this album with the assumption that it is a work of art, I will leave the remaining two meanings of the album to the listener’s free interpretation. ” -E.V. comments on his new album.
An artistic touch is not only heard in the rapper’s sixteen-song album but can also be seen in the visual design of the album, created by the author Katrīna Megija Deičmane. In the middle of the design is a painting by rapper E.V.’s grandfather and prestigious artist, set designer, and book illustrator Pāvils Šēnhofs (1924-2011), whose activities are closely connected with the Latvian Puppet Theater (“Latvijas Leļļu teātris”).
Among the guest artists on the album are DJ Krii, DJ Vinvins, Little Green, Krisy, Ods, Ieva Andersone, Ernests Alļis, Oriole, PRGMAT, dotConcept and others. The sound engineering and recording were done in the studio by rapper roland če.
E.V. is a 22-year-old hip-hop artist from Ikšķile / Ogre, who writes and performs songs in both Latvian and English. He is a member of two Latvian hip-hop associations – “Left Bank” and “Freephone Project”, as well as the initiator of the movement “TimelessR.”, Which is essentially a creative team with various representatives. He started his career in music in 2016 but released his debut album “Imperfect World” in 2017 (recorded in the Dirty Deal Audio studio). Following this project, the next album to be released was “2018” (recorded by rolands če), which E.V. himself referred to more as a “collection of songs” than a single concept record. Rapper’s latest album “Smoke & Mirrors” (recorded by rolands če) was released on January 28, 2022.
E.V. has performed at a number of events, both as a soloist and with the aforementioned associations. Concerts have taken place both in smaller clubs and in the largest Latvian festivals, such as “Positivus”, “SummerSound”, “Baldones Waterfest”, etc.
February 3rd is the date, that the new upcoming artist had released a fresh and mysterious single with the name of “Dreams 2”
February 8th is the release date of the official music video.
It’s the artists second single from the up and coming Mix-Tape witch is planned to be released in the first half of 2022.
JL Kalmann says, ««Dreams» might be the darkest work of art I’ve created so far. It’s a song about darkness and the feeling of intimacy that we feel when we are doing things that we shouldn’t, it’s about addiction from things and substances that made me almost loose my conscious mind, and about fear that birthed illusions and self doubt that makes us individually act in different ways. I know that today there is a lot of darkness on earth, significantly more than in my songs. We can’t act like we can’t see it, rather acknowledge it and learn from it. You wouldn’t know what is light without darkness. And that counts for my music too. The battle with my inner deamons has never been easy, might even be the hardest fight in anyones life. But this darkness can open the windows for more light to come in.»
“The recors was produced by me and very talented musicians and producers, artists and most importantly my very good friends –
(ROLAND PRIVERT) Rolands Prīverts, (SAULE) Krišānis Suntažs un (Whoever) Kristpas Cinis who is responsible for the dark and very special sound design.”
Here’s to starting 2022 with a heart warmer, emerging UK pop singer-songwriter ELIZZA brings us a deep emotional ballad in her new single and acoustic music video “Unhurt”.
In this apology ballad, ELIZZA tells a story about the painful mistakes we make in our relationships and she wishes we could take them back and somehow heal the other person and ourselves. The lyrics, very much a poem, express the raw feelings: “I wish I could unhurt you, I wish I could…”
The accompanying acoustic music video directed by Elliot Simpson showcases a dream-like atmosphere with ELIZZA performing along with the pianist and violinist. The bare room expressing the emptiness but also creating a space for what the future holds.
About the song ELIZZA says: ”When we love deeply, we sometimes tend to take people for granted and end up doing or saying hurtful things we don’t even mean. I wish we could undo and unhurt, but we should remember that it will leave a scar that might not even fill up with time.”
Today, February 11, artist Karlina, full name Karlīna Šēnknehte,releases a new song in English “BOOM”.The song was written for the song contest “Supernova”
The song was created in collaboration with entertainment and art company “Vincent Entertainment”. The authors of the song are Loreta Reide and Karlīna Šēnknehte, while the producers of the song are Rolands Prīverts and Loreta Reide.
“BOOM” is about reality and tells about how life comes to a stage where you may have to look at yourself in the light of truth to understand that you can’t escape from yourself and your own reality and the feeling of it can be a little scary, “says Karlina. “The idea of the song came together with Loreta Reide, in a small songwriting camp, writing everything that comes to mind and corent situation in many people’s lifes . Loretta recently started working as a producer, so she sank into the song’s production and I sank into writing lyrics for the song. It was a very harmonious process and we decided to submit the song to the “Supernova” song contest, but it was not included in the semi-finalists list.
The production of the song was continued by the producer Rolands Prīverts. He gave the song its own sound and colors that make it so powerful and noticeable.
The song is available on streaming platforms from today, and a video of the song is coming soon.
The LP, which the band spent a good deal of time on, is finally available on all streaming platforms and CD, which includes a bonus track.
“We’re really proud and honored to finally release the full-length record for listeners all over the world. The first three singles have already caused some significant noise here, and abroad as well, gathering us new fans and listeners, who are really into the sound that we make. We’ve read various different reviews, and gotten feedback, so it’s really exciting to see how the resto f the album is going to be received. As it’s a very versatile record, we have no doubt that anyone will find a song, lyric or vibe on it that they can relate to” – says the band.
The digital version offers 10 tracks, and the CD includes the exclusive “Moonlight Days”.
“None of a Kind” helped us to get everything off our chests at the time, so you’ll hear those raw emotions, read about genuine experiences, it’s all there, and putting it into song is the best way to deal with it for us. We’ve experienced and learned a lot during the making of this record, and that helped us develop our skills and personalities. It’s a very strong foundation for the band today – with our own esatblished sound and attitude, we’re ready for our next big thing. And while listeners are feasting their ears on “None of a Kind”, we’re in the kitchen, cooking up the next trouble course, and we’ve just clocked in. “We’re here to do some damage!” – to quote the band.
“None of a Kind” has been released via “Rockshots Records”, which signed “Quickstrike” last year.
“The single” GREEN “is my current feeling about what is happening in the world. The depressing situation is dragging on for so long that it never seems to end. I think that is how many young people my age feel – at a time when we have reached the age of majority and our lives should be in full swing, we are forced to sit at home, become estranged from each other and live in more and more mental health problems. Composing music for me is like relaxation, which helps me to cope with myself in these difficult times. Thanks to my musical family and the time I was born, I have had the opportunity to play in various music genres from an early age. You can also listen to my different music experiences in the music I create, which is difficult to put into one specific genre. The single “GREEN”, in collaboration with video artist Rūdolfs Kuncītis, has also made a video. ” says Fabiass.
Latvian rock and metal music groups and other representatives of the industry express their support to the people of Ukraine in these difficult times! Musicians and industry condemn Russia’s aggression and demand an immediate end to the war! Glory to Ukraine, Glory to the Heroes!
On Friday, 18th of March at 6 o’clock in the morning, a pop-up event “Meeting point” will take place in the yard of the Latvian National Museum of Art. Everyone is welcome to experience the magic of the sunrise accompanied by a musical performance from the Latvian indie band “Carnival Youth”.
The organizers “Ezera skaņas”, emphasize the importance of creating shared events to encourage the inclusion of Ukrainian people in Riga’s cultural scene and providing a public space for people to meet and share their experiences and stories during these challenging times.
The event will have a pop-up nature with an improvised stage, coffee and cookies. Attendees are encouraged to bring breakfast, warm blankets and picnic chairs.
For the following month, similar events at this location will be held weekly on Saturday afternoons. During the events, cash donations will be collected to support Ukraine.
For more information, visit “Ezera skaņas” Facebook page and the “Meeting Point” Facebook event page – https://bit.ly/MP_1803
Musicians from Latvia, Lithuania, Russia, and Ukraine have united in a song called “Resistance”. The song calls on everyone to support Ukraine in its fight against the military aggression of Russia. It honours the bravery and strength of its defenders and stands firmly for European values and the right to freedom of every nation. The musicians appeal to everyone not to be ignorant and encourage to support Ukraine in any way possible. The singers also call on other artists to create projects that keep Ukraine and its people in the spotlight. All proceeds from the streaming and performing of “Resistance” will be donated to support Ukraine.
Katrina Gupalo reveals that her family from her father’s side – her brother, cousin, their families and friends – are in Ukraine. In the first days of the war, she and many others were overwhelmed with despair, anger, sadness, and terror. The musician decided to convert these emotions into strength and energy to keep going while doing everything possible to help Ukraine. Katrina’s love for Ukraine has been in her heart since her childhood, and now it shines through in the song “Resistance”. Its lyrics are in the Ukrainian, English and Russian languages to unite everyone in the fight against the aggressor and to remind how important it is to support Ukraine right now. The song begins with a Ukrainian folk song that is followed by the inspiring and fearless chorus of the late Ojārs Ēriks Kalniņš, former Head of the Latvian Delegation to NATO Parliamentary Assembly and member of the Ukraine-NATO Interparliamentary Council, and finishes with the words of Kostiantyn Gupalo—the outstanding Ukrainian archaeologist and historian, Katrina’s father—that symbolically reveal the moment when to bid farewell to your life and loved ones. “Ojārs Ēriks Kalniņš and my father have been standing for freedom and European values all their lives, and I believe that now they are protecting Ukraine from heaven in its fight against the annihilation of the country. That is the reason why their poetry is part of the song “Resistance”, says Katrina Gupalo.
First responders to the call were the music producer Armands Varslavāns and musicians from the group “Tautumeitas”, who emphasize that everyone must find a way to support Ukraine because ignorance can cost dearly: “Our hearts go out to all those who are heroically fighting for their homeland and the freedom of all. May this song touch Ukrainians’ hearts; may they know that they are not alone in this fight.”
A number of popular Latvian musicians contributed to the song: Ingus Ulmanis, Kārlis Kazāks, Katrīna Dimanta, Miks Dukurs, Roberto Meloni, Atis Zviedris, Gunārs Gaumīgs, Loreta Reide, Evija Smagare, Karlīna, AnnaKrista, Anita Intaite, Ilze Rijniece, June River, violinist Rasa Pole, flautist Sniedze Prauliņa, cellist Erna Daugaviete, guitarists Rihards Lībietis and Gints Smukais, drummer Matīss Uškāns, bass guitarist Kristaps Strods, including members of the bands “Tautumeitas”, “Citi zēni”, “Dziļi violets”, “Sub Scriptum”, “Sudden Lights”, “Franco Franco”, “Four Minute Man”, “Audiokvartāls” and “Embark”. Lithuanian singer Kamilė Griušytė and band “Deeper Upper”, Russian singer Dmitry Lanskoy, and Ukrainian musician Edgars Vilcāns can also be heard on the song.
The video for the song was filmed at H2O 6, RISEBA Architecture and Media Center. It was created by creative agency “Ai Production”, whose filming operator Edgars Punculis offered his assistance the moment he learnt that Katrina Gupalo is doing this for Ukraine’s support. Aiga Baikova, Director of “Ai Production” reveals that the decision to participate in the project was immediate. “Planning and production of this kind of music video, which includes about 80 people, usually takes weeks if not months, so this was definitely a challenge and a test for the team – to plan everything in a few days, do all the filming in one, and then do the post-editing in a similar fashion. We are extremely grateful to all the contributors, because when a war is happening next door, it is important to take a strong stance and to be aware that with our work we can influence the public.”
The video’s creative team portrays the current events from different angles, focusing on the horrors of war in Ukraine and the relentless information and propaganda wars on the Internet amid countless events to support Ukraine, and emphasizing Ukrainians’ strength, dignity, cultural heritage, and people’s account of the events.
Most of the musicians heard in the song also participated in the video. The video also features folk dance group “Perlinka” and pupils of the Riga Ukrainian School, as well as Ukrainian artists Laura Vilcāne with her son Edgars Vilcāns and violinist Valērija Mustafina, who have found refuge in Latvia from the war.
Laura Vilcāne, who works in the the Kyiv State Drama and Comedy Theater on the Left Bank, tells: “A song is always a powerful weapon. “Resistance” masterfully touches your soul, capturing the mood of fighting and battling. I was very surprised to find myself in such a warm circle of like-minded people. It really was a feeling that me and my son are at home and everyone around us is our own blood. We were all UKRAINIANS on that day!”
The producer and director of the video is Aiga Baikova, script writer and director of editing – Ieva Sarmiņa, DOP – Edgars Punculis, producer’s assistants – Paula Brante, Elīna Zarecka. Laser projection artist – Gatis Lagzdiņš from “Artistic.lv”, video projection artist – Anna Dzērve, stylist – Liene Grīnberga (Public Makes Image), makeup artists and hair stylists – Vita Vītola, Egija Andersone, Santa Sandule, Viola Jakubane, Ineta Lesīte. Everyone participating in the recording of the song and the filming of the video worked for free.
Katrina Gupalo expresses her sincere gratitude to all the musicians who participated in this project: “Yes, maybe one voice is a small drop, but when many voices come together they create a pond, a river, a sea, and even an ocean. And I believe that this ocean of voices will help our society to hold the right values, make the right decisions in our lives and with its powerful, elemental stream wash away the darkness and madness that has set upon us.”
The creative team of the project invites all musicians, who would like to create their own versions of the “Resistance” and would like to receive score, lyrics and song’s minus track, to write to katrinagupalomanager@gmail.com.
The creative team thanks all the supporters who helped to carry out the project: Riga Ukrainian school, especially Egils Vilkaušs, Marija Semjonova for the authentic Ukrainian folk costumes from her personal collection, Boriss Larionovs and “Piano Salon @152”, “Best of Baltic Entertainment”, “Music Export Latvia”, LAIPA, AKKA/LAA, IdeaText, LIDO recreation centre, “Mangaļi”, “BBrental”, “Artistic.lv”, RISEBA, “Zaļā bāze”, “Dobeles sveces”, “Ābeļdārzs Burtnieki” and others.
